Guest Instructors
Cy Young Travel Baseball players receive top-notch instruction from former major league baseball players and former Division I baseball players. Listed below is a brief Bio of some of the instructors who work with our players to help them become the best players they can be.
Jeff WALLACE -
Jeff is the co-founder, president, head pitching instructor, and will assist in the speed and strength training of Professional Baseball Academy. Jeff is an Alliance native and graduated from Minerva High School ('95), where he is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals ('95), and went on to capture the ERA Championship in rookie ball for the Royals that summer. He spent just over a year in the minors before being called up to the big leagues. August 14, 1997 he made his major league debut against the San Diego Padres, and went on to pitch five years at the major league level. During his career, Jeff pitched in the mid-90's and was clocked as high as 99 MPH. He made 11 MPH (88 MPH to 99MPH) improvement from high school to pro ball, and gives credit to his coaches and instructors throughout his professional career.
"In beginning Professional Baseball Academy, my goal is to give back the wealth of knowledge that was provided to me throughout my career. It made me a better baseball player, and most importantly a better person. That's what we're trying to do here."
Trent McILVAIN-
Trent's responsibilities for Professional Baseball Academy include marketing director, camp coordinator, head hitting and fielding instructor, and will assist in the direction of speed and strength training. He is an Alliance native and graduated from Marlington High School ('97), where he is part of the Athletic Hall of Fame. After high school, Trent went on to Ohio State University where he became a four-year starter in the middle infield. In his time there he was a part of two Big Ten Championships, a Region Championship and a 50-win season. In five years Trent graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology and specialized in Early Childhood Development. In 2002 he went on to become the graduate assistant baseball coach at The University of Akron, where he earned his Masters of Education specializing in Sport Science and Coaching. Upon finishing his masters degree, he was appointed to the head assistant coaching position where he was the lead hitting and infield coach. Under his direction, Akron hitters improved in the areas of batting average, on-base percentage, runs, hits and home runs in just one year. His education and experience play a vital role in developing youth talent.
"My idea of success is max effort! If you put the time in, and contain the desire to be the best, you will be successful. Talent does not predict success, preparation predicts it. That's our goal- to prepare the young players in our area to be successful, and get to the next level."
Jason SIEGFRIED -
Jason was a four-year starter behind the dish for the University of Dayton. While at Dayton, Jason was selected to play in the prestigious Cape Cod summer league for the Cotuit Kettleers. Following his senior year, Jason was drafted in the 36th round by the Detroit Tigers, where he played two years of single A Minor League ball. Recently, Jason has been helping coach the Louisville Leopard Varsity Baseball Team.