Our Staff

TONY ABBATINE

Founder, International Director

As the founder and Director of Performance, Tony oversees the curriculum and player development implemented at Frozen Ropes. He has worked with MLB teams, college programs, and Olympic-level teams across the world. 

MIKE BERTOTTI

Sr. Baseball Instructor

As a former Major League Pitcher with the Chicago White Sox, Mike has been involved with Frozen Ropes, first as a student and now as a National Instructor, for over fourteen years.

The former Monroe-Woodbury Little League All-star and Cornwall HS grad played his college ball at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY before being selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 1991 Major League Draft. Mike reached the Big leagues in 1995 and pitched for the White Sox for two years before spending time with the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees.

Mike’s instructional wisdom in all aspects of the game has made him a crowd favorite throughout the Hudson Valley and New Jersey. Mike is also a Frozen Ropes National Instructor and travels throughout the U.S presenting the Frozen Ropes teaching model.

“I have seen that the instructors at Frozen Ropes have had instrumental roles in improving the overall skills of all students and it is evident in their individual and team play.”

Denis McLaughlin

Senior Instructor & Travel Team Coach

Denis McLaughlin brings a wealth of athletic experience and professional insight to Frozen Ropes Chester. A standout multi-sport athlete at Warwick Valley High School from 1988–1991, Denis earned MVP honors in both basketball and baseball, captured four Section IX titles, and set a school record with 30 wins as a pitcher. His dominance on the field earned him the 1991 Times Herald-Record Player of the Year award.

Denis continued his baseball career at Old Dominion University before being selected in the 7th round of the 1994 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. His coaching journey includes serving as the pitching coach at Fordham University in 2002.

His passion for player development and competitive excellence makes him a valuable asset to the Frozen Ropes coaching staff.

KOLE COTTAM

Catching, Hitting and Pitching, Senior Instructor

Kole brings a decade of elite playing experience to Frozen Ropes, including time with the Boston Red Sox organization and the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. A standout catcher, Kole competed at the AA and AAA levels and is known for his leadership, strategic mindset, and ability to perform under pressure.

In addition to his playing career, Kole has coached privately since 2021 and is actively involved in community outreach programs like Miracle League and Children’s Hospital visits.

Originally from Knoxville, TN, Kole played collegiate baseball at the University of Kentucky and is currently completing his degree. He’s passionate about mentoring young athletes and helping them grow both on and off the field. Kole’s instruction focuses on skill development, mental toughness, and building confidence through consistent training.

 

 

BOBBY INGALLS

Travel Team Coach & Senior Instructor

Meet our esteemed instructor Bobby, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Frozen Ropes USA in Chester, NY. Having played baseball and football for four years at Division 2 Springfield College in Ma, he possesses a deep understanding of both sports. With a degree in physical education/health fitness, his knowledge extends beyond the playing field. With a passion for coaching, he spent two years coaching baseball at Bennet Middle School in Manchester, CT, and an impressive five years at OCCR Orange County Cal Ripken in Walden, NY. As a senior instructor and coach for the 11u and 12u Frozen Ropes Rockies, he imparts invaluable skills and knowledge to young athletes. Additionally, he serves as a baseball instructor for our summer camp, both onsite and off-site, ensuring that his expertise reaches aspiring players beyond our facilities.

“Love is the most important thing in the world. But baseball is pretty good too.”

JOE GONZALES

Travel Team Coach & Instructor

Joe Gonzalez is a former collegiate shortstop with a strong track record of performance and leadership on the field. He played at Mercy University, where he earned Second Team All-Conference honors, and previously competed at Rockland Community College, receiving Second Team All-Region recognition for his play at shortstop. Joseph holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and is actively pursuing a professional baseball career in the upcoming year.

LUCAS SLESINKSI

Travel Team Coach & Instructor

Lucas brings a competitive baseball background and a passion for youth development to the Frozen Ropes team. A former varsity pitcher at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn, Lucas helped lead his team to its first-ever appearance in the CHSAA championship game during his sophomore year.

He gained valuable experience playing in high-level showcase events across the East Coast and twice competed in the championship game of the prestigious Borough Cup — held at Yankee Stadium — with his travel team.

Lucas combines his on-field experience with a strong background in youth instruction, having worked with athletes as young as four in both fitness and movement-based programs. His focus is on building confidence, athleticism, and a love for the game in every player he works with.

DAN FREIBERGE

Travel Team Coach & Instructor

BIO COMING SOON!

RAY VALDEZ

Travel Team Coach & Instructor

Meet Ray Valdez, a dedicated and experienced instructor at Frozen Ropes USA in Chester, NY. Ray brings a rich background in both athletics and behavioral counseling, making him a versatile and valuable member of our team.

Athletic Achievements: Ray's athletic journey began with four years of high school baseball within the PSAL system at John F. Kennedy High School, where he finished his career with an impressive .545 batting average. He also excelled in track and field, running the 55-meter dash in 6.8 seconds. His expertise in speed training is a testament to his diverse athletic skills.

Ray continued his athletic career at Sullivan County Community College, where he became an NJCAA Region 15 champion. He also played for the Bronx Orioles, winning the 2015 AA Summer League championship in the NYC Metro Baseball League.

Professional Experience: Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Ray has seven years of experience in behavioral counseling with young adults. This experience has equipped him with valuable skills in mentorship, conflict resolution, and behavioral modification.

Educational Background: Ray studied sports management at Sullivan County Community College and obtained a certification from Columbia University's Sports Management Program, further enhancing his knowledge and expertise in the field.

Current Role: At Frozen Ropes USA, Ray leverages his extensive background to coach and mentor young athletes. His knowledge in speed training and his experience in behavioral counseling make him uniquely qualified to support and develop our players both on and off the field.

Ray's diverse background and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to our team and a trusted mentor for our athletes.

ANTHONY ABBATINE

Instructor

Anthony Abbatine is a versatile outfielder known for his ability to play center, left, and right field positions. A switch-hitter who throws left-handed, Anthony has demonstrated exceptional athleticism and adaptability throughout his career.

College Career: Anthony played college baseball at Saint Peter’s University, where he honed his skills and developed a reputation as a reliable and dynamic player.

Professional Journey: Since his college days, Anthony has continued to pursue his passion for baseball, playing for several teams across various leagues. His professional journey includes:

Trenton Thunder: A summer league baseball team where Anthony showcased his skills and batted a collegiate and summer league best .319 average.

Windy City Thunderbolts: A professional minor league baseball team in the MLB Frontier League. Anthony’s performance with the Thunderbolts further solidified his reputation as a standout player.

Anthony’s commitment to excellence and his love for the game are evident in his ongoing contributions to the baseball community. Whether on the field or off, he continues to inspire young athletes and remains a key figure in the world of baseball.

MICAELA ABBATINE

Instructor

Micaela currently instructs our Rock Fit classes classes while training and coaching the travel softball teams at Frozen Ropes. She recently became a Certified Personal Trainer. Micaela plays Division I softball for the Maryland Terrapins in the Big Ten Conference. In 2019, she was named to the first team All-Big Ten Defense in Centerfield. Micaela has international softball experience, playing for the Italian National team in the European Championships in the Summer of 2019. Prior to playing in the Big Ten and internationally, Micaela starred at Warwick Valley High School, where she played five years of varsity softball, as a center fielder and took home numerous accolades. Micaela played her whole career with Frozen Ropes Force as a young athlete.

JENA SORRENTINO

Softball Instructor

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