Instructors
Rick Sundberg
Coach Rick is the founder of Hard 90 Baseball Academy. Rick's passion to "teach the game" has provided players of all skill levels the opportunity to learn the game and become successful. A former 16th round draft pick by the California Angels in 1981, Rick understands the importance of building a program that provides top level baseball instruction to kids of all ages. With the goal of preparing players for high school, college and possibly a career in the professional ranks, Rick encourages players daily to achieve on both the diamond and in school. Rick played at Santa Clara University where he attained M.V.P. honors. He's available at the new H-90 El Dorado Hills Facility during the week for hitting classes while also instructing at our H-90 workouts. He manages the H-90 12u team every year that ends their season with the incredible Cooperstown Dreams Park tournament. His number is (916) 622-7154. Email: hard90baseball@gmail.com or visit hard90baseballedh.com or visit www.hard90baseballedh.com to sign up for one of his classes.
Dave Rodriguez
Coach Dave played his college baseball locally at Yuba Community College in 1986-'87 then transfered to Cal-State Chico and Chapman University in '88-'89. With Yuba Community College he helped the 49ers get to the regional play-offs in 1986 and also won the 49er baseball "Dave Drew Hustle Award" that same year. In his following season Coach Dave was selected to the Golden Valley Conference All-Star Game and was also selected as an All-Conference shortstop in the Golden Valley Conference in 1987. As a coach Dave brings a great amount of experience and knowledge. He began coaching at Yuba City High School in 1989 as a Varstiy assistant and Junior varsity head coach. From 2001-'04 he was the Marysville High School head coach where he won a Golden Empire League championship in 2004 and was the league's coach of the year. Currently Dave is the Head Coach of the freshman baseball program at Yuba City High School.
Mike Watari
Coach Mike comes to us from nearby Roseville, but played his high school baseball in Campbell, CA at Westmont High School. After earning two first team all league honors at Westmont Mike went on to play at Fresno State University for the Bulldogs. Mike played mostly infield at Fresno State but moonlighted as a pitcher for one season. Coach Mike is an experienced youth baseball coach whose knowledge of baseball and ability to teach the game to our younger players makes him a vital asset to the Hard 90 family.
Todd Malone
Coach Todd played his high school baseball in nearby Orangevale at Casa Roble HIgh School. While at Casa Roble Todd accumulated extensive honors including: two time first team all-metro league('87-'88), American All-Star Team('87), Sacramento City Player of the Year('88), Northern California Player of the Year('88), a top ten player in the nation ranking('88) and acquired a perfect 15-0 record in 1988, the best record in the state that year. Following his stellar high school career he went to be drafted in the fourth round by the New York Yankees in 1988. While in the Yankees system Todd earned New York Yankees Player of the Year in 1988. Todd is a very knowledgeable and experienced pitching instructor and is another great addition to the Hard 90 family.
Ron Sylvia
Coach Ron played collegiately at Cal State Los Angeles where he was an impressive pitcher . Initially drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1979, he remained in school until 1980 when he signed with the California Angels after being selected in the ninth round. Ron subsequently earned all league honors and the Rolaids' Fireman of the Year Award after he broke the all-time save mark in the California League. Ron resides in Granite Bay and comes to Hard 90 with years of coaching experience at the high school and junior college levels. Ron's amiable manner and ability to break down pitching fundamentals make him a welcomed addition to the Hard 90 family.
David Dinelli
David went to Sierra College after starring at Folsom High School as a pitcher. A 2006 junior college all-star, David was the sixth round pick of the Houston Astros in the 2007 Major League draft. David is still playing professional baseball during the season and has aspirations to make it to the bigs. Clocked in the mid-nineties, he hopes to get a good break soon.
Guy Dubets
Coach Dubets played three years of pro ball as a pitcher after distinguishing himself as a fine hitting outfielder in junior college. Guy developed an interest in teaching proper throwing mechanics after he retired from baseball and has been a pitching instructor for more than 15 years. The list of students he has tutored over his coaching career is impressive and includes former Major Leaguer Dan Reichert and current Major Leaguers J.P. Howell of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Manny Parra of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Johnny Zepeda
Johnny played locally at Rio Linda High and American River College. At American River he twice earned All-Conference honors as an infielder. After graduating from junior college, Johnny accepted a baseball scholarship to Abilene Christian University where he played outfield and was the 2005 Lone Star Conference batting champion. Coach Zepeda finished his Abilene Christian career as the second leading hitter in the school's history with a .414 average. When not teaching at Hard 90, Johnny is the assistant coach for American River College baseball program.
Eddie Gamboa
Coach Eddie went to Merced High School where he starred and was the player of the year (twice in 2002 and 2003). He went on to pitch and make 2nd team All Big West Conference for U.C. Davis. He was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 21st round of the 2008 draft and played in the Appalacian League in his first year of pro ball. In 2009, he advanced to AA ball, playing for the Orioles affiliate in Bowie MD. He comes to Hard 90 with a great deal of experience working with young athletes and is available for pitching lessons.
Rick Rodriguez
Coach Rick went to U.C. Riverside where he starred as a pitcher and was drafted in the second round by the Oakland Athletics in 1981. He pitched in the major leagues for three different teams in his professional career. He has been a pitching instructor for the Oakland A's farm system since 1999. He currently is the pitching coach for the Sacramento Rivercats (Triple "A" farm club for the Oakland A's), and has been an integral part of their success. The Rivercats have captured four Pacific Coast League titles since 2003 and won back-to-back Triple A Championships in 2007 & 2008. Coach Rick brings to Hard 90 a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the game.
Ryan Evangelho
Coach Ryan was a standout catcher at the College of San Mateo and the University of San Francisco. He has just completed his seventh year as an assistant coach at Sierra College where he oversees the Wolverines' powerhouse offense. Ryan is also the director of the Sierra College Baseball Camps. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and a Master's in Sports Coaching. We are fortunate to have him on the H-90 coaching staff.
Matt Long
Coach Matt was a standout pitcher/1st baseman at Woodland High School. He attended American River College before arriving at Cal State University San Bernardino. In 2008 he was named to the NCAA Division II All Region Team and was third in the nation in strikeouts as a pitcher. After graduating, he became a 34th round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt comes to H-90 from ABS Sports where he conducted clinics and gave private instruction in both pitching and hitting. He currently manages our Slam Premier team and gives private lessons as well.
Nate Vopata
Coach Nate attended Mt. Whitney High in Visalia before moving on to Sacramento City College where he was All-League two years running as a third baseman. A scholarship subsequently brought him to Long Beach State where he played in the NCAA Super Regionals in 1994. After graduating, Nate was drafted in the 16th round by the Texas Rangers. He went on to play ten years the professional level and was a four-time minor league all-star. Since retiring from baseball, he has worked with SCC Camps and given private instruction. Coach Nate is committed to helping players become prepared mentally and physically to get to the next level in baseball and in life.
Eric Berger
After a stellar career at Woodcreek High School during which time he earned a spot on the 2003 Team USA 18u silver medal club, coach Eric received a baseball scholarship to the University of Arizona. in 2005, he was named to the NCAA Freshman All American Team as a left-handed pitcher and designated hitter. In 2008, Eric was drafted in the 8th round of the Major League draft by the Cleveland Indians. This past season, he posted a 2.45 ERA with 100 strikeouts over 110 innings with Kinston (A+) and was a Carolina League All Star before he was promoted to Akron (AA) where he finished the year. Coach Berger has been giving private pitching and hitting lessons during his off seasons and has instructed at numerous baseball camps since his collegiate days.
Travis Welch
Coach Travis graduated from Del Oro High School in 1992. He was the baseball team's MVP three years running. Travis went on to play at Sacramento City College where he played a huge part in the team's 1993 State Championship title. A pitcher, he was drafted in the 17th round of the 1993 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. Travis went on to play seven years in the Cardinal organization and was a three-time minor league all star, and earned three Rolaids Relief Awards over his professional career. He comes to H-90 with experience coaching professional teams and instructing at SCC Camps. He instructs at our workouts and offers pitching lessons as well.
Mike Rose
Coach Mike is a graduate of Jesuit High School and was drafted in the 5th round as a catcher by the Houston Astros. His professional career has spanned 15 years to include Major League experience with the Dodgers, A's and even a World Series ring with the St Louis Cardinals. Coach Mike also was a member of the back to back Pacific Coast League Champions Sacramento River Cats in 2003 and 2004 and was honored by being selected to the PCL All Star team in "04".
