Expert: Rick Bundy - 12/12/2011

Question
I play baseball for an NAIA school in northern California. I am a sophomore and RHP there.  After this season, I'm looking to mainly working on arm strength and mechanics instead of playing summerball.  I would like to go back home to Arizona; however, I do not know any pitching coaches that can get me any further than where I am at now.  Could you refer someone in the area that could meet up at least once or twice a week?  I live in Peoria (PHX area), but am willing to drive.  Thank you very much.

Answer
John:  Thank you for your question.

I can highly recommend two sources in the Phoenix area to locate the services you need.

The first is Jeff Rodin.  Jeff is the Director of the Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Academies.  He is a good person and has current information on available instructors in the area.  His e-mail is jrodin@dbacks.com

You can tell him that I recommended you contact him.  I have worked for the d'backs academies  the past 10 years.

The second is Billy Horton.  I know Billy from the D'backs academies.  He now has his own camp situation, Cactus Athletic Camps in Phoenix.  It is a youth baseball situation; but he has contacts with current professional players as well as retired players, some are currently on his camp staff.  He also does a lot with strength and conditioning.  Another quality individual.  His e-mail is billyhorton@cactuscamps.com

You can also tell him I recommended you contact him.  His website is www.cactusathleticcamps.com  if you would like to look.

Both Jeff and Billy have helped pitchers like yourself that have contacted me looking for similar situations in the Phoenix area.  I believe you will be able to find a situation that will be comfortable for you.  

Good luck this coming season.  It sounds like you have a definite plan for what you you want to do and how you want to get there.

Let me know how things work out for you.

Yours in baseball,

Rick