Baseball & Softball Lessons & Position-Specific Training
Expert Coaching & Safe, Science-Backed Training for Baseball & Softball Athletes
KTLYST Athlete Lab in St. Augustine, baseball and softball instruction is built around what matters most: great coaching, sound fundamentals, individual development and skills that transfer to the field.
Our coaching team brings experience from the professional, collegiate and high-performance levels, including former professional catcher John Fiorenza.
Athletes can receive individualized instruction in hitting, pitching, catching and fielding, with coaching adapted to their age, experience, position and current needs. We focus on developing efficient mechanics, better movement, confidence and game-ready skills while keeping the athlete's long-term development and health at the center of the process.
From young players learning the game to high school, collegiate and advanced athletes looking for an edge, KTLYST provides baseball and softball training in St. Augustine and St. Johns County designed to help players understand why they're making changes—not simply repeat drills.
Develop the player. Build the athlete. Prepare for the game.
CATCHING LESSONS IN ST. AUGUSTINE
Catching demands more than receiving pitches.
Led by former professional catcher John Fiorenza, KTLYST catching instruction develops the complete position—from receiving and framing to blocking, footwork, transfers, throwing accuracy and game management.
Training is individualized to each catcher's age and ability, with an emphasis on efficient mechanics, movement quality and the physical demands of playing behind the plate.
Whether your athlete is learning the position or preparing to compete at a higher level, the goal is to develop a catcher who is confident, athletic, technically sound and capable of controlling the game.
State-of-the-Art Facility Equipped for Elite Baseball & Softball Development
At KTLYST Athlete Lab, baseball and softball development is about more than getting extra reps. We help athletes build better movement, improve mechanics, develop bat speed and power, increase throwing and pitching performance, and become more confident players on the field.
Our coaches combine experienced instruction with technology including Rapsodo performance analytics, radar systems, Hack Attack Pro pitching machines, professional pitching mounds and dedicated hitting and throwing areas to give athletes objective feedback and purposeful repetitions—not guesswork.
Training can be individualized around each player's age, position, experience and specific needs, whether they're developing fundamentals, preparing for the next season or competing at a higher level.
And because baseball and softball training are located inside our 10,000-square-foot sports performance facility in St. Augustine, skill development can connect directly with strength, speed, power and athletic development through the KTLYST Athlete Lab.
Better movement. Better skills. Better athletes.
Baseball & Softball Performance Classes
Catcher Specific Training
Baseball Specific Training
Baseball Specific Training
Backstop Blueprint
Designed for baseball and softball catchers ready to lead from behind the plate, the Backstop Blueprint builds elite fundamentals in receiving, blocking, throwing, and game command. Each 75-minute session emphasizes preparedness, skill development, and leadership under pressure.
Led by Pro Frontier League athlete Johnny Fiorenza, this small-group program (limited to 4 athletes per session) delivers focused, hands-on coaching to develop confident, game-ready catchers.
1 session per week • Flexible scheduling • KTLYST Athlete Lab – St. Augustine, FL
Baseball Specific Training
Baseball Specific Training
Baseball Specific Training
Baseball Performance Blueprint
Designed for baseball athletes ready to raise their game, the Baseball Performance Blueprint builds fundamentals of hitting mechanics, power at the plate, first-step speed, defensive precision, and total athletic readiness. Each 75-minute session develops the strength, agility, and skills needed to perform confidently in every position on the field.
Led by KTLYST Coach and Pro Frontier League Athlete Johnny Fiorenza, this small-group program (limited to 4 athletes per session) delivers detailed instruction, focused reps, and real on-field results.
1 session per week • Flexible scheduling • KTLYST Athlete Lab – St. Augustine, FL
Softball Specific Training
Softball Specific Training
Softball Specific Training
Softball Lessons & Training
Built specifically for softball athletes, KTLYST offers 1-on-1 and small-group softball training focused on the individual needs of each player. Sessions can target hitting, fastpitch pitching, throwing, fielding, defensive skills, and position-specific development based on the athlete’s goals.
Rather than following a one-size-fits-all program, our coaches identify what each athlete needs and build sessions around developing better movement, stronger fundamentals, and greater confidence on the field.
Train 1-on-1 for maximum individual attention or create a small group with teammates or other athletes who want to train together.
Individual or Small-Group Training • Flexible Scheduling • KTLYST Athlete Lab – St. Augustine, FL
Pitcher Specific Training
Softball Specific Training
Softball Specific Training
Pitcher’s Blueprint
Built for baseball pitchers committed to developing their craft, KTLYST offers 1-on-1 and small-group pitching training focused on the individual needs of each athlete. Training can address pitching mechanics, command, velocity development, arm care, movement efficiency, and confidence on the mound.
Rather than following a one-size-fits-all program, sessions are built around the pitcher’s current needs, experience, and development goals—with an emphasis on creating efficient, durable, and confident pitchers.
Choose 1-on-1 training for maximum individual attention or train in a small group for focused development alongside other pitchers.
Individual or Small-Group Training • Flexible Scheduling • KTLYST Athlete Lab – St. Augustine, FL
Coaches Committed to Developing the Next Generation
John Fiorenza
John Fiorenza
John Fiorenza
Professional Catcher | Baseball & Softball KTLYST Performance Coach
Specializing in Catcher Development, Hitting, Fielding, Pitching, and Athlete Preparation
John Fiorenza brings a rare combination of professional playing experience, expert-level catching knowledge, and a deep passion for athlete development. As a current professional catcher for the Schaumburg Boomers in the Frontier League, John knows exactly what it takes to perform at the highest levels of baseball—and he’s committed to helping the next generation get there too.
