At In The Zone Baseball Club, we are committed to developing a staff of Instructors and Coaches with a diverse range of experience in both baseball and softball. We are sensitive to the age and skill level of all participants, and by having a range of Instructors that specialize in areas of the game, as well as an ability to teach at a level that is understood and productive for the student of the game. We understand that although basic fundamentals in the game should be consistent across most levels, there are many ways to teach based on the students existing skill set and history. We do not "clone" players into "only one way". We fine tune and adapt instead of recreate whenever possible.
Ron Westmoreland (Click to Email)
Club President & Director
Following through with a concept he devised many years earlier, Ron opened In the Zone in September 2009. Ron pitched collegiately at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. Upon the conclusion of his college playing days he began a coaching career, serving in such capacities as the Head JV Coach at Eckerd, Assistant Coach at Tiverton High School and Portsmouth High School, and, in 2002, managed the Portsmouth Little League 12-Year Old All Stars to the championship game of the Little League Eastern Regional, one game away from the Little League World Series. In 2007, while an Assistant Coach at Portsmouth High School, he was selected as the National High School Baseball Coaches Association's District I Assistant Coach of the Year. In 2011, he returned to Portsmouth High School as the Head Varsity Baseball Coach. He is also an Owner/Treasurer of the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. By establishing In the Zone, Ron hopes to share his experience, expertise, and love of baseball with players and families in order to assist in the players' growth and development.
Dave Ulmschneider (Click to Email)
Select Team Director
12u Thunder Baseball Head Coach
As the Select Team Director at In the Zone, Dave is responsible for all aspects of the ITZ Thunder Select Baseball Program and the ITZ Lightning Select Softball Program. He is the former Head Baseball Coach at Portsmouth High School from 2000-2008 where his teams posted an overall record of 147-56, made three appearances in the State Championship Series at McCoy Stadium (2005, 2006, 2007), and won a RI State Championship in 2006. His 2007 team was nationally ranked as high as #40 in Baseball America. That same year, Dave was honored by the American Baseball Coaches Association as its Division III High School Baseball Coach of the Year for Region I. Prior to his tenure at Portsmouth, Dave was an Assistant Coach at Tiverton High School from 1993-1999, serving under Carl Reid. Additionally, he served as President of the Rhode Island Baseball Coaches Association from 2006-2008. He "retired" from the high school ranks after the 2008 season, but continues to serve as the GM of the Newport County American Legion Baseball Program, which includes two Jr. teams and a Sr. team. In 2010, he was awarded the Mark Hutchins Award for his embodiment of what American Legion Baseball represents. Currently, four of his former players are playing professionally: Ryan Westmoreland (Boston Red Sox 2008 Draft Pick), Zach Kapstein (Boston Red Sox 2009 Draft Pick), John Pedrotty (Arizona Diamondbacks 2011 Draft Pick), and Tim Flight (New York Yankees 2012 Draft Pick).
Mike Kearns (Click to Email)
Team/League Uniforms & Equipment
Mike brings many years of experience in the game, a network of schools and organizations and several years experience in the equipment, uniform & apprel business to In the Zone. Formerly of his own business Hooked On Sports, Mikes knowledge of the uniform and equipment business, his attention to detail and customer service along with the network of suppliers, screeners and embroidery shops is a great compliment to In The Zones Pro Shop and Travel teams, as well as an ability to supply local schools and organizations with a wide range of goods, all competitively priced. Mike is also active in the daily operations of the Club.
Danny Dugan
Front Desk
Danny "The GM" Dugan carries a diverse range of responsibilities at the Club. Currently a student studying Sports Management, his employ at In The Zone is a perfect hands on experience to help in learn the different components of the business. Whether he is working the desk, working on physically improving the training environment or occasionally jumping in to work lessons and camps, the former Portsmouth High School athlete brings great personality to the Club and a great work ethic and conscientious approach to the customers needs.
