Our Partners
About Us
Welcome to The Hitting Zone!!
The Hitting Zone is the premier training facility for baseball and softball players of all ages and skill levels. Our location is perfect for players in O'Fallon, Lake St. Louis, Wentzville, and surrounding areas. Having eight total cages, pitching machines, pitching mounds, Hit Trax, and our renovated weight room, we have everything you need to improve your game. The Hitting Zone also offers top of the line hitting, pitching, catching, defensive, and strength and conditioning instruction. Whether you're a recreational player or trying to excel at the highest levels, The Hitting Zone can help you achieve your goals. Have a team? Looking for team training or practice dates/times contact info@thehittingzonestl.com check out some of the teams that use our location for training in the 2021 Season
Tribe Baseball
The goal for our athletes is to use baseball as enrichment to enhance their education and life-long learning skills. Coaches are committed to providing a positive environment for young men who seek a high level of competition within the framework of education and amateur athletics.
In the 2021-2022 season Tribe Baseball will host 6 teams. 16u Hughes, 16u Grimes, 14u Nikodym, 14u Thomas, 13u Hughes, and 10u Box
“Baseball gives every American boy a chance to excel, not just to be as good as someone else but to be better than someone else. This is the nature of man and the name of the game”.
-Ted Williams
US Prime
We are excited to announce that Gashouse Baseball is bringing the Prime Movement to Missouri.
In the Spring of 2023 we will officially be USA Prime Gashouse. This move offers our players more access and resources to compete against some of the premier teams and coaches in the country.
Our core beliefs will stay
the same, and are aligned with USA Prime Baseball. We are extremely honored and proud to give our athletes a larger stage/platform to showcase their abilities.
American Freedom
American Freedom has two teams that use THZ as their home for winter training. THZ has worked with Jeff Roth for 3 seasons and is excited to be working with Terry McQueen and his 16u AF team. McQueen has been at THZ in the past and we are happy to have his team back at THZ
American Freedom Roth on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AmericanFreedomSTLRoth08
American Freedom McQueen on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/americanfreedomstl16u
Premier Sports Academy
PSA takes a data-driven, player-first approach to help athletes pursue collegiate sports.
Blast Motions for Baseball or Softball
$110.00
The Hitting Zone has partnered with Blast Motion https://blastmotion.com/products/baseball/ and we are able to offer clients and anyone who follows THZ and Tribe Baseball and Softball discounted rates for Blast Motion sensors for baseball and softball. For more information please contact Mitch Thomas at info@thehittingzonestl.com
THZ has partnered with Pocket Path
$90.00
($5.00 shipping)
The Hitting Zone has partnered with Pocket Path and is excited to offer your athlete a solution to arm path and arm health. Check out the following link from the Owner/Inventor of Pocket Path https://youtu.be/TASBmDLErik
Pocket Path can be used for softball and baseball players. Not a pitcher that is ok. Pocket Path is for all athletes. THZ has an exclusive code you can use for your own personal Pocket Path. Pocket Path also offers programs for families that are seeking routines outside of personal training
THZ has the Pocket Path Kit in hand. If you wish to order please check out PocketPath.com and use CODE THZ15 at check out to receive 15% off each bundle purchased
For more information please contact Mitch Thomas at info@thehittingzonestl.com
THZ has partnered with Krato Sports
$0.00
The Hitting Zone has partnered with Krato Sports to provide a cost-effective way to change the way you train.
THE DESIGN
The Krato bat weight is designed to put the weight on the hands which will create a better hand and bat path while keeping your hands inside the ball. With the ability to use weights that have never been possible until now, the Krato bat weight will increase hand speed, bat speed, and exit velocity.
Our weights are secure onto the bat just above the hands. Decreasing the amount of leverage placed on the hands allows the player to execute the movements correctly. The other with traditional training weights is that they only come in 2-3 varieties. Our weights for baseball bats range from 5-50 oz—making strength training available for all skill levels and ages.
click www.kratosports.com and use the code - hittingzonestl to receive a 10% discount. Orders over $99 receive free shipping.
Interestd in trying out Krato Bat Weights we do have several weights you can try. We have our athletes using this tool to feel the abilty to swing the barrel and to add to the overlaod underload training. Check em out. We built a custom pack to cover all ages.
