It’s our favorite time of year! Late October to Late December Saturday mornings are for Tee-Ball training!
3-5 year olds for Tee-Ball Training on Saturdays at 9am
5-7 year olds ready for the transition to Coach or Machine Pitch at 10:30am on Saturdays
Golf+ Baseball/Softball Camp Week-long Golf, Baseball/Softball training camp at our new TG24 facility (1346 Liberty Road, Eldersburg, MD 21784, right next to X-Golf Eldersburg) M-F 9am-4pm
Four different weeks of this new Golf+ Camp (teamed w/ X-Golf).
July 15 - 19, July 29 - Aug 2, Aug 5-9, and Aug 12-16
Activities include a focus on golf, baseball and softball training. Golf training will include anything and everything that can be accomplished indoors. Baseball/softball training will include all positions, all skills, including pitcher/catcher training and lots of hitting drills, and of course HitTrax games! Most golf activities will take place next door at X-Golf Eldersburg.
90 minutes a day will be allotted to other types of game play (dodgeball, kickball, soft-play archery, ultimate frisbee, and more!)
MLB players arrive early for games; for a 7pm game, maybe 11am. Much time is directed to practice; fielding, hitting, & throwing. Everything is done toward today's game … getting better.
You can too … MONDAYS 6-8pm… in 3 specific drills (Blocking, Throwing and Hitting); for two age groups (8-12 & 12-18).
Focus each half-hour on group & individual training through Drills. Select a time, and drill; and work hard! Need to WORK, to PLAY BALL!
See the flyer for more detail: click here
A fantastic opportunity for baseball players aged 12-17 years to learn from current college baseball players and a former college coach. Whether you want to simply improve your game or you want to know what it takes to become a collegiate baseball player, this opportunity is for you!
Four sessions to choose from. Two on Dec 27th and two on Dec 28th. A question/answer panel discussion with the coach and player is included in with any registration.
Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Ring in the New Year by getting recruited to play college softball!
The Top Gun College Softball Combine is designed for all high-school aged students who want to be evaluated by college coaches. This Combine is for focused players looking to play softball in college. The Combine will feature instruction and feedback from active college coaches seeking players who could potentially be put on their future rosters. At the end of the Combine, there will be an opportunity for short one-on-one meetings with the college coaches.
The Top Gun College Softball Combine will feature measurements and instruction for exit velocity off the bat, throwing velocity, pop-times, timed sprints, and more. Students will receive college coach instruction on how to improve skills and be recruited. The Combine will have limited enrollment with the player-to-coach ratio not exceeding 6:1. The Top Gun College Softball Combine is in compliance with all NCAA rules.
WHAT PLAYERS CAN EXPECT
·Post-camp email with metrics and other evaluation information
·Skills Feedback: Exit Velocity (Hitting), Throwing Velocity (Pitchers and Position Players), Sprint Times (Position Players) and Pop-Times (Catchers).
·Opportunities to ask questions
·Opportunities to establish continuing relationships with the college coaches.
GENERAL COMBINE SCHEDULE
1:00 PM → Infield/Outfield Offense and Defense Evaluation & Instruction (Opportunity for Parents and Prospective Student Athletes to meet with the coaches will follow immediately after this session)
3 PM → Pitching & Catching Evaluation & Instruction (Opportunity for Parents and Prospective Student Athletes to meet with the coaches will follow immediately after this session)
SESSION COSTS
·$95 FOR SESSION ONE ONLY
·$95 FOR SESSION TWO ONLY
·$145 FOR BOTH SESSIONS
·Both sessions are expected to fill quickly due to limited enrollment
Our Fall / Winter programming is off to a great start! Click on any of these links for more details.
Friday Night Kid's Nights only $22.95 for 3 hours of fun (dinner incl.)
School's Out Camp Days (24 Nov), full day or half day options
Catcher-Specific Training by CatcherGuru - Rick Straub on School's Out Days (24 Nov)
Saturday AM Instructional Tee-Ball & Coach/Machine Pitch League Prep , beginner training for 3 - 6 year olds (9-10:15am) and targeted skills training for 6-9 year olds (10:30-11:45am)
Catcher-Specific Training by CatcherGuru - Rick Straub on November Mondays at 6pm & 7pm
a full array of daily $40/hr baseball/softball training sessions
more about....
Friday Nights Kid's Night: On the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Friday of every month (Oct, Nov, and Dec), enjoy a night out while we entertain your children with all Top Gun has to offer (batting cages, HitTrax games, dodgeball, wiffleball, kickball, board games, and more)! Your child(ren) will have a blast with our camp counselors! Dinner (pizza from Papa John's with healthy sides) included. Ages: 6 – 13 Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm Cost: $22.95 PLAN YOUR DATE NIGHT NOW! Registration is limited, so register early before we sell out! Advanced registration is required, no walk ups are accepted.
Saturday AM Instructional Tee-Ball and Coach/Machine Pitch Targeted Training!
