Dear Friends,

Change is a great thing. Change allows for growth. Change keeps us young and ever new. Change is progress. In that spirit, I’m writing to you with exciting changes at Wheelhouse Academy of Baseball. These changes allow the ideas and vision nurtured over the last 8 years to expand and reach their full potential. They ensure you and the entire East Bay baseball and softball communities continue receiving the support you need to reach your full potential as players, parents, coaches, and sports leaders.

#1 – Introducing 365 Academy of Baseball

Effective immediately, Wheelhouse Academy of Baseball no longer owns and operates the training facility at 5327 Jacuzzi Street in Richmond. In our place has stepped a new and separate organization, 365 Academy of Baseball, owned and operated by long-time Wheelhouse Academy instructor Michel Rodriguez. A native of baseball mecca Havana, Cuba, Michel is a leading instructor and trainer in the East Bay. He’s trained over 100 players over the last 8 years with tremendous success.

Michel is bringing a vision to baseball training steeped in the lessons he learned in Cuba where he developed into a top professional player. He has spent the past 2 months renovating the facility and adding modern training equipment (including weight training) as well as changing the layout and the way it will be used.

365 Academy of Baseball will focus on training and developing individuals, groups and teams of all ages. Although they will not accept walk-ins you will be able to rent time in the facility. They are finalizing their website and online registration system. Look for more information and a grand opening in early September.

For more info now, call 510-527-2255

#2 – GameChangers Baseball branches out

Effective August 31, 2019, the GameChangers Baseball program (GCB) will branch out into its own non-profit 501c3 organization. Owned and run by EC Hall-of-Famer Thomas Gary, GCB will no longer be under the auspices of Wheelhouse Academy. This will allow Thomas, who has led the successful GCB program from its founding, to continue to grow GCB into a leading College Development program in the area. Coach Thomas will still run his Winter training and there will be some other training opportunities throughout the year for the community.

Coach Thomas looks forward to continuing the Development of the baseball softball Community. With more alumni playing in college and high school than any other local program (including more freshman and sophomore varsity players), GCB will continue to be a leader blazing the trail to ensure our community is well represented at the HS, college and pro levels.

To register for GCB Fall tryouts visit – https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/208261

#3 – Wheelhouse Academy of Baseball

Wheelhouse Academy of Baseball will continue to operate as a non-profit 501c3 organization supporting Thomas and Michel and all local baseball and softball. In what form that support will take will be discussed and designed over the coming months as we assess community needs and opportunities. We look forward to reflecting on the great success we’ve had over this time and envisioning the next chapter of Wheelhouse Academy of Baseball.

These changes are a positive step forward for baseball and softball in our area. The future is indeed bright.

Regards,
Shiva (David) Gaskins and the Wheelhouse Academy Board of Directors.