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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. Phil operates the popular
Boys of Summer program to advanced players aged 11-14 and specializes in teaching high school players and aspiring
collegians. Phil is a baseball lifer and makes his living in the game as an instructor, coach, mentor, advisor
and Major League scout. "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.
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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 Americans 18U collegiate prospect club, a professional hitting instructor and serves
in baseball related operations with the Chicago Cubs. He is also not as handsome as Phil or Eric.
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ERIC PORTER (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!
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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 debuting Homestead Ranchers collegiate baseball club this spring! Chris
served as GM of Frozen Ropes Baseball before pursuing instruction full-time. We are thrilled to have Chris aboard!
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