19th EBCA Convention 2024

Chicago Cubs

Jerry Weinstein is a renowned figure in the world of baseball, celebrated for his extensive coaching career spanning over five decades. Born with an innate passion for the sport, Weinstein's journey began in his hometown of New York City. He attended Long Island University, where he played college baseball and laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished coaching career.

Weinstein's coaching prowess became evident early on, leading him to various coaching positions across different levels of the sport. Notably, he served as the head coach for Sacramento City College, where he achieved remarkable success and earned multiple Coach of the Year honors.

His expertise extends beyond college baseball. Weinstein has also made significant contributions to USA Baseball, guiding national teams to victory in international competitions. His dedication and strategic acumen have earned him widespread respect within the baseball community.

Beyond coaching, Weinstein is a revered educator and mentor. He is known for his innovative approaches to player development and his commitment to nurturing young talent. Weinstein's coaching philosophy emphasizes not only skill development but also character building, instilling in his players a deep respect for the game and a strong work ethic.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Weinstein is an accomplished speaker and clinician. He regularly shares his wealth of knowledge and experience at coaching seminars and clinics worldwide.

Currently, Jerry Weinstein continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport as the Field Coordinator and Catching Coach for the Colorado Rockies. His insights and contributions have helped shape the next generation of baseball players and coaches.

On October 8th 2024, Jerry Weinstein announced he's joining the Chicago Cubs. in an yet unspecified position.

Kansas City Royals

Darin Everson is a respected figure in the baseball community, known for his expertise as a hitting coach and player development specialist. Everson's journey in baseball began as a player, showcasing his skills at James Madison University where he was a standout athlete. After college, he transitioned into coaching, driven by his passion for the game and a desire to mentor young talent.

Everson's coaching career has been marked by notable achievements. He has held coaching positions at various levels within the Minor League Baseball system, honing his craft and earning a reputation for his innovative approach to hitting instruction. His dedication to player development and his ability to connect with athletes have been instrumental in the success of the teams he's worked with.

Currently, Darin Everson serves as the Hitting Coach for the New York Mets' AA team, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. In this role, he plays a pivotal role in helping aspiring players refine their hitting techniques and reach their full potential. Everson's coaching philosophy emphasizes not only the physical aspects of hitting but also the mental and strategic elements that contribute to success on the field.

Beyond his coaching responsibilities, Everson is actively involved in player development programs, clinics, and coaching seminars, where he shares his knowledge and insights with aspiring coaches and players alike. He is committed to advancing the game of baseball by nurturing talent and fostering a deep appreciation for the sport.

Darin Everson's impact extends beyond the field. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to all who aspire to succeed in baseball. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from Darin Everson at the EBCA Convention 2024, where he will share valuable insights into hitting mechanics, player development, and the intricacies of the game.

Head Coach University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

John Vodenlich is the head baseball coach at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he has built one of the most successful Division III programs in the nation. Since taking over in 2004, Vodenlich has led the Warhawks to two NCAA Division III national championships, in 2005 and 2014, as well as 14 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) championships and 15 NCAA Tournament appearances. Under his guidance, the Warhawks have posted eleven 35-plus win seasons, becoming a national powerhouse.

A former All-American player at UW-Whitewater, Vodenlich’s deep connection to the program has been central to its success. During his tenure, the Warhawks have produced numerous All-Americans, WIAC Players of the Year, and professional players, including two Major League Baseball draftees. Vodenlich himself has earned multiple WIAC Coach of the Year and NCAA Regional Coach of the Year awards, reflecting his excellence in leadership and development of talent both on and off the field.

Beyond UW-Whitewater, Vodenlich is an influential figure in the international baseball community. He serves on the Board of Directors for ISG Baseball, an organization dedicated to promoting the sport globally. Through ISG Baseball, Vodenlich has spoken at coaching clinics throughout Europe, sharing his expertise with coaches across the world. He was also a featured speaker at the European Baseball Coaches Association (EBCA) Convention, further establishing his reputation as a thought leader in the sport.

In recognition of his remarkable coaching career, Vodenlich was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Hall of Fame in 2024. His leadership has not only cemented UW-Whitewater’s place in collegiate baseball but also extended his influence across the international baseball landscape.

