top of page

Dan Almonte
Co-Founder | Hitting|Fielding|Catching Instructor

Professional 

1997 Player, St. Paul Saints, Northern League, St. Paul, Minnesota1995-1996 Player, Long Beach State University, California, Baseball America’s #1 College Baseball Transfer

College

1995 Player, Cape Cod College Summer Baseball League (SS)1992-1995 Player, Old Dominion University, 1994 2nd Team All-CAA (SS), CAA Champions 1994, 1995, Eastern Regionals at Clemson University 1994, Atlantic 1 Regionals at Florida State University 1995, One of Baseball America’s Players to watch in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)

High School

1990-1992 Player, Varsity Baseball ESM H.S. East Syracuse, NY, 1st Team All-League (SS) 1991/1992, Honorable Mention All-League (SS)
1990, Most Outstanding Senior Male Athlete Award 1992, Only Male Athlete in Section III to make 1st Team in Football, Basketball and Baseball.​​Holds six school records in baseball including career hits, stolen bases and runs. Hit .507 in 1992

Awards:
The East Syracuse Minoa High School Athletic Hall of Fame 2021
#4 ESM Greatest 52 Athlete Since 1975

https://www.syracuse.com/sports/g66l-2019/05/8e7d2b85e96736/the-52-greatest-athletes-in-east-syracuse-minoa-history.html

Coaching Experience

2019- Present : The Sports Yard Dirtbags and Diamonds Head Coach
2021-2023 ESM Varsity Softball Head Coach

2015-2019 ESM Varsity Baseball Coach
2010-2018 Baseball/Softball Hitting, Catching, Fielding Instructor, Baseball U NY Head Coach.
2008 Head Modified Coach, Lyncourt School, Syracuse, NY
2008 Graduated with a Master's Degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction from University of Phoenix
2005-2007 Assistant Varsity Coach, Bethel H.S. Hampton, Virginia, District Tournament Champions
2003-2004 Coach, Freshman Baseball, ESM, East Syracuse, NY
2001 Graduated from Cortland University with a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education (K-12

Grayson Giddings | Pitching|Hitting|Fielding

College

Erie Community College
2 year starter
SS/3B freshman year
2B/SS sophomore year
2024 Erie Athletics Male Athlete of the Year
2024 Erie Baseball Team MVP
Third Team All-Region 3
First Team All-WNY Athletics
.335 BA 47 RBIs 3 HRs 65 Total Hits


SUNY Oswego 2024-2026

High School

Cicero North SyracuseVarsity- junior and senior year 2B/3BSecond Team All League Senior YearTravel:11-13 Syracuse Spartans14u Sport Zone Academy15-18u Sports Yard Dirtbags

Coaching Experience

The Sports Yard Instructor & Coach 2022-Present 2022

Adam Marsh
 | Pitching|Hitting|Fielding

College

Made collegiate debut on 3/9/2022 against Lakeland University.
Had first college hit, an RBI triple, in ninth inning of 3/24/2022 game against Alfred St.
• Went 3-5 with a run scored in 4/6/2022 game against Brockport.
• Went 4-7 with two RBIs, four runs, and a walk in 27-8 win over St. Lawrence on 4/9/2022.
• Named Liberty League Co-Rookie of the Week on 4/11/22 (https://ritathletics.com/news/2022/4/11/baseball-three-student-athletes-earn-liberty-league-weekly-honors.aspx)
• Led team with .333 batting average (25 for 75) but did not have enough playing time to be eligible.

High School

Named first-team all-league baseball at Liverpool High School in 2021.• 2021 team captainNamed second-team all-league baseball at Liverpool High School in 2019.Member of National Honors Society.

