Meet Our 2012 Staff
Ron Witmeyer - Owner/Director of Instruction
A former Major Leaguer with the Oakland A's and 2-time College World Series Champion at Stanford University as a player, Ron has 10 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level where he has served as a hitting coach at both Stanford and Cal.
Ron has coached over 50 professional players and more than a dozen major leaguers including current up & comers Conor Jackson (A's), Brennan Boesch (Tigers), John Baker (Marlins), and Allen Craig (Cardinals). He is excited to bring the highest level of instruction and training to the San Diego Community through Frozen Ropes.
Joe McAtee - Owner/Lead Pitching Instructor
Joe brings many years of baseball and teaching experience to Frozen Ropes. A graduate of the University of Kansas, Joe had a professional pitching career with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization (1968-1971) that was cut short due to injury. He has been a successful coach for several years in North San Diego County at the travel ball and high school levels. Currently, he coaches 2 travel teams and is a highly respected pitching coach for one of San Diego’s top high school programs.
An excellent communicator, Joe believes in not only building proper mechanics but also in developing the mental side of the game. His goal is to produce the complete pitcher and he understands what it takes to compete at the highest levels. His son, Brad, whom he continues to mentor, is currently a professional pitcher in the Colorado Rockies organization.
Ryan Martin - Lead Baseball Instructor
Ryan is an outstanding athlete and leader who was the starting 3rd baseman for the 2004 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Champion Davis High School Blue Devils. He then spent 2 years at the California Ranked Cosumnes River College before completing his college career at Whittier College where he was a 1st team All-SCIAC selection as an infielder and graduated with Honors and a B.S. in Child Development in 2008.
He was also a member of the 3-time defending SDABL Champion Bones from 2008-2010. Ryan has provided instruction in all aspects of the game, is an expert at video analysis of both hitters and pitchers, and plays an integral role with Frozen Ropes.
Ryan is currently the 11U Frozen Ropes Travel Team Head Coach.
Tracy Sanders - Baseball/Softball Hitting Instructor
A former 10 year professional player with the Indians, Pirates, Padres, Rangers, and Mets organizations where he was a 4 time Minor League All-star, Tracy was a hitting coach in the Pittsburg Pirates organization at the end of his playing career. Later, while spending 8 years as a youth baseball coach at Baseball USA in Houston, TX, he coached nationally renowned 18U, 16U, and 15U select travel teams for the Houston Heat.
A great communicator of the game to players at all levels, his wealth of experience and knowledge as both a player and a coach make him a valuable asset to our Frozen Ropes' students. We are lucky to have him on our staff and he is excited to be bringing his coaching talents to San Diego.
Tracy is currently the 12U Frozen Ropes Travel Team Head Coach.
Brian Lawrence - Lead Pitching Instructor
An 8 year Major League veteran and starting pitcher for the Padres 2001-2005, Brian was known as a pitcher who succeeded at the highest level of the game because he "knew how to pitch" rather than relying on pure stuff. His ability to control his fastball, create movement with all of his pitches, hit spots and his knowledge of how to keep hitters off balance as a pitcher are some of the skills that he will be bringing to the pitchers that train at Frozen Ropes.
Brian's duties at Frozen Ropes include teaching classes, giving private and small group lessons, being head pitching coach for our Frozen Ropes travel teams, and developing bigger and better programs for our Jr. High and High School players.
Mike Ramazzotti - Baseball Instructor
Mike comes to Frozen Ropes from Northern California where he played 2 seasons at Santa Rosa Junior College and contributed to back to back Bay Valley Conference championships. After SRJC Mike continued his college career at New Mexico Highlands University where he helped his team earn a birth in the NCAA regional tournament in 2005 while also earning All-Conference honors as a second baseman.
After his collegiate days Mike played professional baseball with the El Paso Diablos of the Independent American Association and later with the Marina Waves of the Italian Professional Baseball League. In Italy, he played against many of Italy’s members of the World Baseball Classic team, led his team in many offensive categories, and was named MVP of the 2008 season.
Mike now coaches high school baseball as well as travel ball in the San Diego area. He brings energy and a passion for teaching the game of baseball and looks forward to the opportunity to help kids become better baseball players here at Frozen Ropes.
Chris Sweeney - Baseball Instructor
Chris has most recently played in Germany, where he was also a coach in the first Bundesliga: a Professional Baseball League in Germany. Chris led Germany in HR (12), RBI (53), while finishing with a .464 avg. Chris spent most of his time instructing teammates and club members individually throughout the week, as well as running camps for youth players from the ages of 8 to 17. Sweeney attended Chico State University where he hit .335, with 8 HR and 51 RBI while playing under renowned head coach and two time National Championship winner, Lindsay Meggs.
During his final collegiate season, Chris and the Chico State Wildcats made it to the College World Series and succeeded in becoming one out away from a National Championship. At Oral Roberts University, Chris played under head coach, Rob Walton, who has lead the Golden Eagles to ten straight Summit League Championships and a gold medal as head coach for Team USA. Through coach Walton’s connections, Chris received instruction from MLB players and coaches who showed him how to play the game at the highest level. Sweeney played at Palomar Junior College for head coach, Bob Vetter, one of the most successful junior college coaches in California history. While playing at Palomar, Sweeney was an instructor for the San Diego School of Baseball, alongside a whole crew of MLB coaches and players.
