Lessons

Brian Knippelmeyer - Pitching lessons for Baseball and Softball.

Phone: 304.730.2271

Availability:

Please contact directly to set up lessons.

Age groups: High School, Youth 8-14

Brian Knippelmeyer – Pitching Instructor

Brian Knippelmeyer brings an extensive playing and coaching background to YBC. A former Division I pitcher at Marshall University, Brian led the team in strikeouts in 2005, earned Conference USA Honorable Mention as a relief pitcher in 2006, and remains in Marshall’s Top 10 for single-season saves.

Brian has coached at Marshall University, the University of Saint Mary, and throughout the Ban Johnson and Mid-Plains Collegiate Summer Leagues. As Pitching Director at Natural Baseball Academy, he helped place more than 75 pitchers into college programs, developed three MLB Draft picks, and helped 16 pitchers reach 90+ mph through the True Velocity program.

Most recently, Brian has served as General Manager and Lead Pitching Instructor at D-BAT Liberty and Lee’s Summit and has presented at USA Baseball Coaching Clinics.

YBC is excited to have Brian offering private pitching lessons to our players!

Garrett McGowan - Hitting, Pitching, Infield and Outfield

Phone: 816.223.9777

Availability:

Monday-Thursdays

(5-9:30 pm)

Age groups: High School, Youth 8-14

Garrett McGowan was drafted in the 17th round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros. A standout first baseman, Garrett earned national recognition during his collegiate career at Pittsburg State University, where he was named an NCAA Division II First Team All-American and received the prestigious Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2022. Prior to Pittsburg State, he played at Dodge City Community College, where he hit 25 career home runs—second-most in school history—and won the Region VI Gold Glove Award at first base. Garrett, a YBC Alumni offers elite baseball instruction focused on hitting mechanics, defensive excellence, and college recruiting guidance. He trains youth and aspiring athletes with the same discipline and passion that propelled him to the professional level.

Jake McMahill - Pitching

Phone: 816.604.8806

jakemcmahill@gmail.com

Jake offers pitching lessons. He will develop personalized throwing, lifting, recovery and mobility programs for players.

Age groups: High School, Youth 8-14

Jake McMahill is a right-handed pitcher whose baseball journey reflects resilience, skill, and steady progression through the collegiate and professional ranks. A standout at Missouri State University earning All-Tournament Team honors for his dominant NCAA performance. Prior to MSU, he pitched for Evansville and State Fair Community College, where he earned multiple All-Conference and All-Region accolades. His summer league experience includes time with the Route 66 Stars in 2022, and he was recognized as Frontier League Pitcher of the Week during his stint with the Florence Y’alls. In 2022, McMahill signed a free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Reds, launching his professional career in the Arizona Complex League. A proud YBC alumnus, Jake now shares his passion and expertise with the next generation of athletes. Whether you're looking to refine your mechanics, boost velocity, or master the mental side of pitching, Jake offers private lessons tailored to serious players ready to level up. Spots are limited—book your session today and train with a pro who’s been there.

Caden Pogue - Pitching

Phone: 405.385.4881

Availability:

MO - Tuesday (5-9:00pm)

Age groups: High School, Youth 8-14

Caden Pogue, YBC Alumnus and former collegiate pitcher with experience at both Hutchinson Community College (JUCO) and Baker University (NAIA), where he currently serves as the assistant pitching coach for the baseball program. Known for his competitive edge and leadership on and off the field, Caden earned Heart of America All-Conference honors in back-to-back seasons—Honorable Mention in 2023 and 2nd Team in 2024. He now uses his playing and coaching experience to offer pitching lessons to younger athletes, emphasizing growth, discipline, and the mindset required to succeed at all levels. His journey reflects a deep commitment to mentorship and excellence in every phase of the game.

Jay Greco - Pitching

Phone: 816.377.7701

Availability:

MO - Wednesday & Thursday

(5:30-8pm)

Age groups: High School, Youth 8-14

Jay holds a degree in Exercise Science and brings both academic knowledge and playing experience to his training. A graduate of Blue Springs South High School, he pitched at the collegiate level for North Central Missouri CC, Southwestern Oklahoma State, and Northwest Missouri State. Jay specializes in helping athletes develop efficient movement patterns, strength, and confidence on the mound.

Beau Franklin - Hitting/Catching/Pitching/IF

Phone: 913.428.6976

Availability: Contact directly to schedule.

Age groups: High School, Youth 8-14 

Beau Franklin, a proud YBC alumnus, brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to every lesson. As a standout RHP/IF at Wentworth Military College (NJCAA), he earned All-Conference and All-District honors all four years, was named All-State in 2012, and twice received WMC’s Most Outstanding College Player award. Beau has since built an impressive coaching career, with time at Wentworth Military College, Park University, and now Baker University, where he is entering his fifth season. As a YBC Head Coach since 2014, Beau has spent over a decade developing players’ skills, confidence, and baseball IQ, making him an excellent choice for athletes looking to elevate their game.

Stefon Griddine - Catching and Hitting Instructor

Phone: 816.316.9395

Availability: Contact directly for availability

Age groups: High School, Youth 10-14 

Hitting - Make sure the athlete gets in proper hitting fundamentals. We will work on strength, direction, bat speed, rotational speed. Always testing on Hittrax to see growth in EV and LA consistency!

Catching- This position requires 3 things M.P.A.- MENTALITY, PHYSICALITY AND ATTITUDE. I teach the position with those 3 words on the mind. Recieving, blocking, transfer work(throwing) and sequencing are all things catchers learn while working with me. I have trained many high level catchers that have great high school and collegiate careers! 

Phone: 816.316.9395

Contact directly for availability.

Miles Shelton - Lead Infield Instructor/Hitting Instructor

Phone: 816.299.1872

Availability: Contact directly for availability.

Age groups: High School, Youth 11-14

Miles Shelton is a highly respected coach with over eight years of experience as the head coach at William Chrisman High School and nine years as a dedicated YBC head coach. Known for developing players’ fundamentals, baseball IQ, and work ethic, Coach Shelton has helped countless athletes elevate their game and prepare for the next level. His playing career includes competing at Graceland University (NAIA) as a middle infielder, where he earned the Ban Johnson League Hustle Award in 2011. With a proven track record of success both on the field and in player development, Coach Shelton brings unmatched passion and knowledge to every lesson.