Offering Dynamic Baseball Lessons
312 Baseball Lab is a nonprofit youth baseball facility in Chicago, Illinois. Our team consists of former and current pro players, college stars, and experienced coaches who are passionate about teaching the game. We focus on mechanics, fundamentals, and respect for baseball. Our approach is to evaluate, plan, instruct, and communicate, building strong bonds between students and coaches. All instructors undergo thorough background checks.
Martin, a product of the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago, grew up as the son of a single mother, which shaped his resilience and determination. From a young age, baseball was his passion, leading him to earn a full-ride scholarship to play at Robert Morris College. After graduating, Martin returned to his roots by volunteering as a baseball coach at his alma mater, Benito Juarez High School. However, after 14 successful years in the corporate world, Martin felt a calling to give back to his community in a more impactful way. He left his corporate job to dedicate himself fully to training and developing student-athletes in baseball and softball, recognizing a significant gap in support for young people seeking to grow through sports.
Today, Martin serves as a coach with St. Ignatius College Prep and Solorio High School, bringing his expertise and passion to these programs. He also leads training efforts with the Sheridan McGuane Generals and works with the Rawlings Tigers, where he continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes. As the Owner of “312 Baseball,” Martin is committed to providing the guidance and resources necessary for student-athletes to excel both on and off the field, fostering a new generation of talent from Chicago’s neighborhoods and building a path of life through the game that he loves.
Coach Erick Beltrán, a proud product of Chicago’s Lower West Side, hails from the vibrant neighborhood of Pilsen. A former standout athlete at Benito Juárez High School, he is now entering his 4th year as the head coach of the Girls Fastpitch Softball program at his alma mater. With extensive expertise in both baseball and softball, Coach Beltrán is deeply committed to fostering the holistic development of his players. He emphasizes the values of hard work, discipline, and a winning mindset, ensuring his student-athletes not only excel on the field but also carry these lessons into life.
Coach Zack is a dedicated baseball coach with a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. His journey in baseball began as a talented high school athlete, where he earned All-Conference honors as a third baseman while competing at De La Salle Institute. This early success fueled his passion for the game and set the stage for a collegiate career.
Coach Zack continued to excel at Carroll University, where he transitioned to the role of a closer, making significant contributions to the team over four years. His time as a collegiate athlete honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the game, providing him with valuable insights that he brings to his coaching. Coach Zack holds 2 current top 10 records at Carroll University for highest K per 9 innings at 8.01 and 44 appearances over his career.
After graduating, Zack returned to his roots and began coaching high school baseball at DeLaSalle and Saint Ignatius College Prep, where he quickly established himself as a knowledgeable and inspiring leader. As of recent, Coach Zack has also been named a pitching coach for the all girls IL baseball team Perfect Catch. His ability to connect with players and develop their skills has made a lasting impact on the teams he has coached.
In addition to his high school coaching, Coach Zack is also a vital part of the 312 Baseball Lab, where he leads the pitching program. His expertise in pitching mechanics and strategy has helped countless young athletes refine their skills and reach their full potential.
Coach Zack’s coaching philosophy centers around building a strong foundation of mechanics while instilling confidence in his pitchers emphasizing the need of attacking the zone early and producing soft contact.
I chose to coach at 312 baseball because it reminded me so much why I fell in love with the game in the first place. I decided to return back to coaching because of how much it meant to coach kids who were once in my position; where guidance and knowledge wasn’t prevailed. I come from a strong background of baseball where my uncles were part owners of a very familiar baseball team down in Mexico. Through my family, teammates, and experience this all shaped me to be the player, coach, and man I am today. Playing baseball every summer realized how much I enjoyed the game which has involved year in and year out. The game of baseball made me understand why consistency, dedication, and sacrifice take a huge role in success. I was able to understand what it meant to play at a high level during the years of high school ball and travel league summers. My speciality of being a dynamic hitting instructor and fielding expert allowed me to demonstrate the importance of both roles that play a huge part of the game. Fielding at a high level all through my life and being able to give back the small techniques I learned throughout the years of playing is the sole purpose why I enjoy coaching. Why makes me so special as a coach is how I am able to breakdown each and every position and the fundamentals that come with.
Gigi Martinez is a dynamic athlete from the South Side of Chicago, known for breaking barriers in the world of sports. Growing up, she was passionate about baseball, playing from the age of 4 to 15, and made history as the first girl to ever compete on a high school baseball team. Her talent and determination set the stage for her transition to softball, where she continued to excel.
At Whitney Young High School, Gigi became a two-time city champion, earned All-City honors, and was named to both the 2nd and 3rd Team All-State. Now, Gigi is embarking on her collegiate journey at Buffalo State University, where she is gearing up for her first season of collegiate softball, ready to take on new challenges and continue her legacy of excellence in the sport.
I have a deep understanding of both hitting and fielding mechanics, allowing me to break down complex movements into clear, actionable steps. By analyzing biomechanics, I can identify areas for improvement and provide tailored drills to optimize performance. My expertise helps athletes understand the ‘why’ behind each movement, leading to more efficient execution and better overall results.
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