Player Development
COACHED THE RIGHT WAY.
Fundamentals, self discipline and mechanics woven into every practice, every rep, every season.
THE TORCH APPROACH
We don't run gimmick drills or chase shortcuts. We teach the game the way it's supposed to be taught — with repetition, correction, and intention. Every practice has a purpose. Every player gets coached. We meet kids where they are and push them to where they can be.
WHAT WE COACH.
THROWING
Arm care, mechanics, and accuracy. We build arm strength the right way — no shortcuts that lead to injuries.
FIELDING
Footwork, glove work, routes, and reads. Defense wins games. We take it seriously.
HITTING
Stance, load, path, and contact. We teach a repeatable swing and the mental approach to go with it.
BASERUNNING
Reads, jumps, angles, and aggression. Smart baserunning is a skill — we coach it like one.
BASEBALL IQ
Situational awareness, positioning, and decision-making. The mental game separates good players from great ones.
COMPETE
We teach kids how to compete — how to handle failure, stay locked in, and bring their best when it matters.
THE STAFF.
Real coaches. Real investment. Every player gets their full attention.
Coach Jake Loden
Head Coach
Jake Loden is a former U.S. Army soldier, baseball and football player, father, and local business owner. He has spent several years coaching rec baseball and football, and he brings that same standard to the field: structure, discipline, and respect—for the game and for the parents who trust the program with their kids.
Coach Amanda Howe
Assistant Coach
Amanda Howe has had baseball in her blood since the day she was born. A Tampa, Florida native from a baseball family—her father coached for more than 20 years—she grew up around the game and never left it. She proudly served in the U.S. Army while playing ball her entire life. A championship drag racer, devoted mother, and partner in the family’s Horsepower for Kids youth work, Amanda is focused on passing that same love of the game to the next generation and supporting the young athletes who wear the uniform.
Coach Chris Grant
ASSISTANT COACH
Coach Chris Grant
ASSISTANT COACH
Chris Grant grew up as a high school athlete and still carries that standard. As a foster parent in this community, he lives the same discipline and work ethic Tennessee Torch was built to expect. On the field, that means showing up ready, holding the line, and treating the game—and the kids in it—with respect.