Quality and consistently makes a different in leadership. The core leaders of the Gamers program have been involved since our beginning.
MATT WHITESIDE (2007) – pitched professionally for 17 years, 6 in the MLB. Pitched for Texas, Philadelphia, San Diego, Atlanta, Colorado, Toronto and Pittsburgh. Set single season saves record in Triple A with 38 in 2005. Won division championships with 1995 Texas Rangers and 2001 Atlanta Braves. Co-founder of the Gamers in 2007. Coaches 17u Gamers.
JAMES BEEVER (2014)– Pitched professionally for 10 years in affiliated and unaffiliated professional baseball. Played at Southeast Missouri. Gamers coach and pitching instructor since 2014.
KEVIN WHEELER (2009) – Played collegiately at Miami University, under coach Ron Fraser. Worked at the Sporting News and is talk show host and sports reporter for ESPN 101. Catching instructor for Gamers since 2007. Coaches 14u Gamers.
NICK BECKMANN (2007) – Played collegiately at Fontbonne University, under Scott Cooper. High school baseball coach and instructor for past 10 years. Fielding and hitting coach for Gamers since 2007.
ANDY MARKS (2010) – Played collegiately at Kansas. Has been with Gamers since 2009. Leader of Mach 1 Pitching and one of top pitching instructors in the region.
LELAND MACON (2013) – Played professionally for Rangers MiLB, with 1600 professional plate appearances. Drafted out of St. Louis Community College in 1993. Gamers coach since 2013.
SHANE COOPER (2007) – Played professionally for Tigers MiLB and in college for Hutchison Community College. Played for Gamers 2007-2013. Leads Mach 1 Hitting program.
FERNANDO VILLEGAS (2018) – Played professionally for Pirates MiLB and in college for Central Methodist University and Central Iowa JUCO. Leads Mach 1 Hitting program.
ZACK RUTTER (2007) – Played for Gamers 2007-2012. Certified DriveBaseball Hitting Instructor and K-Vest Baseball Certification. Leads Mach 1 Hitting program.
