Instructors

Our experienced coaches are dedicated to bringing out the best in every player, with a proven history of leading teams to success. Let your child thrive and develop a true love for the game under their expert guidance!

OUR INSTRUCTORS

503 Baseball Baseball and Softball Academy has a team of dedicated coaches for each squad, qualified for numerous finals. They have a proven track record of success in teaching and training players.
Gehrig Richins headshot in a 503 cap

GEHRIG RICHINS

503 Baseball coach headshot in an orange 503 cap

TIM
DRISCOLL

Darold Ellison headshot in a 503 cap in the batting cage

DAROLD ELLISON

Matt McDonald headshot in a 503 cap

MATT MCDONALD

Kari Baltz headshot

KARI
BALTZ

Matt Holliday headshot in a 503 cap

MATT HOLLIDAY

Gehrig Richins headshot in a 503 cap

GEHRIG
RICHINS

CO-OWNER/INSTRUCTOR - Hitting, Pitching, and Catching

Gehrig brings a wealth of knowledge and is regarded as one of the top instructors on the West Coast by his peers.

Gehrig is a Portland native with deep roots in the baseball world. Gehrig was part of two state championships at Lakeridge High School. After high school, Gehrig furthered his playing career at George Fox University under the leadership of Pat Bailey. He has been an instructor and coach at the youth level since 2006.

Gehrig will handle all administrator duties associated with our fall/spring/summer teams along with providing top notch instruction.

Gehrig Richins headshot in a 503 cap

GEHRIG
RICHINS

INSTRUCTOR

Gehrig’s journey in baseball began in California, but it was in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where he truly made his mark. As a standout player at Lakeridge High School, he played a pivotal role in leading his team to two state championships, demonstrating leadership and skill from an early age. His talent and passion for the game propelled him to Yavapai College in Arizona, where he continued his athletic career from 2002 to 2003. Gehrig then transferred to George Fox University, where he completed his education and collegiate playing career, graduating in 2006.

After finishing his playing days, Gehrig quickly transitioned into coaching, starting in the summer of 2006. Over the past 18 years, he has developed a reputation as a dedicated mentor, sharing his expertise and passion for the game with youth players. His experience spans a wide range of coaching roles, including managing youth and high school club teams, focusing not just on technical skills but also on fostering a love for the game and a strong work ethic.

In addition to his extensive club coaching experience, Gehrig has coached four seasons at the high school level, including two as a Varsity pitching coach. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his ability to connect with players, has made him an invaluable asset to the programs he’s been a part of.

Currently, Gehrig is the head assistant coach for the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in the Mavericks Independent Baseball League, a position he has held since the league’s inaugural season in 2020. He aims to inspire the next generation of players to reach their full potential, bringing his experience and passion for the game to every practice and game day.

503 Baseball coach headshot in an orange 503 cap

TIM
DRISCOLL

CO-OWNER & INSTRUCTOR

Tim grew up in Southern California and played one year as a pitcher at Glendale Community College. Played 3 years at Central Michigan University and was one of the starting pitchers for 2 years. Won 2 MAC championships and played in the NCAA Division playoffs. Earned an ERA ranked in the top 20 in the nation and won the Mid American All Academic Award my Junior year.

After baseball went on to be a Vice President/General Manager for Enterprise Holdings. Coached baseball at the youth level for over 15 years. Pitching coach for the 14U World Series Team that went to the finals in 2017. Today, Tim is the Pitching Coach (started in 2022) at West Linn High School which recently won their second 6A Oregon State Championship in as many years.

Today, proud father of 3 and current Co-owner of 503 Baseball.

Darold Ellison headshot in a 503 cap in the batting cage

DAROLD
ELLISON

Senior team trainer

Drafted in the 8th round by the Cleveland Indians. Hitting coach at Mount Hood Community College for 21 years. One fo the best hitting coaches in the Northwest. Trained 3 High School players of the year in 2010,13,16. If you have an ambitious player that has college aspirations or simply wants to compete at the highest level in High School then Coach Ellison is premier hitting coach to help them attain those goals. So whether you a high level player today trying to get to the next level or you have made a commitment to be the best we can help you get there.

