Palatine Community Baseball & Softball center badge

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR GREAT PEOPLE TO EXPAND OUR PLAYERS ACADEMY OFFERINGS.   

If you know someone that would be a good fit as an instructor for BASEBALL or SOFTBALL, please let us know!  CONTACT: pcbs_communications@pcbs.fun


CURRENT INSTRUCTORS:

⚾️ Mason Runkel - Baseball Trainer

 

Growing up playing everything from Tee Ball to Division III collegiate baseball, Mason has experience in a wide variety of athletic environments over the last 16 years. From twelve years old on, baseball was a year-round endeavor. Open gyms and high school season in the spring, to travel in the summer, fall ball come autumn, and repeat. Time in between seasons brought conditioning and strength training, pushing Mason further on the field. In high school, he was an outfielder-turned shortstop and pitcher. A small high school team allowed him to gather experience and flourish in multiple positions and a competitive college environment drove him to the weight room and to seek out those extra hitting and ground ball opportunities.  

Mason enjoys being challenged in an encouraging group environment, where mistakes are seen as opportunities and feedback fuels improvement. Let’s take your athlete to the next level in their game as we train your choice of hitting, fielding, or strength and conditioning!

 

Availability: Tuesday's 6:30 - 9PM and Thursday's 6:30 - 8:30pm


🥎 Fred Valdez - Softball Trainer

 

Fred grew up in Chicagoland area and then moved to the south suburbs. Growing up, sports was his passion. In High School, he was a three sport athlete including four years of wrestling, four years of baseball and four years of football. After High School, he attended Tritan College and played football for two more years. He had the opportunity to play at a Division I school, but due to injuries, was unable to move forward.  After recovering from his injury for a year, he had the opportunity to play in the Northern States Semi-Pro Football League for eight years. Later in life, he had a daughter which provided him the opportunity to gain experience, develop his softball expertise and obtain certifications to expand his knowledge.


38 years total softball experience: 

  • Served 18 years as President of Travel Softball 
  • 30 years of Pitching and hitting instruction 
  • 5 years as the Chicagoland Area Director of the National Softball Association 
  • 8 years as a High School Softball Coach 
  • 2 years as a NJCAA Coach (1 year at Elgin Community College and 1 year at Harper College, Active) 

Certifications 

  • American Sports Education Program 
  • Illinois High School Association Official (20 years, active)

 

Availability: Wednesday's 5:30 - 8:30pm