Mike Willeford - Baseball Instructor
Mike Willeford begins his first season as student assistant coach after competing for the Aztec baseball team the past three seasons. During his collegiate career, he appeared at all four infield positions, primarily at first and third base. As a member of the San Diego State squad from 2006-08, he compiled a career batting average of .322 along with a .407 on-base percentage. He finished his collegiate playing days with more walks than strikeouts and was not caught stealing. Willeford came to SDSU after one season at American River College where he earned honorable mention all-Bay Valley Conference honors as a shortstop. In his lone season with the Beavers, he hit .302 with six doubles, 26 runs scored and 15 runs batted in as he struck out only six times in 149 plate appearances.
A native of Sacramento, Calif., Willeford attended Cordova High School and was a three-time all-Sierra ValleyConference selection and was named a preseason All-American by Baseball America as a senior in 2004. That year he batted .370 with a .442 on-base percentage and a .620 slugging percentage. He also competed for the Lancers football team as quarterback and was a National Football Foundation Hall of Fame scholar-athlete inductee. The 22-year-old Willeford graduated form San Diego State this past December with a degree in public administration. He is currently working toward his master's degree at SDSU.
Mike is currently the 10U Frozen Ropes Travel Team Head Coach.
Brandon Decker - Baseball Instructor
A recent graduate of SDSU, Brandon played three years for Aztecs' baseball under Head Coach and Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. Known for his versatility, Brandon played all infield and outfield positions during his collegiate career.
In 2009, he started 51 games for the Aztecs in helping them to the NCAA Regionals for the first time in eighteen years. Brandon's knowledge of the game and enthusiasm for teaching make him a favorite among players.
Mike Scharbarth - Baseball Instructor/Catching Instructor
Experienced catcher/outfielder, Mike brings many years of baseball knowledge to Frozen Ropes. As a member of the La Costa Canyon Mavericks Baseball Organization, he was part of two CIF Division I Championships, earned a .384 career batting average & was honored with the CIF Division I Sportsmanship Award twice. He continued his baseball career with the UC San Diego Tritons where he continued to develop his baseball abilities. Mike continues to play his passion, competing on weekends against some of San Diego's elite players.
Mike also comes to us with a six year background with the YMCA as a Camp Program Coordinator where he grew his knowledge of child development. Mike strives to boost the kids' confidence by pushing players to their maximum potential. His experience at the YMCA, combined with his baseball background, makes him an excellent addition to our team here at Frozen Ropes.
Mike "Cougar" Harwell - Baseball Instructor
Mike is a San Diego native and has been playing baseball for over 28 years. He currently plays for several teams in the SDABL. A life-long ballplayer, Mike believes that hard work, dedication and being prepared will pay off on the diamond. He played high school baseball in the South Bay and is a Morse Tiger graduate.
Currently a baseball coach at Serra High School in Tierrasanta, Mike aka "Cougar" has worked with all levels over the 3 seasons with the program. He also has close ties to the community, where he raises his two awesome kids Jordan and Jaedyn.
During the summer season, Mike, aka "Cougar", is also a coach for a collegiate semi-pro team, the San Diego Force. Coaching and working with many players, he has coached over 25 players that have advanced to the professional level.
Joining the Frozen Ropes team, Mike works with players of all ages. Providing lessons, working camps and the overall upkeep of the Frozen Ropes facility, Mike feels blessed to be on board:
"I hope to fire up the next generation with my insight and experience. Help players develop their skills thru quality drills and "heads up baseball". I would like to emphasize speed and contact. Work on hitting the gaps and going full speed. Playing good defense and anticipating the ball. Hitting the cut off and making the play. I hope to help keep the focus on good fundamental baseball."
Mike is currently the 13 year old Frozen Ropes Travel Team Head Coach.
Jesse Orosco, Jr. - Pitching Instructor
The son of Jesse Orosco, Jesse Orosco, Jr. turned pro in 2008. He played locally at Poway High. After two years at Grossmont College, he was picked by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 38th round of the 2008 amateur draft. He debuted with the Missoula Osprey, going 3-0 with a 3.72 ERA in 17 games.
His experience as a Minor League Pitcher and his vast knowlege of being involved with major leaguers most of his life brings with it, a keen insight to our Frozen Ropes Staff. Jesse also assists Brian Lawrence in tutoring our Frozen Ropes Travel Team pitchers.
Curt Holcombe - Marketing/League Consultant
Curt was a 3 sport athlete at Serra High in San Diego. Always a "team player" who would play any position to help his team win, he has been playing baseball for over 30 years and has participated in the local Adult Baseball League for over 15 years.
His coaching experience includes youth leagues in Basketball and Baseball in San Diego all the way to the High School Level. He has worked for Nike, Sports Authority and other Baseball Training Facilities to hone his sports knowledge. Curt also owned Sports Cards Stores locally and still has over 100,000 baseball cards. You might even get a card for doing something good at Frozen Ropes (Hulky loves to give away cards).
He currently resides in 4S Ranch with his wife Donna, where his son and daughter attend Del Norte High. He has 5 children in total; Bobby 27, Katrina 25, Tawny 22, Brandie 17 and Jake 17. Curt has a great love for sports and kids and is looking to make Frozen Ropes his new home for a long time.
Brent Martin - Camp & Clinic Instructor
Brent is an all around athlete and just graduated from Davis High School in 2011. Brent has played baseball for 6 years and football for 8 years. While attending Davis High Brent played 4 years of football and excelled at both the safety and cornerback positions. He was awarded "best defensive player" in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Brent is now attending Grossmont Junior College and is a welcome addition to our staff here at Frozen Ropes.