Our Instructors

All instructors at Extra Innings Brooklyn Park come with an extensive baseball or softball background. Whether they are former or current professional players, college all-stars, or high school or college coaches, Extra Innings Brooklyn Park offers serious professional instruction!

Visit our Lessons Page to see Player Testimonials!

Ben Smith - General Manager

Ben Smith is a graduate of Orono High School where he was a three time All Conference selection. He went on to play collegiate ball at MSU Mankato, Hamline University, and Bethany Lutheran College. Smith was an All Conference and All Region selection as an outfielder at Hamline, and still holds the school record for doubles in a season. At Bethany he was an All Conference selection as a shortstop and led the conference in runs, stolen bases, and sac bunts his senior season. Smith also served as an assistant coach at Bethany and has coached legion the past 3 summers. His summers stay busy playing amateur baseball, softball, and coaching. Ben is available for hitting and fielding lessons.

Meggan Staton - General Manager / Head Softball Instructor

Meggan Staton was a three-time all-state fast pitch player from Anoka, MN. She pitched and played first base in college (South Dakota State University; St. Cloud State University) setting numerous records in her career. Staton has coached softball at various youth and young adult levels. She was the Head Coach at Fridley High School in 2008-2009 and the Varsity Assistant at Champlin Park High School in 2010. She has coached with the MN Sting Club Organization and does work with Tonka Recreation Association in her free time. Meggan is a graduate of St. Cloud State University and has a Bachelors of Science in Recreation and Sports Management with emphasis on Coaching and Marketing. She is available for pitching and hitting lessons.

Mike Kvasnicka - Extra Innings Instructor

Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 31st round of the 2007 MLB June Amateur Draft and the Houston Astros in the 1st round (33rd) of the 2010 MLB June Amateur Draft. After a great junior season where the switch hitting Gopher hit .358 with eight home runs and reaching base in his final 40 games, and 61 of his final 62 games, the Houston Astros took Kvasnicka with the 33rd overall pick of the Major League Baseball draft, making Mike the highest drafted Minnesota player since 2004. Astros scouting director Bobby Heck said they had even considered taking Kvasnicka with their No. 8 pick, and were surprised he still remained at No. 33. Mike can play in the outfield, behind the plate or at either corner infield position. At the University of Minnesota Mike majored in youth studies and enjoys working with kids. When his professional career is over, he plans to be teaching and coaching. Mike is available for hitting or fielding lessons, until he leaves for spring training in early March.

Josh Wettlaufer - Extra Innings Instructor

Josh Wettlaufer is one the fastest players ever to play for the College of St. Scholastica and a feared lead off hitter. During his 4 year college career he set the school record of 101 stolen bases, and 253 runs. In addition to being fast, he has a career batting average of .408, and is 3rd all time with 240 base hits, Josh is also is 8th on the all time home run at St. Scholastica. He then went on to play two years of professional baseball. During his playing career Josh was a middle infielder and an outfielder. Josh loves giving hitting and fielding lessons to player of all ages. Josh is easy to spot when he is in at Extra Innings. He is the guy always smiling!

Jake Whitney - Extra Innings Instructor

A left handed pitcher with 7 years Professional Experience. In 1998 he was drafted by the Houston Astros after being a 4 year starter at Iowa State University. He was a member of the NY Penn League Champion in 1998,2002 and a 2003 Team USA Member. In 2001 he was a Post Season All-Star with the St. Paul Saints, and a 2003 All-Star with the St. Paul Saints. Jake has 50+ wins in Professional Career to along with 600+ Strikeouts.

Ryan Fixell - Extra Innings Instructor

Ryan attended Coon Rapids High School where he was a 3 year letter winner. He went on to pitch at Concordia - St. Paul on a four year athletic scholarship under coach Lunch Mackenzie. Ryan also has done numerous camps including instruction at USA Baseball, Joe Mauer Quickswing hitting instructor, and has done private instruction for 5 years. Ryan currently plays for the Coon Rapids Redbirds and leads his team in career wins, strikeouts, and career innings pitched. Ryan is available to teach all aspects of the game.