Coaching Experience

The Sports Yard Instructor & Coach 2022-Present 2022

Julian Moffett (Coach Moff)
 | Pitching|Hitting|Fielding| Catching

College & Leagues

High School:
○ Section 3 Class A champion
○ 3 years on Varsity team

High School

2 years at Mohawk Valley Community College (transitioned from catcher
to pitcher)
○ 1 year at State University of New York Polytechnic

Coaching Experience

The Sports Yard Instructor & Coach 2024 - Present

6 years as a private instructor
● 5 years coaching for the Sherrill Silversmiths in the New York Collegiate Baseball
League
○ Drastically improved winning record over the last two seasons (45-31-2)

Bio:

Julian Moffett (Coach Moff) has demonstrated a life long passion for baseball, both as a player and a coach.
His playing career began early, excelling in high school as a
Section 3 Class A champion and playing three years on the Varsity team. He continued his athletic journey at Mohawk Valley Community College, where he transitioned from
catcher to pitcher over two years, before playing an additional year at the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute. Although his final season was cut short due to COVID, this experience deepened his understanding of two of the game’s most crucial positions and strengthened his mental toughness, resilience, and character.
Coach Moff's coaching career is marked by significant achievements and a commitment to developing athletes' mental resilience and character. Over the past six years, he has served as a private instructor, refining both the physical and mental skills of aspiring players. Simultaneously, he has spent five years coaching the Sherrill Silversmiths in
the New York Collegiate Baseball League. With his help, the Silversmiths transformed from enduring multiple losing seasons to achieving consecutive winning seasons,
culminating in an impressive 45-31-2 record over the last two seasons. Furthering his expertise, Coach Moff pursued a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology at Barry University in Miami, FL. During his studies, he worked with Division II baseball players across three semesters, enhancing his coaching abilities with a robust foundation in sports psychology. This academic background equips him uniquely to address both the mental and emotional aspects of the sport, helping young athletes develop productive mindsets that benefit them on and off the field. Currently, Coach
Moff is pursuing certification as a Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sports Psychology. He's passionate about baseball and eager to bring his skills and experience to a new organization. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his strategic, technical, and psychological insights, makes him a valuable asset for private instruction. Specializing in hitting, catching, and pitching, Coach Moff emphasizes the importance of a healthy mindset and believes that the sport imparts essential life skills. Coach Moff looks forward to discussing how he can contribute to your success, as you define it.

Nick Marzullo
|Hitting|Fielding

College

4 year starter at Shortstop for Oswego State
* All SUNYAC honors at Oswego
* 2 surgeries to my labrum (shoulder) & 9 screws in my shoulder ended my career of playing baseball professionally after college.

High School

*Graduated from CNS High School class of 2002
* 3 sport Varsity athlete - Football, Baseball & Basketball
* All League as Junior and Senior for Baseball
* Defensive MVP as sophomore in baseball at shortstop
* Made the CNY Classic Team (best players from all of Central New York) as a 15 yr old (sophomore) playing with 17yr olds (seniors)

Coaching Experience

The Sports Yard Instructor & Coach 2024-Present

Brandon Fragale
|Pitching|Hitting|Fielding

College

University of South Florida (USF)**: Received a baseball scholarship; deferred to join the United States Air Force.

 

**Military Service**

 

- **United States Air Force** (2004-2008): Served four years, including three tours.

High School

**HB Plant Senior High School** (1999-2003): Played varsity baseball, focusing on pitching. 2003 All-District

2003 All- County Ended senior year with a 1.19 ERA. 

2002/2003 State Mens Rowing Champ

Nike Rowing Select Team

Junior Rowing Select Camp

Saladino Pitcher of the Tournament

Coaching Experience

The Sports Yard Instructor & Coach 2024-Present

University of South Florida (USF)** (2008-2009): Student Assistant Coach

- **Berkeley Preparatory School Tampa, Fl** (2009-2015): High School Baseball Coach and Head Rowing Coach

  - Coached high school baseball team and led the rowing team to new heights, incorporating rowing techniques into baseball training for full-body conditioning.

2010 State Rowing Champs in Mens and Womens Light Weight

2011 State Champs Mens Lightwieght and Heavyweight Rowing

2013 Mens and Womens State Champs Light/Heavy Weight

2015 State Champs Mens Lightweight

 

2012 Set School Records for ERA and Strikeouts

 

- **Travel Baseball** (2016-Present): Founded teams and organized clinics and showcases throughout Florida.

