IRON KNIGHTS
TRAVEL BASEBALL MINISTRY
“Our goal is to build great baseball players and even better young men”
We aim to provide an environment where players, coaches, and parents can sharpen each other in character, discipline, and great fun through baseball. Iron Knights is a part of the vision of Indian rocks Baptist Church: “Connecting People to the who Jesus is and what He came to do.”
At the heart of the Iron Knights’ Vision are two key scriptures:
IRON – Proverbs 27:17 Describes the vision of development as iron sharpening iron. Tools needing sharp edges are even more effective the finer they get.
KNIGHTS – Ephesians 6:12 Describes how we (Iron Knights) are equipped to overcome challenges and adversity. The various principles conveyed in the armor of God (i.e., truth, faith, hope, peace, etc.) prepare on to stand in victory.
Those who have experienced excellence in baseball and life with Jesus work alongside those pursuing that excellence. They will guide the way, providing both opportunities to experience further excellence in the limited realm of baseball and the limitless realm of life. We hope to develop young men who will excel in attitude, effort, and faith.
Attitude
Success is based on 10% ability and 90% attitude.
Effort
Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.
Faith
Success is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
Whatever the percentages may be in thse categories, we seek 100% player impact. The Iron Knights desire is to address and refine a player’s character in both competence and capability, impacting the player both on and off the field.
Good Coaching Affects Games; Better Coaching Impacts Lives.
Our coaching develops a player’s character in both competence and capability in baseball and life by providing two practice formats that emphasize tactics and techniques. Our academy coaching staff will emphasize these characteristics as needed throughout the season. With hard work, we hope to reinforce one of the best parts of sports – FUN! The Iron Knights will also celebrate growth and development while strengthening the joy of playing baseball.
Our Academy Coaches and Their Credentials
Jason Tracy
- Invited to pitch at the University of Florida
- Coached for five years at Osceola High School
- Head pitching instructor for TBSA patriots for 10 years.
Pete Snyder
- Over 30 years of coaching baseball experience
- Has coached at Eckerd College, Boca Ceiga High School, Northside Christian High School, Canterbury High School, and St. Pete Catholic High School.
- Former national champion semi-pro player
- Worked numerous camps including American Baseball Academy, Tampa Bay Baseball Academy, All-Star Baseball, and Tampa Rays Baseball camps.
Travis Maddox
- Over 10 years of coaching experience in travel baseball
- Assistant Manager for Indian Rocks Middle School Baseball
- Has worked as a coordinator to organize baseball workouts for local travel baseball teams
Aaron Ledesma
- Drafted in the second round of the 1990 MLB draft by the New York Mets.
- Played seven years in minor league baseball
- 1997-1999, MLB player for the Rays and Rockies
- Served as the hitting coach for the Class-A advanced Tampa Yankees in 2008 and as the hitting coach for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in 2009 and 2010
Bill Evans
- Coached nine years of high school varsity baseball. Country Side High School head coach.
- Coached American Legion competitive baseball
- Baseball scout for Florida Palm University
- Coached travel baseball for more than 10 years.
Sponsorship Opportunities such as traveling team banners and signs on the Indian Rocks campus are available upon request.
For more details and information, please contact Pastor Rob Beswetherick at 727-593-8711 or email him below.