Staff/Instructors

President/ Director of Leagues & Camps - Baseball

Mark is a former Major League left-handed Pitcher. Was both a starter and relief pitcher during career. Played professionally for 15 years. Pitched in the Major Leagues with the Anaheim Angels, Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, and Philadelphia Phillies. Played for the Yokahama Baystars in the Japanese Major Leagues in 2001. Played 4 seasons of Winter ball in Venezuela and Mexico. Retired in 2002. Drafted in the 4th round in 1987 draft. Played for Seminole Junior College in Oklahoma earning 1st Team All-American honors. Littleton native and Mullen H.S. graduate, 1987. Associate Scout for the Boston Red Sox. (Email Mark Holzemer)

V.P./ Director of Team & Group Lessons - Baseball

Clint is a former Major league Right handed pitcher. Ten years professional pitching experience. Acquired by the Seattle Mariners in the 3rd round of the 1985 draft. Made major league debut against the Texas Rangers and Nolan Ryan in 1989. Pitched on the Greek National Team in the 2004 Olympics. Denver native and Mullen H.S. graduate, 1985. Signed with the Colorado Rockies in 1993. Spent the last 11 years giving professional instruction. Associate Scout for the Boston Red Sox. (Email Clint Zavaras)

Director Of Team Sales

University of Northern Colorado, B.A. Business Administration and Marketing, 1978. Littleton H.S., 1973. Member of the 1974 UNC NCAA College World Series Team. Over 15 years of South Jeff-Co coaching experience. (Email Mike Coy)

Director Of Business Development - Baseball

Billy Played 4 years at the University of Texas at Arlington. Drafted in the 34th round by the New York Mets. Taken in the rule 5 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 1999. Sold to the Yakult Swallows of the Japanese Central league in 2003. Signed by the Washington Nationals for the 2005 season. 3 time minor league all-star with career .285 avg. and 94 home runs. Played 8 years professionally at 4 positions(1b,3b,lf,rf). A full time instructor at Slammers since 2005. Specializes in hitting, fielding and throwing at all levels and works with youth pitchers. Degree in kinesiology from the University of Texas at Arlington. Certified National Strength and Conditioning(NSCA)personal trainer. Currently enrolled in CU Denver's M.B.A. program. (Email Billy Martin)

Director of Team Sales

Played baseball for Palm Beach Junior College in Florida and was named All league and to the Junior College All Star team both Freshman and Sophomore years .Former Pitcher in the Milwaukee Brewers Organization. Aurora native and Overland H.S. School Graduate. Was part of the 1990 High School State Championship team and was selected to the Honorable Mention All American Team. Has been in the athletic sales industry for 12 years. Has worked for companies such as The Yard, Gart Sports, Athletes Connection and Riddell. (Email T.J. Schenbeck)

Insrtructor - Baseball

Professional Instructor since 1998. Four year starting pitcher at Division 1 UNC 1982-1986. Pitched professionally for the Kansas City Royals.  Green Mountain High School varsity pitching coach 2003 to 2006. Bear Creek High School varsity Pitching Coach, 2006 -current. Current Associate Scout for the Kansas City Royals. Has coached Slammers Junior Olympic team, Slammers Select Fall Travel Team,  Slammers State Tournament Connie Mack team. Current head coach of the Slammers Collegiate Team sunner team. Specializes in pitching and hitting instruction. Has worked with players from all ages and ability levels, from youth players up to professional players. Billy's clear, detailed, progressive, positive instruction style results in improved on field game performance, regardless of age or experience. Please see our testimonials  page to hear what other players and parents are saying about their experience in working with Billy Cassidy. (Email Billy Cassidy)

Professional Instructor, Special assignment crosschecker/ Boston Red Sox - Baseball

Professional instructor since 1992.Currently the special assignment crosschecker for the Boston Red Sox. Former Major League pitcher for the California Angels. Former Area Scout for the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres. Former Minor League Pitching Coach for the San Diego Padres.

