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Upper Deck
Baseball Academy
Meet the dedicated team at Upper Deck Baseball Academy.
We are passionate about helping players develop their skills and reach their full potential. With a strong focus on teamwork and a commitment to excellence, our team is here to provide the best training and support for our athletes.
Jeff Lyons
General Manager - Upper Deck
Director of Stone Crabs Baseball
Jeff brings plenty of experience with him to Upper Deck, as an All-State player at Lincoln High School, then playing two years for the Nationally ranked C.C.R.I Baseball Teams in 1986 & 1987, being selected as Captain in 1987. After his playing career, Jeff was an Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach at Lincoln High School for five years. Jeff is currently an active board member and coach in the Cumberland Youth Baseball and Softball League.
COACHES
Jay Grenier - Baseball Hitting Instructor
Coach Grenier was the former Hitting Coach for Bryant University Bulldogs and the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod Baseball League. Coach Grenier was also a former batting practice pitcher for the Pawtucket Red Sox. Coach Grenier previously served as the Head Baseball Coach at RIC and the Community College of Rhode Island. He was named the NJCAA Coach of the Year twice and was the Louisville Slugger Region 2 Coach of the Year three times. We are fortunate to have someone of his experience and caliber working on our staff.
Wade Briggs - Baseball Pitching Instructor
Coach Briggs was a four year pitcher at Rhode Island College. He was consistently in the top of the rotation during his college career. In 2005, Coach Briggs was able to lead his team to the Little East Conference Championship. Upon the completion of his playing career, he coached the highly successful 15u New England Lightening team to a 32- 10 record. Coach Briggs provides a structured program for the the high school pitcher looking to take his game to the next level.
Samantha Laliberte - Softball Instructor
Coach Samantha played 10+ years competitive softball and played with various organizations that helped her obtain her knowledge of the game. She played various positions as pitcher, 3rd base and outfield. Samantha uses her knowledge to help young softball players understand the mechanics and the science behind softball
Brandon Kelly - Baseball Pitching Instructor
Coach Kelly is the Lincoln High School Varsity Pitching Coach with a unique background and skill set that makes him an excellent mentor for aspiring baseball players. As a former 4-year pitcher at Lincoln High School (2014-2018) and a member of the Upper Deck Senior Legion State Championship Team (2018), he knows from first-hand experience what it takes to succeed in the league. Brandon was previously a pitcher at Rivier University (2018-2022), he has broken various records for appearances, saves, and strikeouts. Working with our team, you will have access to unparalleled resources to improve your skills and performance.
Jarrid Tapley - Baseball Instructor
Coach Tapley is our newest instructor at Upper Deck. Jarrid is a former 3 sport Cumberland High School All-State Athlete graduating class of 2003 and a Cumberland High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2021 inductee. After high school Jarrid played at CCRI in the fall season of 2003 as a starting outfielder and pitched as a closer for the Knights. Tapley brings his knowledge and grit to the Academy focusing on the fundamentals, mechanics and strengthening the weaknesses of young ball players.
Kate Nickerson - Softball Instructor
Coach Kate is a senior at Scituate High School. In the fall of 2024 she will be attending Southern Connecticut State University as a pitcher. For the last 8+ years she has played for Rhode Island Thunder. She also plays for her high school team. Her freshman year the team won the division 2 state championship. While playing for Thunder she was a pitcher and an outfielder. Kate looks forward to using her knowledge to help young softball players.
Nick Raposo - Baseball Catching/Hitting Instructor
A 2016 Johnston High School graduate, four year catcher at Wheaton College, and current catcher in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Nick is looking forward to helping kids reach their baseball goals at the plate and catchers behind the plate. Nick has a passion for sharing knowledge down to younger kids and helping them grow as a player but more importantly a person.
Olivia Petrillo - Softball Instructor
Coach Olivia is a Junior at King Philip High School with a Providence College Division 1 Big East Softball commitment. She played on the RI Thunder 14U & 16U National teams as a MIF and was a top place finisher at PGF Nationals in California. As a player, Olivia started as a freshman, and in two seasons, lost only four games. During her sophomore season, Olivia hit 8 home runs, finishing top 5 in the state and adding another 7 during club season. Olivia is looking forward to working with young softball players to improve their skill on the field and at the plate!
