About - Gaetti Sports

About us

WORLD CLASS ASPIRATIONS

At Gaetti Sports Academy, every athlete is nurtured and empowered to reach their full potential. Led by former MLB players and dedicated coaches, we offer a welcoming environment where athletes can learn from the best while having fun. Along with evolving skills that translate directly to in game performance, we also aim to develop well-rounded individuals who embody the values of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship. With state-of-the-art facilities and personalized coaching, we provide the tools and guidance necessary for players to thrive on and off the field.

We understand the dream of seeing your child excel! Whether your child aspires to reach the big leagues or seeks to enhance their skills and confidence, Gaetti Sports Academy is where those dreams can manifest. Join us on this exciting journey and watch your child’s love for the game grow as they become the best player they can be.

MLB COACHES

Gary Gaetti

Gary Gaetti, a standout MLB player from Centralia, Illinois, has won four Gold Glove Awards, an ALCS MVP, a Silver Slugger Award, and two All-Star appearances. He played third base from 1980 to 2000, winning a World Series with the Minnesota Twins in 1987. After retiring, Gaetti transitioned to coaching, helping the Houston Astros win an NLCS championship in 2005 and managing the Sugar Land Skeeters from 2012 to 2017.

Dwight Bernard

Dwight Bernard, born in Mount Vernon, Illinois, had a notable MLB career as a pitcher from 1978 to 1982, notably with the Milwaukee Brewers. Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching, serving with minor league teams affiliated with the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants.

Bryan Eversgerd

Bryan Eversgerd, a former MLB player and current Cardinals bullpen coach, hails from Carlyle, Illinois. He played college baseball at Kaskaskia College, later inducted into its hall of fame. Eversgerd pitched for the Cardinals, Expos, and Rangers in the majors. He transitioned to coaching, notably serving as pitching coach for the Cardinals' Minor League Team in Memphis before joining the big league staff.

Kirk Rueter

Kirk Rueter, a native of Centralia, Illinois, was a standout left-handed pitcher in MLB. He joined the San Francisco Giants from 1996 to 2005 and was a mainstay in the Giants' rotation for nine seasons, notably contributing to their 2002 World Series run with a stellar 14-8 record and a 3.43 ERA. By his retirement in 2006, Rueter held the record for the most wins by a left-handed pitcher in Giants history, with 105 of his 130 career victories coming in a Giants uniform.

ESTEEMED COACHES

Jack Harting

Jack Harting, a lifelong Centralia, Illinois resident, dedicated over 55 years to Harting Auto Supply. He's coached baseball and basketball for four decades, co-founding the Centralia Buds amateur baseball league in 1977. Harting, honored in both the Clinton County Baseball Hall of Fame and Mon-Clair Baseball League Hall of Fame, has coached many professional athletes.

Torey Crowell

Torey Crowell is a native of Centralia, Illinois attending and playing sports at Centralia High School.She was the JUCO Head Softball Coach at Kaskaskia College for 10 years where she did all of the recruiting, training and workouts for hitters and pitchers. Crowell has played many sports throughout her life, which includes over 25 years of softball.

Curt Jones

Curt Jones, hailing from Kinmundy, IL, excelled in baseball and basketball in high school before playing college baseball at Lincoln College and North Western Missouri State University. He spent two decades playing for Centralia Merchants and Centralia Budweiser. After 24 years of teaching at South Central High School, Jones retired but remains active as a coach.

Jim Boehne

Jim Boehne, a native of Hoffman, IL, honed his baseball skills at Carlyle High School, SWIC, and Louisiana Tech. His coaching career includes stints as pitching coach at Louisiana Tech, hitting coach at the University of New Orleans, and a remarkable 19-year tenure as head coach at McKendree University.

Shane Witzel

Shane, hailing from Woodlawn, Illinois, made his mark in baseball playing for Woodlawn High School, Murray State University alongside Kirk Rueter, and in the Cincinnati Reds Minor League System. He now gives back to his community by coaching at Woodlawn High School.

Train with MLB legends at Gaetti Academy! Passionate coaches, personalized training, & winning culture. Elevate your game for any sport, build skills & confidence. Join us & become a champion!

CHOOSE YOUR PATH

CAMPS &

CLINICS

HITTRAX

ANALYTICS

FACILITY

RENTALS

MULTI-SPORT

CONDITIONING