Meet Our Instructors

Baseball Pitching Instructor
John Havird
John built a career in baseball packed with dedication, experience, and passion for the game. Starting at Mesa Community College, John showcased his talent on the field, earning a National Championship title in 2014. He continued his collegiate career at Ohio State, developing further as an elite athlete. Following his college success, John played professionally in the Frontier League for four years, gaining invaluable insights into the demands and nuances of the game at a competitive level. For the past five years, John has channeled his deep knowledge and experience into coaching, helping athletes of all ages and skill levels elevate their game. Currently an enthusiastic Assistant Coach at Mesa Community College, John is committed to guiding players toward their full potential, both on and off the field. He specializes in providing expert lessons in baseball hitting, fielding, pitching, and catching. Whether you're refining your swing, perfecting your throw, or enhancing your defensive tactics, John brings a personalized and motivating approach to every training session.

Baseball Catching Instructor
Aaron Hise
My name is Aaron Hise, and I’m a 22-year-old baseball instructor with over two and a half years of experience coaching youth athletes. I grew up in the small town of Hayden, Arizona, where my passion for baseball began at a young age. I played one year of collegiate baseball at Arizona Christian University before transferring to Park University, where I completed the final three years of my playing career. As a catcher for 18 years, I developed a strong understanding of the game and the leadership, communication, and attention to detail that the position demands. I specialize in catching, hitting, and defensive fielding instruction. My goal is to help players build fundamentally sound mechanics while growing their confidence, baseball IQ, and love for the game. Every lesson is designed to challenge athletes at their current skill level and help them reach the next one. What I enjoy most about coaching is the opportunity to give back to the game that has given me so much. I love working with young athletes, building genuine relationships with them, and creating an environment where they feel encouraged to learn, compete, and have fun. I believe that connecting with each player on a personal level allows me to get the best out of them—not only as baseball players, but as young people.

Baseball Hitting Instructor
Scott Hairston
Scott comes from the largest family lineage of Major Leaguers in history. His grandfather, Sam, played for the Chicago White Sox in 1951. His Uncle, John, played for the Chicago Cubs in 1969. His father, Jerry Sr, played 13 seasons for the Chicago White Sox & Pirates. His brother, Jerry Jr, played 16 seasons for 9 different teams. Making his debut in May of 2004, Scott made history by being the 5th member of his family to play Major League Baseball. He went on to play 11 seasons for 6 different teams, hitting 106 home runs and 113 RBIs. Since his retirement from professional baseball in 2016, he has turned his passion for playing into teaching. His focus is teaching the fundamentals and techniques he was taught by his father and many coaches he had throughout his career. Scotts knowledge of the game has played a key role in developing our local youth to becoming elite players and maximizing their abilities.
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Baseball Pitching Instructor
Larry Lewis
Coach Lewis is new to Arizona leaving behind 50+ years of playing and coaching experience in the Chicago, IL area. He has been a highly respected HS varsity and college pitching coach, pitching coordinator for youth travel ball, throwing coordinator for girls travel fastpitch softball and private pitching instructor for 23+ years. Coach Lewis is well known for proven pitching/throwing mechanics that have helped both boys and girls (seven years old and up) reach maximum performance and reach their goals to all levels of the game – travel, HS, college and professional. Coach Lewis was an All-State Pitcher (Prospect High School, 1981), then was drafted in 1981 by the New York Yankees. He went on to play Minor League Baseball (1981 – 1986) with the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners and Independent Baseball, winning a 1982 Minor League Championship with the New York Yankees.

Baseball Hitting Instructor
Marcus Thames
Marcus brings 27 years of professional baseball experience to his hitting instruction, including 14 years as a professional player and 13 years as a coach at the highest level of the game. Throughout his coaching career, Marcus has worked with some of the most elite players in baseball while serving as the major league hitting coach with the New York Yankees, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox, and currently the Kansas City Royals. In his Major League debut, Marcus made history by hitting a home run on the very first pitch he saw—off Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson—showcasing the preparation, confidence, and approach that defined his playing career. Marcus hit a total of 115 career home runs during his playing career with the Yankees, Rangers, Tigers, and Dodgers. During his tenure with the Yankees Marcus guided them to lead the Majors in home runs. Marcus also coached Major League AL Batting Champion DJ LeMahieu, Home Run Leaders Luke Voit, and Shohei Ohtani. As well as rookie of The Year Aaron Judge. Marcus prides himself on his ability to relate and communicate with the athlete as a whole. His instruction focuses on efficient mechanics, disciplined approach, and a repeatable swing that translates to real game performance. Each lesson is tailored to the individual athlete, combining proven fundamentals with advanced hitting concepts and mental preparation to help players maximize their potential and prepare for all levels of baseball, high school, college and beyond.

