The Cage: Instructors & Staff

Greg Modica - Pitching Instructor
Greg Modica
Former RGMVM Player Greg Modica
Greg joined us over a year ago and we are very happy to have him.  He has grown up in Glendale and is involved as a coach and instructor with RGMVM Little League, the Midville Dodgers, the Forest Hills Summer Baseball Camp and 27 Outs Baseball Camp.

Greg has played professionally with the Atlantic League with the Long Island Ducks and Somerset Patriots.

He is the Head Instructor with our very successful "Strike One" Pitchers' Program (See "Clinics" for more info) and gives private instruction by appointment.

To reach Greg, you can call him on his cell (917) 495-5862



Jesse Friedman
JesseHittingTrop
2008 Showball Baseball - Tropicana Field, Tampa, FL
Jesse is a Freshman at Queens College and will be a member of the Knights in the upcoming 2010 season.  As a High School Player at Forest Hills High School, Jesse played shortstop and was the Ace of the 2009 staff, throwing a No-Hitter against Aviation High School on 4/30/09. Jesse was selected as "All Queens A Team" at 2nd Base by the Ledger and led the Queens PSAL East division with a .450 batting avg. He was a member of the 2006 Junior & 2008 Senior League Section 3 Champs and has played for the New York Cardinals, LI Lightning, Forest Hills Bombers and currently with the Midville Dodgers.  

Although he is our youngest instructor, he has been involved with travel baseball, camps and clinics since he is 9 years old.  He has chosen coaching and training as his career goal which is his major at Queens College. Not only has he learned from his experiences, but since he still is playing, can relate to the players he is instructing. This year Jesse will be coaching and instructing the Forest Hills League League 10U travel team.

Jesse works very well with Little League age players, but on occassion has given lessons to players he own age as well as some twice his age.  He runs our "Hardball Academy" and Speed & Agility Programs (see "Clinics" for more details).  He is one of the head instructors at the Forest Hills Summer Baseball Camp now entering their 4th season.

Jesse also gives private Pitching and Hitting lessons.  To book time with him just call The Cage (718) 366-2122



Kevin Baez
Kevin Baez
Kevin has just joined our staff and brings with him a large following.  Kevin, born in Brooklyn, played shortstop professionally in Major League Baseball with the New York Mets and is currently a Player/Coach with the Long Island Ducks.

With his 16 years of experience and is available for Individual & Group Lessons.

Kevin can be reached by phone (631) 225-6831 or cell (631) 291-6541


Wednesday, September 16
Nick Derba
NickDerba

Nick Derba is currently playing with the Springfield Cardinals, the Double A affilitate of the St Louis Cardinals. 

Nick is a Queens native, attending Archbishop Molloy High School and Manhattan College. He was selected in the 30th round by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2007 draft. He has been rated as the organization's best defensive catcher by Baseball America.




Judy - Owner
Judy
Judy is owner of this family owned and operated business. Opening The Cage was a life-long dream of Judy's that came true in April, 2005 with the support of her family and friends. When you can't find Judy at The Cage, she's probably doing something with the Forest Hills Youth Activities Association or the Forest Hills Little League. She is extremely involved in youth athletics and finds time to coach tournament baseball and basketball teams year round.