Nashville Baseball Academy

Bios

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  Ryan Bear

  P/H/F/S&A

  Graduate of UC Florida 2003, Ryan was drafted in 2003 by the Florida Marlins. He was a 2005 Florida State League All-Star, and a 2008 All-Star in Bridgeport Connecticut. Ryan was awarded the Ed Hales award in 2007 by the Carolina Mudcats for dedication and commitment to the community.

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  Russ Burroughs

  P/H/F/S&A

  Russ played and graduated from Lipscomb University. He's played three seasons of pro ball, and is getting ready for his fourth. After two seasons with the Taos Blizzard in the Pecos League, Russ started last season with the Skagit Valley Lumberjacks, and finished with the Road City Explorers. He is a relief pitcher, and has also been a DH over the last three seasons. Russ is back training at NBA and is ready for new clients and returning clients too.

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  Matt Gantner

  H/F/C

  Matt played D-1 baseball at High Point University in North Carolina for five years and graduated in 2010. While there, he set the HPU single season records for hits (88) and doubles (25) in his final season. As captain, Matt hit .379 with 71 RBIs on his way to an All-Big South first team selection. He has a passion for baseball and has played many positions over his career including outfield, infield, and catching. His father Jim Gantner played in the majors for 17 seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers.

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  Mark Lamm

  P/H/F

  Mark was a 5-year letter winner at Vanderbilt University where he pitched in a multitude of roles. After the 2011 Vandy CWS campaign, Mark was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 6th round. Since then, Mark has been selected to participate in the Braves Future Stars Game twice and was a AA Southern League All-Star in 2013. Mark brings a wide-range of knowledge to those looking to become better pitchers both mentally and physically.

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  Tom Bolton

  P

  Tom spent 18 years in professional baseball and is a former MLB pitcher who played from 1987 through 1994 for the Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles. He finished his pro career as a AAA coach with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tom led Antioch High School to the 1979 Class AAA State Championship. He also coached pitchers at Brentwood Academy from 2000-2002 and Father Ryan pitchers from 2006-2010.

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  Erich Butler

  P/H/F

  Since finishing his playing career with Corpus Christi in 1994 and the Moose Jaw Diamond Dogs of the CBL in 1995, Erich has coached and taught the game in the Nashville area to players of all ages and abilities. Dedication to the game and teaching it are his passion.

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  Matt Price

  P/H/F

  Matt played college ball at Pepperdine and Cal Baptist. He played a year in the SCBL for the Rock Hill Sox in Rock Hill, SC and one season for the Pomona Diablos in Southern California. Matt was also an assistant coach for the CPA middle school team for two years. He brings not only knowledge of the game, but also a passion for teaching it.

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  Pam Fowler

  P/H/F/C

  Pam was an All-Star pitcher and short-stop for the University of Iowa.

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  Patrick McGrath

  P/H/F

  Patrick played at Belmont University (Nashville, TN). Was a team captain at Belmont and led the OVC in wins as a senior. Winning pitcher beating defending National Champion, Vanderbilt University, twice senior season (2015). Currently playing professionally for the Florence Freedom of the Frontier League.

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  Matt Verdillo

  P/H/F/S&A

  Matt coached throughout his playing career at Christopher Newport University and continued after his playing days at Richmond Baseball Academy. He also coached the 15-17U Evoshield Seminoles of Richmond, VA. He also provided individual and group instruction at RBA. Matt is excited to start training and coaching at NBA.

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  Ricky Hague

  H/F/S&A

  Ricky was the starting SS for the Rice University Owls, was selected to Team USA and led in hitting, playing 3rd base. Drafted 83rd by the Washington Nationals, he played six seasons, finishing in Triple A. Ricky finished his career with the Sugarland Skeeters batting .310 with 17 HRs, helping the team to their first Championship. He's played every position and looks forward to helping develop the next generation of baseball players in Nashville.

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  Keith Brown

  P

  Keith was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1986. He made his Major League debut with a win August 1988 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Keith was part of the 1990 World Series team. Since his retirement, Keith has continued with private instruction, with several former students receiving college scholarships, and has two former students in the Major Leagues today. He participates in many camps throughout the year with the Reds, and is a volunteer with several organizations.