Saturdays from 21 Oct to 16 Dec. Sessions for boys and girls from 3-6 year olds and 6-9 year olds. We work with each player at the level that they are at…and we show them how to get better while having fun! REGISTER SOON. This filled up fast last year! January & February sessions open for registration too!
We look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Jon Hobdy
Top Gun Baseball - Sykesville
410-449-3050
(c) 410-844-1898
We hope you all had a great summer! Fall is back and so are our Friday Nights Kid’s Nights! All the fun of Summer Camps packed into 3 hours most Friday nights. See the schedule for dates and lock in your reservation by calling or booking online! See you soon!
Summer is upon us! Summer Camp season is here! Carroll County is finishing their school year earlier than expected, so we have added a camp week for 12-16 June for those that need us.
Kids love our camps! You don’t have to be a baseball or softball player to LOVE our Super Camps!
See our camp flyers for details!
Click here >> Super Camp Flyer (11 weeks available)
Click here >> Baseball & Softball Skills Camps (7 weeks available)
Catchers,
You don’t want to miss this opportunity. Training for every age group and every skill level. Catcher training is vital for you team, don’t miss this opportunity!
Please click here for more details. —> APRIL CATCHER TRAINING FLYER
Click Log In/Make Reservation to sign up for these classes…or simply call us (410) 449-3050.
Thanks, Jon & Coach Rick
That’s right, some local schools have four Schools’ Out days coming up! Jan 16, 27, & 30, and Feb 20th!
We offer full day (9am - 4pm) and half day super fun and/or super baseball/softball training opportunities for kids from 6 - 13 years old. BeforeCare and AfterCare options are also available. Click here for more information.
Kids love our camps! Register now!
PS. Summer Camp registration is now open too….10 weeks of summer coverage!
CHRISTMAS break 2022 – Wednesday, 12/28 from Noon to 2pm
TOP GUN Sykesville – www.TopGunBall.com
CATCHER (Softball and Baseball)
“ROOKIE” TRAINING
___
SUMMARY.
This very unique clinic is focused on the low-to-no experienced catcher! Basic instruction on each of
the three fundamental Skills (10 minutes), followed by small group practice sessions (30 minutes). Bring
a glove or mitt. If you have gear, bring it... if not, equipment will be available. Follow-up training is
provided at TOP GUN each Sunday 1-2pm.
“Catching4Kids – small targets”
The training / instruction is based on Rick Straub’s catchers guide. A print copy is included in your
enrollment fee of $100.
Skills and Drills.
An Introductory two-hour clinic with the focus on basic instructions and training (KISS). Instructions for
the beginner catcher (softball and baseball) who wants to ably perform, get better... build a foundation to
expand, improve and grow. Each technique is demonstrated, then drills are presented to reinforce each
skill.
RECEIVING– three stances (signaling, relaxed, ready)
● Signaling and game control
● Relaxed- to expand the strike zone
● Ready- to block and throw the ball
BLOCKING– is NOT catching the ball
● Stopping and controlling the ball in the dirt
● How to spring-up from knees
● Scoop/ rake the ball using glove and hand
THROWING– to bases (first, second, third)
● Strengthen your mechanics- footwork and arm slot
● Transfer the ball from glove to hand
● Focus on your release, velocity and accuracy
● Learn the differences in the throw to third base
Parents love this training ...
Thought you did an amazing job working with the kids. You spoke to them at a level they
could understand, kept them involved, and made sure each of them fully understood before
moving on to the next skill. I would highly recommend your clinic to others and look forward
to Chase attending more in the future.
-Ken S.
I want to first start off by telling you how much I appreciate you taking what you
know/learned over the year from all of your vast experiences and being able to instruct in
such a way to get through to your students. You gave those boys and girls something to take
home with them and use for the rest of their baseball/individual lives. You had my attention
the whole time and I was just a spectator on the sidelines. Great Job! Youth sports needs
more folks like yourself to promote good sound fundamentals.
-Sean M.
My daughter Kat attended one of your clinics a couple weeks ago and I just wanted to thank
you for the outstanding instruction. As a 12U catcher on a travel team, Kat can sometimes
get a little distracted during longer sessions. You had the perfect demeanor and instructive
style that kept her in the game the entire time (three hours total). The student to coach ratio
was excellent. Overall, I am very pleased with the instruction and the effect it has had on
Kat. I have highly recommended your classes and Kat can't wait till this weekend for
another session. Thank you and well done!
-Michael W.
Thank you once again for sharing your valued experience in teaching our boys the finer
aspects of catching! Please consider the idea of recording one of your clinic sessions to
preserve your legacy! Appreciatively,
- Miguel M. MD
Thanks, Rick. You have a rare gift and are a treasure to the game. I've been coaching youth
football and baseball for six years and I was learning things from you within the first three
minutes of the clinic. Andrew enjoyed your approach to coaching and told me he "learned so
much." I'm so grateful Jay found and invited you, because he needed that foundation.
- Lenwood F.
