Upper Deck Baseball Academy_Website (2)

Baseball Academy

We specialize in top level baseball specific training from former pros & collegiate athletes in our own facility and fields. Our academy is focused on developing athletes physically, mentally and technically to prepare them to compete in advanced levels of the game.

Jason Stidham and Chris Heston will be heading the baseball training on a weekly basis. They will have weekly routines that are perfectly tailored to enhance player performance. Jason Stidham will specialize in the defensive and offensive departments and Chris will take over the pitching performance. Each player will work on all aspects of their game to give them all the necessary tools to succeed on the field.

Each player will have an initial evaluation with stats and performance metrics. Throughout the year we will continue to track and breakdown every athletes movements to give them accurate data to change their game. We will use HiTrax, Rapsodo, and many other training aids to help our athletes reach their goals.

Program Requirements

  • Quarterly report card submissions are required for all Baseball Academy
  • Monthly grade updates must be submitted using the Academy’s provided
  • Regular attendance at scheduled Baseball Academy, 2 day a week program at UD Facility and Fields, as scheduled. 3rd day of speed & agility with specialized classes as optional but recommended

Program Highlights & Offerings

  • Participation in top level technical baseball training from former Pros and Collegiate Athletes who have proven experience in coaching high-level teams, private lessons in a professional environment.
  • Access to our premier facilities and equipment on training days and academy event days.
  • Use of Hit Traxx system for player stats and progression.
  • UD Team Shop Access to purchase fan wear opportunities throughout the year.
  • Discount offerings through Extra Innings on baseball gear and supplies. This includes bats, gloves (incl. custom), batting gloves, cleats and more.

Services We Offer

  • Structured Training / Player Development:
  • Coach/Player Guidance: Coaches will work one on one with each player to assess performance strengths and needs and will develop plans to improve performance on the field and off.
  • Stat Testing and Progression: We will utilize systems such as Hit Traxx, Arm Care and other programs to evaluate and track player progression. Each player will have a portal with access to their stats and be able to track their progression throughout the program year
  • Workshops: Access to exclusive workshops such as those focusing on nutrition, mental strength, sports physical therapy and more.
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Our Academic Program

We recognize the importance of education as a solid foundation for our athlete’s success. Our program includes planned tutoring and educational support in a focused environment with highly qualified teachers and administrators. Our educational program includes onsite tutoring, curriculum guidance, adademic tracking, compliance support, portfolio building and onsite/community events.

Program Requirements

  • Quarterly report card submissions are required for all Baseball Academy
  • Monthly grade updates must be submitted using the Academy’s provided
  • Students must be registered as Florida homeschoolers (parent-led, online, or hybrid programs accepted) with their local county.
  • FLVS Flex is accepted, as students remain registered
  • Grades, portfolios, and homeschool compliance remain the responsibility of the parent/guardian, though support is provided.

Optional Study Hall / Teacher Support

  • Participation in our academic program requires a commitment to respectful conduct, time management, and personal responsibility.
  • Students must bring all necessary materials for their daily academic
  • Basic supplies will be provided (e.g., printer access, paper, pencils, erasers).
  • Students are expected to arrive prepared with their daily
  • Teachers will be available via email or phone for parents to communicate weekly academic expectations for study hall days.
  • Study Hall students and their families will have access to the additional services listed.

Services We Offer

  • Study Hall Supervision: Quiet, structured time for completing coursework with support from certified
  • Academic Oversight: Monitoring student progress and providing goal-setting
  • Curriculum Guidance: Recommendations and support for curriculum
  • MAP Growth Testing: Nationally normed assessments offered twice per year to track academic progress and inform planning.
  • Tech Support: Help with tools such as Google Classroom, Google Drive, and other digital
  • Community Events: Student social and educational activities throughout the
  • Workshops: Access to exclusive workshops such as those focusing on transcripts, college prep, curriculum planning, portfolio building and long-term planning.

Jason Stidham

Owner / Head Instructor - UD Baseball Academy
As a player Jason Stidham played at Melbourne High School. As a Bulldog Stidham was a two-time Space Coast Player of the Year (2005 and 2006). In 2005 he was FSWA All-State first team and in 2006 FSWA All-State second team. Stidham was selected in the 2006 MLB Draft in the 43rd round by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Out of high school Stidham attended Florida State University in 2007. In 2009 Stidham was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth round (249th overall) of the 2009 amateur entry Draft. He played three seasons with the Cardinals before ending his career due to injuries.

Stidham has worked for multiple baseball/softball facilities before returning back to his hometown here in Melbourne. His passion is working with youth baseball and softball players. He is the owner of the Upper Deck Sports Facility and Head Instructor for UD Baseball Academy.

Chris Heston

Lead Instructor - UD Baseball Academy
Chris Heston graduated from Bayside High School in Palm Bay, Florida. He played college baseball for two years at Seminole Community College. He was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 47th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft but did not sign. In 2008 the Washington Nationals drafted Heston in the 29th round, but again did not sign and attended East Carolina University. He was then drafted a third time, by the San Francisco Giants in the 12th round in 2009, signed and had many accolades while playing in the MLB for that organization
Heston is now a lead instructor in the Upper Deck Baseball Academy, offers lessons and coaches the High School teams that showcase during the Fall and Summer seasons

Mike Redd

Lead Instructor - Strength Training / Speed & Agility

Deborah Jaffe

Head of Academics
Deborah Jaffe is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in software
engineering, leadership, and educational program development. She currently serves as the Director of Academics at Upper Deck Baseball Academy where she leads the academic vision, supports curriculum planning, and fosters a collaborative learning environment for students and families.

Deborah holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Barry University and
brings a strong background in Agile methodologies, cloud computing, and educational
technology. Her professional career includes a decade at L3Harris Corporation, where she
served as both a Software Engineer and Group Lead Manager, mentoring engineers and driving technical excellence.

A U.S. Army veteran and dedicated homeschool parent, Deborah also founded Fishers of Men Homeschool Co-op, where she coordinates educational activities, organizes community events, and supports parents with homeschooling tools and compliance. Her unique blend of technical leadership and educational advocacy positions her to guide families through both academic and administrative success.

Deborah is passionate about building strong academic foundations, promoting innovation in education, and encouraging families to thrive in their homeschool journeys.

Mika Greenwald

Lead Tutor - GPA Monitoring / Parental Support Liason
Our lead teacher, Mika Greenwald grew up in a small town in Indiana and attended Indiana
University in Bloomington. She completed her Master of Science in Kinesiology and moved to Las Vegas to work for the YMCA as a fitness director. After working with adults and children at the YMCA, she decided to go back to school and earn a Master's of Education. She taught school in Las Vegas for 22 years and has experience in both elementary and middle school. Mika has tutored children ranging from Kindergarten to eighth grade and is well versed in the homeschool teaching environment.

We are excited to have Mika on board as our lead tutor, with a focus on GPA monitoring and parent support.

Elena Padolko

Tutor -