Meet Our Chicago Coaching Staff

Elite Baseball Training Chicago is proud to feature some of the most experienced and sought-after baseball coaches in the area. Led by founder Justin Stone, our Movement Screen Certified instructors bring professional-level expertise, proven training methodologies, and a commitment to player development to every session.

Expert Instruction from Elite Coaches

Our coaching staff represents the foundation of Elite Baseball Training’s success. Each instructor brings unique expertise, professional experience, and a passion for developing complete baseball players. From former Division 1 athletes to coaches with Major League connections, our team provides the highest quality instruction available in Chicago.

Whether you’re working on hitting mechanics, pitching velocity, defensive fundamentals, or catching technique – our coaches utilize state-of-the-art technology and proven methods to help you reach your goals.

Elite Coaches

Baseball Coaches Available in Chicago

Our Chicago coaching staff includes some of the most experienced and sought-after instructors in the Chicagoland area. Led by founder Justin Stone, our Movement Screen Certified coaches bring professional-level expertise to every training session.

Chicago Staff - Alex Gabbard

Alex Gabbard

Director of Operations-Chicago

Alex oversees the Chicago facility, programming, and travel teams. Alex has been with Elite since 2020.

Alex was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois where he attended Lane Tech high school.  He was a varsity starter and captain. Alex started his coaching career while sidelined with injuries during college. Since then, Alex has held various coaching positions for a variety of ages from 10-18U and spent three years with Lane Tech’s Varsity program.

Alex has been coaching on Chicago’s North Side community (the same community where he grew up) for over 10 years and is always looking to learn and grow as a coach.

He is an extremely knowledgable coach, and has a strong ability to connect with and get the most out of his players.

connor bedell

Connor Bedell

Instructor

Connor’s passion for coaching comes from his own journey in the game. A high-level youth baseball player, his career ended earlier than expected after three elbow surgeries in high school. Before injuries cut his playing days short, he competed in three Team USA trials in Cary, North Carolina, traveled to the Dominican Republic at age 12 with Team USA Great Lakes, and played alongside athletes who later went on to more than 50 Division I schools.

Baseball runs deep in Connor’s family. He is the identical twin brother of a former University of Missouri pitcher, a 4th-round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2020, who reached Triple-A.

Connor now coaches a 12U team out of the Chicago location, where he brings energy, experience, and a genuine desire to help young players grow. Outside of coaching, he runs a posture therapy business focused on helping injured baseball players recover and get back to doing what they love. After discovering that posture therapy was the only rehab approach that allowed him to throw pain-free again, he dedicated himself to helping other athletes find the same breakthrough. He now works with players in MLB, MiLB, Team USA Softball, and more than 30 Division I programs.

Cory Zomick

Hitting, Pitching, Defense

Instructor

Cory joined Elite Baseball Training full-time after serving with USA Baseball, where he coordinated the 18U National Team and Tournament of Stars. A University of Illinois graduate, he now leads baseball operations at Elite. He has worked with top coaches and players across the U.S. and internationally, including with the British Baseball Federation, and is known for his dynamic, energetic approach that keeps athletes engaged and eager to improve.

Frankie Perino

Frankie, originally from Sterling, IL, played college baseball at Harper College and Roosevelt University, excelling in hitting, defense, and base running. He is head coach of Elite’s 13U team, achieving a 101-55 record over three seasons with multiple tournament championships. Before joining Elite in 2021, he coached at Top Tier North and looks forward to continuing his growth alongside Elite’s coaching staff.

Jake Miller

Hitting, Pitching

Instructor

Specialized instructor focusing on hitting mechanics and pitching development for players at all skill levels from youth through high school.

 

Joe Mathey Chicago Coach

Joe Mathey

Catching, Hitting, Pitching

Joe Mathey is a third year Coach/Instructor at Elite Baseball Training, and is currently serving as the Head Varsity Baseball Coach at British International School Of Chicago, South Loop (BISC). He is specializes in Catching instruction and performance as he spent his entire playing career behind the plate while transitioning over to pitching. As the head coach of Elite’s 13U team in 2025 he achieved winning a championship in the biggest youth tournament in Omaha, Nebraska. Outside of Baseball he is a Paraprofessional and Special Olympics coach working with children who have special needs. He is passionate about growing his career with Elite.

Joe Stewart

Joe Stewart

Joe played baseball at Michigan State and the University of Michigan.
After college he played three years in the Los Angeles Angels organization. 

Joe specializes in outfield defense and hitting. 

Justin Stone

Hitting, Pitching, Defense, Catching

Founder & Lead Instructor

One of the most in-demand private instructors in the country, Justin teaches approximately 3,000 players annually. Expert in high-speed video analysis with Division 1 playing and coaching experience. Former head instructor at Chicago White Sox Training Academy and co-founder of the White Sox ACE program.

