Baseball Concepts AZ Coaches
Ben Villines
Pitching/Fielding/Hitting
My name is Ben Villines. I’m a former collegiate pitcher turned coach. I’m from Southern California where I was blessed to be surrounded with both incredible baseball talent and coaching to learn from. I went to El Toro high school which has produced some of MLB’s biggest stars (Nolan Arenado, Matt Chapman, and 2023’s #1 overall pick Paul Skenes). My college career was short lived due to multiple shoulder surgeries keeping me from ever returning to the mound. Since my career came to an end I’ve been dedicated to everything baseball and have now been coaching for just shy of a decade. I have a younger brother who is a professional baseball player in the Texas Rangers organization at the AAA level and have the pleasure of learning the latest techniques and ideas from him as well. I’ve spent the past 5 years building a training facility (Baseball Concepts) and giving 1 on 1 lessons to thousands of baseball players in the state of Michigan. I’ve been able to help and prepare dozens of high school ball players to reach the college level, and a handful of them on to professional ball. Now I’m bringing all of that experience to Arizona. I’ve worked with all ages at every level and will meet each player's expectations by adding knowledge and furthering their ability. I’m Driveline certified which allows me to build proven and effective individual throwing programs.
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James Lofton
Hitting/Fielding/Agility
Coach James Lofton stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of baseball, having etched his name in the game of baseball as a former major league shortstop with the Boston Red Sox. His journey on the diamond saw him share the field with baseball legends such as Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez, and Nomar Garciaparra, to name a few, showcasing his prowess as a switch hitter. Transitioning into coaching, Coach Lofton became an integral part of the Seattle Mariners' coaching staff, bringing his invaluable experience to the forefront. Beyond his role as a High School manager, he plays a role in the New Balance Future Stars Showcase Series, underscoring his commitment to shaping the future of the sport. With a remarkable three decades at the pinnacle of baseball, Coach Lofton channels his passion into imparting knowledge and expertise to the aspiring youth of the game. Aspiring players under the guidance of Coach James Lofton have the opportunity to gain a unique insight into the intricacies of the sport, setting them on a path to success in their baseball careers.