Craig Albernaz
Catching & Hitting Instructor
Alby was a 4-year Varsity starter behind the plate at Somerset (MA) High School. During his time at Somerset, he was twice named to the All-Eastern Athletic Conference Team. He moved on to Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL where he was a 3-year starter and was named to the All-Star Team of the Valley Summer League. After a standout collegiate career, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays. He continues to pursue his dream of reaching the Majors, having played with the Class A Columbus Catfish in the South Atlantic League, the Class AA Montgomery Biscuits of the Southern League, and the Class AAA Durham Bulls of the International League. He was a member of the league championship team while at Columbus, and was a member of a league and national championship team with Durham. Alby is considered one of the top defensive catchers in the Rays' organization and has been invited to Major League Spring Training with the Rays as a non-roster invitee for the last three spring trainings. Alby is available for catching and hitting lessons from October through early February.
Eric Alberto
Hitting & Outfield Instructor
Eric was born and raised in Fall River and still calls the city home. He starred at Durfee High School from 1990-1994, where he captained the Hilltoppers in his senior season. Upon graduation, he moved on to the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth where he was a 4-year starter for the Corsairs. He was honored as an All-New England selection in 1997 and 1998 and captained the Corsairs in his senior season at UMass-Dartmouth. He returned to UMass-Dartmouth as the Corsairs' Hitting Coach in 2008 and 2009. In 2012, Eric will lead the ITZ Thunder 13u team. He is an outstanding instructor and is available for hitting and/or outfield lessons.
Jordan Amorin
Hitting & Catching Instructor
 
David Awamleh

13u Thunder Baseball Head Coach
Dave has been a staple of the ITZ staff since its inception in 2010. Born and raised in Carmel & Pebble Beach, California, Dave attended Carmel High School where he played 4 years of Varsity Football, Baseball, and Golf. He helped his Baseball and Golf teams to win State Tittles. He excelled at Golf, and went on to play for the San Jose State and Stanford Universities' Golf Programs. Dave was an assistant coach for Humbolt State University Woman's Softball team for 1 season in 1992 under the famous Coach Cheek. He went on to be an assistant and bench coach for the Varsity Baseball team at Lincoln High School in San Francisco under his Brother on and off from 1993-2000, as well as summer league, pony league, and little basball in Northern and Souther California. In 2007 he moved to Newport RI, and then to New Bedford, MA in 2008 where he coached Pony League Baseball for 2 years winning the New Bedford City Championship. He also coached Little league baseball at the SEYAA of New Bedford for 2 years 2011-2012. Most recently, he was an assistant coach for the ITZ Thunder 14U, 15U, and 16U teams from 2010-2012 under head coaches Chuck Paiva and Matt McGuire. He is currently an Assistant Baseball Coach at Portsmouth High School. Dave married his wife Anna in 2008, and together we have 5 children, Tyler, Joey, Kolby, Dean, and Karyna.
Jeff Costa

16u Thunder Baseball Head Coach
Hitting & Infield Instructor

Jeff was a 4-year Varsity starter at Tolman High School in Pawtucket, RI. In his senior season, he helped lead the Tigers to the 2005 Rhode Island State Championship (defeating ITZ Thunder Director Dave Ulmschneider's Portsmouth High School team). Following his stellar high school career, he moved on to Rhode Island College where his 4-year career as an Anchorman was no less impressive. Over the course of his career, he appeared in games as a pitcher, second baseman, third baseman, and shortstop. He was the starting third baseman in both 2008 and 2009, bothseasons in which the Anchormen set all-time records for victories in a season. Currently, he ranks in the top 15 all-time in a number of categories at RIC, including runs (13th), at bats (10th), and assists (9th). Upon completing his eligibility, he immediately began coaching at his alma mater as an assistant to Head Coach Scott Virgulak. Now in his third season on staff, his responsibilities include handling the infielders and coaching first base. In 2011, he came to ITZ as an assistant coach for the ITZ Thunder 13u team.