For more information please contact Mitch Thomas at info@thehittingzonestl.com
GTX 4 THE ATHLETE athletic training with THZ hitting pass
$249.00
The Hitting Zone has partnered with Coach CJ Taylor of GTX 4 The Athlete and we are excited to offer athletes and families a monthly training and hitting package. Families can use the following link to enroll
https://www.esoftplanner.com/v3/planner/memberships.php?access=0dG81LSVxNmo65bCxnF9w5iGog==
For more details please contact Mitch Thomas at info@thehittingzonestl.com
Meet Our Instructors
Mitch Thomas
Jamal Hughes
Jamal Hughes
Baseball/Softball Hitting Instructor
15u Tribe Head Coach
17u Tribe Co-Manager
Owner/Tribe Athletics Director
Mental Development
Four-year varsity letterman at Ritenour Sr. High School in St. Louis, MO 1995-1998. Suburban North All-Conference – DH/IB Senior Season. He received a scholarship to play football and baseball at Missouri Western St
Baseball/Softball Hitting Instructor
15u Tribe Head Coach
17u Tribe Co-Manager
Owner/Tribe Athletics Director
Mental Development
Four-year varsity letterman at Ritenour Sr. High School in St. Louis, MO 1995-1998. Suburban North All-Conference – DH/IB Senior Season. He received a scholarship to play football and baseball at Missouri Western State College but was unable to play out a college career due to injury. Moved back to St. Louis to complete a Culinary degree at Forest Park Community College. Mitch graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing and Sales Management.
Mitch, coacheed 8 seasons as an Assistant Coach at Washington University St. Louis NCAA D3 Softball. Wash U Softball has participated in 4 regional tournaments and received two University Athletic Association Coaching Staff of the Year award. While at Wash U eight Bears have garnered All-American honors. While at Wash U the team has been ranked in the top 30 6 of the 7 seasons. Spending several weeks ranked in the top 5.
Prior to THZ Mitch coached the St. Louis Lady Spikes and St. Louis Pride Softball teams for 8 seasons. 14 of 19 players who graduated have continued playing in college. Daughter Katlyn Thomas attended nationally ranked the University of Missouri St. Louis NCAA D2 on a softball scholarship. Her 2015 team will be inducted into UMSL Hall of Fame.
Mitch is available for baseball and softball hitting, catching, and fielding lessons.
Jamal Hughes
Jamal Hughes
Jamal Hughes
Baseball Catching/Hitting Instrucr
14u Tribe Head Coach
17u Tribe Co-Manager
Owner of Brickwall Catching
Coach Hughes was a 3 varsity letterman at Hazelwood Central High School from 2007-2011. He was a two time All-Conference Selection and helped lead his team to two district titles in his years there. After finishing high school, Jamal wen
Baseball Catching/Hitting Instrucr
14u Tribe Head Coach
17u Tribe Co-Manager
Owner of Brickwall Catching
Coach Hughes was a 3 varsity letterman at Hazelwood Central High School from 2007-2011. He was a two time All-Conference Selection and helped lead his team to two district titles in his years there. After finishing high school, Jamal went on to play at Harris Stowe University (2012-2013), Frank Phillips College (2013-2014), and SEMO's club baseball team (2014-2017). After graduating from SEMO with a degree in Business Management, Jamal went on to play for the Somerton Caneros in the Independent League. The last few summers Jamal has been coaching with the STL Sting Baseball Club, and is new to the THZ Tribe organization this year. He will be coaching the 16/17U Tribe team this upcoming summer alongside his assistant coach Mike Eagan.
Jamal is available for catching and hitting instruction.
Mike Eagen
Jamal Hughes
Theresa Decosty
Baseball Pitcher/Hitting Instructor
14u Tribe Assistant Coach
Owner of META Baseball
Coach Mike a varsity letterman at Hazelwood Central High School 2012 and 2013. He would conintue his playing career for Coach Dug Bletcher at Lindenwood University. Mike, would transfer to Eckerd College and finish out his college playing career.
Mike, curre
Baseball Pitcher/Hitting Instructor
14u Tribe Assistant Coach
Owner of META Baseball
Coach Mike a varsity letterman at Hazelwood Central High School 2012 and 2013. He would conintue his playing career for Coach Dug Bletcher at Lindenwood University. Mike, would transfer to Eckerd College and finish out his college playing career.
