From the moment I picked up a baseball as a young kid, I was drawn to the position of catcher. There was something that resonated deeply with me about being the one player who got to see the whole field, guide the team, and take charge in the heat of the moment. My father was my coach when I was growing up, and he also happened to be a Marine, so I didn’t just inherit his love for the game—I absorbed the principles of leadership, discipline, and purpose.
In my house, conversations about leadership and creativity were as common as discussing batting averages or scores. My parents instilled in me an understanding that true leadership isn’t about shouting commands, but about serving others and elevating the team. Over time, these lessons shaped not only how I played, but also how I approached life.
The Early Days
In 2004, at just 22 years old, I was given a life-changing opportunity: coaching Division I baseball at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. My specific role was to develop catchers, and I was thrilled. As I prepared for this responsibility, I reflected on those long car rides with my dad, where we’d talk about servant leadership and how it could transform teams.
This mindset became my foundation as a coach. I didn’t just teach my catchers the mechanics of blocking pitches or framing strikes—I infused every drill and conversation I could with lessons about leadership, teamwork, and accountability. I made it clear to my players that I had their backs, and I wouldn’t ask them to do anything I wasn’t willing to do myself.
For me, it was never just about baseball. I knew the skills my players were developing—communication, problem-solving, and resilience—would extend far beyond the diamond. Whether they became fathers, executives, or leaders in their communities, these lessons would endure.
Reaching More People
In 2006, I felt pulled to do more. I wanted to expand my impact beyond a single team and create a ripple effect in the baseball culture of New York City. That year, I founded Athelite Player Development and launched the Catchermtrx program, a six-phase system designed to hone not only the technical skills of catchers, but also their mental and emotional toughness.
Over the years, we trained hundreds of baseball and softball players who went on to play at the collegiate and professional levels. But more importantly, we helped them become better people.
In 2015, I was honored to be hired by USA Baseball as a regional coordinator for New York and New Jersey. This role allowed me to deepen my influence, reaching more players and coaches while spreading a deeper message of unity and leadership.
The Heart of Cultural Change
From day one, I’ve been driven by a mission to create positive cultural change. This starts with assembling the right people—those with high character, great hearts, and selfless motives. Whether in baseball or any other domain, I’ve learned that culture isn’t built overnight. It requires intentionality, perseverance, and a clear sense of purpose.
Here are some key lessons I’ve learned along the way...
- Be Clear on Your Why: Leadership is about serving people, not chasing results. You can’t serve two masters, so make your purpose clear and ensure it prioritizes people.
- Seek Out Other Servant Leaders: Surround yourself with individuals who share your values and are committed to the greater good. Problems are best solved collectively, not in isolation.
- Cultivate a Positive Core Motive: Positive change should be at the heart of everything you do. When your intentions are grounded in genuine care, they resonate and inspire others.
- “I Get To” Mindset: Leadership is a privilege, not a burden. Approach every challenge with gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference.
- Teach What You Learn: Knowledge is meant to be shared. As you grow, pass your insights on to others so they can lead and inspire in their own ways.
- Focus on the 8 percent: Not everyone (8 percent, studies have shown) will buy into your vision, and that’s okay. Focus on the 8 percent who are engaged and committed—they’ll help create the change you’re striving for.
- Use Social Media Wisely: In today’s world, social media is a powerful tool for spreading your message and building a community. Use it to amplify your values and connect with like-minded individuals.
Leadership Responsibility
Reflecting on this journey, I’m struck by how much leadership and culture are intertwined. Whether I’m working with catchers on the field, collaborating with fellow coaches, or building partnerships, the principles remain the same—serve others, foster unity, and strive for excellence.
The lessons I learned in those car rides with my Dad, the experiences I gained at LIU, and the relationships I’ve built through Athelite Player Development and USA Baseball have all taught me that true leadership is about more than just results—it’s about transforming lives.
The Future is Bright
As I continue to lead and inspire, my hope is that others will take these lessons and apply them in their own spheres of influence. Cultural change is hard work, but it’s also deeply rewarding. Together, we can create environments where people thrive, teams excel, and communities improve.
A big thanks to the ABCA for giving me the opportunity to share this story and for their commitment to empowering coaches and players to lead with purpose. Let’s keep building cultures of unity and leadership, on and off the field.
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected].