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 and become successful both on and off the field. A former 16th round draft pick by the California Angels in 1981, Rick understands the importance of providing a program that provides top level baseball instruction to kids of all ages. With a goal of preparing all H-90 players for high school, college and possibly a career in the professional ranks, Rick encourages his players daily to achieve. Rick played his college ball at Santa Clara University where he attained M.V.P. honors. He manages the H-90 12u team every year that ends their season with the incredible Cooperstown Dreams Park tournament (he's won it two separate times). There are many coaches out there who have worked with him and follow Rick's preachings of a strong mindset and will. His number is (916) 622-7154 or you can contact him through email: hard90baseball@gmail.com,
Tom Urbani
Coach Tom played his collegiate career at Long Beach State where he participated in the1989 College World Series in Omaha! He was drafted and signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1990 in the 13th round. He made his major league debut in 1993 and spent a total of 3+ years in the Major Leagues, including some time with the Detroit Tigers in 1996. He also spent playing time in Italy where he was part of a championship team with the Rimini Pirates, posting a 11-1 record with a 1.75 era! That same year he helped the Italian National team qualify for the 2000 Olympic Games, beating France twice, with a no hitter in his 1st win and a one hitter in his 2nd win. Tom recently moved back to his hometown of Santa Cruz but keeps well connected with Hard 90. He comes up for private and group sessions periodically while still managing our Legacy 10u squad!
Jon Ray
Jon Ray hails from Vacaville. He was a two time 1st team all league player at Will C. Wood High School. Jon took his talents as a hard hitting middle infielder to Sac City before moving on to Bacone College in Oklahoma where he led the conference in hitting his junior year with a .422 average. He is currently coaching our Power Premier 11u team. He is available for lessons at The Clubhouse in El Dorado Hills for both hitting and infield work.
John Alkire
John is the coach of our Hustle 9u team and is a former 13th round pick with the Detroit Tigers. He attended and pitched for University of Tennessee ('95 SEC Champs) early in his college career finishing with Cal State Fullerton where they were crowned Big West Champions in 1997. He also played in the Cape Cod league in the summers and pitched in the College World Series in 1995. He does pitching lessons and is a great addition to a strong H90 coaching staff.
Andrew Graham
Matt Foat
Bobby Coyle
Coach Bobby played at Chatsworth High School where he received honors for Rawlings Gold Glove and TPX Silver Slugger in 2007. Bobby finished up his college career at Fresno State in 2010 and is now playing as an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He was drafted in 10th round and brings a workman-like approach to our players and lessons at H-90.
Justin Friend
Justin attended East Union High School before heading off to Oklahoma State where he was a stand out pitcher. He received 1st team all league honors in 2006 before being selected by the Oakland A's in 2007 in the 13th round. In 2012, Justin was the closer for the Phillie's AAA team. Justin is a great addition to our Hard 90 Family with easy going manner and tremendous attention to detail.
Doug Thennis
Coach Doug reigns from Roseville, CA. The strong offensive hitter was drafted in 2005 by the Washington Nationals and then again in 2008 (27th round) by the Chicago White Sox. He played collegiately for the Texas Tech Raiders for two years in 2006 and 2007. Doug continues to play professionally and is available for hitting lessons in the off-season.
Mark Leacox
Coach Mark was a shortstop at El Camino High School. His baseball career continued at American River College, where he earned Academic and Athletic Honors in 2007. He went on and played his college ball at Missouri Valley and continued to excel as a middle infielder and center fielder. Mark will be playing professionally in the spring of '13 with the New Mexico Pup Fish. He runs our 9/10 combined team, also instructing at H-90 camps, workouts and lessons.
George Ban
Coach George is a local product from Elk Grove High School. He played at both American River College and Missouri Valley State. George was named 1st Team All League and 1st Team All Conference through his college days. George currently coaches our Hard 90 Phenom 15u team and leads our B.A.S.E. and H.I.T. training programs. George will be heading to New Mexico to play professionally with the New Mexico Pup Fish in the spring of 2013. He is charismatic and talented instructor working in H90 workouts, camps and clinics.
Leon Hamburg
Coach Leon was an 8th round draft selection of the Oakland A's in 1993. He was a versatile infielder/outfielder from Casa Robles High School, helping his team become C.I,F. section champions in '93 and was named tournament MVP. He has made his mark at Hard 90 as a tournament manager and also instructs many H90 workouts and camps during the year. He is one of the main instructors in Open Hitting with Hard 90 members. His easy going, no-nonsense style makes him a valuable asset.
Phil Chiappe
Coach Phil adds alot of baseball experience to our Hard 90 staff both as a player and a manager. He grew up and played his high school ball at Saratoga High in the Bay Area playing infield and pitching. He played professionally in the Red Sox organization in '85 and '86. He managed at Del Mar High School and was a pitching/hitting instructor at Cutting Edge before moving and joining the Hard 90 staff. His ability to see "the big picture" and his patience are very valuable in both motivating and developing players. He currently is the manager of Hard 90's Rally 16u team.
Aaron Agnew
Coach Aaron attended and played baseball at Napa High School while making All-County in 1988 and winning the Sac-Joaquin Division 1 Section Championships. He played outfield at Napa Valley JC. In 2002, he was named Sierra Valley Conference and Sacramento Bee Coach of the Year while guiding Folsom High to a Division II Section Championship. He is currently an assistant varsity baseball coach there and manages H90's Power 11u team. His vast coaching experience since 1999 makes him a valuable mentor to many players in the area, both past and present.
Sham Sidhu
Coach Sham is a very experienced baseball coach and mentor. Any player who's played for him knows he manages with heart having tremendous passion and respect for the game. He played infield at Yuba City High School and was a member of the 1998 Sacramento Sox (NABA) national championship team. He has 15 years of high school coaching at Oak Ridge and Folsom High under his belt and was named 2007 Delta River Coach of the Year. He currently manages H-90 Cycle 12u team.
Mark Shehadi
Coach Mark grew up and played his high school ball in South Lake Tahoe. He went on to play at Yuba College and is another very positive and instructive coach. He attended and graduated the well known Harry Wendelstedt Umpiring Academy and knows the game of baseball inside and out. He is an experienced youth baseball manager in the area and lives to coach and instruct. He currently manages H-90 Heat 13u team.
