About Technique Tigers Baseball Academy

Coach Cris Ruiz brings a strong background as both a player and coach to Technique Tigers Baseball Academy. A three-year starter at St. Thomas Aquinas, Cris went on to play professionally with the Great Falls Voyagers, Schaumburg Boomers, and London Majors. He currently serves as an Assistant Coach with the University of Bridgeport baseball program, where he continues to grow his knowledge of the game and help develop the next generation of players. As one of Technique Tigers Hitting and Catching Instructors, Cris is passionate about helping athletes improve their skills, build confidence, and compete at a higher level. His coaching philosophy is simple: “I believe in pushing players past their comfort zone, because greatness doesn’t grow where it’s comfortable.”

Coach Orlando Mercado was selected in the 6th round of the 2003 MLB Draft and spent 10 seasons playing professional baseball with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels, and Atlanta Braves organizations. He also represented Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic and played professionally in Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. As one of Technique Tigers' Hitting, Catching, and Infield Instructors, Orlando brings a wealth of experience from every level of the game. He is passionate about helping players believe in themselves, build confidence, and grow both on and off the field. His coaching philosophy is simple: “My goal is to impact players' lives by helping them believe in themselves and guiding them toward a better future. Every day, we work to get 1% better."

Selected 97th overall in the 2013 MLB Draft, Coach Tom Milone spent 10 seasons

playing professional baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres organizations. As one of Technique Tigers' Hitting and Outfield

Instructors, Tom is passionate about helping players build confidence, compete with purpose, and develop a strong work ethic that extends beyond the game. He believes that growth comes from learning through both success and failure. His coaching philosophy reflects that mindset: “Our mistakes make us who we are as long as we are willing to try again."

Coach Jacob Rich brings a strong background in college baseball and player development to Technique Tigers Baseball Academy. A four-year starter and captain at the University of Bridgeport, Jacob understands the commitment, preparation, and consistency required to compete at a high level. He has continued to grow as a coach through five years of youth baseball instruction and his role as a Graduate Assistant with the University of Bridgeport baseball program since 2024. As one of Technique Tigers Hitting, Catching, Infield, and Outfield Instructors, Jacob is passionate about helping athletes build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and compete with a positive mindset. His coaching philosophy is centered around “building confidence through quality repetition, positive reinforcement, and a competitive environment.”

Coach Angel Irby brings a strong background in college baseball and a passion for helping players reach their full potential. After beginning his career with one year of junior college baseball, he earned an opportunity to walk on at the University of Bridgeport and eventually became a starter. As one of Technique Tigers' Hitting and Infield Instructors, Angel uses his experience and journey to help athletes build confidence, embrace challenges, and continue improving every day. He believes that true success comes from focusing on personal growth rather than comparing yourself to others. His coaching philosophy is simple: “I believe in focusing on improving your personal best instead of obsessing over the competition. My goal is to help athletes unlock their potential and develop a winning, positive mindset"

Coach Rob Dunkle brings a strong background as a player and leader to Technique Tigers Baseball Academy. A four-year starter at Gordon College and former Tiger, Rob understands the commitment, discipline, and mindset required to compete at a high

level. As a Technique Tigers' Hitting and Infield Instructor, he is passionate about

building relationships with players and helping them grow both physically and mentally on the diamond. Rob believes in challenging athletes to step outside of their comfort zones while creating an environment built on trust, confidence, and continuous improvement. His coaching philosophy: "My focus is to create genuine relationships, push players to embrace challenges, and help them become the best version of themselves both as athletes and as people."comfortable.”

Coach Preston Irby brings a strong background in college baseball and a passion for helping athletes overcome challenges to Technique Tigers Baseball Academy. After earning an opportunity as a walk-on at Eastern Connecticut State University, Preston worked his way into a starting role and earned All-Conference honors in 2025. As Technique Tigers' Hitting and Infield Instructor, he is passionate about helping players understand the mental side of the game while building confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic. Preston believes that success comes from embracing adversity, trusting the process, and consistently putting in the work required to reach your goals. His coaching philosophy is simple: “My goal is to help players fight through adversity, understand the mental side of the game, and realize that achieving their goals takes hard work, commitment, and trust in the process.”

Coach Matt Silverstein brings a wealth of collegiate playing experience and a passion for player development to the Technique Tigers Baseball Academy. After beginning his collegiate career at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Coach Matt transferred to Albertus Magnus College, where he completed his master's degree while continuing his baseball career. Specializing in pitching instruction, Coach Matt works closely with athletes to refine their mechanics, improve command, and maximize their potential on the mound. His knowledge of the game, attention to detail, and commitment to each player's development make him a valuable resource for our program.

