Event Staff Has Previously Included:
Khareth Bartee: Khareth is a native of Omaha, NE. He attended Iowa Western Community College and graduated from Creighton University. In 2000, he was an All-Region XI Second Team player and signed with the Kansas City Royals. He now works with Baseball Factory at various Player Development Camps across the country.
Don Jamerson: Don played his college ball at Cal State University Hayward. He was then drafted by the San Francisco Giants where he reached Double-A. He then went on to coach at St. Mary’s for five years and won coach of the year in the West Coast Conference. Don also managed an 18U team that won two national championships. Don has been with the Factory since 2008. He assists at many Baseball Factory National Evaluation and PREP, Player Development, and Showcase Events. He is the Northwest Regional Director for the Factory.
Jimmy Johnson: Jimmy brings over 40 years of professional baseball experience to the Baseball Factory, having worked events with the company the last 12 years. He’s been in various hitting coordinator and managerial roles with the Astros, Yankees, Royals, Dodgers, and the Colorado Rockies. He was also the infield, hitting, and field coordinator for the Rockies. He most recently served as the hitting coach for team China during the WBC, and has worked with Major League Baseball and their facilities in China. Jimmy conducts professional hitting and defensive lessons in the Phoenix area. He played professionally for seven seasons with the Houston Astros and has coached the Senior National Team in Prague.
Craig Minetto: Craig was drafted by the LA Dodgers, pitched professionally in Italy and later pitched four seasons in the majors with the Oakland Athletics where he played for legendary manager Billy Martin. He played college ball at Delta College in Stockton, CA. He is currently a scout with San Francisco Giants. Craig has been working with the Baseball Factory since 2013, working PREP events in the northwest, and Player Development events nationwide.
Everett Rey: Everett played collegiately at Delta College in CA and drafted by the Cleveland Indians where he made it to Triple-A in the organization. He currently coaches a San Francisco Giants scout team in the San Francisco Bay area. Coach Rey has been with the Factory since 2014 and works many Player Development events nationwide throughout the year. He also works PREP & Tryout Evaluation events in the northwest.
Kevin Riggs: Riggs was a standout player at East Carolina University and was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds. He spent seven years in the minors and was selected to the All-Star Team four times. He was among the top 10 batting leaders three times and was the Norwich Navigators MVP & Offensive Player of the Year in 1996. Riggs spent time coaching in the Colorado Rockies organization from 2007-2014 and has since worked with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Mike Surina: Michael played his college baseball at Chaffey Community College for two years and the University of La Verne for two years. At La Verne, he was two-time First-Team All-Conference and All-Region honors in his senior year. Michael played two seasons of Independent Minor League baseball for the Tijuana Cimarrones and Yuma Scorpions in the Golden League and Fort Worth Cats of the American Association Baseball League. He is now the head baseball coach at Chino High School in Chino, California.
Important Tournament Info:
- Players will be roomed with other players attending the event. All players will be provided with three meals a day, lodging and ground transportation. Airfare is NOT included in the registration fees.
- Players that are traveling alone will be greeted by Baseball Factory representatives at baggage claim.
- Players are fully supervised 24 hours a day (*Players Rooming Together)
- All players will be provided with three meals a day, lodging and ground transportation (*Players Rooming Together)
- Players are guaranteed three games (weather permitting)
- Players will receive a Baseball Factory jersey and hat
- Players will receive online access to Baseball Factory’s Recruiting, Education and Development (R.E.D.) Manual
- Players need to bring all necessary baseball equipment for tournament games (please note: players can use Wood or BBCOR bats)
- Parents welcome to attend, but not required (Parents and guests are responsible for providing their own reservation, meals and transportation.)
- Airfare is NOT included in the registration fees
The Baseball Factory will provide all players with the following:
Baseball Factory Jersey and Hat
Water/Gatorade Throughout the Day
Uniforms will be washed daily by Baseball Factory Staff
Players need to BRING the following:
Gray or White Baseball pants (at least 2 pair)
Socks (at least 2 pair)
Belt (any color; must wear a belt if pants have belt loops)
All game/training equipment necessary, such as bat*, glove, cleats,turfs/sneakers, catching gear and any other position specific equipment.
T-shirts and shorts for evening workouts
Copy of Health Insurance Card to be kept in your equipment bag
Spending money for souvenirs and/or extra snacks
**If traveling by plane, bats cannot be apart of your carry on luggage. They must be packed in checked luggage**
Want to join us for the Baseball Factory Best of the West? Attend a Baseball Factory National Showcase event near you to qualify!