Splinters Baseball Academy

Improving Communities through Baseball

“Improving Communities through Baseball” is the mission of Splinters Baseball Academy. It is the purpose we approach with each program, project or event we conduct. The players that are a part of our academy are always treated with respect and fairness. We believe this is a vital ingredient to a great community. Our programs and teaching methods are set up to enhance the player’s baseball abilities while showing ways these abilities transcend baseball and enhance their character.

I have known Edd Eaton since high school. We have had the privilege of Edd working with both our daughter and son in pitching instruction. Suffice it to say that my daughter was able to pitch on her freshmen boys baseball team. Our son has pitched in high school and is going on to pitch in college. I cannot recommend Edd and this academy highly enough.

- John Lavorato

Splinters Baseball Academy Philosophy

The techniques Splinters Baseball Academy teaches have been derived from many of our instructor’s experiences, as players and coaches from the little league level through the college level. We also seek out the best baseball minds from across the country to enhance and remain up to date on the techniques we teach. Each instructor adheres to Splinters Baseball standards which ensure that all instructors are on the same page in regard to technique and terminology. What a player hears from one Splinters instructor, they will hear from all Splinters instructors. We also keep the ratio of players at a manageable level to allow the most personal instruction available in a group setting.

All the drills cycled through Splinters Baseball programs are designed with the intent of getting players more athletic. The more athletic a player is the better baseball player they can become. Athleticism is the starting point of any development program regardless of the position they play or skill set they have.

One of the ways Splinters Baseball addresses the player’s personality characteristics is by emphasizing peer coaching. At every session we encourage players to help the other players by giving them tasks during their repetitions. By watching other players they have the opportunity to look at the entire process, rather than the result of the action. For instance, when players are in offensive stations, the player waiting for their turn will be asked to focus on a certain aspect of the swing they are watching. Where were the hands? What did the feet do? Where was the head at the point of contact?

We have seen players develop more rapidly “watching” others with a purpose and intent. When a player has to explain what they just saw it helps them to understand it and apply it to their individual game.

Splinters also utilizes modern technology in getting the players to see what they are doing rather than, what they think they are doing. Using digital photography we have the ability show players’ pictures of their swing in a short amount of time to provide them with feedback as soon as possible.

All Splinters Baseball programs are also designed to minimize down time. Each session is fast paced and full of repetition potential. Players are expected to capitalize on the repetitions they are taking and also the repetitions they are watching. Splinters Baseball fosters the learning potential in all that the players see and do.

Splinters staff

	Josh Eaton, President	Being from a baseball family I am constantly reminded of the impact baseball had on me. Growing up and going to Salinas Spurs games, hanging around the softball park I learned to love this game at an early age. After my playing days ended and my time in the Navy was completed I received an opportunity to coach at the high school level here in Salinas and that sparked a deep passion within to inspire and motivate young players directly.
	Edd Eaton, VP Throwing Programs	I have been at this for over 20 years, coaching baseball at the high school level as well at Hartnell College. I am also currently both a teacher and a substitute teacher and have been for the past 7 years in Salinas. In the classroom as well as the athletic field there is no better feeling than watching a child accomplish something that for them seemed impossible just a few short days before.
	Jon Mule, Camp Instructor	SHS Grad 1998, Hartnell College 2000, Sacramento St University 2003.
	Danny Reyes, Camp Instructor	SHS Grad 2003, Hartnell CC. Gavilan CC, Dickinson St. University, Class of 2008, All Conference ’06,‘07 Hitting/Outfield coach Dickinson St U. Seeing the challenges players have as they progress has motivated me to get involved with Splinters which targets players when they are the most pliable and institute a strong foundation. I have helped coached little league teams. It wasn't till I coached little league that I realize how fun baseball can really be. To see the smiles on these kids when they succeed is the best gift you can receive as a coach.
	Graham Santiago, Lead Instructor	SHS grad 1995, Hartnell CC 02-03, CSUMB Grad 2010. Alisal HS Baseball coach 2004- Present. I am fortunate life has offered me an opportunity to help shape the community along with young lives through baseball. Neighborhood assets benefit the community as a whole. As a society we look to the younger generations to obtain assets that help them grow individually, yet successfully. The children are the communities present and future. the more time we spend with them, the better chance we have at building a successful community.
	Cesar Nunez, Camp Instructor	SHS Grad 1997, Hartnell CC '98, '99, Menlo College
	Sam Ramirez, Camp Instructor	NSHS grad 1998, USC Grad
	Jeff Eaton, Camp Instructor	SHS Grad 1995, Hartnell CC '98,'99, Benedictine College 2000, '01, Salinas Packers 01, 02, Head Baseball Coach Alisal HS (2004-Current)