Our Instructors

All instructors at Extra Innings Troy come with an extensive baseball or softball background. Whether they are former or current professional players, college all-stars, or high school or college coaches, Extra Innings Troy offers serious professional instruction!

Visit our Lessons Page to see Player Testimonials!

Richard D. Gold - Director of Baseball Operations

Rick is a 1973 graduate of Ohio Northern University with a B.S. in Mathematics and was a (3) three-year lettermen for the university Polar Bear baseball team. Rick was a team captain his senior year and was also named the University’s Outstanding Senior Athlete. Rick then went on to obtain his Masters of Education through Wright State University in 1988. After his college playing days at Ohio Northern, Rick was the Miami East High School Head Baseball Coach for 11 years before moving onto Piqua High School and “Hardman Field”. Rick was the Head Baseball Coach in Piqua for 18 years, before retiring to accept a position of pitching coach at Wittenberg University and then moving into the assistant position under Head Coach Jay Lewis. Throughout his 29 years of high school baseball, Coach Gold’s teams compiled a 505-244 record, winning 10 league championships, 9 sectionals championships, 4 district championships, and regional finalist twice. Coach Gold’s success, from his point of view, is attributed to many outstanding young men that love baseball. Coach Gold also coached ACME baseball for 10 summers and was the head coach for Schnell-Westfall American Legion Post 184 for 14 summers, winning 9 district championships, plus State Legion Runner-Up in 1992 and State Connie Mack Championships in 1990. Rick has won numerous honors and award, but most recently was inducted into the OHSBCA Hall of Fame in 2008. Coach Gold will be on staff for private hitting, pitching, and fielding/defensive lessons along with participating in E.I. Troy clinics.

Albani Shepherd - Softball Instructor

Coach Shepherd is a 2008 graduate of Western Michigan University with a B.A. in Business Management. She was a 2 year letter winner for the Broncos and was a member of the 2006 Mid America Conference Champions. Her first two years in college were spent at Lake Michigan College where she received all conference, all state, and all regions honors during her freshman and sophomore years. Playing in college also gave her a chance to play oversees in the Tuscany Series in Italy for USA Athletes International. She was chosen for the all-star team and was able to help lead the team to the tournament championship. While in Italy, Albani competed against teams from Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Also during her college career Albani, along with other teammates and coaches, participated in instructing several clinics to help high school, club, and recreational athletes. Albani played her high school ball at Chaminade Julienne. There she was a four year all area player including first team her junior and senior year, and all area player of the year here junior year. She was also all state first team her junior season, and led the area in hitting her sophomore and junior year. Coach Shepherd played her summer ball for the Miami Valley Express and competed in tournaments across the nation. Albani held the position of Head Coach for the Reserve Softball team at Northridge High School in 2008-09', while assistant coaching the varsity program. In 2010 Coach Shepherd was awarded the Head Coaching position for the Varsity squad at Northridge High School. Coach Shepherd will be on staff for private hitting and fielding/defensive lessons along with participating in E.I. Troy clinics..

Ty Welker - Baseball Instructor

Coach Welker currently is the Troy High School Varsity Coach and has been since 2005. Ty is a THS class of ’89 graduate where he played for Fred McMullen. After high school he attended and then graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1994 with a B.S. in Education. Just after college, Ty became the Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach at Troy High School under Mike Day from 1994-2000. However, prior to becoming the head coach of the Trojans, Ty held the Head Varsity Coach position at Piqua High School from 2003-2005 and Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach under Rick Gold at Piqua from 2001-2003. Ty and his wife Amy are life long residents of Troy where they are currently raising their three kids Jessie, Maggie, and Luke. Coach Welker will be participating E.I. Troy clinics.

Heath Murray - Baseball Instructor (Pitching)

Coach Murray graduated from Troy High School in 1991 where he was awarded 1st Team All-Ohio, while also playing summer ball for the local legion team. After high school Heath received a baseball scholarship to The University of Michigan where he was All Big Ten in 1993 and 1994 as well as All Big Ten Tournament in 1994. Heath was then drafted in the 3rd round (66th overall) in the 1994 Major League Baseball Draft by the San Diego Padres. Heath was named to the Northwest League All Star Team in 1994 and a California League All-Star in 1995 while with the Padres A level teams. He went on to be named the Padres Minor League Pitcher of the year in 1995 going 14-6 between Rancho Cucamonga (A) and Memphis (AA). Heath continued his success by being named as the starting pitcher for the National League in the AA-All Star Game in 1996. Heath's Major League debut came in May 1997 vs. the Florida Marlins. He then went on to earn his first win in the MLB June 1997 vs. Atlanta Braves and Greg Maddux. Heath played for the Padres from 1997-1999 before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2000 where he was then traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the end of spring training. Heath played with the Detroit Tigers in 2001 and Cleveland Indians in 2002 where an injury finished his career. He has been an assistant coach for Troy High School since 2003 and currently resides in Troy with wife LeeAnn and son Brodie. Coach Murray will be participating in E.I. Troy Pitching clinics.

