ERNESTO IRIZARRY
Winter Haven,FL
Summary
Accomplished baseball performance coach with extensive experience at the Pittsburgh Pirates, recognized for enhancing player development through data analytics and innovative training programs. Proven ability to elevate performance metrics, contributing to top rankings in the league. Skilled in Blast Motion and dedicated to improving team collaboration, particularly in the hitting space, outfield defense and player rehabilitation initiatives. Embraces challenges with a positive mindset, consistently exceeding expectations for both individual and team success.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hitting/Outfield/Return to Play Liaison
Pittsburgh Pirates
01.2025 - Current
- Spearheading cross-departmental initiatives to improve outfield defense and Return to Play (RTP) processes for injured players
- Partner with analytics teams to develop decision-making tools that align rehab and development strategies with organizational goals
- Mentored junior coaches and staff, leading to increased team collaboration and the successful reintegration of players into competition
Integrative Baseball Performance Coach
Pittsburgh Pirates
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Directed a team that led the Florida State League in home runs (111) and ranked 2nd overall in Low-A baseball
- Designed advanced data-driven workflows, integrating insights from R&D, Strength & Conditioning, and coaching staff to enhance player development
- Developed individualized plans focused on biomechanics, increasing key performance metrics like bat speed and contact quality
Hitting Technology & Development Coach
Pittsburgh Pirates
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Spearheaded the integration of Blast Motion technology into everyday training environments, improving data-driven feedback for hitters
- Created and optimized systems for utilizing Blast Motion metrics to enhance both training and in-game performance
- Streamlined workflows for player progress tracking, improving communication between coaching staff and analytics departments
Hitting Coach
Pittsburgh Pirates
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Designed individualized development plans that combined video analysis and data metrics to improve swing mechanics and game performance
- Collaborated with staff to establish evaluation criteria, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement
- Fostered alignment between coaching efforts and organizational objectives
Hitting Coach
Houston Astros
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Leveraged advanced scouting data to inform hitting strategies, increasing team batting average and on-base percentages during the season
- Delivered personalized training plans, integrating remote coaching tools during the pandemic to ensure uninterrupted player development
Hitting Coach
Houston Astros
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Built individualized hitting programs, leading to measurable improvements in player performance metrics, including exit velocity and launch angle
- Analyzed in-game data to refine player approaches, resulting in enhanced situational hitting and overall team offensive performance
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL05-2013
Skills
- Baseball Operations Expertise
- Player development
- Hitting Technology (Blast Motion, Rapsodo, HitTrax, Trackman, Hawkeye, Reboot Biomechanics)
- Data Analytics
- Video Analysis Tools (iMovie, Adobe Creative Cloud, Coaches Eye, Movavi)
- Performance Reporting
- SQL (in progress)
- Python (in progress)
- Strategic Leadership
- Communication and Mentorship
- Cross-Functional Communications
- Activity Planning
- Critical Evaluation Capacity
- Complex Problems Analysis
- Solutions Development
- Policies and Procedures Implementation
- Team Collaboration
- Project Planning
- Office Skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Performance Reporting
- Recordkeeping
Accomplishments
- Led the Florida State League in home runs and ranked 2nd overall in all of Low-A baseball with 111 HRs.
- Presented innovative hitting systems to leadership, resulting in organizational adoption and increased player performance.
- Spearheaded the implementation of Blast Motion technology and developed systems to optimize its use in training and game performance.
- Mentored multiple coaches who advanced into leadership roles within professional baseball organizations.
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
- Data Scientist: Codecademy - current
- Full Stack Developer: Codecademy - current
- Russo Leadership: L.E.A.D. 1.0 & 2.0
- Strength Training, coordination and Anatomy of Agility - By Frans Bosch and Teun Thomassen
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Hitting/Outfield/Return to Play Liaison
Pittsburgh Pirates
01.2025 - Current
Integrative Baseball Performance Coach
Pittsburgh Pirates
01.2024 - 12.2024
Hitting Technology & Development Coach
Pittsburgh Pirates
01.2023 - 12.2024
Hitting Coach
Pittsburgh Pirates
01.2021 - 12.2021
Hitting Coach
Houston Astros
01.2020 - 12.2020
Hitting Coach
Houston Astros
01.2019 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Roosevelt University
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