Andy Crisafulli
Pitching Instructor
The Joseph Case High School Head Baseball Coach, and former pitching coach/recruiting coordinator at Rhode Island College and Head Baseball Coach at Portsmouth (RI) High School, Crisafulli brings a wealth of baseball experience to ITZ. A native of Swansea (MA) and a 1995 graduate of Joseph Case High School, Crisafulli earned Massachusetts All-State and South Coast Conference MVP honors, while leading the state in pitching wins as a senior. Crisafulli went on to accept a baseball scholarship to Quinnipiac University, where as a freshmen in 1996, he ranked "Top 10" in both ERA and strikeouts in the NE-10 Conference. He transferred to Bridgewater State College in 1998 for his final two years of eligibility. At BSC, Crisafulli guided the Bears to a pair of MASCAC titles and he pitched in two NCAA Division III New England Regional Championships. While at RIC, Crisafulli helped transform a struggling program into a consistent winner. In 2006, he was part of RIC's 1st Little East Conference (LEC) championship and its 1st NCAA Division III Regional appearance in 23 years. During Crisafulli's tenure, RIC's pitching staff soared to the top of many statistical categories in the LEC and a number of his pitchers earn All-Conference and All-New England accolades. Prior to joining the RIC staff, Crisafulli was head coach of the Swansea American Legion team and the Bay State Games' Western Massachusetts club. He has also coached baseball at the high school level in Fairhaven and Bridgewater-Raynham, along with leading the Somerset Middle School, Portsmouth High School, and now Joseph Case High School baseball programs.
Jeff Davis
Pitching Instructor
Jeff is a 1990 Graduate of Durfee High School, where he was a two time All-Conference pitcher. He played four years of American Legion with Spindle City in Fall River which won the 1990 Massachusetts State Championship. Davis played two seasons with Massasoit compiling an 18-2 record over those seasons, holding career records for most with 18 and innings pitched with 147.2. During his time at Massasoit he was named to the Colonial States Athletic Conference Team and All-New England Team as a 2nd Baseman in 1992. In 1993 Jeff was a member of the team that won the National Junior College Division II World Series. He was named First team All-American, All New England Team this time as a Pitcher, First Team All-Tournament Team during the World Series to which Jeff still holds the NJCAA record for most wins for a pitcher in a single championship series with 3 of his teams 4 wins. Davis was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 28th round of the June, 1993 Amateur Draft. He was assigned to Single A Erie Sailors of the New York – Penn League where Jeff led the team with 13 saves and had 41 strikeouts in 37 innings of work. In 1994 Jeff was assigned to Single A Charleston Riverdogs of the South Atlantic League where he led the Rangers organization in saves with 19 and struckout 72 batters in 49.2 innings of work which is 13.05 strikeouts per 9 innings, which was the 7th best ratio among all minor league pitchers in the country. In 1995 Davis was named the Texas Rangers First Ever Minor League Pitcher of the year, compiling a 13 – 7 record with a 2.77 ERA in 27 starts in Single A Port Charlotte and Double A Tulsa. He led the organization in wins, was 2nd in innings pitched and was named to the Florida State League All-Star team. In 1996 Jeff was named to the Texas Rangers Major League 40-Man Roster and was invited to Major League Spring Training. He started the season in the Texas League pitching for the AA Tulsa Drillers where he compiled a 7 – 2 record before ending the season with shoulder surgery. His 1997 season once again started in AA Tulsa and Jeff compiled a 4 - 0 record with 1.34 ERA before ending the season and eventually his career with 3 more shoulder surgeries over the next year. In June of 2010, Jeff was inducted into the Massasoit Community College Athletic Hall of Fame. He has seved as a Volunteer coach at Durfee High School in Fall River from 2001 – 2003, Assistant Head Coach at Durfee High School in 2004 and Volunteer coach at Somerset Berkley Regional High School in 2011.
Jake Ferreira
Hitting & Catching Instructor
Jake is a 2009 graduate of Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH. As a catcher at FPU, Jake helped lead the Ravens to 3 Northeast-10 Conference Championships, 3 Regional Championships, and 3 NCAA Division II College World Series appearances. He was elected a Team Captain in his senior season. Prior to his collegiate career, Jake was a 3-year Varsity standout at Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth, MA, where he was chosen to the New Bedford Standard Times Super Baseball Team in 2004 and 2005. In 2011, he served as an assistant coach to Ron Westmoreland at Portsmouth High School, and also served as the Head Coach of the Tom's Lawn & Garden/Portsmouth Post 18 Jr. American Legion Team. He is available for hitting and catching lessons and can be booked by calling ITZ.
