PRO STAFF

PHIL APOSTLE pa@academyelite.com (224)-944-8534 text please OR LEAVE MESSAGE A graduate of Deerfield High School and a baseball product of Southern Illinois University, Oakton Community College and finally two professional organizations, Phil Apostle has founded the next chapter in amateur baseball development in Academy Elite.  The former middle infielder and switch-hitter served as Director of Baseball Operations at The Strike Zone BSA for 13 years, developing some of the most successful programs in the Chicagoland area.  During his tenure,  Phil has given more hitting lessons and graduated more High School and Collegiate players than anyone on Chicago's North Shore.  High energy and disciplined, Phil combines the finer points of balance and leverage as well as the important psychological components to being a consistent and confident hitter.  "This game is the one thing I'll take from the cradle to the grave--I love it more today than I did 30 years ago." Phil is a proud father of four;  Montgomery, Clayton, Coltrane and Savannah Rae.
ZACH MARTIN zach@academyelite.com (847) 858-8149 Zach Martin is a player's coach.  Hard-nosed as a competitor, Zach has mellowed--a little--with age and has settled into coaching the game with incredible passion with great results.  Zach, a former all-area performer as well as team MVP at New Trier High School in Winnetka, went on to earn All American honors with Miami, OH club.  The game is in Martin's blood and it shows in his teaching.  His attention to detail and the difference-making skills make him exceptional.   Zach understands what it takes to play the game at the elite level and he takes great pride in imparting the wisdom to younger players;  "We lose too many good athletes to lacrosse and other sports.  In large part, it is our responsibility as coaches to educate our young players about the game itself--to create the interest that brings about the passion.  That formula is a can't miss."  Currently, Zach is the Head Coach of Academy Elite's Nationals 18U collegiate prospect club, a professional hitting instructor and Personnel Director of the Homestead Ranchers Collegiate baseball club.  JEREMY NEWMAN newmanj66@yahoo.com (847)736-7722 AE is proud to have a young, energetic and knowledgeable baseball guy to help with it's pitchers and young hitters in Jeremy Newman. A 1995 Niles North grad, Newman earned All Conference and All Area selections under pitching guru Jim Sakas. Jeremy is also a product of Papa Steve Sakas--widely regarded as the finest pitching coach of his generation in Illinois. In addition to stellar mound work as a player, Newman set an NCAA record turning 6 double plays in a single game while at the University of Dubuque. Coach Newman will work with ages 8 and older.
ERIC PORTER eporter30@hotmail.com (847) 785-9404 A former all-state performer and collegiate pitcher at the University of Minnesota, Eric Porter has been teaching the game for the past 15 years at The Strike Zone and Frozen Ropes.  Eric's laid-back style is welcomed by his students and his great sense of humor and knowledge of today's players keep Eric in the loop at all times.  Another baseball "lifer", Eric is the current pitching coach for St. Viator High School and manages the Arlington Legion Club that has made 11 state appearances in the last 13 years including two state titles.  Eric teaches hitting and pitching and still finds time to hit the links whenever possible.  Many of Eric's students have gone on to play at all levels of collegiate baseball and he maintains a strong network of coaches. "Making a living in baseball is a dream...THE dream.  I'll be doing this 'til they tear the uniform off me."  Eric is very dangerous around NCAA tournament time in March--but before that he's one of the best and well liked instructors around.  AE is proud to have Eric on board!
CHRIS HARANG (847)-400-4240 Chris Harang is yet another in the long line of friendly, professional and positive instructors hailing from the North Shore and participating at the highest levels of Division I baseball. A power-hitter by trade, Chris gained valuable experience working through adversity both with injuries and performance. One of the hardest-working and resourceful hitters you'll ever meet, Chris brings his real world experience and energy to each and every lesson.  After compiling positively Jurassic power numbers in High School and College at the plate, Chris now combines simplicity and structure in his teaching.  Linear movement, stack and balance and advanced training of swing path and leverage will be discussed with Coach Harang as well as the importance of a sound mind and confidence through preparation.  Coach Harang will also be the field manager for the Homestead Ranchers this summer! Chris served as GM of Frozen Ropes Baseball before pursuing instruction full-time.