Mike, currently coaches at THZ for Tribe baseball and is the pitching instructor for Tribe baseball and Premier Sports Baseball
Mike is available for team training, pitching, hitting, fielding, mental development, and overall health awarness. Book with Coach Mike
Theresa Decosty
Theresa Decosty
Theresa Decosty
Softball Hitting Instructor/Slap Specialist
Coach Theresa attended Francis Howell High School. She was awarded a scholarship to play college softball at Jefferson College and then later on transferred to Columbia College. Theresa would have a chance while at Columbia College to advance and finish 2nd in the country in the NAIA World Ser
Softball Hitting Instructor/Slap Specialist
Coach Theresa attended Francis Howell High School. She was awarded a scholarship to play college softball at Jefferson College and then later on transferred to Columbia College. Theresa would have a chance while at Columbia College to advance and finish 2nd in the country in the NAIA World Series. She led her team to at the time record wins.
She was a 3X All-American, currently holds the stolen base record at JeffCo, and also received the Newcomer of the Year Award as apart of her college team. She had a career college batting average of .465.
Theresa is available for softball hitting/slapping instruction. To request instruction with Theresa, please email at info@thehittingzonestl.com
Kirsta Reese
Theresa Decosty
Kirsta Reese
Softball Hitting and Fielding Instructor
Strength and Conditioning
Krista Reese attended Christian High School in O'Fallon where she was a middle infielder and would also step in to pitch and catch for her team as needed. Krista had All-district honors all 4 years, team MVP her sophomore, junior, and senior year. She also was awarded the
Softball Hitting and Fielding Instructor
Strength and Conditioning
Krista Reese attended Christian High School in O'Fallon where she was a middle infielder and would also step in to pitch and catch for her team as needed. Krista had All-district honors all 4 years, team MVP her sophomore, junior, and senior year. She also was awarded the golden glove award her senior year. She was awarded a scholarship to play softball at Quincy University.
She started her Freshman year as a utility player playing both infield and outfield. After her sophomore year Krista suffered from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and had a major surgery, finishing off her career as a pinch runner. Through those last two years Krista became more educated on speed and agility training with her coaches. After she graduated college she joined and became a Level 1 CrossFit coach to help rebuild more strength in her shoulder. Krista enjoys staying connected to the game of softball by teaching the fundamentals and basics of hitting, fielding, agility, and strength and conditioning. Krista spends her day as a school counselor and strives to develop a positive relationship with her students so that they learn and develop the necessary skills to be a successful ballplayer and/ or person.
Krista is available for hitting, fielding, individual and team strength and conditioning. For more info contact info@thehittingzonestl.com
Dan Seddon
Theresa Decosty
Kirsta Reese
Baseball Hitting, Pitching and Fielding Instructor
Gashouse Baseball Director-Head Coach
Daniel Seddon was a 3 year varsity starter at Fort Zumwalt South where he helped the Bulldogs win a State Championship in 2009 and 2 district titles. He was an all-conference player in 2010 & 2011. From there Daniel attended Lindenwood University a
Baseball Hitting, Pitching and Fielding Instructor
Gashouse Baseball Director-Head Coach
Daniel Seddon was a 3 year varsity starter at Fort Zumwalt South where he helped the Bulldogs win a State Championship in 2009 and 2 district titles. He was an all-conference player in 2010 & 2011. From there Daniel attended Lindenwood University and St. Charles Community college, where injuries cut his seasons short. He finished out his career at UMSL, as a starting second baseman, leadoff hitter and two year starter.
After his playing career, Daniel jumped into coaching upon graduation from UMSL in 2015. Spending the next 5 years as a head coach and 2 as the Director of Stallions Baseball Club, Daniel oversaw any senior who wanted to continue their baseball career a position at the next level. Daniel’s unique playing and life experience has helped him connect with players at all levels and enjoys seeing his players succeed.
