The ACE Program offers player development, team development and league development programs.  The online curriculum serves as a year round resource and a certification for youth coaches.  ACE is dedicated to the development of youth baseball across the country.  “Every staff needs an ACE!”

Neal Packanik, Program Director

Neal has been involved in the youth baseball/softball training since 2000. During this time, Neal has gained experience in many different aspects of training and youth sports including; lessons, team training, facility management, team management, camps, clinics, and player development. Neal also brings a wealth of knowledge and contacts from his playing days at Ohio University as well as professional scouting with the Milwaukee Brewers. Through these experiences, he has tapped into the important management and resources needed for the development of youth players and coaches.

 Alex Eckelman, Program Director

Alex has been involved with the sport of baseball from tee ball to the professional ranks and everywhere in between. Alex’s experience and knowledge regarding America’s Pastime has been developed from a Hall of Fame career at The Ohio State University, nine professional seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals’ and Houston Astros’ organizations reaching AAA with both. In 2007, he served as the Hitting Coach with the Astros’ team in Lexington, KY.  Alex is currently the Assistant Director of Pro Scouting for the Cleveland Indians.  Throughout his playing career, Alex also dedicated himself to instructing players of all ages in the forms of camps, clinics, lessons, and high school coaching at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Kevin Mementowski, Assistant Program Director

Kevin has been involved with the sport of baseball from youth leagues through the college level.  Kevin brings his experiences from his playing days at Ohio University where he was a pitcher.  During his time at Ohio, Kevin earned a Bachelors Degree in Sports Management and a Masters Degree in Coaching Education.  He has worked as the Strongsville Dirtbags pitching coach since 2009, and has been involved with the ACE Program since 2010.  Through his playing and coaching experiences, he has brought important pitching philosophies and development skills for youth players and coaches.