Mike Huntsinger
Pitching Instructor
A Fall River native, Mike grew up playing baseball in the city. As a 15-year old player in the North Park Pony-Colt League he participated in the USA-Japan PONY League Friendship Series, playing in both Tokyo and Okinawa. He went on to pitch at Durfee High School where he was selected team captain in his senior season. He moved on to have a tremendous playing career at Wheaton College in Norton, MA. At Wheaton, he is the record holder for wins in a season (8, which he did twice) and career wins (30). Additionally during his career at Wheaton, he was honored as the school's 2003 Male Athlete of the Year and he's also been honored as a NEWMAC All-Conference selection, ABCA All New England selection, and ECAC All New England selection.
Maurice "Mo" Jackson
18u Lightning Softball Head Coach
Coach Jackson comes to ITZ with a glowing resume and an outstanding reputation as one of the area's finest softball coaches. He has been a high school Head Softball Coach since 1996. Mo coached at St. Raphael's Academy (Pawtucket, RI) from 1996 - 2005, and returned for a second stint in 2007. During this span, his teams won an unbelieveable six RIIL Division I Softball State Championships. In 2008, he moved on to become Head Softball Coach at Shea High School (Pawtucket, RI) where he currently still serves as Head Coach. In addition to coaching high school softball, Mo has been a familiar face on the travel softball circuit since 2000. His Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club RBI Softball Teams appeared in four consecutive RBI Northeast Regional Championships from 2001 through 2004, advancing to the Final Four and winning the Championship. In 2011, his travel team was both the Rhode Island and Massachusetts PONY 18-under State Champions.
Adam Laliberte
16u Lightning Softball Head Coach
Adam is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island where he obtained a Bachelor's in Secondary Education and Spanish. He has also completed his Masters at URI in Spanish. Adam began coaching softball at North Kingstown High School in 2006. In 2 years of coaching the JV team, his teams had an overall record of 31-5. Adam earned a promotion to Varsity Head Coach in 2009 and his teams have made trips to the RI Division I State Semifinals 3 times over his first 4 years at the helm. During this same time frame, his teams have claimed 3 RI Division 1 South Championships. Adam began coaching on the travel softball circuit in 2007 and has coached at the u14, u16 and u18 levels for the Warwick Angels, RI Xtreme, and our ITZ Lightning. He spent the last two years coaching our ITZ Lightning 18u College Prospect Team, assisting Robin Ramey in 2011 and taking the reigns as Head Coach in 2012.
Matt McGuire
17u Thunder Baseball Head Coach
Matt is one of the most respected and experienced coaches in our area. A 1988 graduate of Tiverton (RI) High School where he played for the legendary Steve Lake, he moved on to a college playing career at the Community College of Rhode Island (where he played for current New York Mets Scout Arthur Pontarelli and one of his teammates was former Red Sox pitcher Rheal Cormier) from 1988-1990 and the University of Rhode Island from 1990-1992. Upon the conclusion of his playing career, he immediately embarked on a coaching career which included stops at Middletown (RI) High School (1993), Tiverton (RI) High School (1994-1997, 2000-2008), and Portsmouth (RI) High School (1998-1999, 2011-present) where he coached the Patriots to their first ever Rhode Island State Championship in 1999. In addition to his high school coaching experience, Matt has coached in various other organizations including Little League, AAU, Senior Babe Ruth, Connie Mack, and American Legion. He brings all of this experience to ITZ where he shares his knowledge and passion with players in the Thunder Baseball Program.
Marc Ouimet
Hitting & Catching Instructor
Chris Patsos
Hitting & Catching Instructor
A native of the Boston area, Chris began his collegiate career as a catcher at Miami Dade Community College from 1979-1980. He moved on to Florida Southern College in 1981-1982. In 1981, his FSC Moccasins team won the NCAA Championship. Then in 1982, as team captain, he once again led his team to the finals, finishing second in the country. While in college, he spent two summers catching for the Wareham Gatemen of the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League, hitting .357 in his final season. In 1982, he was chosen to play in Fenway Park against the United States Olympic Baseball Team. Following the end of his collegiate playing days, Chris went on to play a number of seasons in both the Boston Park League and the Newport Sunset League. In 1997, he was selected to the Boston Park League's Hall of Fame. He has continued to be active in all facets of the game. For the past 15 years, he has coached in and served as the Vice President for the Newport Babe Ruth League. He spent 4 years as the Head Coach of the R&R Construction American Legion Baseball Team and continues to serve as an Advisor to that program today. He is also an Owner and Vice President of the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.
