I first met "Coach Matt" at a coaching clinic I was attending this past spring.  I was extremely impressed with Matt's demeanor and the way he interacted with the coaches in attendance.  He had an easy way about himself and, despite being in professional baseball for 24 years, he was patient and encouraging to any and all questions no matter the background and experience of the coaches attending the clinic.

But I was even more impressed with the way he interacted with the kids he was using to demonstrate the skills and techniques he was teaching!  He was nothing short of fantastic in the way he spoke to and and instructed the players. After that experience I immediately contacted Coach Matt to work with my twin nine-year sons.

My wife and I have been so impressed with the work that Matt has done with our boys; he is truly a gifted instructor (my wife and I are both educators) and he is as talented a teacher as I have ever seen.  Matt is truly intuitive when working with kids and he has a tremendous eye for identifying where kids are in their development as well as in breaking things down into age appropriate chunk so that kids can both understand and execute whatever baseball skill he is teaching.

Our sons LOVE their lessons and cannot wait to get there on the days they are scheduled to work with Matt. He is encouraging, his attention to detail ensures that things are done correctly is consistent through the lesson, and his gentle and encouraging persona all add up to creating a phenomenal learning experience.  And our boys have had wonderful results in their on-field performances.  Their hitting, throwing and pitching all improved significantly over the course of the season.  They are confident in their abilities, they have learned what to watch for so that they may monitor their own performance and self-correct when necessary, and their love and appreciation for the game has all grown immeasurably.

Our family's experience with Coach Matt is one we are happy to share with others.  We look forward to watching our sons continue to grow both in their baseball skills and in their appreciation and love for the game.

~Mike & Darsy Arburn

Thanks for the catching lesson yesterday.  Jacob really enjoyed it, he learned more in 30 minutes then he has in 6 years of playing...  We are going online and booking a package. See you soon!

~Doris Elias

Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you working with Jordan, not just the technical part, but the other stuff. The first thing you said to Jordan when you saw him this season was "how are your grades?" Tells me you are more than just about baseball. I don't know what you said to him about being tired, but yesterday was his best attitude I have seen. I know he was very tired yesterday. The coaches ran them until 5 p.m. He got home and finished his homework and actually told me he was ready to go. Not one complaint about being tired on the ride there and back. Got home and studied for his test. This might not sound like its a big deal but it was. 

~David Yu  2/1/12

Dear Coach Matt,

I just wanted to thank you for helping my swing. 2 days ago I had my last regular season game. I used the pitch-hit method and I went 3-3 with a double and a RBI. When I looked back after game I  tried to remember my double. I thought back and I could see the pitch coming back at me, and I remembered the 4 seam spin it had. Again, I just wanted to thank you for fixing my swing mechanics, but not only that. You tried to find new approaches to my mental side. Thank you.

I'm very sad that my season is coming to a close, and you helped me make this a year that I'll never forget. I hope you'll still be coaching me all throughout high school, and you'll still be there, in my head, coaching my every swing in college, and maybe even the pros.

~From your student, Drew 6/23/12

WBA has been an amazing addition to my son's skill development, and even more so, his attitude and confidence.

~Erin Healey Griffin 5/4/12

I wanted to thank you for the few months I trained with you before my sophomore baseball season started. I have worked with many hitting coaches and what you taught me in a short time was amazing.  I am really comfortable at the plate and have more power, balance and consistent contact with the ball than I ever had. I led the team in RBIs, HITS, DOUBLES, SLUGGING, OBP and HOME RUNS.

PS: Keep it simple and don’t try to do too much…

See you soon,

~Jake Sola #7

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. You taught me much more than just how to catch. You taught me to catch correctly and how to overcome certain situations on and off the field. Words will never be able to explain how thankful I am of you. Thanks again for everything you have taught me throughout these years.

~Garrett Crook 5/10/12

My 8 year old has been working with Coach Walbeck for several months; the results have been phenomenal! His hitting, fielding and throwing now seem so natural and effortless. He has improved more since we started than in the years before, which is a testament to Matt, whose knowledge is vast and his attitude and enthusiasm, infectious. My son is enjoying baseball more than ever. I have learned so much by watching his sessions, and we always look forward to attending. I wholeheartedly recommend Matt and the Walbeck Baseball Academy.

~Michael Terry 5/26/12

I just wanted to share with you that after we got home last night Miles plopped down on the couch and said, "I love my new swing!". He was so pumped saying how effortless it felt and how much fun he had.  He was just so happy, and today after school he couldn't wait to get into the cage and practice his new stuff. Thanks for giving the three of us a makeover.

~Cynthia Edwards 9/13/12

I just wanted to let you know that I hit great in my tournament. I had a lot of fun and didn't think about a single thing. Thanks for making the game fun for me again. I'm looking forward to improving even more. I'll see you soon!

~Scott Saylor 9/3/12