Matt McDonald headshot in a 503 cap

MATT
MCDONALD

INSTRUCTOR

Matt McDonald brings a powerful combination of playing experience and coaching expertise to 503 Baseball. A graduate of Linfield College, Matt was a standout pitcher for the Wildcats, finishing his college career with an impressive 2.73 ERA. In both 2018 and 2019 he led the team in earned-run average, and in 2019 he set a program milestone with 21 appearances — the most by any Linfield pitcher in the past 25 years.

After college, Matt went on to pitch professionally in independent baseball. From 2021 to 2024 he took the mound for the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes before joining the Salem Senators in 2025. Over his professional career he has thrown more than 300 innings, recorded over 200 strikeouts and collected 20+ wins. His versatility as a starter, closer and reliever earned him recognition as the league’s Pitcher of the Year in 2025.

Since 2020, Matt has been a dedicated member of the 503 Baseball staff. He coaches club teams, works with pitchers of all ages, and leads the High School Velocity and Arm Care Program during the offseason. His coaching philosophy focuses on efficient throwing mechanics, arm health, video analysis and consistent command of the strike zone.

As a Rapsodo-certified instructor, Matt uses advanced technology to track velocity, spin rate, movement profiles and more — giving players a clear picture of their progress over time.

Matt has coached hundreds of athletes at 503 Baseball and remains passionate about developing pitchers and helping them succeed both on and off the field.

Kari Baltz headshot

KARI
BALTZ

INSTRUCTOR

Kari Baltz has 20 years coaching experience of youth girls ages five through high school. A left-handed pitcher from Southern Oregon, Kari received 2nd Team All-Conference her junior and senior years a well as Most Valuable player. She went on to play at Western Oregon where she graduated in 2000 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Health & PE, with a middle through high school teaching endorsement.

While teaching middle school and coaching softball at McKay High, West Salem High and Centennial High, Kari went on to receive a Masters in Administrative Leadership from Concordia University in 2005. She has coached multiple youth sports over the years, including volleyball and basketball.

In her spare time she enjoys cheering on her 3 children who all play sports, as well as being a photographer. She specializes in pitching and catching. She currently coaches the 13-14 year old 503 Club Softball team and is excited to help grow the softball program at the 503 Academy.

Inside the facility

Where your athlete trains

4,000 square feet of indoor turf, cages, mounds and strength equipment in Milwaukie. Every lesson happens here, whatever the weather is doing outside.

Indoor turf training area at 503 Baseball in Milwaukie, Oregon
Indoor turf
Indoor pitching mounds at 503 Baseball in Milwaukie, Oregon
Pitching mounds
Indoor batting cage with hitting tee at 503 Baseball in Milwaukie, Oregon
Hitting cages
503 Baseball and Softball indoor training floor with batting cages
Training floor
Strength training room at 503 Baseball with squat racks and free weights
Strength room
Strength training equipment beside the batting cages at 503 Baseball
Strength & cages

What families say

4.9 out of 5from 79 Google reviews

★★★★★
★★★★★

“Best place around! I have 2 boys and 1 girl who all love going here.”

Kyle A. · Google review

★★★★★

“This baseball facility is truly outstanding. The coaches are not only incredibly knowledgeable, but they are also deeply committed to helping each player grow in both skill and confidence.”

Amanda C. · Google review

★★★★★

“Put simply, Tim is an incredible coach. … My son always looks forward to his lessons and inevitably comes away more confident in his abilities.”

Jerry B. · Google review

★★★★★

“I signed my 13U son up for some hitting sessions and was very impressed. He not only knows the fundamentals of hitting but knows how to teach.”

Todd S. · Google review

★★★★★

“We love 503! We’ve done private training, group training and Fall Ball and we loved it from the minute we walked in… These guys are the best, they are knowledgeable, friendly and their focus is on the kids.”

Thea W. · Google review

★★★★★

“My son has gone to 503 for many years since he was young. He has a very strong foundation of skills because of the lessons and learning he has done there.”

Cyndi H. · Google review

503 Baseball& Softball Academy

Indoor baseball and softball training in Milwaukie, Oregon. Private and group lessons, camps, clinics and strength work for youth through high school players.

Hours

  • Mon – Fri
    2:30 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Sat & Sun
    8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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