Daniel is available for Hitting, Pitching & Infield lessons and is a certified Strength Trainer (ACE CPT)
Contact dseddon14@gmail.com
Jeremy Koenig
Jeremy Koenig
Jeremy Koenig
Hitting/Fielding Instructor
Athletic Enhancement Specialist
Jeremy was a two year varsity letterman at Fort Zumwalt North High School in 2009 and 2010. He helped lead his team to a 24-4 record and a district title in the 2010 season as well as being selected 2nd Team All GAC. Jeremy was then awarded a scholarship to play infield at Linden
Hitting/Fielding Instructor
Athletic Enhancement Specialist
Jeremy was a two year varsity letterman at Fort Zumwalt North High School in 2009 and 2010. He helped lead his team to a 24-4 record and a district title in the 2010 season as well as being selected 2nd Team All GAC. Jeremy was then awarded a scholarship to play infield at Lindenwood University from 2010-2011. After his baseball career at Lindenwood, Jeremy went on to finish his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science/Sports Performance. He has been the assistant coach for the Fort Zumwalt West Senior Legion baseball team for the past two seasons leading them to an overall record of 75-29.
Jeremy is available for baseball and softball hitting and infield instruction. Jeremy is also The Hitting Zone's in-house Sports Performance Trainer and is available Athletic Enhancement instruction and speed & agility training for all sports. To request instruction with Jeremy or set up Athletic Enhancement training, please email Jeremy at jkoenig@thehittingzonestl.com.
Chris Wall
Jeremy Koenig
Jeremy Koenig
Baseball and Pitching Instructor
Chris was a three year varsity letterman at Timberland HS where he earned 1st team all conference and district awards.
Chris attnded Columbia College where he would find success as a pitcher for CC. Chris would recieve 1st Team All-Academic all 4 years at CC. Chris also received 1st team all-AMC awards, AM
Baseball and Pitching Instructor
Chris was a three year varsity letterman at Timberland HS where he earned 1st team all conference and district awards.
Chris attnded Columbia College where he would find success as a pitcher for CC. Chris would recieve 1st Team All-Academic all 4 years at CC. Chris also received 1st team all-AMC awards, AMC pitcher of the week, and 2nd Team All NAIA. Chris would leave CC with a 26-7 record 2.41 ERA with 371 Strikeouts in 243 innings pitched.
Chris would finish out his college playing career at Mizzou where he would have 17 appearances for a 2-2 record struck out 33 in 26.1 innings.
Chris was close to be drafted as he competed in the draft league.
Chris is available for pitching and hitting lessons.
Contact Chris below
Lorin Boutte
Jeremy Koenig
Lorin Boutte
Softball Pitching and Hitting Instructor
Lorin comes to THZ, a JR in High School from Francis Howell. The GAC South player of the year will be offering Pitching and Hitting lessons for ages 8u to 12u athletes.
Lorin is a Pitt softball commit and will touchdown in the fall of 2024. Lorin currently plays for Top Gun a Nationally ranked prog
Softball Pitching and Hitting Instructor
Lorin comes to THZ, a JR in High School from Francis Howell. The GAC South player of the year will be offering Pitching and Hitting lessons for ages 8u to 12u athletes.
Lorin is a Pitt softball commit and will touchdown in the fall of 2024. Lorin currently plays for Top Gun a Nationally ranked program. Lorin helped her team to the Missouri High School state finals where the Vikings would finish 2nd place. Lorin has racked up quite the career in high school.
- 1st team All-Region
- 1st team All-State
- 1st team All-Conference
- 1st team All-District
- GAC South Player of the Year
- All-Metro Player of the Year
- State All-Tournament Team
- 3 year Varsity Letter
- Pitt Softball Commit
Lorin is available for Softball pitching, hitting, and fielding.
