About BackYard 9

Inspiring Youth Through Baseball

BackYard 9 was formed from the idea that sports should be available for all. Baseball, first and foremost, is a GAME! It is supposed to be fun and a way to handle our daily stresses, not add to them.

Our core beliefs here at BackYard 9 are:

Opportunity - everyone regardless of age, race, or financial background, should have the same chances to play and learn this amazing game.

Belonging - Baseball teaches so many amazing life skills, from teamwork to communication. Having a place, team, or family that you belong to, helps foster growth and responsibility.

Play - very few adults or kids look back on their time in sports and remember any of their practices, while almost everyone has a good or bad memory of a game that they played in. We want our time spent together, to be positive and full of energy and fun. By playing a lot of different games, there is almost always something to be learned.

Meet the Team

Co-Owner / Coach

Spencer Vincent

I started BackYard 9 because I believe in the power of sports and how it helps our youth develop into successful adults. There has been a large vacuum in youth sports today due to "elitist" and financial gouging, that happens everywhere. I have seen this problem first hand and want to try and stop this cycle from happening again.

BackYard 9 is about so much more than just sports, it's about shaping the youth today into the leaders that we will have in the future. I want every kid, from every walk of life, to have the same chances and opportunities to succeed as their peers. BackYard 9 is my way to give back to the sport and community that gave me so much.

-Spencer V.

Co- Owner / Coach

Oz Sailors

As a kid, the baseball field was the safest place for me mentally and physically and the place that gave me the most purpose. My baseball career would not be possible if it wasn't for the people that spent hours of their lives hitting me ground balls or throwing me batting practice. The farther I progressed into baseball as a player the more I looked back at the grassroots level and saw the game I love becoming a cash grab and an opportunity to make money off kids' dreams and less about the life lessons and the foundations that make baseball the greatest game on earth.

I wanted to start Backyard 9 to give kids the opportunity they deserve to be treated as our most important asset (our future) and give them a meaningful and transformative baseball experience regardless of their socioeconomic status or ability as well as empowering other athletes transitioning out of their player careers to stay involved in the sport they love by teaching the game, bringing joy back to the game that brings us all together, and going from athlete to coach and role model.

-Oz S.

Coach

Michael St. John

My name is Michael, and I’ve loved baseball ever since I stared playing at 12 years old. From the first time I stepped onto the field, I knew the game was something special. Ad a catcher, I loved being involved in every play, leading my team, and working closely with my pitching staff. There’s nothing better than the pop of the mitt, blocking a tough pitch in the dirt, or throwing out a runner trying to steal. Baseball isn’t just a sport to me, it’s where I’ve learned discipline, teamwork and confidence. I joined BackYard 9 because I love baseball, and want to pass on my knowledge to help younger players grow both on and off the field. I’ve had many wonderful coaches In my life who helped me become the player and person I am today, and I understand how much a good coach can impact a players mindset, work ethic, and confidence. At BackYard 9, we’re dedicated to helping players grow as athletes, and in life, in a fun environment centered around the youth and open to anyone.

-Michael S.