Jason Leaver - Baseball Instructor

Jason was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio and graduated from Springfield Shawnee in 2005 where he received All-Ohio Selection two years in a row and an All-American award for baseball. He was also awarded 1st Team All-State High School Baseball 2004 & 2005 as a pitcher and the Miami Valley Player of the Year 2004 & 2005, along with All CBC 2002-2005. Jason was then awarded a full scholarship to play baseball (pitch) at the University of Georgia where he was the #2 starter in 2006 & 2007. Jason played at UGA for four years having the opportunity to play in 2 College World Series (’06 & ’08) and helped the Bulldogs win the SEC Championship in 2008. Jason graduated from UGA with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. He has instructed in several clinics for the public while at UGA, along with instructing at Wittenberg and Cedarville University Clinics. Jason resides in Springfield with his new wife Megan. Coach Leaver will be on staff for private pitching and hitting lessons along with participating in E.I. Troy clinics.

Jay Lewis - Baseball Instructor

Coach Lewis was hired as the head baseball coach at his alma mater, Wittenberg University, in 1996, with his first season at the helm in 1997. Lewis, who previously served as an assistant coach for one year for the Tigers, has compiled a 267-227-4 record, breaking the school record for career baseball coaching victories during the 2006 season. A 1994 Wittenberg graduate, Lewis excelled on the diamond for the Tigers in the early 1990s. Lewis was a three-year starting catcher for Wittenberg from 1991-1993 after spending his first season at West Virginia Wesleyan. Prior to his time at Wittenberg, Lewis was an assistant coach at St. Paris Graham High School, where he helped lead the Falcons to a Division II State runner-up finish in 1995. In addition, he has helped coach perennial power Piqua in the American Legion League with then Head Coach Rick Gold. During his head coaching stint at Wittenberg, Lewis' teams have excelled, averaging more than 20 wins a season, and have finished second in the always competitive North Coast Athletic Conference tournament twice (1997 and 1998). His teams display a very aggressive style of baseball, with strong fundamentals being their basis for success. A native of St. Paris and a graduate of Graham High School, Lewis and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Lewis' hometown with their children, Megan and Josh. Coach Lewis will be available for private lessons and participating in E.I. Troy Clinics.

Kirk Kadel - Softball Instructor (Pitching)

Coach Kadel has been involved as a player and coach of fastpitch for many years. He has worked with pitchers of all ages to develop the mechanics and attitude needed to be successful. Coaching at Newton High School for the past 21 seasons he has developed the pitching staff that has led the Indians to seven league titles, six district championships and two regional winners. For 19 of those seasons, Indian pitchers were selected first team all conference and 9 times all-state selections. He has had the privilege of helping develop many athletes; including producing College All-American's in pitching. Kirk has instructed athletes from across the region providing group and individual instruction, along with leading many clinics across the state. Coach Kadel will be on staff for private pitching lessons along with participating in E.I. Troy clinics.

Jherica Williams - Softball Instructor

Jherica Williams is a graduate of Wright State University receiving her B.S. in Organizational Leadership. Williams lettered three years in softball for the Piqua Indians...named the GWOC Player of the Year her senior year. Playing summer and fall collegiate ball with the Miami Valley Express, Williams was able to compete across the nation to prepare for college competition. The first two years Williams accepted a softball scholarship to Chipola Jr. College. Her sophomore year Williams hit .582 with 7 HRs and 41 SB in 2006. She was selected as a Louisville Slugger All-American as well as Second Team All-State and twice chosen as a First Team All-Panhandle Conference. After receiving her Associates in Fine Arts, Williams decided to return to her home state and accepted a softball scholarship under the coaching of Mike Larabee with WSU. As a Raider, Williams, in her junior year was named Newcomer of the Year and selected to First Team All-Horizon League Conference in 2007. In 2008, Williams charted the Division-1 NCAA offensive categories. She led Division I in RBIs per game at 1.24, was second in SLG %, and third in batting average. Jherica continued to chalk up many different awards and placements during her two year tenor with Wright State. So much, that she is now doing volunteer coaching work for the Raider program. After finishing her senior year as a Raider, Williams signed on to the NPF (National Professional Fastpitch) as a free agent with the Akron Racers during the summer of 2008. During that season she played Outfield and Catcher. Throughout her college and professional career, Williams, along with her teammates and coaches, participated in various clinics or camps in teaching the youth in hitting, slapping, and catching. Coach Williams will be on staff for private hitting, defensive/catching lesson, along with participating in E.I. Troy softball clinics.

