Why OI?
The Ohio Independence (Ol) Baseball Academy is based on the principle of hard work and practice, practice, practice. As we like to say, you either get worse or you get better…and if you don’t get better, you will get worse.
While our teams are certainly a success when measured in terms of wins and losses, we like to measure our success based on player development. We believe it is most important to learn the fundamentals of the game, and because of that emphasis, our player development is like no other.
Player development encompasses skill development and improving knowledge about how to play the game. The development of a game plan (an approach to achieving more success) to improve on strengths and convert weaknesses into strengths is what separates those who want to make it from those who actually do make it! It begins with a passion, is reflected by enthusiasm and is achieved with hustle.
Our Goals
- Teach our players how to play the game of baseball the right way
- Have a positive impact on them as young men
- Do all of this with class
OI Staff
Mick Shapiro
President
Mick Shapiro has over 30 years of playing and coaching experience. He is a lead instructor at Ron Golden’s Baseball Academy. Coach Mick played collegiately at the University of Cincinnati. He specializes in pitching and hitting instruction.
Russ Wight
Vice-President
Russ Wight has over 30 years of playing and coaching experience. He is a lead instructor at Ron Golden’s Baseball Academy. Coach Russ played collegiately at Muskingum University and Capital University. He also coaches the 14u Ohio Independence team.
Joshua Shapiro
Pitching Instructor
Joshua Shapiro played college baseball at Marshall University before being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers. After his professional career, he began serving as OI”s lead pitching instructor.
Gil Wight
Catching Instructor
Gil Wight is currently playing college baseball at Otterbein University. He serves as OI’s catching instructor and is the assistant coach for the 14u team.