DK STAFF

OUR TRAINING STAFF

The DK Staff knows what it takes to become a world-class ballplayer. Our staff of professional players, college and minor league coaches, and MLB front office personnel is happy to assist you. The DK Staff knows what it takes to become a world-class ballplayer and also understand the importance of athletes learning from every coach who enters their lives. Our dedicated, passionate training staff, including the internationally renowned Parisi Speed School staff has training programs to help achieve all of your athletic goals.
Our staff's benchmark of knowledge ensures you will have a first class learning experience every time your athlete steps in our facility, no matter who the instructor.
More importantly, every DK Academy instructor shares in the belief that an exceptional work ethic and positive attitude combined with the highest level of professional instruction will facilitate self confidence in every player’s on-field and off-field abilities.

MIKE CHURCH

Mike's passion is helping see players increase their love and skill sets of baseball and softball. Helping players understanding the value of having a relentless work ethic coupled with possessing great character is what motivates him to deliver the best service possible to the baseball and softball community.

Mike has had the privilege and opportunity to have been a part of many wonderful baseball opportunities as a player, coach, manager, and front office executive including:

2x presenter at the World Baseball Coaches' Convention at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT
Director of Player Procurement and Baseball Operations, Bridgeport Bluefish, Atlantic League
Manager and Dir. of Baseball Operations, New Haven County Cutters, Can Am League of Professional Baseball, 2004 - 07
USA Baseball Director, New England for North Atlantic NTIS from 2011 – 2014
Selected to manage 2006 Can-Am League /American Assoc All-Star Game in El Paso, TX
Northern League All-Star Catcher, 2001, Two-time Northern League Champion w/Adirondack -Lumberjacks in 2000 and New Jersey Jackals in 2001, New Jersey Jackals 5th Anniversary All-Star Team, 2002.
Played professionally from 1995-2001
Asst Baseball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Central Connecticut State University, 1995-1999
All-ECAC Catcher at Central Connecticut State University with B.A. English
Catcher, NECBL's Inaugural All-Star Game at Muzzy Field, Bristol, CT and NECBL inaugural 10th -Player Award Winner and All-Star Game selection, 1994
Played against Cuban Jr National Team on CT All-Star Team at Municipal Stadium, Waterbury
Appeared in ESPN Baseball Miniseries, "The Bronx is Burning"
Played in ESPN Classic's 1940's era vintage game in Birmingham, AL
Mike lives in Berlin, CT with his wife and daughter

GENE GENTILE

Long time minor league player and minor league coach with multiple organizations
Originally drafted at age 17 by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization out of Taylor Allderdice HS in Pittsburgh, PA
Hit a 3-run HR on the first pitch of his first major league at bat in the spring of 1983 with the Boston Red Sox
1-1 lifetime vs Nolan Ryan with 2 RBI’s
Patrolled the outfield for the Bristol Red Sox during the 1980 and 1981 seasons and for the Pawtucket Red Sox in 1982 and 1983
Coached in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization after his playing days
Coached the Bristol American Legion team for several years in the 90’s after moving to CT
Led the City league in hits, steals, HR’s and batting average his senior year, City league Champions in 1976
Gene is a proud grandfather, lives in Bristol, CT with his wife and has 2 adult daughters

JOHN MORRELL

Pitching Coach for West Haven Sailors of CCCBL, 2016-2021
National Championship winner with Eastern Connecticut State University
Has coached in youth and collegiate leagues for the last 25 seasons
Pitched 4 years collegiately at ECSU
Former Hurricane was an All State HS Baseball and Basketball player at New Britain HS

AJ PIETRAFESA

2024 All-American from Mass Maritime Academy
Single Season Hits Record Holder at Mass Maritime Academy
National leader in average, slugging, OPS, OBP and WRC+
D3 Baseball third team All American
All Region II 2nd Team in 2024
All Region II Defensive Award at 1st Base
1st Team MASCAC All Conference

CHRIS SAWYER

Played 8 years of minor league baseball in Sioux City, IA, Pittsfield, MA, and Quebec City, CA
Played 4 years collegiately as a Hatter at Stetson University
Head Softball Coach, Lewis Mills HS 2017-present
Longtime fastpitch travel coach
Former Hornet was an All State HS Baseball and Football player at East Hartford High

JARRETT STAWARZ

Pitching Coach, St. Paul HS, Bristol
Jarrett has been developing some of the most successful local amateur pitchers since 2004
Pitcher, New Haven County Cutters, Nashua Pride, CAN-AM League of Professional Baseball
Selected by Managers and Media as 2006 CAN-AM League Rookie of the year
Career Strikeout Record holder at U of Hartford and 4 year starting pitcher at the U of Hartford
Played 2000 summer season for the NECBL Manchester Silkworms and led in wins
Won the 1997 state and regional championship with Bristol American Legion and participated in 1997 Legion World Series in Rapid City SD. finished 3rd nationally
Voted MVP 1999 Bristol Legion and All State selection in 1998 + 1999 at St. Paul Catholic HS
Jarrett lives in Canton, CT with his wife, son and daughter

JOHN VARRONE

Graduated from University of Connecticut with a bachelor of sciences degree with a major in sports management
Baseball Operations Director for Cal Ripken Baseball in Aberdeen, MD as instructor, coach, and tournament official
New York Yankees in 2011--John worked in player development and scouting with the Yankees in Tampa, FL
3 year letter winner at Seymour high school as starting catcher and served as captain senior year
Played 1 year at DI University of Connecticut as a catcher
President of UCONN club baseball team played where he played for following 3 seasons
Lead the NCBA Division II in average, doubles, and RBI's in 2009
Head coach, 14U team New England in USA Baseball NTIS North Atlantic Championships, 2012
Head coach of USA Baseball NTIS 14U Capital Region Final Championship Team, 2012
Coach of 16/17u team New England is USA Baseball NTIS North Atlantic Championship, 2012
John lives with his wife and son in Southington, CT

JARED ZIMA

General Manager of the New England Knights Baseball Organization
4 year letter winner at Post University
Graduated with a degree in Finance and MBA in Marketing
Played baseball and wrestled at Berlin HS
Catcher and 1B that trained with Diamond Kings and played with NE Knights since 7
Owner of Zima Glove Care and www.ReliefWax.com which he started in 2020 to help those athletes battling with stress and anxiety on the ballfield."
Jared is a great teammate and is well respected by all of the guys in our program. He has great baseball IQ and great instincts on the field. His defense and offensive performance were major factors in our win vs AIC in 2020" - Ray Skjold, Head Baseball Coach, Post Univ

JORDAN ZIMA

Currently a Wallingford Police Officer
Former JV baseball coach, Avon HS
4 year letter winner Elms College
All time Hits and RBI leader at Elms College
2x New England Collegiate Conference All-Conference selection
East Coast Athletic Conference All-Star
Graduated with a degree in Accounting
Played baseball and wrestled at Berlin HS

DK COACHES IN ACTION