Jon Oiseth - Extra Innings Instructor

Jon is a native of Burnsville, MN and graduate of Minnehaha Academy where he excelled as a pitcher for the Redhawks. Jon went on to play for Kansas State University from 1994-97 where he still holds records for games started and innings pitched. Jon was drafted in the 31st round of the 1997 entry draft by the San Diego Padres where he played two seasons with the affiliate Idaho Falls Braves and Clinton Lumber Kings. Jon then went on to spend 2 seasons at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri from 2003-04 serving as their pitching coach. Jon will be available to teach all around skills focusing on pitching.

Keith "KJ" Johnson - Extra Innings Instructor

KJ is a Native of Chicago, IL. Where he attended Harlan Community Academy. He was 4-year letter winner in baseball and football, was All-Conference 3 years. Member of 2nd place finalist team in Chicago Public League City Championship in 1999. As a graduate of Concorida University, KJ played with Ryan Fixell (another EI instructor), was a Member of 2003 NSIC Conference Championship team under Lunch McKenzie( 2001-2005), KJ has worked clinics as Joe Mauer Quickswing hitting instructor and has 3 years of hitting instructional experience. Has coaching experience in football and basketball at McRae Park-Mpls. His full time job is working for the Hennepin County Attorney Office as a Victim's Advocate. (Putting his criminal justice degree to great use.) KJ enjoys teaching the fundamentals of hitting and fielding.

Amanda Yurek - Primary Nike Sparq's Trainer - Softball Hitting/Catching/Agility Instructor

Amanda Yurek was a 3 sport athlete, volleyball, basketball and softball, at Cretin Derham Hall High School. A 4 year starter for the Concordia University St. Paul Golden Bears, Yurek hit .331 (229-692) in 232 career games starting in 231. She had 20 HR's, 51 doubles, and 5 triples while driving in 120 RBI's and scoring 128 runs. She was 11-12 in stolen bases and had a career record with a .961 fielding percentage. Yurek holds 8 career records at Concordia University. Amanda is an experienced coach working individually with many different levels of athletes, and leading clinics for catching, hitting and speed strength and agility. She is available for private catching, hitting and speed strength and agility training.

Josh Mason - Pitching/Hitting/Fielding Instructor

Josh attended Sycamore High School in Cincinnati and was a 3 year varsity starting pitcher and tri captain. He then moved on to Indiana Wesleyan University serving as a starting pitcher and catcher. Josh also was an instructor in multiple summer and winter high school and college baseball camps throughout Indiana and Ohio. Josh was a teammate of current Boston Red Sox all star Kevin Youkilis while attending Sycamore High School. Josh will be available to teach all around skills focusing on pitching, hitting, and fielding.

Spencer Ingaldson - Extra Innings Instructor

Spencer attended Stevens High School in South Dakota where he was a 4 year letter winner. Spencer helped lead his American Legion Team to state titles in 2000, 2001, and 2002 behind the plate as a catcher. Spencer continued on to play 4 years at Purdue University and was named to the All Big Ten Team in his junior season. In the Summer Spencer also played for the Duluth Huskies in the Northwoods League and the Hornell Dodgers of the New York League. Spencer is available to teach all aspects of the game focusing on catching and fielding.

Kevin “KC” Johnson - Extra Innings Instructor

After graduating from Orono High School in 2002 where he was a captain and an All Conference selection in Baseball, KC went on to attend Bethany Lutheran College. There he was named to the All Conference first team in his Junior and Senior seasons, while also being named to the First team all region of the NCCAA in his junior season. KC has always been a great hitter and loves to share his knowledge and skills with others. He currently is 4th all time in career average at Bethany. He is primarily a 3rd baseman, but played all infield positions and catcher in college. KC still coaches Legion baseball and plays Amateur ball in the summers. His passion for the game always goes unmatched. KC is available to teach Hitting and fielding instruction.

Rob Maslowski “MAZ” - Extra Innings Instructor

Rob Maslowski "Maz" is a native of Champlin, MN and graduated from Robbinsdale Cooper High School. As a left handed pitcher Rob was a 4 time all-conference selection, 3 time all region selection, and 3 time all-metro performer in high school. Rob earned an academic and athletic scholarship at Iona College (NCAA Division 1) in New Rochelle, NY (The same school that produced current St Louis Cardinals closer Jason Motte). Rob transferred to Concordia University St Paul (NCAA Division 2) and played for Mark "Lunch" McKenzie. Rob belongs to Northwest Umpires and has been umpiring high school and men’s amateur baseball for 5 years. Rob is currently the pitching coach at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School.