Here at the Upper Deck Baseball Academy, our ultimate goal is to help each player realize their playing potential. UDBA instructors provide a framework that enables players to learn the essential skills of baseball or softball. The goal of Upper Deck’s educational delivery system is to allow players to maintain an individual style, while adhering to a set core of fundamentals and beliefs. These beliefs are the foundation that allows the Upper Deck staff to deliver successfully upon our mission.

			Jay Grenier – Head Baseball Coordinator at Upper Deck enters his fifth season as the head baseball coach at Rhode Island College. Previously Jay was the Head Baseball Coach at the Community College of Rhode Island, a position he held since 1993. During his tenure as the Head Coach at CCRI, the Knights were a consistent regional power. He was named the NJCAA Coach of the Year in both 1994 and 1996. He was the Louisville Slugger Region 21 Coach of the Year in 1993, 1994 and 1996. Prior to taking the job at CCRI, Grenier was an assistant coach for the Knights from 1985-93. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Rhode Island College in 1981, a position he held through the 1985 season. He has also served the Head Coach of the Rhode Island Reds, a New England Collegiate Baseball League team. Grenier has also worked as a hitting coach for the Chatham A’s of the Cape Cod Baseball League and as an envoy coach to Jamaica with Major League Baseball International.

			Steve Payne - Seasonal Instructor at Upper Deck is the Head Baseball Scout for New England and Canada for the Florida Marlins Major League Baseball Club. Steve was also a scout with the Montreal Expos and the Colorado Rockies. Steve spent his early baseball career as an assistant coach with Texas Tech and University of Tampa.

Scott Virgulak “Tuna” enters his first year as an assistant baseball coach at Rhode Island College. He primarily works with the team’s pitchers. He can work with pitchers, infielders, and hitters. Tuna is also an assistant coach with the North Adams Steeplecats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League during the summer season. Scott will also bring his experience with top college players with him to the Upper Deck.

Stephen Cardoso is currently the Cumberland Little League Commissioner for the American League. He specializes in pitching and has worked Upper Deck’s Strength and Conditioning clinics in the past. Steve was the varsity baseball coach at Davies Technical School. Steve brings his pitching techniques and overall baseball knowledge to The Deck.

Mick Lefort 4 year pitcher at URI. MLB 2005 draft. Former Arizona League - Mesa Cub Pitcher. Former Fargo Redhawk Northern League pitcher. Currently assistant coach at East Providence High School.

Jerry Coro brings his knowledge of hitting and catching to the Upper Deck. Jerry heads up the RI Reds Baseball program. Coro and was a catcher at the Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. He has also played in the Newport Sunset League and has coached in the Ocean State League. Jerry is a student of the game! Jerry specializes in hitting and catching instruction here at the Upper Deck Baseball Academy.

Russ Savickas Pitcher Former Johnston HS Player, MLB Draft 2002, formerly played for the NH Fisher Cats, AA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Dan Milano Catcher Former D1 College Player, MLB Draft 2007, formerly played for the Lowell Spinners, A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

Matt Bergeron Rhode Island College Assistant Coach, Head Coach RBI and UpperDeck American Legion Coach. Former collegiate player.

Wade Briggs 4 year collegiate player at RI College. Currently assisting RIC staff and 15 year-old AAU program.

Mark Cooke Wheeler High School Coach, Pawtucket RBI Coach and UpperDeck American Legion Coach. Former collegiate player.

Janice DiNoble A 4 year collegiate player at St. Joseph's College. Currently North Providence High School Softball head coach.