A graduate of Flagler College with a Bachelor’s in Sports Management, John earned Player of the Year and MVP honors for their NCAA Division II Baseball Team. His leadership, work ethic, and baseball IQ set the foundation for the focused, results-driven coaching he delivers today.
At Ktlyst Fitness in St. Augustine, John offers specialized instruction in:
- Catcher development (mobility, stability, receiving, blocking, game-calling & throwing)
- Hitting and fielding mechanics
- Youth pitching fundamentals
- Baseball/softball-specific strength, mobility, and arm care
- Game IQ, leadership training, and competitive mindset coaching
John’s coaching blends technical instruction with total athlete preparation—including hybrid skill and strength training—designed to boost performance, reduce injury risk, and build confident, resilient players.
Whether you're a young athlete starting out, a high school player chasing a scholarship, or a travel ball catcher looking to gain an edge, John offers next-level coaching rooted in hard work, precision, and passion for the game.
Michael Weitz
John Fiorenza
John Fiorenza
Co-Owner, Ktlyst Fitness & Athlete Lab | Youth Baseball & Softball Coach | Certified Personal Trainer
Focused on 6u / 8u / 10u Athlete Development, Hitting, Fielding, Speed & Agility
Michael Weitz is the co-owner of Ktlyst Fitness & Athlete Lab in St. Augustine, FL (32092) and a dedicated youth baseball and softball coach with a passion for helping young athletes fall in love with the game. As a certified personal trainer and movement specialist, Michael combines physical development with technical training to build confident, well-rounded players—on and off the field.
Specializing in U12 foundational development, Michael focuses on:
- Hitting and fielding fundamentals
- Body awareness and movement coordination
- Youth speed, agility, and functional strength
- Positive mindset, fun, and love for practice
Michael's coaching approach is centered on creating a fun, encouraging environment where kids enjoy the process of improving, not just the results. He believes that when young athletes are supported, challenged, and having fun, real progress follows naturally.
Through small group sessions, private coaching, and team-based training, Michael helps players in St. Augustine and St. Johns County build the core athletic and game skills they need to grow with the sport—and stay excited about it.
If you're looking for a coach who blends movement science, baseball IQ, and positive mentorship, Michael brings the expertise, energy, and heart to guide young players at every stage of their journey.
Where Innovation Meets Performance
Batting Cages / Pitching Tunnel
Our facility features top-of-the-line Hack Attack and iHack Pro Series pitching machines for both baseball and softball, delivering unmatched precision and versatility in every session. These professional-grade machines replicate real-game conditions with pitch speeds ranging from 43 to 100 mph and the ability to throw fastballs, breaking balls, changeups, and off-speed sequences. The iHack’s programmable pitch sequences allow for customized training that challenges hitters with realistic timing and pitch recognition drills. Whether you're working on timing, bat speed, or pitch tracking, these machines help athletes build confidence and sharpen hitting mechanics with every rep.
Train Like It’s Game Day — Every Day
Pitchers need to train from a mound—not just throw on flat ground.
KTLYST Athlete Lab features a full-size ProMounds ProModel pitching mound, giving pitchers a game-like surface for bullpens, mechanical work, pitch development, and individualized coaching in a controlled indoor environment.
The full 5-foot width gives pitchers room to work naturally through their delivery and train with intent, whether they're focused on mechanics, command, velocity, pitch development, or preparing for the season.
Combined with Rapsodo 3.0, our indoor pitching environment allows coaches and athletes to pair what they see and feel on the mound with objective data on velocity, movement, spin, location, and pitch characteristics.
For athletes returning from injury, mound progression can also be incorporated when appropriate and in coordination with Performance Science & Rehab or the athlete's healthcare provider.
The goal is simple: create an environment where pitchers can develop their craft year-round without compromising the quality of their reps.
Real mound. Real feedback. Intentional development.
Rapsodo Baseball Performance Technology
Serious development starts with understanding what’s actually happening—not guessing.
At KTLYST Athlete Lab, we use Rapsodo 3.0 to give pitchers and hitters objective feedback they can pair with coaching and training. Rapsodo tracks metrics including pitch velocity, spin, movement, location, exit velocity, launch angle, and ball flight, helping athletes and coaches see what the eye alone can’t always measure.
For pitchers, that data can help evaluate pitch characteristics, movement profiles, command, and pitch development. For hitters, it provides immediate feedback on exit velocity, launch conditions, contact quality, and batted-ball performance.
The goal isn’t to chase numbers for the sake of numbers. It’s to use better information to make better training decisions.
Whether an athlete is developing a pitch, improving quality of contact, preparing for a showcase, or tracking progress over time, Rapsodo gives us another objective tool to connect coaching, data, and performance.
Measure it. Understand it. Train it. Reassess.
I particularly like that last line because it matches the philosophy we're establishing throughout your new FAQ content with ForceDecks/ForceFrame and PSR: technology provides information; the coaching and programming determine what you do with it. That feels much more credible and premium than simply saying you own advanced equipment.