Baseball Pitching/Hitting Instructor
Riley O'Sullivan
Riley is a dedicated baseball pitching instructor with 19 years of playing experience, beginning at age 4 and continuing through his collegiate career at Concordia University Irvine, where he graduated in 2024. As a starting pitcher for all three years, he earned both Second Team and Third Team All-American honors. Known for his advanced command and feel for pitching, he developed a five-pitch mix and consistently demonstrated exceptional control. His approach to pitching emphasizes precision, efficiency, and a deep understanding of mechanics and pitch sequencing. Coming from a strong baseball background, with two brothers who played professionally, Riley brings both high-level experience and a lifelong understanding of the game into his coaching. He is passionate about helping pitchers of all ages improve their mechanics, build confidence, and compete at their highest level.

Baseball Catching/Pitching/Infeild/Hitting Instructor
Teagan Disharoon
Teagan Disharoon (aka Coach Dish) grew up in Los Angeles, CA before attending California powerhouse Mira Costa High School to play baseball and basketball. At Mira Costa he won pitcher of the year for his school two times as well as being a catcher on days he didn’t pitch. After graduating high school Teagan went to junior college in Illinois at Spoon River College where he was a key part of their team's bullpen as a freshman. After his freshman year he decided to move back home and begin his coaching career becoming an associate head coach at North Torrance High School for two years. He also spent two summers in the Kernels Collegiate League as a pitching and first base coach for the Peoria Merchants where he was also the team’s closing pitcher, leading the league in saves both years. After his most recent stint being a player-coach in the KCL he decided to go back to school at Park University in Gilbert, AZ where he is finishing his business management and sports and exercise science degrees while continuing his playing career and helping out coach the developmental team. Coach Dish has worked with all skill levels from elementary school all the way to athletes pursuing collegiate and professional careers. He is excited to be a part of the AZ Dingers family and help ball players work towards achieving their baseball dreams.

Softball Hitting & Fielding Instructor
Allie Skaggs
Allie is a current professional softball player who recently finished out her collegiate career at the University of Arizona. In her four years as a Wildcat, Allie became an NFCA All-American, a Rawlings Gold Glover, and a PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year. She provides instruction on hitting, defense, and the mental side of the game. Allie enjoys working with players of all ages and skill levels, and helps athletes pursue their dreams of becoming elite.

Softball ESA Instructor
Tanya Windle
Tanya Windle is a former Arizona State University softball player who brings collegiate-level experience, knowledge, and passion to every lesson. She works with athletes to strengthen their fundamentals, improve their skills, and build confidence on and off the field. Tanya creates a positive, encouraging environment where players can work hard, have fun, and grow their love for the game. Whether an athlete is just getting started or looking to take their softball skills to the next level, Tanya is committed to helping each player reach their goals.

Softball Pitching & Feilding Instructor
Summer Ambler
Summer Ambler is a former four-year collegiate softball player at Spring Arbor University with 12 years of playing experience. Throughout her career, she played multiple positions, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the game and the skills needed to succeed. Summer is passionate about helping players build confidence, improve their fundamentals, and develop a love for softball in a positive, fun, and encouraging environment. Whether an athlete is just starting out or looking to take their game to the next level, Summer is excited to help them reach their goals.

Softball Hitting & Pitching Instructor
Ryder Wilmarth
Ryder is currently going into her second year of collegiate softball at Yavapai College, and after plans to transfer out to a higher-level school. Ryder has kept one of the highest batting averages on her team and also had a significant number of strikeouts this season, averaging around 1 per inning. Ryder enjoys working with players of all ages and skill levels in pursuit of helping them achieve their softball goals

Baseball Pitching Instructor
Tyler Driver
Tyler excelled at Crossroads FLEX High School in Cary, North Carolina, where his passion for baseball turned into a launching pad for his professional aspirations. Upon graduation, his dedication and hard work materialized as he was drafted in the 18th round of the 2019 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Seattle Mariners, a testament to his potential and the high expectations scouts had for him. During his two years in the minor leagues with the Mariners, Tyler continued to hone his craft and develop into a reliable closer. His fastball consistently reaches 97 miles per hour and is complemented by a devastating slider that has batters swinging and missing.

Baseball Hitting Instructor
Josh Lusby
Josh was a multi-sport athlete in college playing both baseball (University of Missouri St. Louis) and hockey (University of Arizona) before pursuing a professional career in hockey. In 2021 he started a hitter’s training platform which focuses on getting individual players ready to face the highest level of competition. Josh now spends the bulk of his off-season training MLB/MiLB players, as well as helping both NCAA Baseball and NCAA Softball hitters prepare for their upcoming seasons.

