NIKE Baseball Camp The Ballpark Arlington Heights, Illinois
NIKE Baseball Camps will be offering three weeks of camp run by the staff from the The Ballpark in Illinois. Each session is open for baseball players ages 9-14 of all abilities. NIKE Softball Camps will also be at the Ballpark for six weeks!
The Ballpark's vision is to provide high quality instruction along with a professional baseball and softball academy for every player! Their mission is to provide the BEST learning environment where professional teachers prepare all players to succeed both on and off the field! They believe student athletes become stronger when engaged in the learning process.
Highlights Include
- Coaching from professional directors and staff
- 10:1 camper/staff ratio
- Multi-level ability grouping
- Discussion topics: preparing for college baseball and personal goal setting
- Nike Camp T-shirt and Nike Prizes
Campers train daily at one of the finest facilities in Chicago lands, Melas Park in Arlington Heights. The beautiful four field complex equiped with synthetic turf is ideal for this summer's NIKE Baseball Camps.

Camp Director
Ron Cacini
Ron Cacini Jr., majority owner of The Ballpark in Mt. Prospect brings a wealth of experience and knowledge playing, teaching and coaching baseball and softball. Ron is a native of Mt. Prospect where he graduated from Prospect High School in 1988. After a successful two years playing at Triton Jr. College, he was offered a full scholarship to play at North Carolina State, but elected to sign a professional contract with the Houston Astros. After playing three years professionally, Ron went on to complete his degree at DePaul University and became the Assistant Women's Softball Coach for the nationally ranked team under Eugene Lenti. He helped develop the first two All-American infielders, Missy Nowak and Yvette Healey (current Wisconsin Head Softball Coach) and helped the team build one of the top programs in the country. Ron made a brief comeback playing professional baseball again with the Schaumburg Flyers in 1999. In 2000, he began giving lessons in his backyard and after developing over 200 clients in a short 2 year time frame, he decided to open an indoor baseball and softball training center, Play Ball USA, which he created and opened in Des Plaines in 2002. Play Ball USA set a standard in instructional facilities, and Ron served over 10,000 private lessons and produced some of the best student-athletes in the northwest suburbs before selling it in 2008 to spend more time with family. Ron has also been featured on WGN, CLTV, 190 North Show, and has been published in numerous softball and baseball publications. Having a passion to teach, Ron also earned his Master’s Degree and has been teaching physical education in District 64-Park Ridge for over 16 years and is the current 8th Grade Head Basketball Coach. Ron is excited to have the opportunity to train young players of all ages and ability once again at his new state-of-the-art facility – The Ballpark in Mt. Prospect!
Coach
Ryan Curry
Ryan Curry grew up in Downers Grove, IL where he attended Downers Grove South High School. He was an All-State shortstop at DGS and received an athletic scholarship from Bradley University. Ryan played under legendary coach Dewey Kalmer between 2003-2007 at Bradley. Ryan was an All-Conference infielder and senior year was an Academic All American pick at Bradley. Ryan currently holds the all-time hits record at Bradley University. In 2007 Ryan was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 21st round and played in the organization for 5 seasons. In 2010 he was named the best 2nd Basemen in Double A, The Southern League. Ryan has been training baseball players since 2006 and wants to use his knowledge of the game to help every player become the best player and person they can be, both on and off the field.
Coach
Chad Rebecca
Chad Rebecca brings more than fifteen years of playing and coaching expertise to The Ballpark/Nike Camp. A product of Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect Illinois, Chad received an athletic scholarship to Stony Brook University where he was an All-Conference/Rawlings Gold Glove selection. Chad helped lead the Stony Brook Seawolves to a ’08 America East Conference Championship and a bid to the Division I NCAA Regional Tournament at Arizona State University. Chad signed to play professionally with the Normal Cornbelters of the Frontier League in 2010 and with the Lake County Fielders of the North American League in 2011. His vast knowledge of baseball skill development for all age groups provides an invaluable asset to your aspiring athlete.
Sample Daily Schedule
- 8:45 a.m. Campers Check In
- 9:00 a.m. Warm Up & Stretching
- 9:15 a.m. Throwing Program
- 9:30 a.m. Rundowns
- 10:00 a.m. Drill work: Infield, Outfield, Hitting, Base running (20 minute stations)
- 11:20 a.m. Game Situations – base runners, full infield and outfield
- 12:00 p.m. Campers Depart
Monday-Thursday 9 AM-12 PM
Ron was the best hitting instructor!
"My son has taken lessons in Florida and Illinois, you were by far the best hitting instructor we ever had the pleasure of working with!"
Professional level baseball camp run by "real" professionals
"Professional level baseball camp run by "real" professionals! There are many baseball camps available, but this camp is the only one I can recommend to enthusiastic players and their parents. Thank you very much."
Genuine, Knowledgeable Coaches
"My coach surpassed my expectations as a coach and as a person. He is very genuine and knowledgeable about the sport of baseball."
Quality Individual Instruction
"I was impressed that the coaches worked with us individually. At other camps it was almost always as a group. They covered everything about baseball and even introduced me to some new strength training exercises."
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Adam Rosales-Oakland A’s
He is a great builder of confidence and technique
“Ron helped me learn how to hit the enchiladas and stay off the anchovies. He is a great builder of confidence and technique.”