  

**Personal**

 

- Despite injuries ending playing career, remained dedicated to the sport by transitioning into coaching.  

- Combines baseball expertise with rowing techniques to maximize full-body engagement and kinetic energy in pitching techniques.

Jonah  Bennett
 | Pitching|Hitting|Fielding

College

2015-2019 University at Buffalo Club Baseball

High School

2012-2015 Windsor Central High School Baseball (2015 STAC All-Star at 2B)
Training:
Trained under Joel Bennett :Played professional baseball for 17 years. ('98 Orioles, '99 Phillies)

Coaching Experience

The Sports Yard Instructor & Coach 2022-Present 2022
4+ Years experience in baseball instruction in the Binghamton, NY Area

Tommy Bianchi
|Hitting|Fielding

College

College:
Clarkson University
2019: Liberty League First-Team All-Star during first season with Golden Knights...Played in 33 games, making 31 starts...Batted .362/.449/.491 for a .940 OPS...Ranked sixth in the league in hitting (.362), fifth in on-base percentage (.449), 12th in slugging (.491), 12th in runs scored (28) and tied for conference lead in triples (4). Also batted .379 with a .471 on-base percentage in league games.
2020: Appeared in seven of team's nine games during shortened junior season...Hit .231/.394/.231, going 6-for-26 and drawing seven walks... Led team in bases on balls and also tied for team's top figure in runs scored with seven.
2021: Played in 17 games, making 16 starts...Batted .341 with .471 on-base percentage and .439 slugging percentage in 51 plate appearances Blasted home run against nationally ranked Oswego State (5/4/2021). Had three-hit games against Ithaca College (4/23/2021) and Oswego State (5/4/2021). Named to Liberty League Honor Roll (5/10/2021) after going 6-for-14 with six runs scored in four games the previous week.
2022: Appeared in 28 games, starting 27 times...Hit .278/.395/.411 with 25 hits, eight for extra bases which included two home runs. Also drove in 17 runs and scored 11 times...Enjoyed five multi-hit games, including three in post-season play.

High School

Liverpool High School
2017: 1st team all-league selection as an outfielder, section 3 champion, regional champion, won 1st and only state championship, hold record at Liverpool for most walks in a season, 36. 2016: 2nd team all-league selection as an outfielder
2015: Honorable mention as pitcher/outfielder

Travel Baseball:

2016- 16U Sportszone Braves Black
2015- 16U Baseball U NY ( Coached By Dan Almonte)

 

Coaching Experience

2022: Helped coach at Liverpool High School during summer practices
2021: Assistant Coach for the Syracuse Jr. Chiefs
2023: The Sports Yard Baseball Instructor & Coach ( Present)

Javaun Smith
|Hitting|Fielding

College

Manhattanville College Baseball 2017
Herkimer College Fall Ball 2018
Hudson Valley Adult Baseball Association 2019
Syracuse MSBL 2022-Current
Lehman College Baseball 2023 (Conference Championship Runner Ups

Awards:
2016 Varsity Baseball All League
2016 WRWBL All-League Rookie Team
2019 WRWBL All-League Team
Syracuse MSBL All-Star 2022 and 2023
2023 CUNY Conference All-Star
2023 Lehman College Baseball Coach’s Award

 

High School

Pleasantville Travel Ball from 2008-2010. 2009 runner up
Pacoy Little League and
Graduate League 2010 (Graduate League Champions)
Pleasantville Middle School modified baseball 2011-12.
Pleasantville 14u Travel Ball 2012
Pleasantville 16u Travel Ball 2013 (Champions)
Pleasantville High School Jv Baseball 2013-2014
Pleasantville Varsity Baseball 2014-2016
Westchester Lightning Travel/Tournament team in 2015
Somers Cyclones in the WRWBL 2016-2021

Coaching Experience

2023: The Sports Yard Baseball Instructor & Coach ( Present)

Logan Karwowski
 | Pitching|Hitting|Fielding

College

College:
Cortland University

High School

Coaching Experience

2023: The Sports Yard Baseball Instructor & Coach ( Present)