Baseball & Softball - Baseball

Daven is a Colorado native, graduating from Cortez High School and earning his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Co. He played four years of varsity basketball and baseball at Mesa before signing a professional baseball contract in 1986 with the Houston Astros. Daven left Mesa State as the 2nd leading scorer in Mesa basketball history. Was a three-time all RMAC basketball player and a two-time all conference baseball player.

After a successful professional career with the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariner organizations, Daven co-founded The Yard Baseball and Softball academy in Denver with Mariner teammate, Clint Zavaras. What was started in a small strip center in SE Denver, eventually became a state of the art, 24,000 sf. Baseball specific training center and the model for the rest of the country. The business was eventually sold and Daven operated The Yard Southwest Baseball and Softball academy.

Daven was an assistant coach at Metro State College of Denver.  Before accepting the Metro position, he was the head coach of Front Range Christian High School for 6 years.  He is an associate scout for the Colorado Rockies. He coaches the Colorado Rockies Fall Scout team and is actively involved in placing Colorado players in colleges across the country. Because of his daughter, Daven also finds time to coach one of the most successful fastpitch organizations in the state, the Colorado Stampede. 

Since 1993, Daven has given over 17,000 private baseball and softball lessons, conducted over 40 camps and 150 clinics across the country. With the success of the Scout Team, The Yard has seen over 300 players go on to play college baseball and numerous players sign professional contracts.

Daven resides in Lakewood with his wife Tawna and daughter, Megan, who attends Columbine H.S.

“I have been so fortunate over the years to have built strong relationships with some great families over the years. The Yard has been a huge part of my life and I'm proud of what has been accomplished. To see a young player develop his or her skills is priceless. The smile on their face makes everything worth it. The business has taken several unexpected turns over the years, but the one thing that stays constant is the kids. They always are eager to learn and get better at their sport. I feel so lucky to be doing something that I love and look forward to many years of watching players realize their dreams and playing a small role in their success.”

Daven Bond - 303-669-4807,  tyyardball@aol.com

Baseball - Baseball

 Brian is a former Major League pitcher with the Milwaukee Brewers. He also pitched in the Japanese Major League World Series for the Seibu Lions in 1997!  Brian played professionally for 15 years, including one minor league season with the Birmingham Barons and “Michael Jordan”. Brian was a six time all-star and voted Minor League Player of the year for the New York Mets in 1985.  Brian's career was injury plagued as he went under the knife 5 times on his elbow and 4 times for his shoulder. He was the true ironman that would not give up on his dream to become a Major League Pitcher.

 A Colorado native, Brian graduated from Overland high school in 1983. He was drafted in the 10^th round by the New York Mets in 1984 while attending Trinidad State JC.  Brian has been a professional pitching, hitting, and conditioning coach for over twenty years! Brian is also the current pitching coach for Rock Canyon high school and an assistant coach with the Slammers summer and fall programs

 Brian likes to Golf, Hike, and Travel in his spare time. His next goal in life is to qualify and compete in the “Ironman Triathlon”.  Brian resides in Castle Rock with his wife Carol and daughter Bailee. Brian's son Bryce is the Starting right tackle for the CU Buffs.

Team Sales - Baseball

Derek was born in raised in Lakewood Colorado.Derek graduated from Bear Creek High School in 2003 were he was a three time all conference selection in baseball. Derek continued to play baseball at Lamar Community College for two years were he was an all region selection as a pitcher his sophomore year. After Lamar Derek continued to play baseball at Metro State College and was a all conference selection his senior year as a pitcher. Derek graduated from Metro State in 2008 with a degree in Sports Industry and Operations and a minor in marketing.

