Pitching Lessons in Huntington Beach

Fred Hanker

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS, CATCHING LESSONS, THROWING, INFIELD/OUTFIELD

Fred is a 25 year veteran of playing, scouting, coaching and managing baseball and fastpitch softball. After a successful baseball career at Lakewood High School, he played four years at Cal State Dominguez Hills. He currently holds 12 school hitting records, was voted All CCAA four times, and All West Regional two times. In the 1987 MLB draft, Hanker was drafted by the Oakland A’s organization in the 31st round. He has also accumulated over 20 years of fast pitch playing against top notch competition.

Sebastian Irwin

AREA OF EXPERTISE – PITCHING LESSONS

Sebastian is a former collegiate baseball player looking to take what he’s learned from all his years of playing this game and give valuable knowledge back to up-and-coming ballplayers.

He has many years of training that allow him to specialize in the breakdown of mechanics in order to increase both efficiency and velocity. He also has years of experience in arm care, mobility training, and advanced stretching protocols.

Sebastian started his collegiate career at Long Beach City College and was there for 2.5 years, which led him to his next home, the NAIA Division powerhouse, Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He was a Conference starter for both schools, leading them through many hard fought wins. So he knows what it takes to get the job done.

Sebastian majored in Exercise Science and he’s on his way to becoming a Physical Therapist. Knowing how the body works in motion is very important when it comes to effective pitching, so he uses this knowledge and experience to help fellow athletes.

Hear from Sebastian:

I fell in love with the sport and the craft of pitching, and I am looking forward to helping the next generation hone and develop skills to take them to the next level.

Noel Soto

AREA OF EXPERTISE - PITCHING LESSONS

Noel is a former collegiate and professional pitcher dedicated to helping the next generation of ballplayers reach their full potential. With years of high-level playing experience and a deep understanding of pitching mechanics, Noel specializes in developing efficient, powerful, and consistent pitchers. His lessons emphasize mechanical breakdown, command development, and proper arm care to ensure long-term success and health.

Starting at a young age, and coming from Dominican    descent, baseball has been his life. Noel began his collegiate career at Long Beach City College, where he contributed as both a pitcher and infielder for two seasons. He later transferred to Cal Poly Pomona, where he spent three years competing at one of the top Division II programs in the country. During his time there, Noel helped lead the Broncos to a conference championship in 2022, earned multiple All-Conference honors, and was named Conference Pitcher of the Week several times.

Following his collegiate career, Noel signed his first professional contract in the Pioneer League, continuing to refine his craft and compete against elite talent. His journey through college and professional baseball has given him a strong foundation in the physical and mental aspects of pitching, which he now passes on to his players.

Hear from Noel:

“Pitching has always been my passion. I’ve learned the importance of mechanics, mindset, discipline and preparation at every level, and I’m committed to helping young athletes build those same tools to elevate their game.”

Mark Brooks

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS, FIELDING & THROWING LESSONS

Mark is the founder of Art of Baseball Productions. He attended Bethune-Cookman University where he played for two years as the starting second baseman.

Currently, Mark Brooks gives roughly 1,000 personal hitting lessons a year and is a sponsor of Long Beach Little League.

Hannah Duarte

AREA OF EXPERTISE — PITCHING LESSONS

USA ATHLETICS ALUMNI & UC SAN DIEGO, CLASS OF 2016

Looking for young, eager pitchers who want to expand their knowledge of pitching mechanics, the mental game, as well as learning/improving individual pitch techniques! I bring a wealth of experience to the table, with 7 years of private pitching instruction and 4 years of travel ball coaching experience, focusing on ages 14-18u.

High School Achievements

• ​A 2012 graduate from Wilson High School in Long Beach

• CIF Female Student-Athlete of the Year as a senior.

• Named All-Moore League First Team as a sophomore (2010) and senior (2012)

• Moore League Champions (2012)

College Achievements

• UCSD Athlete of the Week in 2015

• 264.1 career innings pitched for UCSD.

• 2016 CCAA Conference Tournament Champion

• NCAA Regional appearance – 3 years

Marco Soto

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS, CATCHING LESSONS & PITCHING LESSONS

Hello my name is Marco Soto and I’m the owner of Soto Custom Gloves. I played college ball at Long Beach City, before competing in the professional Mexican Leagues for 10 years. That decade was a great time in my life and I learned a ton about the game from all of the elite coaches that I had the pleasure of playing under. Now, I enjoy every opportunity to transfer this knowledge to the next generation of ballplayers and help them reach their goals.

Mackenzie Ficke

AREA OF EXPERTISE - PITCHING LESSONS

UCLA Class of 2024

With 14 years of pitching experience, including playing for UCLA’s 2023-24 NCAA D1 team, my goal is to help the next generation of student-athletes elevate their pitching skills. My journey to pitching at UCLA has deepened my love for this sport, given me extensive knowledge of technical pitching mechanics, and provided firsthand insight into the mental resilience required from pitchers. I’m eager to share this expertise and passion with aspiring pitchers!

High School and Collegiate Achievements:

• 2017 Graduate from Los Alamitos High School

• Press Telegram girls Athlete of the Week 2021

• Sunset League 2nd Team All-League Pitcher

• Pitcher on UCLA's 2023-24 NCAA D1 team, which went on to play in the Women's College World Series

Mike Mora

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS, SLAPPING LESSONS, SHORT GAME

Mike is presently coaching at Whittier College. Prior to his arrival (2005-2007) Mike acted as the Head Coach of the Artesia High School Softball team and Assistant Varsity Softball Coach at Cerritos High School (2003-2005). Mike has been coaching competitive softball for over 18 years at age levels spanning 10U – 18U. Teams under Mike’s tutelage have been invited to ASA National Tournaments on ten occasions.

John Medina

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS & SLAPPING LESSONS

Playing Experience:

John has 25 years of playing experience with the Southern California Fastpitch Association, Pacific Coast Softball League and Western Softball Congress. He was the leadoff hitter and played shortstop/second base for many teams, including the Lakewood Jets, Stout Tower Stars and Magna Plating of Burbank. John was one of the earliest and most successful “slappers” in Southern California Men’s Fastpitch Softball history.

Awards:

• 1994 ASA World Series Championship – Batting Champion – Average .595

• 1990 & 1993 Men’s Fastpitch “A” National Tournament – 1st Team All American

• 1994 ASA World Series Championship – 1st Team All American

• 1995 NAFA World Tournament – 1st Team All American

• 1995 International Softball Congress Tournament of Champions – MVP

• 5X All Star – Southern California Fastpitch Association

• 4X All Star – Pacific Coast Softball League

• 2X All Star – Western Softball Congress

Coaching Experience:

In addition to 15 years of coaching at the high school level, John has been an assistant for 16U and 18U competitive softball teams. He has been providing hitting/slapping lessons for over 15 years.

Miranda Gomez

AREA OF EXPERTISE - PITCHING LESSONS

USA ATHLETICS ALUMNI & FORMER D1 STUDENT ATHLETE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (UIC), CLASS OF 2024

With huge passion and love for the game, I’m eager to share my knowledge and experience as a former division 1 athlete to help young pitchers develop their mechanics/ technique, build mental toughness and expand their love and knowledge for the game. My goal is to help inspire the next generation of athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field and help empower pitchers mentally and physically.

High School Achievements

• 2020 graduate from Bishop Amat Memorial High School in La Puente

• Helped team to 3 straight championships in the Del Rey League

• Earned MVP in 2019

• Offensive Player of the Year in 2016

College Achievements

• 242 career innings pitched for UIC

• 2020 Horizon League Conference Tournament Champion

• NCAA Regional Appearance in 2020