Private and Group Training
Training and Skill Instruction
All American Group Training is led by All American Baseball instructors and offers one-hour, small-group training sessions. These workouts focus on positional demands and game-speed reps in a structured, coach-led environment. Players are intentionally grouped to challenge one another while still receiving detailed instruction and feedback. Open to all athletes regardless of team or program, these sessions create a high-energy, high-standards setting that accelerates development through competition, collaboration, and consistency.
Groups are organized into position-specific, age-appropriate training sessions, with divisions for 7U–13U and 14U–17U athletes to ensure proper instruction and competitive balance.
- Pitching Groups
- Catchers
- Corner Infielder Groups
- Middle Infielder Groups
- Outfield Groups
- Speed and Strength Groups
Private Lessons
All American Baseball offers private, 30-minute lessons for players of all ages who are serious about improving their game through individualized instruction. These one-on-one sessions are led by professional instructors and focus on refining specific skills that require detailed attention—making shorter, focused sessions more effective than extended time blocks for this type of work. Training may include hitting, fielding, pitching, or catching, with each lesson tailored to the athlete’s current ability, physical readiness, and long-term development plan. Private lessons are open to all players, regardless of team, organization, or level of play—including those not currently participating in travel baseball.
WHY TRAIN WITH
ALL AMERICAN
WHY OUR LENS IS DIFFERENT
- Our leadership includes successful college baseball coaches bringing more than 20 years of REAL BASEBALL EXPERIENCE in coaching, scouting, and player development.
- We are also parents of athletes, and understand both the industry and the emotional side of parenting—development timelines, pressure, communication and expectations.
- That perspective shapes how we train, communicate, and guide athletes toward realistic, long-term success.
- Our goal is simple: put players in the right environments, at the right time, to work intentionally toward their goals.
UNDERSTANDING FOCUS AND FATIGUE
Private instruction is most effective when it is focused, intentional, and tailored to a specific skill or adjustment that requires individual attention. Shorter sessions often allow athletes to stay engaged and absorb instruction without mental or physical overload.
Extended training time can be highly productive when the environment supports it—such as small-group, high-intensity sessions where athletes are rotating, competing, and pushing each other in game-like scenarios.
Fatigue impacts mechanics, attention, and learning, which is why quality, structure, and purpose matter more than simply the length of a session.
Our approach balances individual instruction with competitive group training to maximize learning, reinforce proper movement patterns, and build muscle memory in realistic game settings.
NOT BABYSITTING, NOT BOOT CAMP
We respect your investment and care deeply about your child’s experience. Training should be intentional, engaging, and designed to drive real development—not just fill a slot on a schedule.
Our coaches prepare in advance, taking the time to understand each athlete’s goals and tailor instruction to support their individual growth.
We believe meaningful progress comes from quality instruction and thoughtful structure, not from repeating the same drill for extended periods.
Athlete health and confidence matter. We challenge players appropriately while avoiding burnout and unnecessary risk.
A CONNECTED NETWORK OF RESOURCES
We believe development shouldn’t be limited by a single facility or zip code.
All American Baseball operates across multiple locations throughout Pittsburgh, Western New York, and Eastern Ohio, creating a connected regional network of coaches, facilities, and opportunities.
This access allows athletes to benefit from stronger training environments, higher levels of competition, and shared resources supported by continued investment in equipment, technology, and education.
Members can train at any All American Baseball location, access shared benefits, and experience a level of consistency and opportunity rarely found within a single, isolated program.
Our network exists to expand options, elevate development, and enhance the overall athlete experience.
LIFELONG LESSONS THROUGH BASEBALL
The idea that parents who invest in baseball are “crazy dads who think their kid is going pro” completely misses the point. Families invest in tutors, music lessons, dance, and other activities to support growth, discipline, and confidence—not because they expect a financial return. Youth sports deserve to be viewed through the same lens. The memories made and lessons learned are priceless.
Extra training isn’t about scholarships or professional outcomes. It’s about developing:
Discipline and work ethic
Confidence through earned progress
The ability to learn, adjust, and improve
Positive habits that keep kids active and engaged
Baseball is the vehicle. The lessons last far beyond the game.
BUILT ON BASEBALL EXPERIENCE. RESULTS-FOCUSED
Experience matters. Development should be led by coaches with a proven track record—not unfounded opinions or personal agendas.
Successful training comes from people who have coached, evaluated, and developed players beyond the youth level.
Baseball is our profession, not a side project. We understand the game, the pathways, and what actually helps athletes progress.
- National relationships and trusted resources support our work, providing perspective and opportunities that go beyond the local level.
IRON SHARPENS IRON
Research in motor learning and youth athlete development consistently shows that athletes improve fastest when training environments promote frequent movement, focused attention, and game-relevant decision making. Small, position-specific group training creates these conditions by keeping athletes active and engaged, rather than waiting in long lines or taking extended breaks.
