A stylized graphic of a red-orange butterfly with white and black borders on a dark background.

Our story starts with a family built around the diamond. My dad spent over 30 years as a high school baseball coach and ran his own baseball facility. I grew up on the field chasing balls, listening to him teach, and watching players fall in love with the game. My father, brother, two sisters, and I all went on to play in college, and those experiences shaped how we see the game and what it can do for young people. Although everyone likes to say we got our abilities from my dad, the truth is our skills were really passed down from Mom.

Following in my Dad's footsteps, I’ve been fortunate to play at a high level and coach at both the high school and college levels, while also building a career as a teacher. That classroom background guides everything I do: clear instruction, evidence-based training, and a plan behind every drill. The goal is always the same—help athletes understand the “why” so they can grow, not just be told what to do.

In partnership with Branford CrossFit, we’re combining high-level baseball and softball instruction with smart strength and conditioning to give athletes a complete development environment. This isn’t just a business for us—it’s where we want our own kids to train, learn, and build confidence, grounded in the same teaching principles and love for the game that started with my dad.

Owner, Tom “Wally” Walraven

A young man wearing a green baseball jersey with white and red accents, a black cap with 'RC' embroidered, and posing against a cloudy background.

Tom Walraven is originally from Pine Bush, New York. He was a standout at the University of New Haven and ranks at or near the top of several offensive and defensive career categories. He also holds the school’s single-season record for assists.

After college, he played five years of professional baseball with the Gary SouthShore RailCats, Winnipeg Goldeyes, and New York Boulders. He later coached at the University of New Haven and North Haven High School.

Tom is currently in his fourth year as a Business Education teacher at East Haven High School. Having grown up around the game, he brings a teacher’s mindset, a pro’s experience, and a lifelong passion for developing players on and off the field.