NAtion BAseball Academy

Red and white logo featuring stylized rabbit ears and tail design.

Train Smarter. Play better.

Yellow softball icon with orange stitching next to the word "SOFTBALL" on a black background.
Stylized image of a baseball with orange stitching and the word 'BASEBALL.' in bold white letters against a black background.
The image has a black background with an orange dumbbell icon followed by the word "STRENGTH" in bold white letters.

  • The New Player Lesson offers an affordable introduction for individuals new to Nation Baseball, allowing them to experience our training environment without a significant commitment. This session is crafted to help beginners assess if Nation Baseball aligns with their interests and goals in the sport.

  • One-on-one hitting and/or fielding instruction fully tailored to the player. Each session uses video analysis to pinpoint exactly what needs to improve, followed by clear explanations and focused drills. Players leave with specific adjustments, a plan they can practice on their own, and measurable progress from week to week.

  • Train with 2-4 athletes in a competitive, high-energy environment. Sessions blend skill work, live reps, and targeted drills, with coaching focused on each player’s specific needs. Players benefit from game-like competition, peer accountability, and high-quality reps at a lower cost than private lessons.

  • Training Pack Bundles are discounted multi-session packages that let athletes train consistently while saving money. Each bundle locks in your rate, gives you priority scheduling, and builds a clear week-to-week plan so players can make real progress instead of “one-off” lessons. Great for offseason ramps, in-season maintenance, or small-group work with friends/teammates.

BOOK NOW
Young man wearing a black baseball cap with 'RC' logo, green baseball jersey with 'RC' logo and patch on sleeve, smiling against a cloudy sky background.

Owner, Tom “Wally” Walraven

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.

Portrait of a young male athlete wearing a navy baseball cap with a red

Pitching Instructor, Nick Guarino

Nick Guarino is a New Haven native who spent two standout seasons as Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Eastern Connecticut State University, where his staffs ranked among the best in the country and produced multiple All-Conference and All-Region arms.

A former East Haven High School captain and All-State pitcher, Guarino went on to star at Clark University and Southern Connecticut State, earn All-Region honors, and help lead the Nashua Silver Knights to a Futures Collegiate Baseball League championship. He holds an M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration and currently manages the Nashua Silver Knights.