Nick Puccio
Hitting Instructor

Nick Puccio recently completed his first season as an assistant baseball coach at Wheaton College in 2012. Prior to joining the Wheaton staff, Nick spent the 2011 season as an assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator at Southeastern Iowa Community College. In 2011, Puccio helped the team win a school-record 44 games and climb as high as No. 14 in the national rankings. Nine of his players earned Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) All-ICCAC honors – including the conference’s MVP, Yhoxian Medina. He has previous coaching stints with the Rockville Express (assoc. head coach/pitching coach) and at both Dean College (top asst. coach/recruiting coordinator) and Fitchburg State (asst. coach/camp coordinator). Puccio spent two years as a member of the Bulldogs baseball team (2006-07) and one with the Falcons (2008).

Robin Ramey
Softball Hitting & Fielding Instructor
We are thrilled to have Robin as part of our staff at ITZ. An All-State player at Portsmouth High School, Robin continued her softball career at Bryant University (1990-1991) and Salve Regina University (1992-1993). She was selected as the conference Rookie of the Year in 1990, and was named 1st Team All-Conference and Team MVP in both 1992 and 1993. In 1993, she was also selected as the NCAA's Woman Athlete of the Year. She continues to play competitively today and has been named to the National Women's All Tournament Team 8 times and was named a National Women's All American in 2004. She coached collegiately at Salve Regina University from 1994-1997, where her teams won their conference championship three times. In 2006, she took over as Head Softball Coach at Middletown (RI) High School. Her teams have appeared in the RI State Championship three times (2006, 2008, 2010), winning the title in 2006. She was named her league's Coach of the Year in 2009. In addition to doing hitting and fielding lessons at the club, Robin is an Advisor and Consultant for the ITZ Lightning Select Travel Softball Program.
Carl Reid
Pitching Instructor
Carl is a 1986 graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where he enjoyed a 4-year pitching career for the Rams. Prior to attending URI, he had a standout, 4-year Varsity career at Tiverton (RI) High School from 1979-1982. In his senior season, he was the winning pitcher in the final game of the 1982 RIIL State Baseball Championship. This was an unbelievable acomplishment since at the time there was only one division in Rhode Island High School Baseball and Tiverton was one of the state's smallest schools. Following his college career, he returned to Tiverton, first as an Assistant Coach from 1988-1990, then as Head Coach from 1991-1999. In his first two seasons at the helm, his teams posted a combined overall record of 35-5. After a decade away from the high school ranks, he returned to Tiverton as its Head Coach in 2009. Additionally, he has coached in all levels of the Dighton (MA) Little League since 1999.
Kathy Tracy
Softball Hitting & Pitching Instructor
Kathy brings an overwhelming amount of experience with her to In the Zone. A graduate of Springfield College, she was the Head Softball Coach at Oliver Ames High School in North Easton, MA from 1990-1993. She then moved on to become the Head Softball Coach at Stonehill College from 1993-1997. She is currently a Physical Education teacher at Easton (MA) Middle School. Additionally she runs the Mass. Wildcats, her own competitive travel softball team for girls ages 12 and under. Kathy can be booked for softball pitching lessons by calling ITZ.
Kevin Weaver
10u Thunder Baseball Head Coach
Kevin is a 1977 graduate of Rogers High School where he played baseball for Coach Duke Abruzzi and football for Coach John Toppa.  In 1976, Kevin helped Rogers High School baseball team to a Rhode Island State runnerup finish.  He played 2 years of baseball at Florida Southern College.  In 1985-86, Kevin was an assistant coach for varsity baseball and football at Santa Fe High School in Lakeland, Florida.  Later, in 1987-88, Kevin was the head football coach at Thompson Junior High School (Newport, RI) and the freshman head baseball coach at Portsmouth High School.   Kevin has served as the director of girls softball for Newport, RI Little League and now coaches in the Fifth Ward Little League in Newport, RI.  Currently, Kevin is the head baseball coach at Portsmouth Middle School and in 2011 led the team to an undefeated season and the Rhode Island State Middle School baseball championship.  Kevin teaches math and science at Portsmouth Middle School.  He is married to his wife Mary and they have 3 children: Grace (21), Kate (17), and Michael (10).