About Patrick: Patrick Evans has a love for the game of baseball, whether it’s playing or coaching. The knowledge he possesses comes from his experiences in Little League all the way to the professional level. His resume includes championships, at the high school, college, and the professional level. Patrick grew up in his home town of Danville CA, where, at the age of 12, he pitched for his all-star team and missed going to the Little League World Series by one game, where they were beaten by that year’s Little League World Series Champion from Mexicalli Mexico. His determination to be a champion had begun. By his senior year in high school, his accomplishments included: winning a North Coast Section CIF Championship; he was named to the Northern California All-Star Team, starting in left field; beating Southern California, led by future all-star Shawn Green; he was named MVP, hitting .417; and made 1st team all league at San Ramon High School. After high school, his accomplishments continued.

 

During his freshman year at Chabot College, he was named Defensive Player of the Year throwing out a staggering 82% of the runners attempting to steal bases. His sophomore season had him hitting .436 and receiving another MVP award. This earned him a scholarship to Oklahoma Baptist University. While there, he hit .446 and earned another 1st Team All League, All American, and yet another MVP. These statistics had scouts coming to watch his games. This culminated in being drafted by the Cleveland Indians, as a catcher, in the 21st round of the 1994 Major League Baseball Draft.

 

During his 1995 Spring training, a shoulder injury sent him to Cleveland for a season-ending surgery on his shoulder. During the 1996-97 seasons, he was put in a back-up position and, in 1998, he was released by Cleveland. Patrick didn't give up though! He decided he would try to get back into organized ball. He received an offer to play for the Illinois Springfield Capitols in the Frontier League. He ended his first season being; 10th in the League, hitting .335 & 15HRS ; runner up in votes for the League’s MVP; and starting catcher in the all-star game. The Capitols ended the season winning the Frontier League Championship and again Patrick was named the teams Most Valuable Player. After such an impressive season, the Baltimore Orioles signed Patrick to a AA contract. Due to a subsequent elbow injury, Patrick was shelved after two games in Spring Training where he had been 4 for 7, with a home run and two doubles.

 

After breaking camp with the Frederick Keys, Patrick continued with therapy on his elbow, only to discover that three bone spurs were causing numbness in his forearm and hand. This injury finally ended Patrick’s professional baseball career. Upon returning home, Patrick was asked to coach his old American Legion Team, the Danville Hoots, and led them to a National Championship that year. The team was flown to New York for the Subway Series where his whole team was honored on the field during game two in Yankee Stadium.

 

For the past four and a half years, Patrick has managed Sluggers Training Center. Patrick has trained and coached some of the best Athletes in the Desert! He is eager, excited and highly motivated as he embarks on this new venture. The Hitting Zone will continue the legacy of training, coaching, and showcasing the TOP PROSPECTS in the desert.