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Coaches Bios
Ben Rivera
Bienvenido “Ben” Rivera brings Major League experience, leadership, and a passion for player development to Vaughn Sports Academy. A former MLB pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves, Coach Ben competed at the highest level of baseball and was a member of the Phillies’ 1993 National League Championship team that advanced to the World Series.
Known for his powerful arm, competitive mindset, and deep understanding of the game, Coach Ben now dedicates his time to developing the next generation of athletes. He focuses on pitching fundamentals, mechanics, discipline, and building confidence in young players both on and off the field.
At VSA, Coach Ben is committed to helping athletes maximize their potential and prepare for the next level of competition.
Vic Gutierrez
Victor “Vic” Gutierrez brings years of professional baseball experience and a passion for player development to Vaughn Sports Academy. A former professional infielder and experienced hitting instructor, Coach Vic is dedicated to helping young athletes grow both on and off the field.
Known for his strong baseball knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to connect with players, he focuses on developing sound hitting mechanics, defensive fundamentals, confidence, and high baseball IQ. His professional experience allows him to teach the game at a high level while creating a positive and motivating environment for every athlete.
At VSA, Coach Vic is committed to preparing players for success at the next level.
Yamid Haad
Yamid Haad brings professional playing experience, leadership, and a passion for player development to Vaughn Sports Academy. A former Major League Baseball catcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Haad reached the big leagues at just 21 years old and spent nearly a decade competing at the highest level of professional baseball.
Known for his versatility, work ethic, and deep understanding of the game, Coach Haad now focuses on developing young athletes both on and off the field. Specializing in hitting, catching, and overall baseball fundamentals, he is committed to helping players build confidence, improve their skills, and prepare for the next level of competition.
At VSA, Coach Haad’s mission is simple: teach the game the right way while inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Mike Sandoval
Mike Sandoval is a former professional baseball player with an impressive career that includes time with the Minnesota Twins and San Francisco Giants organizations, as well as the Venezuelan National League. A Caribbean Series champion in 2006 and participant in the World Baseball Classic, Mike brings international playing experience and a deep knowledge of the game to his coaching.
His passion for player development began as he helped manage his brother’s career, a collaboration that led to three World Series championships and an MVP title. Over the past decade, Mike has dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring the next generation of elite baseball talent.
Under his leadership, two teams have captured titles at the prestigious Cooperstown Dreams Park tournament, and several others have won Perfect Game World Series championships across multiple age divisions. Mike also played a role in the success of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Baseball Team, contributing to four out of five state and national titles as part of the coaching staff.
Mike remains closely connected to both Major League and Minor League Baseball, regularly partnering with fellow professionals to deliver cutting- edge drills and high-performance training for his players. Many of his athletes have gone on to be drafted and now play at the professional level, a testament to his commitment to excellence and development.
Luis Alicea
Luis Alicea brings a wealth of professional baseball experience and leadership to the game as both a coach and mentor. A former Major League Baseball infielder with a career spanning over a decade, Alicea played for organizations including the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, California Angels, and Kansas City Royals. Known for his baseball IQ, versatility, and professionalism, he competed at the highest level against some of the game’s greatest players.
Following his playing career, Alicea transitioned into coaching and player development, where he has continued to make a lasting impact on young athletes. His coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals, discipline, mental toughness, and preparing players to succeed both on and off the field. With firsthand MLB experience, he provides athletes with unique insight into what it takes to compete at elite levels of baseball.
Coach Alicea is highly respected for his ability to connect with players, develop talent, and instill confidence in athletes striving to reach collegiate and professional opportunities. His passion for teaching the game and commitment to player growth make him a valuable asset to any baseball program.