Richard has coached and worked for over 35 years in all levels of baseball and softball, from t-ball to throwing batting practice for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA Rockies). He has developed baseball programs from scratch to compete in all levels of Little League (from T-ball to Big League). Richard has coached teams that have played in 7 National Championship events. He was a High School Head Coach for five years and an Assistant Head Coach for three years. He's worked with Coach Paul Maineri (LSU Head Coach) and Coach Eric Campbell (Air Force Academy Head Coach, now with USA Baseball), and as a Level 1 Coach working with major showcases around the country doing evaluations. He has had several players go on to play professional baseball and loves developing young players to their full potential.
Chassy Smiley-Freeman
Softball Instructor
Pitching, Infield, Hitting
Chassy attended Milligan College on a 4-year softball scholarship. At Milligan, she was a four year starter receiving All-Conference and District honors. She has served as an assistant softball coach at Tusculum and has coached many travel fast-pitch softball teams. In addition to coaching, she helped to conduct skills camps and clinics under the direction of Milligan College coach Wes Holly. Chassy is currently employed by the City of Kingsport in the Park and Recreation Department.
Tyler attended Old Dominion University and was drafted in 2007 by the Florida Marlins organization where he played Short A and Low A baseball. His desire is to share his baseball experience and knowledge with others so that they can compete at their highest level.
Catching, Hitting
Hitting
Garth was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2001 and finished his minor league career with Detroit's AA Erie SeaWolves.
During his final two years in the independent league, Garth averaged over .300 in 645 at bats. He has a gift for working with young players, and we are excited to have him as part of the AOSA instructing staff.
Ben Swaggerty - Left Handed Pitcher
Baseball Instructor
Ben played baseball at Knox Central HS where he received All-KIL honors and an All-State Selection. After high school, Ben attended Tusculum College and played four seasons with the Pioneers. During his time with the Pioneers, they won three consecutive conference championships and made two regional appearances. He majored in Sport and Recreation Science with a minor in coaching. After college, Ben
Pitching, Speed/Agility/Quickness
signed with the Kansas City Royals and is currently in his fourth season of minor league ball. At the end of the 2008 season, he was selected to play in the Hawaii Winter League and in 2009, he was voted AA's "Pitcher of the Year".
Left for Spring Training on February 23rd. Good Luck, Ben!
