Coach Derek Ricketts brings a lifetime of baseball experience and 17 years of coaching expertise to Line Drive Athletics. Having played baseball since the age of four, Derek continued his playing career through the NAIA collegiate level, where he was a four-year starting catcher. His extensive playing background, combined with his passion for teaching the game, provides athletes with a strong foundation for developing their skills and reaching their full potential. Throughout his coaching career, Derek has served in numerous roles, including instructor, assistant coach, and head coach. His approach to player development centers on identifying each athlete's strengths and weaknesses, analyzing their individual skill sets, and creating structured development plans designed to maximize performance. In 2025, Derek founded Line Drive Athletics with a vision of creating a player development environment where athletes receive high-quality instruction, are challenged to compete, and are held accountable for their growth. Since its founding, he has built a network of experienced players, coaches, and instructors who share his passion for developing athletes and helping them succeed. At LDA, Derek specializes in catching development, hitting instruction, defensive fundamentals, and comprehensive player development. He emphasizes proper mechanics, baseball IQ, mental preparation, and the importance of discipline and accountability both on and off the field. Derek believes that successful player development goes beyond improving physical skills. It's about building confidence, developing character, embracing competition, and establishing the work ethic necessary to achieve long-term success. Coaching Specialties: Catching Development | Hitting Instruction | Fielding Fundamentals | Player Assessments | Individualized Development Plans | Baseball IQ | Youth & High School Player Development As LDA's founder and Player Development Manager, Derek is committed to building a culture that embodies the organization's core values: Faith-Driven, Athlete-Centered, and Built-to-Win.