Matt Steinke - Baseball Instructor

Matt was born and raised in Wapakoneta, Ohio and graduated from St. Marys Memorial High School. While at St. Marys, Matt received All WBL honors in 2001-2003 and All State honors his sophomore and senior years. Upon graduation Matt received a scholarship to play baseball at St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana. He played 2 years for the Pumas and transferred to Wittenberg University. While attending Wittenberg, he received all conference honors in 2007 and 2008. Coach Steinke also played on collegiate summer league teams in New York and Ohio. While in New York playing for the Allegany County Nitros in the NYCBL, he helped the team to a league runner-up finish. He also played for the Columbus All-Americans in the Great Lakes league. While playing for the All-Americans, Coach Steinke was selected to the All-Star team and help the team win the league championship. Matt graduated from Wittenberg University with a B.A. in Business Management. He is currently working as a Financial Analyst for a company in Dayton and resides in Springfield, Ohio. Coach Steinke will on staff for private hitting and catching lessons, along with participating in E.I. Troy baseball clinics.

Sharon Palma - Softball Instructor (Pitching)

Coach Palma comes to Extra Innings from across state lines. She was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There, Sharon attended Northview HS where she led the Wildcats to a first place OK Conference Championship in 2006, positing a 30-6 overall record. As a senior, Sharon threw a perfect game, 7 no-hitters, 8 one-hitters, & 17 shutouts, while striking out 406 batters. Sharon's efforts earned her the 2006 Female OK Conference Athlete of the Year as well as All-State Honors. As a freshman, Sharon took her talents to Bowling Green State University. Sharon posted a 2-0 record and a 1.91 ERA on the year. Sharon struck out 18 in 14.2 innings pitched, allowing only 4 runs on 11 hits. She started two games in her six appearances, pitching one complete game, throwing one shut out, and earning one save. While at BG, Sharon was perfect from the field with a 1.000 fielding percentage. In 2008, Sharon transferred, joining the Wright State University Raiders under Coach Mike Larabee. Palma was quick to impact the Horizon League, earning 2nd Team All-Horizon League Honors and earning a spot on the Horizon League All-Newcomer team as a sophomore. Sharon finished third in the league in wins, fourth in innings pitched, fifth in strikeouts, and 7th in ERA. Sharon led the raiders to a Horizon League Championship in 2008, going 4-0 in the tournament, pitching every inning & giving up only six earned runs. Palma dominated from the circle, striking out 11 and throwing a 2-hit shutout vs. Cleveland Sate in the title game to clinch back-to-back Horizon League Championships for WSU. Sharon's performance earned her the 2008 Horizon League Tournament MVP. In 2009, Sharon was named Second Team All Horizon League, ranking second in wins, 3rd in strikeouts, 5th in innings pitched, and 6th in ERA among Horizon League pitchers. Palma struck out 9 in games vs. Butler and Detroit, and tied her career high striking out 10 batters against Loyola in the Horizon League tournament. In 2010, Palma rounded out her collegiate career earning Wright State University its first NCAA regional win in school history. The Raiders' NCAA birth came from another win earned by Palma, as WSU clinched a decisive game two vs. top seeded Cleveland State to capture the 2010 Horizon League Championship. Coach Palma will be on staff for private pitching lessons, along with participating in E.I. Troy softball clinics.

Kristen Bradshaw - Softball Instructor

Coach Bradshaw is a graduate of Northwest High School in Portsmouth, OH. For the Mohawks she lettered all four years and was selected All-District and all Southern Ohio Conference all four years. She earned first team All-District three years, after being named second team All-District her freshman year. Her senior year, Bradshaw was named first team All-State as she hit .573 with 10 homeruns. She was chosen SOC Player of the year in 2006 as well as Second Team All-State as a junior and Honorable Mention in 2004. Coach Bradshaw holds school records at Northwest High School for batting average, hits, and homeruns. Kristen's success continued at Wright State University, where she started every game (235) during her four year career. As a shortstop, she led the Raiders to three Horizon League titles and NCAA Regional Appearances. All four years she was voted All-Horizon League, being named to the First-Team twice. Her senior year Kristen was selected Horizon League Tournament MVP and also received the Tournament Defensive award. During her final season, she was ranked 23rd in the nation for stolen bases. Holds career records at Wright State for games played (235), games started (235), at bats (752), runs (173), hits (249), doubles (46), total bases (393), RBI's (162), and assists (622). Kristen is now the Student Assistant at Wright State University under Coach Lynn. Coach Bradshaw will be on staff for private hitting and fielding lessons, along with participating in E.I. Troy softball clinics.