"A good coach will improve your game, a great coach will improve your life"
These coaches are available for private instructional sessions including pitching, hitting, throwing, and fielding - - weight training, speed training, form running, diet and nutrition - - and mental training and preparation for play to play, pitch to pitch, and game to game.
David Evans is Director of Training and Instruction at Baseball USA in Houston, Texas. Coach Evans was the 1989 Jr College Player of the Year as a pitcher for Wayne Graham's San Jacinto Gators team that won the 1989 Jr College National Championship and still holds many of the pitching records at San Jacinto Jr College. He was a 3rd round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners and spent 14 years in professional baseball with the Mariners, Astros, Diamondbacks, Pirates and Orioles organizations. David played his high school baseball at Katy High School Coach Evans can be contacted for instruction by email at Devans30@hotmail.com.
Coach Justin Ruchti has joined the Heat organization as a coach and as an instructor. Justin was the starting catcher on Phil Cross’ team that qualified for the 1999 Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, NM. He was a three year starter for Klein Forest HS, before moving on to San Jacinto JC, where he was an All Conference catcher and led the Gators to the JUCO World Series for two years, and was named to the 2001 World Series All-Tournament team. Justin then moved to Rice University, where he was the starting catcher for Coach Wayne Graham for two years, and participated in their trips to Omaha in 2002 and 2003> Justin was the team MVP for their 2003 NCAA National Championship team. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 9th round in 2003 and played in their organization for four years before retiring. Justin is presently available for catching and hitting lessons in the Houston area. Please email him at jruchti9@hotmail.com.
Jason comes to the Heat organization after moving from a coaching position at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to San Jacinto J.C. in the fall of 2008.
Background:
Attended: Converse Judson H.S.
Attended: Vernon J.C.
Attended: Missouri Valley College
Experience:
Played collegiately at Vernon J.C. and Missouri Valley College
Coached at various High Schools in Texas for 9 years
Coached the Austin Wings select team for 6 years where his Wings teams were the 2000 AAU National Finalists, 2001 Connie Mack State Champions & the 2006 Premier Baseball 17&U National Champions.
Assistant Coach Southwestern University
Assistant Coach University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Head Coach Edenton Steamers - Coastal Plains League
Nominated Head Coach Coastal Plains League All-Star Game
Currently:
Assistant Coach San Jacinto J.C.
Coach Houston Heat
Instructor Baseball USA
Member Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association & American Baseball Coaches Association
Associate Scout Milwaukee Brewers
Specialties:
Hitting, fielding, pitching & base running
Ronnie comes to the Heat organization with an impressive resume that includes being named a 1st Team All State Football player in Florida, a High School State Champion in Track, playing college baseball at the University of Florida as well as being a graduate assistant for the Florida Gators baseball team. While working and teaching in Florida, Ronnie was recognized for his work with disadvantaged youths in the community when the Mayor of Gainsville, Fla. proclaimed one day "Ronnie Sowell Day." Ronnie currently teaches in the Klein Independent School District. He met his future wife, Keisha, while both attended the University of Florida. Keisha is a 4 Time All American Soccer Player, National Soccer Champion and a member of the USA National Soccer Team. Ronnie and Keisha have two children, Chase and Hunter.
Background:
Attended: Eastside H.S. in Gainsville, Fla.
Attended: University of Florida
Exercise and Sports Science Degree from the University of Florida
Former Manager of Football & Baseball Operations at Axcess Sports where he was the Personal Manager for NFL running back Derrick Blaylock, Detroit Tigers Minor Leaguer and 2007 Ivy League Player of the Year Devin Thomas, and Kansas City Royals Minor Leaguer Derrick Robinson, who set a Perfect Game USA record by posting a 6.19 in the 60 at a PG Combine in 2006.
Experience:
Played collegiately at University of Florida
Taught in Florida for 8 years
Graduate Assistant at the University of Florida
Gainsville Sun's 2001 Coach of the Year
Currently:
Coach Houston Heat
Teaching in the Klein Independent School District
Specialties:
Hitting, fielding, & base running
Chris is currently a coach with the Houston Heat and comes to the Heat organization after a lengthy high school, college and professional career. Chris is well versed in all facets of the game but specializes in hitting instruction. For private hitting lessons you can contact Chris at 936-577-9598 or by e-mail at burton023@yahoo.com.
Background:
Attended: Round Rock Westwood H.S. in Round Rock, Tx.
Attended: Sam Houston State University
Selected by the Atlanta Braves in the June 1989 draft.
Experience:
1st Team All-Central Texas as a senior at Westwood H.S.
Only 4 time All-Conference Player in school history at Sam Houston.
2nd All Time in runs scored at Sam Houston.
2nd All Time in stolen bases at Sam Houston.
.336 Career average at Sam Houston.
Conference Champion 3 out of 4 years at Sam Houston.
2007 Hall of Honor Inductee at Sam Houston.
Played profesionally with: Idaho Falls where he led the league in stolen bases in 1990. Sumter Braves, Durham Bulls, Miami Miracle and the Greenville Braves.
Coached at the Alpha Omega Academy (State Champs), Texas Military Institute and has also worked camps at Sam Houston State, Conroe High School, and Kids Sports Network.
Currently:
Coach Houston Heat
Specialties:
Hitting & base running