PROJECT BASEBALL
Meet our coaches
Coach Huascar
Huascar Fuentes was born and raised in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic. He grew up in a large family and works for his father’s family company starting at a very young age, while also pursuing his dream of becoming a baseball player. Most of his adolescence was spent studying, working and doing everything he could to become a better baseball player. Whether he had to hitchhike, walk for miles, or play without equipment, he always found a way to make it to the baseball field and give it his all.
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In November 2013, Huascar signed with Pittsburgh Pirates. He was one of the oldest players among his peers to sign professionally, which was a dream come true after years of hard work. As one of the older players on his teams, Huascar always took the role of leader and mentor, which he continues to be even years later. In 2015 he was the top hitter in the Pirates Dominican Republic camp. After playing for 4 years for the Pirates and the Bristol Pirates and the West Virginia Black Bears, he suffered a career-ending injury tearing his thigh muscle. This was devastating for Huascar and a hard pill to swallow but he had faith that God had a plan for him.
He moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2018 originally working construction jobs, trying to figure out the right path for himself. He started coaching youth baseball part time in 2019 and after the birth of his first son, Damian, he decided to not give up on his dream of baseball but use all of his experience and passion for the game to help young baseball players like he once was. So in the Fall of 2021, he started Project Baseball and quickly made a name for himself in the Arizona baseball club community. Within the first two seasons, Project Baseball was already winning championships and in the top 3 of the state for USSSA. In their 3rd season, the 13UAAA team got bumped up to Majors after having proved themselves on the field.
He is currently the Head Coach and President of Project Baseball AZ and also gives private hitting lessons. When he’s not coaching baseball, he’s spending time with his wife and kids, at church or watching American Idol.
Coach Jerron
Coach Jerron is the youngest of four and grew up in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in his dad’s auto shop, which ultimately inspired him to become an entrepreneur and start multiple businesses from landscaping to vending machines. He played every sport he could as well as played instruments and went to the beach every chance he could. He first played baseball at 4 years old then quickly moved from tee ball to little league. Coach Jerron has fond memories of listening to Vin Scully broadcast Dodger games and getting to know players like Eddie Murray and Tony Gwenn.
Coach Jerron was immediately drawn to the energy and passion of baseball players and fans. From the time he got a taste of it, he knew his passion and vision of playing baseball would follow him for the rest of his life. He played baseball from little league all the way up to high school and college. Over the years he played every single position at some point and got to play all over the United States.
After coaching for other youth baseball clubs and now 2 years with Project Baseball, Coach Jerron has been sharing his passion and knowledge with young baseball players in Arizona. His goal has always been to help build young boys into better young men through the power of baseball. He aims to help players develop their skills and reach their full potential. Over the years, Coach Jerron has been more than a coach but also a mentor and safe space for players as they go through their own ups and downs. He sees the whole player and cares deeply about their well being and hopes to play a part in shaping their future. Most importantly, Coach Jerron tries to help his players keep having fun and find the same joy in baseball that he has.
When he’s not working or coaching he’s spending time with his growing family. His two sons play soccer, he just recently had a daughter this year that he’s learning from more and more everyday. When they can get away, he and his wife love to travel and find unique eats and treats in whatever state, city or country they’re in.
Coach Iverson
Born and raised in La Romana, Dominican Republic, Coach Iverson grew up with his parents and sister playing lots of sports from the time he can remember. He played basketball, ran track, boxed and did judo but ultimately followed his true passion and committed seriously to baseball.
Coach Iverson first signed to play professionally in the DR to the Academia del Niche when he was 16 years old. That’s the same academy as Juan Soto, Eli de la Cruz and other famous players. In 2017, he signed with the Detroit Tigers and was MVP in the summer league with a 333 average. With his performance he was chosen to play in the All Stars. He played Single A with the Tigers for about 7 years. He stood out on the field as an outfielder and first baseman.
His goal as a Project Baseball coach is to help the players by “passing it on” and share all of the knowledge he’s gained as a professional player over the years. He hopes to develop young professional players by creating a strong foundation so when they reach the next level they know what to do, how to execute with discipline and effort.
When he’s not coaching, he’s spending time with his wife and 2 kids (and a baby on the way!), reading, traveling, fishing, making podcasts and working on creative projects.
Coach Lucas
Coach Lucas was born and raised in Bristol, Tennessee, currently staying in Phoenix to coach and train. He has three sisters, one brother and fun fact: not only is he a twin but his brother and sister are ALSO twins (2 sets of twins)! Growing up, Coach Lucas loved playing lots of sports but his favorites were golf and baseball. Of course, winters in Tennessee don’t allow for golf or baseball so he enjoys hunting and snowboarding until the snow melts.
Coach Lucas started playing baseball when he was 4 years old like most little boys with T-ball. As he got older, his love for the game grew stronger and he enjoyed traveling to new places to play, meeting a lot of cool people and seeing beautiful ballparks around the country. He played competitive club baseball from 8U all the way to high school. Over those years he played outfield and infield and now in college he’s pitched and played 1st and 3rd. Currently, his main focus is pitching. Fun fact: Coach Lucas was Coach Huascar's host brother 10 years ago!
His current goal with baseball is to get drafted and become the best player he can be. As a coach with Project Baseball, his goal is to help the kids be the best they can be and learn and grow in the process.
When he’s not on the field, he’s at Push Performance training or staying cool in the AC playing XBOX.
Coach Richard
Born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Coach Richard grew up with his 4 siblings on the Air Force base as his dad served in the Air Force. He grew up in a baseball family, idolizing players like Ichiro Suzuki.
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His father played baseball and guided him on his and brothers' baseball journey. He started playing when he was 4 years old, quickly developing a passion and dedication to the sport. Throughout his early baseball career, he earned numerous recognitions, including multiple MVP awards in competitive tournaments.
In high school in New York, I was honored as MVP for three consecutive years, showcasing consistent performance and leadership on the field. Following my high school career, I advanced to play at the collegiate level, competing in Division I baseball at a junior college in New York.
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His goal with Project Baseball is to be the best coach he can be for young athletes by helping each player reach their fullest potential. He is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment where kids can develop their skills, build confidence, and learn valuable lessons about teamwork and discipline that will benefit them both on and off the field.
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When he's not coaching, he's at the gym working out or relaxing and enjoying a Cuban cigar.