If you want invaluable, irreplaceable knowledge from someone who knows what they're
talking about, Rick is your guy. Every catcher in our area should take in one or two or many
of Rick's catching sessions! Rick talked to our kids on their level to bring them to the next.
The hand and foot work that my kids were shown in their sessions with Rick was priceless.
- Darlene Z.
Last year’s fall and winter Saturday mornings’ Tee-Ball Instructional Leagues were a huge success.
So, of course, we brought them back. Saturdays from 22 October to 17 December. Sessions are for 3-6 year olds. Only $20 per week for 90 minutes of instruction!
We work with each tee-baller at the level that they are at….and we show them how to get better while having fun!
We will work with the 5-6 year olds to prepare them for coach and/or machine pitch.
January & February sessions open for registration too!
Register today! ——> Click here
Due to popular demand, we have added six Baseball and Softball SKILLS Summer Camps for 2022. One in June, one in July, and four in August. Please see www.TopGunBall.com/camps for more details!
In Season Training!
$40 baseball and softball training classes!
The most classes we have ever offered! Something for every athlete! Classes 6 days a week!
NEW SOFTBALL PITCHING COACH - Look online for Coach Katie’s lessons on Sundays.
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays are super softball training days!
Some new offerings and new instructors…check them out!
Batting Practice sessions (baseball or softball) several times a week!
4 great opportunities to learn from the region's most recognized catcher training expert.
Get POPTIMIZED with Coach Rick, the CatcherGuru! Improve your Receiving, Blocking, Throwing & Fielding!
Supplemented by Top Gun’s own weekly $40 catcher training classes. Come see the Top Gun softball & baseball training difference! Space is limited.
Learn more here >> Four Catcher Days - Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec
Register today >> HERE
2022 is bringing something new! A Bowling, Basketball, & Baseball/Softball Summer Camp, a 3-in-1 Summer Camp experience that is going to prove to be second to none!
We have your Summer covered with camps running from June 13th to Sep 2nd.
Pitchers and Catchers,
This is your day! There has never been a better time to get in front of some of the area’s best private instructors. AAA Miami Marlins pitcher, Kolton Mahoney, and local legend, The Catcher Guru - Rick Straub, have signed on for a full day of great instruction.
CATCHERS - Get POPTIMIZED!!!! Improve that POPTIME!
Please see the attached flier for more details!
Click here >> MLK Day 17 Jan 2022 Pitcher and Catcher Day!
These classes will fill up, register today!
We hope to see you on January 17th!.
Thanks!
The Top Gun College Softball Combine is designed for high school (Class of 2022, 2023, & 2024) softball players that want to be evaluated by, and showcase themselves to, college coaches. The Combine is for players focused on who want to showcase their skills to prospective coaches. The Combine will feature instruction and feedback from active college coaches seeking players to fill out their rosters. At the end of the Combine, there will be an opportunity for short one-on-one meetings with two college coaches of the player’s choice.
During registration, use the remarks/comments area to identify the colleges whose coaches the player would like to have a short Q&A with.
The Top Gun College Softball Combine will feature measurements and instruction on the latest metrics in softball, including exit velocity off the bat, throwing velocity, pop-times, timed sprints and others. The college coaches in attendance will not only provide these metrics but will also instruct attendees on how to improve them. The Combine is open to all high school softball players and, to maximize visibility for its attendees, will have limited enrollment with the player-to-coach ratio not exceeding 6:1. The Top Gun College Softball Combine is in compliance with all NCAA rules.
WHAT PLAYERS CAN EXPECT
·Post-camp email with metrics and other evaluation information
·Instruction from coaches attending the event. Current coach commitments to attend from Chesapeake College (JC D2), Bowie State University (D2), McDaniel College (D3), Marymount University, and Comm. College of Baltimore County. Also invited are Stevenson University (D3), Harford College (JC D1), Montgomery College (JC D2), US Naval Academy (CLUB), ,Salisbury University (D3). Hood College (D3), Frostburg (D2), Towson (D1), UMD (D1), UMBC (D1), and Coppin State (D2).
·Feedback on Exit Velocity (Hitting), Throwing Velocity (Pitchers and Position Players), Sprint Times (Position Players) and Pop-Times (Catchers).
·Opportunities to ask questions about their skills and get to know the college coaches.
GENERAL COMBINE SCHEDULE
Class of 2022, 2023, & 2024 Registrations only please
12:30 PM → Infield/Outfield Offense and Defense Evaluation & Instruction (Opportunity for Parents and Prospective Student Athletes to meet with the coaches will follow immediately after this session)
2:30 PM → Pitching & Catching Evaluation & Instruction (Opportunity for Parents and Prospective Student Athletes to meet with the coaches will follow immediately after this session)
SESSION COSTS
·$95 FOR SESSION ONE, $50 FOR SESSION TWO (pitchers/catchers)
·$145 FOR BOTH SESSIONS
·Both sessions are expected to fill quickly due to limited enrollment
4 great opportunities to train with one of the best catcher coaches in the region!
