The Virginia Baseball Academy staff instructors are hand-picked for their knowledge of baseball and softball, and their ability to communicate it to our young players. Our coaches have had college and/or professional experience and, more importantly, they have been intensely trained in our state of the art major league baseball and softball techniques. VBA staffers exhibit high energy, a positive attitude, and are passionate about the games of baseball and softball. We are responsive to our clients' needs and committed to helping each player achieve their baseball/softball objectives and goals.
Wayne Gomes, Owner
The Philadelphia Phillies recalled Wayne from the minor leagues on June 13, 1997. On this day, he was called in to pitch and did so with one inning of relief of Curt Shilling and recorded the win. He went on to pitch in the major leagues with the Phillies until 2001. For the duration of his 1999 season, he was voted as the Rolaids Relief Man of the team. In the 2001 season he was traded to the San Francisco Giants. During this year he played along side Barry Bonds in his record breaking homerun season. In 2002, he signed as a free agent with the Boston Red Sox. During this season he pitched as a set-up man help guild his team to a second place in the American League east, only one game behind the rival New York Yankees.
In 2003, Wayne made a trip back to the minors with Scranton in the International League where he pitched in the IL All-Star game and led the league in saves. Following the 2003, he signed with the Oakland A's. Throughout the 2004 season with the Oakland A's affiliate, Gomes lead the team in ERA and appearance and help guide the team to its 2nd consecutive Pacific Coast League Championship. After completing his major league career, Wayne continued his playing career overseas. In 2005 he pitched for the Yucatan Leones and the Saltilo Gigiantes of the Mexican league.
Read the full bio of Wayne Gomes.
Brian Edlow
Graduated from Denbigh High School, earned all district honors, played 4 years at Norfolk State University, senior year he hit .420 which ranked him as one of the best hitters in college baseball, Finished a career .368 hitter which ranks him in the top 10 in school history.
Nicole Schaeffer
Graduated from Grafton High School, earned all district honorable mention honors as a freshman, all district honors as a senior at 3B, 2nd team daily press all stars, played collegiately at George Mason University and University of Tennessee, played under USA hitting coach Ralph Weekly, Led the Vols in fielding in 2001-2002, which ranks 4th all time in SEC history in fielding percentage.
Cory Toth
Graduated from Chincoteague High School, earned All district honors all four years and all state as a senior. Back to back district player of the year in 2005 and 2006. Played 4 years at Old Dominion University. Ranks 6th all time in games pitched in Old Dominion history. Played for 2008 Youse Maryland Orioles National Championship team.
John Raynor
John Raynor graduated from Kecoughtan High School in 2001, where he played baseball as a pitcher/short stop. He earned All District Player two years in 2000 and in 2001. John was named MVP for KHS in 2001, and finished with a 1.14 ERA and 6-1 record.
John attended the Apprentice School where he was an All American pitcher, Small College Player of the week (twice), and Small College Freshman of the Year. After two years at the Apprentice School and breaking all the school’s win records, he transferred to Longwood University with a record of 8-1 and an ERA of 1.87 and 3 Saves.
John worked at Kecoughtan High School as Pitching Coach for two years and at VBA as pitching instructor/coach since 2008.
Brett Wheeler
Brett Wheeler graduated from Kecoughtan High School where he was Player of the Year in 1992 and1993. During this time, he helped KHS reach two undefeated Peninsula District seasons in addition to reaching state runner-up honors. Brett held the record as being the winningest pitcher in KHS history.
Brett began his college baseball career at Old Dominion University and then transferred to Mississippi State. During his tenure he held a 16-1 career record and 1.7 ERA. Since that time, Bethel High School hired this former KHS standout pitcher as its varsity baseball coach in 2002. That year, he coached them to an 18-0 season. Wheeler has 8 years as Head Coach with back to back District Championships and was named both District and Regional Coach of the year in 2002 and in 2003.