ABOUT US

Our Story

After an extensive career in pro ball, Jake DePew began his journey helping hitters advance their development through lessons and small group training. As he built his clientele, DePew recognized the need for improvements in what was the current training landscape and started to design hitting programs for each of his clients. These programs included hitting progressions, daily hitting plans for multiple days per week, and drills that would benefit that specific individual.

In 2019, DePew took his program and created what is now known as HitLab. HitLab would begin to incorporate an assessment that would involve gathering notes and metrics to best understand each hitter joining the program. With that assessment, HitLab staff designed programs tailored to each indivdiual hitter to best address their needs.

2020 - Hired John Lord, who now manages HitLab Missouri

2021 - HitLab began to offer programming to youth clients 11U-13U

2022 - Program surpassed 250 clients

2023 - HitLab in Missouri moved into Premier Pitching & Performanceone; one of the top private pitching facilities in the country.

2023 - HitLab added the Pelotero platform to house each player's hitting plan

2024 - HitLab in Illinois moved to SportsBarn East; a new state-of-the-art facility located in Wood River, IL.

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.