Mission
To teach today’s athletes what it takes to make it to the next level by instilling the proper work habits both on and off the field. Our goal is to introduce young players to an academy that closely mirrors that of a professional organization.
History
Hunter Pence, has joined forces with his brother, Howard Pence and childhood friend, Sean Danielson to create this one of a kind academy. Each of these men bring a unique professional background to the facility with experience spanning across many professional organizations, which include but are not limited to, the Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. Most importantly, they all have a love and passion for the game that they want to share with young, up and coming players. They are hoping to use their personal experiences from current big leaguers and world renowned coaches and managers to create elite athletes in the Houston area.
Instructors
Howie Pence – Pitcher
Howie Pence was born in Fort Worth Texas October 1, 1979. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1998 where he lettered one year in baseball. He played collegiately at Sam Houston State University for two years where he suffered a torn UCL ligament. The next two years he spent rehabilitating and then resurfaced in 2003 as a fifth year senior at the University of Texas in Arlington. In June of 2003 he was signed as a non drafted free agent by the San Diego Padres out of a MLB scouting bureau tryout. He played in the Padres organization until 2006 reaching high class A ball in Lake Elsinore California. In 2006 he played for the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the Northern League and was named to the Northern League All Star Team. By the end of the season his contract was purchased by the Houston Astros, and he finished the season with the Salem Avalanche. Howie now resides in Pearland with his wife Allison and there three beautiful children, Hayley-Jane, Striker, and Ace.
Sean Danielson – OF
Sean Danielson signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2005. During his stint with the Cardinals, Danielson was most known for breaking a franchise record by stealing 6 bases in a single game. In 2007, he was traded from the Cardinals to the Red Sox for right-handed starting pitcher, Joel Pinero. The Sox sent him straight to AAA for a two year campaign with the Pawtucket Red Sox in the International League. Sean became a free agent in 2009 and signed with the Cincinnati Reds, where he spent the 2010 season in AA for the Carolina Mudcats. He has always been known as lead-off man, for his ability to hit for average and steal bases. Sean plays all outfield positions and occasionally makes appearances in the infield. During his 6 year career, Danielson made two all-star teams, averaged 20+ stolen bases a season, and was known as a big league defender with over 60 outfield assists.
Ryan Patterson – OF
Ryan Patterson started his career at Texarkana Junior college. There he won the honors of freshman of the year and played along-side of childhood teammate Hunter Pence. From there Patterson went to LSU, where in his three year stint as a tiger he shattered several school records. By 2005 Patterson had lead his team to the college world series twice and was in the running for the Golden Spike award among many other awards. Soon after his Sr year, he was selected in the 4th round of MLB amateur draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. In his 6 years of playing pro ball, Patterson has made several All-Star teams, has over 95 career homers, and once had a game where he went 6-6 with three home runs, two doubles and nine RBIs. Patterson was also recently inducted in the LSU Hall of Fame.
Seth Overbey
Seth Overbey graduated in 2002 from McDonough High School in Pomfret, MD where he was a decorated three-sport athlete, playing baseball, football and basketball. He was named the SMAC player of the year, All-Extra player of the year and McDonogh MVP in both 2001 and 2002, 2001 and 2002 county player of the year, selected to play in the 2002 Crown Senior All-Star game, and was a Washington Post All-Met selection as a junior and senior. Seth showed his glimpses of his future pitching prowess by compiling a 17-1 record over his junior and senior seasons, in addition to throwing three shutouts and one no-hitter. During those two years recorded 166 strikeouts and had a .408 batting average in both years. He played four seasons at the University of Maryland where he switched to throwing side arm for his senior season. He was drafted in 2006 by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 15th round. The next stop was playing short season in Auburn, NY where he posted a 4-2 record with a 2.42 ERA. Seth started the 2007 season in Low-A Lansing, MI where he began the year without giving up a run for 24.2 innings with 7 saves. This performance earned him a promotion to High Class-A Dunedin, FL. He only gave up one run in 10 innings before being promoted to AA New Hampshire, where he finished the 2007 season. Seth played the whole 2008 season in New Hampshire where he was 3rd in the league in appearances. He posted a 4-3 record with a 4.12 ERA. In 2009 he played with the Independent New Jersey Jackals and led the Can-Am League in appearances with 41 while posting a 3.80 ERA. He went on to play the 2010 season with the Pensacola Pelicans in the American Association. He closed the door for the Pelicans and led the team with 9 saves and a 3.09 ERA.