General Manager/ Baseball Instructor - Baseball

Originally from Montrose Colorado, moved to Denver to play Baseball at Metropolitian State College of Denver on a full ride scholarship as a catcher. Was a four year starter for metro as an outfielder. Finished up his career with many accolades such as 3-time all-conference outfielder, 2-time all-region outfielder, and a member of the 2008 Division 2 Rawlings All-American team. Jake lead the nation in RBIs his senior year with 89. Finished his carrer with an overall BA. of .373 drove in 207 RBIs and hit 30 homeruns. Graduated from Metro with a major in Sports Industry Operations and a minor in management. (Email Jake Palmer)

Infielding/Hitting - Baseball

Currently Minor League Hitting Coach in Colorado Rockies organization. The former infielder signed as an undrafted free agent after his senior year at Cal Poly Pomona and went on to play 10 seasons professionally with the Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies. Reaching the Major Leagues for parts of 2 seasons with the Houston Astros. Has been giving professional instruction for the past 15 years. Dave is currently in season with the Tulsa Drillers (Rockies AA affiliate) but will be available for hitting lessons and weekly infielding clinics in the Fall of 2010. (Email Dave Hajek)

Hitting & Catching Instructor - Baseball

• Colorado Rockies bullpen catcher
• Member of the first Rockies June draft in 1992
• Played in the Rockies minor league system for nine seasons
• Played four games for the Rockies in 1998
• Played college baseball at Virginia Commonwealth University
• 7 years experience as a youth baseball instructor specializing in hitting and catching

Slammer Select Coach - Baseball

Jim Attended Grand Canyon University winning a NAIA Chapionship in 1986. Signed free agent contract with the Philadelphia Philles in 1987. Played professionally from 1987-1993. Currently owns his own business which allows him the opportunity to coach in the Slammers Fall and Summer Leagues.

1983- Graduated from Boulder City High School (outside of Las Vegas), 1982 state champions.
1984-1986- Attended Grand Canyon University on full ride baseball scholarship. 1986 NAIA national champions.  Signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
 
1987- Played in the Northwest League (Bend Phillies) primarily as first baseman.
1988- Signed by Joe Maddon of the California Angels and was assigned to California League, and finished the season with the Quad City Angels.
 
1989- Played the entire season with the Quad Cities Angels primarily as the third baseman. Best year professionally and led the team in RBI's, hits, and average.
Played Winter Ball in Obregon, Mexico primarily as a first baseman.
1990- Started the year with the Midland Angels (AA) and spent the last half of the season with the Palm Springs Angels.  Between AA and A ball hit over .300 and over 80 RBI's.
 
1991- Opted to go overseas and play in Major League Taiwan. Led the league in RBI's, hits, and third in average(.305). 
 
1992- Second year in Taiwan, two time All-star and opted to come back to United States.
 
1993- declined triple A contracts with Angels, Brewers, and A's and opted to play in Mexico for Villahermoso.
 
1994-1995- Assistant coach for Reno Knights American Legion team.  Hitting and infield instructor.
 
1996 to present- taught mainly hitting lessons to mainly high school players but also have helped current professional players in the lower minors.
(Email Jim Aylward)

Pitching/Slap Hitting - Softball

Highly qualified pitching instruction focused on mechanics, placement, and movement. Six years as a pitching coach and an additional five years of coaching experience. Coaches beginning through advanced level athletes on both the physical and mental aspects of being a competitive pitcher. Coaching Experience: 1999-2000-Assistant Coach, Golden Girls Softball 2001-2003-Head Coach including Golden Girls Softball, Alameda High School JV, 2004-2008-Colorado Legacy, Sweet Cleats, Colorado Redwings 2006-2009-Ft. Lupton High School Head Coach 2006-2009. Playing Experience: 1996-2002-Competitive softball pitcher and 1st baseman (“B”-Gold) 1999-Golden High School Varsity 2002-Adams State College Pitcher 2004 Metro State Softball, 13th in Nationals for Club Softball in Annapolis, MD (Email Kelly Jones-Wagy)