Contact Lorin below
Tribe Baseball and Softball
Tribe Baseball
Tribe Baseball 2023
9u Baseball Fisher
14u Baseball Hughes
15u Baseball Thomas
17u Baseball Thomas/Hughes
Tribe College Signees
2021 College Signees Softball
Kayden Tyler - St. Charles CC NJCAA
Kelly Allensworth - St. Charles CC NJCAA
Kate Nuemann - St. Charles CC NJCAA
2020 College Signees Softball
Rhyen Mills Jefferscon College NJCAA
Dani Lindsay Jefferson College NJCAA
Kylie Avery Central Methodist NAIA
Paige Benhardt St. Charles CC NJCAA
Taylor Mueller Kaskaskia NJCAA
2020 College Signee Baseball
Christian Harvey STLCC NJCAA
Pat Reckert Lindenwood NCAA D2
Austin Mayton Westminster NCAA D3
Brady Stephan Lindenwood NCAA D2
Ian Hammond STLCC NJCAA
Nick Glaser Fontbonne NCAA D3
Jackson Dearing Jefferson College NJCAA
Ryan Malzahn Southeast Missouri NCAA D1
Brennan Orf Southern Illinois Edwardsville NCAA D1
2019 College Signees Softball
Alena Leinauer Kaskaskia NJCAA
Jesse Tomson MacMurray NCAA D3
Logan Darrow Fontbonne NCAA D3
2018 College Signees Softball
Destinee Frost Lindenwood at Belleville NAIA
Mikala Guthrie Westminster NCAA D3
Maidson Malone Avila NAIA
Megan Meyers Rockhurst (Soccer) NCAA D2
THZ Alumni
Where the Best get Better
Baseball Alum
Nate Kemp - Missouri S&T
Nolan Leahy - Fontboone
Austin Mayton - Westminister
Brennan Thiesman - Central Methodist
Jack Lawton - State Fair Community College
Chase Krogman Chicago White Sox Draft Pick 2019
Brandon Kelly – Truman State
Brandon Ulm – SCCC
Alex Gausphol – Lindenwood
Justin Dirden – SEMO - FA signee with Houston Astros
Devin Williams - Milwaukee Brewers
Drew Kitson – STLCC – Longwood University – Mo Baptist
Gerrion Grim – Missouri – Jefferson College – Baltimore Orioles
Kory Carter - Truman State University
Kyle Vance - Jefferson College - Tiffin University
Nick Gauspohl - STLCC Meramec
Danny Biggs - MO Southern State University
Justin Fawcett - John Wood CC
Jordan White - Lewis & Clark CC
Kyle Case - Lewis & Clark CC
Alan Hall - Longview CC – Henderson State
Ryan Franklin - Longview CC - Central Methodist
Peter Wright - Longview CC
Nick Cessna - Westminster
Dan Gabler - Washburn University
Matt Mosley - Missouri S&T
Jake Hebert - Lewis & Clark CC
Robert Figueira - Lindenwood University
Jeremy Koenig - Lindenwood University
Andrew Schwaab - Crowder College- Mizzou
Mike Wilkinson - Maryville University
Austin Anderson - Lindenwood University
Eddie Sutton -Lindenwood University
John Downes - Lindenwood University
Zach Loraine -Lindenwood University - Coker College - St. Louis Cardinals Draft Pick
Alex Belew - Austin Peay State University
Branden Smith - Lindenwood University
Seth Donaldson -Truman State University
Softball Alum
Lily Arndt - Truman Univeristy
Sofia Birkenholz - Truman University
Abbie Danchus - Truman University
Mackenzie Hurst - St. Charles Community College
Kayden Tyler St. Charles Community College
Kate Neumann - St. Charles Community College
Kate Allensworth - St. Charles Community College
Rhyen Mills - Jeff Co
Dani Lindsay - Jeff Co
Paige Bernhardt - St. Charles CC
Eve Gannon - Westminster
Zoe Schulte - Iowa
Marissa Peek - Iowa
Destinee Frost - LU Belleville - Single Season HR record 22
Carol Ann Weiler – Lindenwood – Webster
Jesse Tomson – MacMurray
Mikayla Guthrie – Westminster
Taylor Bell – Willam Woods
Kelby Robinson – SEMO
Keighlan Cronin - Central Methodist
Desi Loyd - StlCC - Meremac
Logan Darrow - Fontbonne
Angel Badalamenti – Missouri Southern
Kaylee Gilbert – McKendree
Abi Corbett – Missouri Southern
Abby Tillotson – SEMO and Three Rivers
Shelby Femmer – Mo Baptist
Katlyn Thomas – UMSL
Nicolee Parish – Central Methodist
Lindsey Rendleman – Jefferson College
Alexis Spriggs – Webster
Natalie Rothmeyer – John Woods – Culver Stockton
Kayla Cox – SCCC
Kelsey Martin – Maryville
Shelby Roark – Central Methodist