The Dugout Baseball Academy
Home of Los Tigres Baseball
Home of Los Tigres Baseball
Fourteen years ago, on May 15th, the Dugout opened its doors to our first clients, and it's been non-stop from there.
Coach Raffi had a vision to open a facility where he could put his years of professional playing and coaching experience to work, to train athletes in the greater Houston area, utilizing the same drills and techniques he was taught as a kid and upcoming player in the Dominican Republic.
His success at the Dugout, and out on the baseball field is a true testament to his vision, as he has trained and coached many athletes who have gone on to play the Little League World Series, for their high school and travel ball teams, college, and even professionally.
This could not have been achieved without the incredible people who understood his vision, and helped him get this dream off the ground - for that we are forever grateful. And to those who've joined us along the way - we are so grateful that you are part of this incredible journey. Thank you all for being a part of our baseball family. You are what has made this an incredible 14 years.
Cheers to many more!
With over 14 years in the greater Houston area, and hundreds of athletes playing at the Little League, travel ball, high school, collegiate, and professional levels, the Dugout Baseball Academy and coaches is your premier training facility for all your baseball needs.
A former professional player from the Dominican Republic, with over 17 years playing in professional baseball, including the MLB, Independent Baseball League, and the Dominican Winter Baseball League, as an infielder and pitcher, Coach Raffi transitioned his baseball expertise as a trainer and coach for athletes in the greater Houston area in 2007.
With over 14 years experience, training individual athletes and teams, Coach Raffi has had the opportunity to prepare his athletes to play at their highest levels of competition, including the Little League World Series, High School Championships, Travel Baseball Championships, Collegiate Baseball, and even the MLB.
To date, Coach Raffi has multiple athletes currently in high school and college baseball, helping them prepare to go as far as their aspirations take them.
From the youngest athletes, to those playing at the professional level, Coach Raffi's experience, expertise, and love for this game makes him one of the most respected, and sought-out coaches in the Houston area.
In addition to training at the Dugout, Coach Raffi is the Manager and Head Coach for Los Tigres 11U, and Twelve Baseball 15U Gold.
Also from the Dominical Republic, Coach Manny got his start playing professional baseball in the early '90's, playing for teams within the MLB organizations, Independent Baseball League, and Mexican League as a starting catcher, playing with baseball greats such as Roger Clemens and other high-caliber pitchers during his time behind the plate.
Coach Manny joined the Dugout, using his expertise and experience in the game as a catching specialist, training athletes from novice to professional, helping build on the fundamentals, skill level and performance for success on the field.
A Houston native, and 2nd generation Dominican, Coach Wilmy was trained using his Dominican roots in baseball, playing for Pasadena HS, earning all-conference and all-area honors. He attended Southern University, Baton Rouge, where he played for head coach, Roger Cador, and was selected as the team captain for 2011/2012, earning honors at the SWAC 1st Team All-Conference Player, and the SWAC Baseball 2nd Team Honorable Mention. After sustaining a major injury, Coach Wilmy transitioned to the coaching staff under Coach Cador, with a focus of development and mentoring the Southern University baseball team in conjunction with coaching on/off the field.
Following his graduation from Southern, Coach Wilmy joined the Dugout family as a trainer and coach.
In addition to training athletes at the Dugout, Coach Wilmy is a Coach for Los Tigres 11U.
Raffi Jr is an Episcopal HS graduate, playing for the NMJC Thunderbirds, just completing his Freshman year. He has been trained by his father and the Dugout coaches through his career, now joining the Dugout staff this summer with a focus in youth skills and fundamental training for athletes 10 & under.
If your player is a novice at the sport, or needs extra tee-work, soft toss, or fielding fundamental work, Raffi Jr is here to help.
He offers 30 minute sessions with focused training for $25.
The Dugout Coaches offer individual one-on-one, group (2 to 3 athletes) and team training at the Dugout.
Book your individual or group lesson via the schedule now link at the top of the page.
Lesson packages are currently unavailable with the Dugout coaches.
Please call the Dugout at 713-795-5991 for pricing, or to schedule group or team training.
Agility workout that can be done at home, using items around your house and yard, to help get in the strength and endurance exercises to keep you ready for competition.
At home video for players to work on arm and foot positioning for fielding. Repetition is key to building muscle memory.
Catching drills for catchers, to work on positioning and throwing.
To provide premium quality baseball training that is age and skill appropriate for each athlete in a positive learning environment, using positive feedback, encouragement and coaching, allowing for the athlete to learn and improve in their game with confidence and the skill-base needed to be an effective player exhibiting a positive attitude, good sportsmanship and fair play as an individual and part of a team.
Clients with recurring or standing appointments with the Dugout Baseball Academy are responsible for the lesson time held for the duration of the recurring schedule, determined by the client at time of booking, until schedule has expired, or is changed or cancelled with the Dugout front desk. The Dugout cannot guarantee a particular time slot for a recurring schedule, or availability of the time slot once your recurring schedule has expired.
No shows, forgotten lessons, late cancellations or lesson time changes, made less than 24 hrs from start of scheduled lesson, are subject to the Dugout Cancellation Policy and will incur a full charge for the lesson missed. Notification to cancel/change a lesson must be done by phone - please call the Dugout directly: 713-795-5991. The Dugout emails & text messages are not monitored regularly - cancellation notices cannot be accepted by email or text. Unpaid charges will need to be settled prior to your next appointment time. Any unpaid accounts will result in cancellation of subsequent lessons and/or standing appointment times, and the timeslot will be made open to all.
8717 Knight Rd, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
Home of Los Tigres Baseball
8717 Knight Rd, Houston, TX 77054, United States
Ph: 713-795-5991