Kevin Ayeski

Kevin Ayeski, a former collegiate pitcher from the Chicagoland area, is joining Elite Baseball Training. A North Park University graduate in Kinesiology, he played in the Chicago Suburban and Northwoods Leagues, reaching a 94 MPH fastball before focusing on player development. Previously a Biokinematics Intern at Elite, he is a Certified Arm Care Specialist and Pitching Biomechanist, bringing expertise in biomechanics and data-driven training to the team.

Leighton Keller

Hitting, Defense, Pitching

Instructor

Multi-faceted instructor providing well-rounded training in hitting, defense, and pitching mechanics for complete player development.

Luis Saldana

Luis “Coach Louie” Saldaña, a Chicago native, has over 30 years of experience in baseball and softball. After starting in baseball, he transitioned to softball in 1992, playing for elite teams including the Dominican Republic National Team and competing in numerous ISC, USA, and AAU championships. Now a high school coach, he specializes in pitching and hitting, using his extensive experience to help athletes develop skills and succeed in both sports.

Matt Van Mill

Hitting, Defense

Instructor

Expert in hitting instruction and defensive positioning with focus on game-situation training and competitive approach development.

Nick Shelton

Nick Shelton, joining Elite Baseball Training, played baseball and football at Benedictine University before finishing at Division I Alabama A&M. Overcoming challenges in high school, he reached a 94 MPH fastball and posted a 3.19 ERA in 2023, earning Honorable Mention All-Conference. A passionate learner, Nick began coaching while playing, gaining expertise in traditional, sidearm, and submarine pitching mechanics, as well as pitch design and development.

Noel Pagan

Noel, a former varsity catcher at Lane Tech High School and college player at Oakton and Judson, is now Lane Tech’s Strength and Conditioning Coach and Sophomore Assistant Baseball Coach. A NASM-certified trainer with expertise in TRX, spin, and performance therapy, he began his training career at Dave Barton Gym in 2014, later serving as Youth Development Director for the Chicago Mudcats. He is now the founder of Natural Physique Inc., training athletes and adults with disk degeneration.

Ray Quilles

Hitting, Pitching, FieldingTab Content

Instructor

Experienced coach focusing on hitting fundamentals and advanced techniques with strong fielding instruction background for all positions.

Travis Kerber

Pitching, Hitting, Defense, Throwing

Senior Instructor

Movement Screen Certified instructor specializing in complete player development with particular expertise in pitching mechanics and velocity development programs.

Leighton Keller

Hitting, Defense, Pitching

Instructor

Multi-faceted instructor providing well-rounded training in hitting, defense, and pitching mechanics for complete player development.

Travis Kerbe

Pitching, Hitting, Defense, Throwing

Senior Instructor

Movement Screen Certified instructor specializing in complete player development with particular expertise in pitching mechanics and velocity development programs.

Jake Miller

Hitting, Pitching

Instructor

Specialized instructor focusing on hitting mechanics and pitching development for players at all skill levels from youth through high school.

RayQuiles

Hitting, Pitching, FieldingTab Content

Instructor

Experienced coach focusing on hitting fundamentals and advanced techniques with strong fielding instruction background for all positions.

Justin Stone

Hitting, Pitching, Defense, Catching

Founder & Lead Instructor

One of the most in-demand private instructors in the country, Justin teaches approximately 3,000 players annually. Expert in high-speed video analysis with Division 1 playing and coaching experience. Former head instructor at Chicago White Sox Training Academy and co-founder of the White Sox ACE program.

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Matt Van Mill

Hitting, Defense

Instructor

Expert in hitting instruction and defensive positioning with focus on game-situation training and competitive approach development.

Cory Zomick

Hitting, Pitching, Defense

Instructor

Well-rounded instructor providing comprehensive training across all aspects of the game with emphasis on defensive excellence and situational baseball.

Our Training Programs

Elite Baseball Training Coaching Difference

Professional Experience​

Our coaches bring real playing and coaching experience from Division 1 programs, professional organizations, and Major League connections.

Advanced Training Methods

Every instructor is trained in utilizing Digital and 3D Motion Analysis technology to provide data-driven feedback and development.

Movement Screen Certified

Select coaches have completed Justin Stone’s Movement Screening Course, providing advanced knowledge in biomechanics and injury prevention.

Proven Track Record

Our coaching staff has helped develop players who’ve advanced to top high school programs, college teams, and professional baseball.

Personalized Approach

We tailor instruction to each player’s age, skill level, learning style, and goals – ensuring maximum improvement and engagement.

Continuous Education

Our staff stays current with the latest training techniques, technology, and baseball trends through ongoing professional development.

Ready to Start Training?​

Book your first lesson with one of our expert instructors and experience the Elite Baseball Training difference. Whether you’re focusing on hitting, pitching, defense, or catching – we’ll match you with the right coach for your goals.

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