Instructors

Coach Rick is the founder of Hard 90 Baseball Academy. Rick`s passion to "teach the game" has provided players of all skill levels the opportunity to learn the game and become successful. A former 16th round draft pick by the California Angels in 1981, Rick understands the importance of building a program that provides top level baseball instruction to kids of all ages. With the goal of preparing players for high school, college and possibly a career in the professional ranks, Rick encourages players daily to do their best. Rick played at Santa Clara University where he attained M.V.P. honors. He is also a Hall of Fame member in both baseball and football at Mills High School in Millbrae. He`s available at Arena Softball for lessons in all areas of baseball (916) 622-7154. Email: hard90baseball@gmail.com

Mikela Olsen

Coach Mikela was drafted in 2003 by the Florida Marlins as an outfielder/first baseman. He is a switch hitter who  played five years professionally, including winning a championship with the San Diego Surf Dawgs of the Golden Baseball League during its inaugural season and most recently starting for the Bradenton Juice of the South Coast League (2007). He played college ball at Sacramento State where he was the M.V.P. in 2003. He is still the only player to hit .400 in the school`s Division 1 history. He instructs private hitting lessons on a regular basis at Arena Softball in Roseville (559-760-0933). He not only emphasizes the development of a mechanically strong baseball player but a mentally strong baseball player as well. Email: kelaolsen@yahoo.com

Dave Rodriguez

Coach Dave played his college baseball locally at Yuba Community College in 1986-`87 then transfered to Cal-State Chico and Chapman University in `88-`89. With Yuba Community College he helped the 49ers get to the regional play-offs in 1986 and also won the 49er baseball "Dave Drew Hustle Award" that same year. In his following season Coach Dave was selected to the Golden Valley Conference All-Star Game and was also selected as an All-Conference shortstop in the Golden Valley Conference in 1987. As a coach Dave brings a great amount of experience and knowledge. He began coaching at Yuba City High School in 1989 as a Varstiy assistant and Junior varsity head coach. From 2001-`04 he was the Marysville High School head coach where he won a Golden Empire League championship in 2004 and was the league`s coach of the year. Currently Dave is the Head Coach of the freshman baseball program at Yuba City High School and is also the Game Day Operations Manager of the Yuba Sutter Gold Sox Collegiate Summer Baseball Team. Email:d.rodriguez4@comcast.net

Bret Hemphill

Coach Bret played collegiately for the Cal-St. Fullerton Titans where he participated in the Div. 1 College World Series twice in 1992 and `94 taking 2nd and 3rd in the nation. Following his college career he was drafted in the 14th round by the Anaheim Angels in 1994 as a switch hitting catcher. While with the Angels he won two minor league championships one in the Northwest League in 1994 and another in the Cal League in 1996. Following that he made the 40-man Major League roster for three consecutive years where he was a Double-A all-star and ultimately made the Major Leagues for the Angels in 1999. Coach Bret`s success as a baseball player is a direct reflection upon his style as a coach. He is also currently the hitting and catching instructor with defending state champions, Sierra College. Email: hemps@surewest.net