Trainers and Instructors

Joe Mazzuca – Director of Player Development - Trainer and Hitting Coach
Joe graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1999. As a Senior, Joe was the Holy Cross High School team MVP, EAST Suburban Catholic Conference MVP, and was also a member of the National Honor Society. Joe earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Science at Northern Illinois University and was named Verizon’s Academic Scholar, all while managing to break the school’s RBI record, tying the NIU hits record, being recognized as team MVP and Conference All Tournament Team.

In June 2003, he was drafted in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Florida Marlins. After a 2 years of playing in the Marlins organization, Joe was recruited to play in the Italian baseball league. Currently he is still playing in Italy and is also a player on the Italian National Team. Joe has won 3 Italian league championships with 3 different teams. He was also on the 2009 World Baseball classic provisional roster as well as a player on the 2010 European Cup championship team.

Cory Lapinski – Trainer and Pitching Coach
Cory’s professional career began in 2005 when he was drafted by the Houston Astros organization in the 11th round. During his two seasons with the Astros, the left-hander went 3-2 with a 4.22 ERA in 36 relief appearances. He struck out 87 batter and allowed just 38 hits in 70 innings pitched. After playing for the Astros Cory took his talent to the Windy City Thunderbolts.

Prior to his professional career, Cory played at Illinois Wesleyan University where he starred both on and off the mound. During his final season at IWU, he posted an 8-1 record with a 1.91 ERA, helping the Titans with a second straight CCIW Championship. He was just as dangerous at the plate that year where he batted .276 with 8 doubles, 12 homers and 42 RBI. In 2004 he was voted “Player of the Year” in the CCIW. Cory is a graduate of Maine East High School.