Toronto Blue Jays

Petr Stribrcky, originally from the Czech Republic, is a seasoned baseball coach with six years of experience in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Currently, he serves as a Position Coach for the Dunedin Blue Jays (Single-A), where he continues to develop top-tier talent. Before his current role, Stribrcky spent three years as a Hitting Coach in the Dominican Summer League, helping the team achieve a league-best 38-19 record in 2021.

Prior to joining the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018, Stribrcky held various coaching roles across Europe, contributing to the development of baseball at the international level. He holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Education, with a specialized thesis on Speed Development in Baseball. Stribrcky’s expertise in player development, hitting strategies, and athletic performance makes him a valuable asset to the Blue Jays organization.

ABCA Hall of Fame ISG Baseball

Tom O'Connell, the first high school coach to serve as President of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), recently retired after an illustrious 51-year career in baseball coaching. From 1969 to 2000, he led Pulaski High School in Milwaukee, where his teams achieved a record number of wins. Following his retirement from teaching, he spent 15 years at Catholic Central High School in Burlington, Wisconsin, where his teams won five state championships and reached the state quarterfinals for ten consecutive years. He later revitalized the baseball program at St. Francis High School.

O'Connell has been named National Coach of the Year three times and Midwest Coach of the Year four times. In 1995, he coached the USA Baseball North Team at the U.S. Olympic Festival, and he has been inducted into five Halls of Fame, including the ABCA Hall of Fame, where he was the 16th high school coach ever inducted.

A leader within the ABCA, O'Connell served as President in 2002 and now sits on its Board of Directors. He is also proud of his contributions to the ABCA Code of Ethics and his ongoing work in international baseball through ISG Baseball.

O'Connell has authored three books, including *Coaching Baseball: Techniques and Tactics*, and has been a frequent speaker at clinics across the U.S., Europe, and New Zealand. He has also scouted for several MLB teams and served as Lead Envoy Coach in Germany for Major League Baseball.

Beyond baseball, O'Connell has been actively involved with Milwaukee Irish Fest, where he has served on its Board of Directors. He and his wife Paula have three children and six grandchildren.

Hungarian University of Sport Science

Gabriella Sztojalovszky is an accomplished expert in sport science and inclusive sports coaching, with a strong focus on recreational activities for individuals with disabilities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Recreation and a Master’s degree in Recreation, both of which have shaped her dynamic career. Gabriella has worked with renowned institutions, including the Hungarian University of Sport Science, Athletics Ireland, and Paralympics Ireland in Dublin.

Her professional journey includes leadership roles such as serving on the MSB Athletics Committee and coordinating the Coaching Team at MSB Athletics Club in Ireland. Gabriella’s expertise has been further enhanced through participation in key study programs, including the Coaching Coaches Program with Athletics Ireland, and specialized initiatives focused on inclusive sports for children with autism spectrum disorder and para athletics coaching in Hungary.

In her academic and research roles, Gabriella teaches high-performance athletics coaching, inclusive sports coaching, and recreation for individuals with disabilities. Her current research explores the quality of life of people with disabilities in different European regions, comparing these based on settlement characteristics.

Gabriella Sztojalovszky remains dedicated to advancing the field of sport science, particularly through her work in inclusive coaching and her commitment to enhancing the accessibility of recreational sports for all.

Brian Covell currently resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as a family member affiliated with the U.S. Consulate in that municipality. From 2021 to 2023 he and his family lived in Cotonou, Benin, where he served as an assistant coach for that West African country’s inaugural Under-23 national team. Shortly after his family ended their stay in Cotonou, he wrote an article on building two-strike hitting skills for international players in “Inside Pitch,” the ABCA’s membership magazine. This experience will be the basis of the session he will lead at this year’s EBCA convention.

After playing college baseball at a junior college in Florida (what is now The College of Central Florida), and later at an NAIA program (at what is now Tennessee Wesleyan University), the Reverend Covell had coaching stints at two New England college programs: Colby College in Maine and Brandeis University, just outside Boston. He also taught and coached baseball, basketball and American football at Waterville, Maine, Junior and Senior High Schools, Cardigan Mountain School in New Hampshire, and Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts. He has on an intermittent basis coached baseball at summer camps and clinics across the Northeast over the past forty years. He retired from full-time service in parish-based ministry in June, 2014.