Our Vision

As a respected member of the All American and Batter’s Eye coaching staff, Chris brings over 30 years of playing experience, more than 15 years of coaching, and a decade of personal training expertise to the team. His deep knowledge of hitting and fielding has helped countless athletes sharpen their skills and reach their full potential on the field.

Chris began his baseball journey at Danbury High School under the guidance of Coach Shawn Ratchford. He continued playing at Western Connecticut State University before going on to compete in a highly competitive twilight league for eight years. During this time, he traveled across the country, earning multiple accolades for his outstanding defensive play.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in business, Chris launched his coaching career while continuing to play competitively. Over the years, he has coached and mentored players and fellow coaches in several local programs, including those in Wilton, Norwalk, Stamford, Danbury, and Weston.

Known for his calm demeanor and player-first approach, Chris excels at connecting with athletes of all ages — from Little League to the collegiate level. His focus on fundamentals, combined with a strong understanding of the game's mental and technical aspects, creates an environment where players are motivated to grow both on and off the field.

Today, Chris serves as head coach of the CT Barons, All American and Batter’s Eye’s premier college-level team, now entering its 30th season.

To book a lesson with Chris, please contact him directly at (203) 512-4513.

Jeff Slane, founder of Northeast Pitching Velocity Development (est. 2002) and more recently SHOVE Pitching & Performance, brings over 23 years of experience to the Smash U Baseball staff. His coaching career spans all levels of development, from beginners as young as age 4, to youth, high school, college, and professional athletes in both affiliated organizations and independent leagues.

Slane's journey into pitching development was sparked by early reports of exceptional results from science-based training and conditioning methods. In 2006, he attended the first of many national conferences, learning from and collaborating with coaches at the forefront of applying biomechanics and kinesthetic principles to pitching. This experience led him to develop a fully individualized training model that emphasizes efficient, powerful, and injury-resistant throwing mechanics.

For nearly two decades, Slane's data-driven approach has consistently helped pitchers improve velocity, control, and overall performance while prioritizing arm health. His methodology incorporates detailed video analysis, allowing athletes to receive precise, objective feedback on every aspect of their delivery, the kind of insight that accelerates development and ensures long-term results.

The outcome: a more powerful, confident, and durable athlete, ready to take the mound and compete at a high level.

To book a lesson with Jeff, please contact him directly at (203) 583-1600.

Tristen brings over 15 years of experience in baseball, having competed at every level from youth leagues to professional baseball. Since completing his collegiate career, Tristen has dedicated himself to instructing athletes, helping them refine their skills, enhance their fundamentals, and build the confidence needed to excel both on the field and in life.

Tristen began his collegiate career at Erie Community College, where he played under the guidance of Joe Bauth, a Junior College Hall of Fame coach. During his two seasons at Erie, he played multiple positions and contributed to the team’s success run to the Final Four. After transferring to Crown College, Tristen played a key role in the team’s NCAA Regional appearance, following a conference championship win in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). Most recently, Tristen completed his first professional season in the Empire League, where he ranked in the top 10 for several major offensive categories.

Tristen takes a personalized, hands-on approach to coaching, tailoring each session to meet the individual needs of the player. He emphasizes the importance of strong fundamentals, mental preparation, and consistency in both hitting and infield play.

Tristen believes in fostering a supportive and open environment where athletes feel comfortable asking questions and actively engaging in their own development. His goal is not only to improve the technical skills of each player but also to instill confidence and mindset necessary for success on and off the field.  To book a lesson with Tristen, please contact him directly at 203-565-3238.

Dario is currently a junior at Post University, where he competes at the NCAA Division II level. A dedicated student-athlete, Dario has not only excelled on the field but also in the classroom, earning All-Academic honors within his conference. As a younger player, he came up through the Baseball U organization, laying the foundation for his continued success.

Baseball has been a lifelong passion for Dario. During his high school career, he was a two-time All-American, ranked the #1 outfielder in Connecticut, and listed among the top 100 outfielders nationally. At Post University, he earned his first championship ring as part of the team that won a conference title.

Dario has trained under elite professionals, including José Cano, Edinson Vólquez, and Starling Marte.  Mentors who have played a key role in shaping his skills as both a player and a coach.

Dario is passionate about giving back by working with young athletes aged 11 to 14. His coaching style focuses not only on strong baseball fundamentals, but also on building confidence, discipline, and character helping players grow both on and off the field.

To book a lesson with Dario, please contact him directly at 203-419-6397.