I began working with Chris as a 12 year old and continued to work with Chris through high school. Chris is passionate about teaching baseball and especially passionate about the art of pitching. Chris’ experience as a Team USA player and college player gives him instant credibility as a pitching coach. Chris not only improved my mechanics to give me a better fastball, change up and curveball but also worked with me on the mental side of pitching as well. He also walks you through an extensive training routine to help make your arm stronger and keep it healthy year round. Chris made me a better pitcher and helped me succeed as a starting pitcher on the varsity level. He is very patient and relates well to kids of all ages. Chris is very enthusiastic about teaching baseball and has an obvious love for both the game of baseball and teaching it. I would highly recommend Chris. ~J. F., Whitney Young Varsity Baseball

“My son has worked with Chris for the past couple of years, and he has matured into a smart, confident player. Chris has been a great resource. He presents his knowledge on the nuances of pitching, hitting and fielding in a manner that is both challenging and fun for the kids. He has worked well with several of my son’s teammates, and I recommend him to anyone looking for a coach to help improve their player’s command of the game.” ~A. S., Chicago, IL

Chris Smolky is not just an instructor but a person who genuinely cares about improving the skills of his students. Chris started working with my son at the beginning of the season and helped him improve in every area. His batting average went up, his fielding ability improved, and his throwing became more accurate. His coaches took note and Connor’s self-confidence grew right along with his skills. Connor looked forward to each lesson and his love for the game continued to grow. We thank Chris for teaching him the fundamentals and look forward to many more sessions to keep improving his skills. ~C. B., Chicago, IL

My son has been working with Chris for over two years and the improvement he has shown has been tremendous. Chris has a straightforward and positive manner of communicating with young men that allows them to absorb the instruction and quickly see positive results. The mental approach that Chris describes has also been beneficial as he is able to use his experience as a successful ballplayer to demonstrate the right way to play the game. ~T. A., Chicago, IL

Chris,THANK YOU VERY MUCH for all you’ve done for both my son & also the team (ages 10-14) that I coached in 2011 at Welles Park.

After observing you in action one-on-one, at team practices & at the Sheridan Park clinic last autumn, wanted you to know that the players really respond to your patient, gentle and enthusiastic approach. You’re very professional, never yell, and never hold out the Major Leagues as the “carrot,” but instead really listen, observe and let the kids play while helping them to see what they’re doing well so that they believe in themselves, and offering instruction to help them in the next game. You’ve got a special gift for connecting with the players (whatever their ability), and instilling confidence in the players.

Chris, you’ve had a positive impact on these very young men, and appreciate you’re helping them to see the connections between this simple game and life. My son & the players on the team like to practice some of the same drills that you showed them, and a common phrase between players during the playoff games last summer was, “Remember what Coach Chris said. ~Anonymous

Really appreciate the focus on having fun while playing fundamentally sound baseball and the easy to understand instruction you imparted to our players re not only pitching, but also fielding, hitting, base-running, communication on the field, game situations, teamwork and injury prevention. But most of all, its the way you respect and work well with each of the kids. Thank you, Coach Chris! ~Anonymous