About Us

About Us

DC Baseball Academy is committed to providing a positive learning environment where players of all ages are welcome! Our knowledgeable instructors draw on years of high level college and professional play as well as years of experience in youth coaching. The goal of DCBA is to help athletes reach their goals through positive attitudes, consistent effort, excellent instruction, and a personalized lesson format for everyone that walks through our doors.

We offer private (one-on-one) lessons, group lessons, and cage rentals.

Located in Framingham’s historic Saxonville Mills, DC Baseball Academy has over 18,000 sq. feet of indoor training space.

Our Instructors

Alex Ingram

Alex Ingram started as an instructor at DC Baseball Academy in January 2013 after retiring from his professional European baseball career due to an injury. Alex graduated from Macalester College in 2011 and helped lead the Macalester Scots to their first conference championship in 62 years as a captain and starting pitcher. Alex lives in Millbury, MA with his wife Hanna, daughter Lily, and black labrador retriever Pickle.

Alex Ingram

Alex Ingram has been instructing at DCBA since January of 2013. While his background lies in pitching, Alex delivers a comprehensive, technically-advanced hitting lesson as well. When not instructing, Alex is the Director of Player Development and Recruiting for the Bay State Braves as well as a head coach. Most recently his 2016 12U Braves team had great success. Before moving to Massachusetts, Alex played professionally in Prague, Czech Republic and Beaucaire, France from Spring 2011 to Fall 2012. While abroad he also coached youth teams, most notably leading the Beaucaire Chevaliers to a national championship in the 12U bracket, and a 5th place finish in the 15U bracket. Alex graduated from Macalester College in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. He was a 4-year Varsity starting pitcher. In his senior season as captain he led Mac to its first MIAC Conference Championship in 62 years, going 8-1 with a 2.49 ERA and 59 K’s. That year he received All- Conference 1st Team recognition as well as being voted the team MVP.

Brian Rhone

Brian Rhone started as an instructor at DC Baseball Academy in January of 2021 after spending 4 years as the assistant varsity coach at Hamden Hall Country Day School (CT). Brian was the 12U Director for the CT Bombers Baseball Program from 2017-2021. Brian graduated with a B.A in Sports Management from Newbury College (MA) where he played middle infield for the Nighthawks.

Brian Rhone

Mike Watkins has been providing quality instruction at DCBA since February 2017. As well as being a full-time instructor, Mike coaches with the Akadema Braves. He grew up in Rhode Island where he was drafted in the 15th round by the Washington Nationals in 2005. During that same year Louisville Slugger nominated him State Player of the Year.

Chris Panell

Chris Panell started as an instructor with DC Baseball Academy in 2016, having spent 20 years coaching youth baseball in towns in and around the MetroWest. Since joining the staff Chris has focused on the development of players in the DC program in the 9-11U age group and brought the first state championship to the Braves program in 2022.

Chris Panell

Alex Belanger

Alex Belanger started at DC Baseball Academy in late 2023. He has spent 4+ years as a travel baseball coach in New England. He brings a passion for helping others improve on the game they love. Alex played for Dean College as a right-handed pitcher who graduated with a degree in Sports Management. In his final collegiate outing Alex threw a no-hitter.

Alex Belanger

Justyn Ainsworth

Justyn joined the DCBA/Braves family in 2023. In 2024 Justyn led the 13U Blue Braves team to the D2 Championship game. Justyn played varsity high school baseball in North Attleboro, MA, and his college ball at Worcester State University, where he won numerous individual and team awards. He lived in the Cayman Islands for 10 years, loves to travel, and is a father to a 10 year old boy.

Justyn Ainsworth

Colin O'Brien

Colin O'Brien joined DCBA in December of 2024. Colin played college baseball at Emerson College as a middle infielder and utility player. His experience includes coaching youth players in New England for the past six years. Colin has a lifelong love of the game of baseball and now enjoys teaching athletes who are excited about becoming better baseball players.

Colin O'Brien

Evan Zides

Evan Zides is the owner of DC Baseball Academy and the Bay State Braves.