When groups are intentionally sized and structured:
Athletes stay moving, which improves learning and retention
Repetitions occur at realistic speeds and intensities
Players receive immediate feedback and can self-correct
Natural competition increases focus and effort
This approach mirrors how skills are actually used in games. The result is better transfer from practice to competition, improved confidence, and more durable development over time.
CLEAR DIRECTION WITH PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE
Parents and athletes are often overwhelmed by mixed messages and conflicting advice.
At All American Baseball, our coaches operate within a shared development framework, creating consistency across instructors, teams, and locations.
Clear communication helps families understand priorities, timelines, and realistic next steps—so decisions are informed, not reactive.
That consistency builds trust, allowing athletes to develop with confidence and families to feel supported throughout the process.
Our commitment is to clarity, integrity, and long-term development—not short-term wins.
meet your
instructors
Coach Spano
Charlie Spano brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching and scouting experience, with a proven track record of player development and a respected national network within college baseball. His leadership helps set the standard for instruction, accountability, and long-term player advancement across the All American Baseball program.
Charlie is passionate about teaching the game and helping young players develop proper fundamentals while building strong foundations that prepare athletes for continued success. His impact has been recognized at the national level, including being named NCAA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association, along with four trips to the NCAA Division II College World Series.
Highly respected by college coaches at every level and professional scouts alike, Charlie is known for his accurate player evaluations and strong reputation for development. His approach continues to shape a development model focused on preparation, growth, and sustained success.
Coach Garbee
Tyler Garbee joins the Steelheads as a Pitching Coach, bringing a competitive, detail-oriented, and development-driven approach to pitching instruction and player mentorship.
A Pittsburgh native, Garbee began his college career at the University of Pittsburgh before transferring to Mercyhurst University, where he helped lead the Lakers to back-to-back NCAA Regional Championships and College World Series appearances in 2018 and 2019.
Garbee was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 19th round of the 2019 MLB Draft and spent more than four seasons in the organization, gaining valuable insight into professional player development. Following his playing career, he trained and worked as a pitching instructor at PVS (Performance Velocity Systems) in Pittsburgh and currently serves as an assistant coach for the General McLane softball program.
Coach Light
John Light brings more than 30 years of coaching experience across the high school, American Legion, and NCAA Division II levels to the All American Steelheads program. A highly respected coach throughout Pennsylvania, John has built a career centered on fundamentals, discipline, and long-term player development.
A Pennsylvania American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, John compiled more than 700 career wins and helped over 30 players advance to college baseball opportunities. His experience across multiple levels of the game gives him a strong understanding of what young athletes need to progress and succeed.
John joins the Steelheads as a 13U coach for the 2026 season, bringing decades of knowledge, leadership, and a steady coaching presence to one of the most important developmental stages in youth baseball.
Coach Susnik
John Susnik is entering his second season with the Steelheads, leading the 15U and 8U teams while serving as a skill instructor. A four-year starter at Mercyhurst University with 100+ career starts, he earned PSAC West First Team All-Conference honors in 2024. With a background in Early Education, Susnik brings strong teaching instincts and player development focus to every level of the program.
Coach Kolash
Rich Kolash returns to the Steelheads with five years of experience in the organization, known for building competitive, hard-working teams. A longtime high school football and baseball coach, he also founded the Steelheads’ annual Make-A-Wish Game, emphasizing leadership, teamwork, and playing for something bigger than the scoreboard.
Coach Shepard
Matt Shepard returns to the Steelheads to lead the 10U division and serve as a skill instructor. A former scholarship athlete at Mercyhurst University, he appeared in 30+ games as both a pitcher and position player. Now part of the Girard High School coaching staff, Shepard brings strong development experience and high-level playing credentials to the next generation of Steelheads.
Coach DiBeradin
Landon DiBeradin is an All American Baseball alum from Norwin High School outside of Pittsburgh. He attended Mercyhurst University on scholarship as a catcher, appearing in 80 games and making 70 starts over four years, including 46 starts at the Division I level.
Landon has spent several years as a skills instructor at the All American Baseball facility in Trafford, PA, and is now a member of the coaching staff at Mercyhurst University. Known for his elite defensive skills behind the plate, he will be a tremendous asset to the catchers in our organization.
Coach Iacobucci
Rick Iacobucci brings more than 20 years of coaching experience across both the collegiate and high school levels to the All American Steelheads program. His background spans six different programs at the high school and college levels, including six years as an assistant coach at Mercyhurst University and seven years as head coach at Gannon University.
Most recently, Rick serves as the varsity head coach at McDowell High School, giving him a well-rounded perspective on player development at every stage of the game.
Throughout his career, Rick has worked with players at all levels, helping them build strong foundational skills and prepare for the next step in their baseball journey. His experience, consistency, and steady leadership make him a valuable part of the Steelheads coaching staff and a strong mentor for 13U athletes as they continue their development.
Coach Mattson
Erie Steelheads, 9U Coach
Coach Knapp
Erie Steelheads, 16U Coach
Coach Besco
Erie Steelheads, 17U Coach
Coach TayloR
Erie Steelheads, 14U Coach