PITCHING - Softball

SARAH ADAMS PAC 10 PITCHER, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY NATIONALLY COMPETITIVE SOFTBALL COACH, 6 YRS ELITE PITCHING INSTRUCTOR, 8 YRS PITCH WITH POWER, SPIN, & CONTROL! LEARN ADVANCED PITCHING MECHANICS - MAXIMIZE SPEED, ACCURACY, & SPIN - PRACTICE EXPLOSIVE TECHNIQUES - DEVELOP PITCH COMMAND - CHALLENGE YOURSELF Get great instruction, quality repetitions, & drills for technique & skill development! Improve leg drive, resistance, & arm speed. Learn pitch strategy and establish a competitive & confident mental game needed on & off the field. SARAH ADAMS 303.506.6840 Sarahgamers@yahoo.com 1878 Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood (Email Sarah Adams)

Hitting and Catching - Baseball

Baseball - Baseball

Shane Fugita is a Colorado native and played baseball for the Colorado University Club Baseball team. He has his undergraduate degree and MBA, and is the President and CEO of the National Adult Baseball Association.  Shane coached youth baseball in South Jefferson County and Highlands Ranch for 16 years, and was coach for the Dakota Ridge High School 8th grade feeder program for two years.  Shane helped form and is President of the Dakota Ridge Baseball Association, and formed and coordinates the 8th grade feeder baseball program for Dakota Ridge High School.  Shane currently helps coach for the Dakota Ridge High School baseball program. (Email Shane Fugita)

Slammer Select Coach - Baseball

Valerio is a Colorado native who graduated from Bear Creek High School in 1985. He has coached youth baseball in south Jefferson County for 10 years, the past seven at the 0 League level. He also coached the Dakota Ridge feeder team the past two summers and is a junior varsity assistant for the Eagles. Valerio also helped form the Dakota Ridge Baseball Association. (Email Gerry Valerio)

Baseball - Baseball

John Quarton attended Metro State University from 1981-82 and then The University of Northern Colorado from 1983-85 where he played middle infield. He then went on to coach at Mullen High School from 1988-1998 and was Head coach from 1995-1998. He was the Head coach at Heritage High School 2002 to 2005. He has four final four appearances in the Colorado State 5A Baseball Championships. He coached in the state 5A championship in 2004. He currently coaches the Slammers Grey Connie Mack summer team as well as coaches the Slammers Fall Advanced teams.

Baseball - Baseball

(Email John Moser)

Catching and Hitting - Baseball

Originated from Parker, Colordao and went to Chaparral High School. Recieved a full ride scholoraship as a catcher to Metro State College of Denver from 04-08. Was a 2-time All American selection in 07 and 08. Currently holds the record for career stolen bases and single season record for Doubles and Runs scored. Played for the Evansville Otters out of the Frontier League in 09. For the past 2 years worked for Marc Johnsons Triple Crown Sports Center giving Hitting and Catching instruction. Coached at Eaglecrest High School in 09.

Pitching - Baseball

Baseball - Baseball

(Email Robert McCoy)

Softball - Softball

Katie is in her fourth season as a private instructor specializing in individual hitting, slapping, catching and fielding as well as team and group instruction.  Katie also works with college bound athletes in the recruiting process to maximize exposure and utilize online recruiting tools and skills videos.  Bender also has experience teaching coaching clinics and offers private coaching instruction as well.  She uses current techniques, unique drills and effective language to elicit quick and positive results from girls of all ages and skill levels.

Bender played collegiate ball at the University of Tampa, where she closed out her career as the season leader in home runs, doubles, RBIs, hits and total bases.  She also posted a .504 career slugging percentage during her playing career with the Spartans.  Bender earned all-Sunshine State Conference honors during her time at Tampa, and she was president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  

Bender, a native of Kansas City, Mo., graduated from the University of Tampa in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in sociology.  Most recently, Bender graduated with her Masters of Social Work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City where she was also the Graduate Assistant for their Division 1 softball team.  Bender's experience and education lend her to be one of the top instructors in the area teaching both physical and mental aspects of the game.