Baseball Hitting/Fielding/Strength Training Instructor
Justin George
Justin George is a former collegiate (NCAA DIV. 2) baseball player. Queen Creek, Arizona native. Played baseball at Chandler Gilbert Community College, then went on to Salem University ( West Virginia )  and finished his last 2 years of baseball at William Jewell College in 2026. Justin was the 2025 Newcomer of the Year at William Jewell College, hitting .356 with 57 hits, 8 HRS, 46 RBIs, and 12 doubles. Justin has also competed in the Western Canadian Baseball League (Canada), and the Jayhawk league (Kansas). And the Mink League in  (Missouri). Justin enjoys weight lifting, fishing, and training athletes. His passion is to help players reach their full potential on and off the field.

Baseball Hitting & Catching Instructor
Matt Ceriani
Matt Ceriani spent a 13-year career as a pro catcher, highlighted by numerous accolades including the SEC Defensive Catcher of the Year and a spot on the Team USA 50 man roster, laid the foundation for his expertise in coaching and player development. ​ After his successful playing career, which featured international competitions such as the World Baseball Classic Italy and stints with 21 pro teams, Matt transitioned into coaching. His passion for nurturing talent is evident through his role as a private catching and hitting instructor and his work as an undergraduate assistant coach at Ole Miss. ​ Not content with just imparting his knowledge of the game, Matt has also made strides in the technological side of sports. He is the inventor of a patented throwing technology now utilized in MLB and the founder of Caught Stealing LLC, a company dedicated to the most accurate wearable throwing data collection available.

Softball Catching Instructor
Grace Rana
Grace, a skilled and passionate softball player, is a catcher at the University of New Mexico, where she showcases her talent and leadership on the field. A 2022 high school graduate, Grace's expertise behind the plate—combining sharp instincts, a strong arm, and excellent game management—has made her a cornerstone of her team. Beyond her collegiate career, she shares her love for the game as a catching coach for the AZ Dingers, where she is a wonderful asset to the program. Grace's ability to connect with kids and teach the fundamentals of catching with patience and enthusiasm has made her a favorite among young players and parents alike, inspiring the next generation of softball stars.

Softball Pitching/Hitting/Fielding Instructor
Taryn Lennon
Hi, I’m Taryn Lennon! I played D1 softball at Brigham Young University as a pitcher, outfielder, and hitter and am originally from California. During my time at BYU, I helped lead our team to two conference championships and a postseason run. In my senior year, I competed in the Big 12 Conference and beat Oklahoma! Most recently, I spent the past year as a Graduate Assistant Coach at the University of South Florida, where we made history by winning our first-ever conference championship. I’m passionate about helping the next generation of athletes grow both on and off the field.

Baseball Pitching Instructor
Anthony Slama
Anthony Salma is a former professional baseball player who carved his niche with the Minnesota Twins, taking to the field with them for the majority of his eight-year career. He made a memorable splash into the major leagues ("the show") in 2010 and 2011, showcasing the talent that got him drafted. Despite battling injuries which led to his retirement in 2015, Anthony demonstrated resilience and skill, including a final year in independent ball. Before his professional turn of play, Anthony shined at the University of San Diego, contributing significantly to his team's appearance in the WCC tournament and securing a spot as a #8 National seed in the collegiate tournament. He exemplified the student-athlete ideal, graduating with a degree from USD before answering the call of the major leagues. Post-retirement, Anthony remains a figure in the world of baseball, embodying the spirit and dedication of the game.

Softball Hitting & Catching Instructor
Asia Jones
With 11+ years of experience, Asia has excelled in catching and hitting, earning accolades at American Leadership Academy and Phoenix College. Now, she brings her passion and expertise to our community, focusing on mechanics and strength training.

Baseball Hitting Instructor
Jason Pridie
Jason was born and raised in Arizona, attending high school at Prescott High. Jason was drafted in 2002, signed and played professional baseball until 2017 reaching the major leagues as well as playing in Japan. Jason, who is married with four young boys, is currently a firefighter in Queen Creek. Jason enjoys passing along the knowledge he was fortunate to have gained through his long professional baseball career onto the next generation of baseball and softball players.
Train at Our Facility
Are you a private baseball or softball instructor looking for a facility to offer your trainings? You are welcome at AZ Dingers!
We offer discounted rates for tunnel rentals for lessons provided by instructors and coaches.
480-410-4945