Coach Jayden Echevarria brings a strong background in college baseball and a passion for helping players improve to Technique Tigers Baseball Academy. After beginning his college career at UConn Avery Point, Jayden continued his playing career at the University of Bridgeport, where he became a three-year starter. As Technique Tigers' Hitting and Catching Instructor, Jayden uses his experience as a player to help athletes build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and compete with a positive mindset.

He is committed to creating an environment where players are challenged, supported, and encouraged to continue growing both on and off the field.

Coach Gio Valerio is the newest addition to the Technique Tigers Baseball Academy coaching staff and brings a strong background in both baseball performance and athletic development. A recent graduate of the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Coach Gio competed on the mound for the Purple Knights while gaining valuable experience as a collegiate athlete. Coach Gio works with both our pitchers and athletes in the weight room, combining his knowledge of pitching mechanics and strength development to help players reach their goals. His passion for motivating athletes and commitment to helping each Tiger reach their fullest potential make him an exciting addition to the program.

Coach Logan Huzi brings a strong background in college baseball and a passion for helping pitchers grow to Technique Tigers Baseball Academy. A former Tiger, Logan began his college career at Eastern Connecticut State University before transferring to the University of Hartford, where he continued to develop as a pitcher. As a Technique Tigers' Pitching Instructor, Logan uses his experience as a player to help athletes build confidence, improve their mechanics, and understand the mindset required to compete on the mound. He is committed to creating a positive and competitive environment where pitchers can challenge themselves, develop their skills, and continue growing both as athletes and individuals. Coaching Philosophy “ Until you start believing in yourself, you ain't going to have a life.”

Coach Danny Rivera has been a valued member of the Technique Tigers Baseball Academy coaching staff since the program's inception. As a certified physical trainer and the leader of our K-Motion technology program, Coach Danny combines cutting-edge performance analysis with a strong foundation in athletic development. On the field, he specializes in teaching the fundamentals of baseball, helping young athletes build sound mechanics, confidence, and a deep understanding of the game. His commitment to player development and attention to detail make him an invaluable

mentor for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Coach Ramon Sanchez is one of the most accomplished coaches in Technique Tigers Baseball Academy history, ranking second all-time in program wins. A former collegiate player at the University of Bridgeport, where he played alongside Coach Vinny, Coach Ramon brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the program. His passion for player development extends beyond the game, as he is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with every athlete while challenging them to reach their full potential on and off the field. Through his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence, Coach Ramon continues to make a lasting impact on the Technique Tigers community.

Coach Vinny Arjune has been a cornerstone of the Technique Tigers Baseball Academy since its inception and is the winningest coach in program history. A former shortstop and team captain at the University of Bridgeport, Coach Vinny brings exceptional leadership, baseball knowledge, and a passion for player development to every training

session. Known for challenging athletes to reach their highest potential, he is committed to developing not only skilled baseball players but also confident, disciplined young men. His dedication to excellence on and off the field has helped shape the culture and success of the Technique Tigers program.

Coach Will Henry has been an integral part of the Technique Tigers Baseball Academy

for the past six years. A former pitcher at Villanova University, Coach Will excelled on the mound for the Wildcats and brings valuable collegiate experience and knowledge to the program. Working alongside Coach Danny, Coach Will plays a key role in teaching, mentoring, and developing our young Tigers both on and off the field. His passion for the game, commitment to player growth, and ability to connect with athletes make him an important part of the Technique Tigers coaching staff.

Coach Connor Lesczczynski brings a strong background in college baseball and a deep connection to Technique Tigers Baseball Academy. A former Tiger, Connor continued his playing career at the University of Bridgeport, where he is currently the starting catcher. As Technique Tigers' Hitting and Catching Instructor, Connor uses his experience as a player to help athletes improve their skills, build confidence, and understand the commitment required to compete at a high level. With his brothers also being part of the Technique Tigers program, Connor has a strong connection to the culture and values of the organization. He is passionate about helping players grow both on and off the field while creating a positive and competitive environment.

Coach Logan Parra brings a strong background in college baseball and a passion for helping pitchers grow to Technique Tigers Baseball Academy. A former Tiger, Logan continued his playing career at Westfield State University, where he currently competes as a pitcher. As a Technique Tigers Pitching Instructor, Logan uses his experience as a player to help athletes develop confidence, improve their skills, and understand the preparation and mindset required to compete on the mound. He is committed to creating a positive and competitive environment where pitchers can challenge themselves and trust the process.