By ed@heyfairfield on January 27, 2010
On Saturday, January 23rd, The Clubhouse celebrated it’s Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony and ceremonial first pitch by First Selectman Kenneth Flatto.
The Clubhouse has enlisted a full team of nationally recognized instructors and advisors who offer a wealth of experience to players and coaches. Participants can select from a menu of training options and clinics appropriate for different playing levels. During the grand opening, the public was invited to tour the 11,000 square foot facility, including its locker room, viewing and waiting areas, batting cages, and all purpose instructional area.
Head instructors include MLB veterans Mike Porzio, a 15 year professional, including three seasons pitching for the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox; and Willie Upshaw, former player with the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians, who had a 17-year professional coaching career and was a three-time MLB hitting coach. Rounding out the roster of lead instructors are former Minnesota Twins catcher and current scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Matt Merullo; and, Angel Echevarria, former outfielder/pinch hitter with the Milwaukee Brewers. In addition, Amber Radomski, head softball coach at Manhattanville College and a former professional player will be the head softball instructor.
The Clubhouse features a professional playing surface of synthetic grass by ArtificialTurfSupply.com with full length batting tunnels for live hitting, and the same state-of-the-art motion analysis system used by Major League Baseball. In addition to coaching instruction, the Clubhouse provides expertise in strength, conditioning and sport’s medicine, as well as clinics on college placement.
Clubhouse attendees
The Clubhouse is located at 2215 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield.