Baseball is evolving — and so is player development. The technology, training methods, and philosophies used by MLB organizations and other elite programs are fundamentally different from what most young athletes experience. Today's advanced development programs go beyond mechanics; using data and measurable outputs to identify deficiencies, track skill progression, and guide individualized training. At Drive Baseball Academy, we're closing that gap — giving players access to modern, structured development rooted in intentional training, analytics, and expert coaching.
Founder
Meet the Founder of Drive Baseball Academy
Tyler Esplin
Tyler Esplin is a former professional baseball player and the founder of Drive Baseball Academy. Raised in Lake Bluff, IL, Tyler elevated his development at IMG Academy, one of the world's premier training institutions, before being drafted by the Boston Red Sox and playing seven years of professional baseball. At both IMG and with the Red Sox, Tyler was immersed in elite development environments built on detailed mechanical feedback, structured programming, exceptional training equipment and technology-driven insights. After years of training and competing at the highest level, Tyler returned home with a mission: to bring professional-grade baseball development to his home state. Through Drive Baseball Academy, he is committed to helping the next generation of serious athletes experience the same level of personalized, high-performance training that shaped his career.
What We Offer
We believe development happens when players receive expert coaching, analytical insight, take thousands of game-replicating reps, and build their physical foundation. Our services work together to address every need of a player's development. Training is structured, data-informed, and led by professional-caliber coaches who've lived the development journey themselves.
State of the Art Facility
Drive Baseball Academy is built to replicate the training environments used by elite development programs. The facility features HitTrax-equipped batting cages and advanced pitching machines to deliver high-rep, game-speed training. A fully equipped weight room and expansive turf space support strength, mobility, and defensive work. From technology to layout, every element of the space is designed to help athletes train smarter, move better, and perform at the next level.
Have a question about services and which is right for you? Our team is here to help you get started and advance your development.