Jonathan Grutka
Hitting|Fielding

College

1999-2003:
Received a full scholarship out of high school to play at Thomas University NAIA Division I college located in Georgia.
Also received offers from
UNC Asheville, UNC Wilmington and George Mason


.326 BA during college

High School

97-99

3 year varsity Baseball letterman in High School

Won a Section III title in 1997,: Marcellus HighSchool and  advanced to the state final four

1999 Sectional championship runner up: Skaneateles High School

98 & ‘99
Named to multiple first league selections as well as all CNY teams
received several other MVP awards, batting and fielding titles
95-‘99 Carried a .420 BA during High School 

98 & ‘99
Named to multiple first league selections as well as all CNY teams

Led Section III with 38 stolen bases ‘99

Coaching Experience

2024: The Sports Yard Baseball Instructor & Coach ( Present)

(2023) 12U Rochester Rattlers Softball team

2003 & 2004 for the 14U & 15U AAU World Series championship teams

I’m a 2012 CNY 40 under Forty winner, 2015 Global Ecosystem Innovation recipient.

I adore my daughter, Lucy who is passionate about equestrian jumping, softball and all things outdoors. Our pup Harvey delivers endless laughs and always is keeping things interesting.

I was born and raised around the game. I love how it builds character, resilience, and how to fail forward and success. The individual and team success is unmatched. Win and lose as one. Have fun. Grow as a person on and off the field and maintain a positive attitude.

Bat Left/Throw right

Middle infield is my specialty as well as hitting.

Be 1% better each day!

Tyler Stever
 | Pitching|Hitting|Fielding

High School

Playing:
Mexico Varsity Baseball (2014-2016)
Mexico Block M Baseball MVP (2015, 2016)
OHSL Freedom National First Team All-League (2015, 2016)
Baseball U NY- Travel Baseball 2014-2016

Coaching Experience

The Sports Yard Coach and Instructor (2018-Present) 
​East Syracuse Minoa Varsity Assistant Softball Coach 2023-Present
Hannibal JV Baseball Head Coach (2018-2021)

Luis De Mota
 | Pitching|Hitting|Fielding

College & Leagues

Western Texas College (2012-2013)
Fall ball
1st regional team appearance 2012 (reg. Season)
JUCO D1 Region V

LEAGUES PLAYED IN:
Fordham bedford LL
Kingsbridge LL
Van courtlandt baseball academy
⁃ (travel team 16U)
hudson valley NABA
Syracuse MSBL
Syracuse NABA
OCYP BANDITS
⁃ (travel team 15-17U)
Mount Saint Michael Academy (2008-2011)
Jv sophmore yr (finished semifinals)
Varsity junior & senior yr (JR - semifinal)
NYC CHSAA bronx/westchester division

High School

Originally from The Bronx, NY with Dominican Republic heritage and family. i have 20 years of baseball knowledge & experience. I started out at a catcher at the age of 10, went on for 5 years and won catcher of the year in 2005 in my league. I spent my 11-17 years of age playing infield (2B,3B,1B) and corner outfield. I graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy(c/o 2011) an all boy catholic High School in the Wakefield area of The Bronx. There i started pitching and playing LF and 1B. I learned a lot from "The Mount" as far as discipline, honor, hard work, and success. I went on to walk on at Western Texas College (Snyder, TX /2012-2013) after i graduated where i continued to play 1B and 3B. By now you should catch on that i play everywhere. My focus now is mainly pitching but i still work infield and outfield as well. I come from a line of trainers in my family from the Dominican republic, my uncles train a lot of pro MLB players and i spent some time training with my uncles as well during my HS time. I played in tournaments from Florida, Connecticut, Boston, Chicago, dominican republic all over facing all types of talent. MY KEY to teach the younger athletes is the mindset to prepare yourself to give it all it takes to achieve your goal because it is achievable, i can vouch for that. Everything i learned im going to give back and make sure i help every athlete meet their goal. I had little guidance but i was grateful to go to the places baseball has taken me.

Coaching Experience

The Sports Yard Instructor & Coach 2022-Present 2022

bottom of page