The Hit Lab Journal

Developing a 2K approach

Diving deep into two strike approach, physical adjustments, mentality. Understanding what to look for and why. ...more

Baseball Hitting

March 13, 2026•5 min read

Little Wins: Success in a Game of Failure

Find the little wins in baseball. What does success truly mean? What does it actually look like? And what can we do as hitters to find success in a game built around failure? ...more

Baseball Hitting

February 27, 2026•6 min read

The Hit Lab Training Blueprint: A Smarter Way to Develop Hitters Year-Round

Outlining the Hit Lab Training Blueprint and defining the 5 phases of the developmental year. ...more

Baseball Hitting

February 09, 2026•3 min read

TESTIMONIALS

I've been in HitLab for around 4 years and have seen massive growth and improvement. I'd recommend HitLab to any one who is looking to play baseball at the next level.

Jackson Vaughn

2025, Wichita State University

My experience with HitLab has been very beneficial to my development. They provided me with very good insight on not only my mechanics but also my approach. The technology and exercises used throughout the program allowed me to see and track progress over each session.

Drew Kleinheider

2025, St. Louis University

HitLab has really helped me find the right feels and adjustments for my swing along with improving my approach at the plate which has led to more confidence in the box ready to compete at a high level.

Cooper DeManuele

2026

Jake DePew

HitLab Founder & Director

2010 9th round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Rays. Spent 7 seasons in the minor leagues with the Rays and Red Sox. Graduated from Granite City High School where he was a four time All Conference, two time All State, and the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year (Senior)

Contact: [email protected]

John Lord

HitLab Missouri Coordinator

Joined staff in 2020. Former player at Webster University (DIII) prior to joining the coaching staff in 2018 & 2019. SLIAC All-Conference team selection as a senior. Graduated from Neuqua Valley High School in the Chicago area.

Contact: [email protected]

Jordan Hovey

HitLab Trainer

Joined staff in 2023. Former player at Creighton University (DI), Jefferson College (JUCO), and Missouri State (DI). Continued to play after college for various Independt teams and a season in the Royals minor leagues. Graduated from Edwardsville High School where he was a Louisville Slugger All American and All State selection.

Brady Bunten

Youth HitLab Trainer (IL)

Joined staff in 2023. Former 4-year player at SIU: Edwardsville (DI). All-time RBI leader at SIUE with 144 and tied for school's all-time career home run record (35).

Chris Dameron

Youth HitLab Trainer (MO)

Joined staff in 2023. Former player at Park University (NAIA) and John Wood (JUCO). Coach/Trainer for over 10 years in the industry with experience at both the youth level and high school level. Previously coached in high school for 9+ years.

Maria Smith

HitLab Softball Trainer (IL)

Joined staff in 2024. Former 4-year player at Southern Miss (DI) where she collected 119 hits, 28 of them being for extra bases, over her career. Graduated from Edwardsville High School where she was an All State selection.