“Release your inner MVP” is written across the side of the large, U-Haul-like van. It looks like a regular truck – until the sides fold part-way out, turning it into a pentagon and doubling its size. Inside, it’s an athlete’s dream. Complete with a camera, a big-screen TV, stretch cords, a net, baseball bats, and golf clubs, this mobile training center is the first of its kind. It’s called “Hey Coach,” and it is one of two trucks to hit Twin Cities streets.
Developed by Minnesotan Andrew Atkin and launched last February, Hey Coach is designed to help baseball players and golfers perfect their swing.
As the player hits the ball off of the stand, a camera records the swing and catches any errors for instant playback. And, as a plus for busy families, the truck brings the baseball field to you.
“This is so convenient for me,” says 13-year-old Sam Boderman. “I can train any time… and I’m not stuck in a group of 20 kids.” Boderman, who’s been playing baseball since he was 5, says Hey Coach has improved his hitting technique. “You can play back any part of your swing that you want to see,” he says. “It’s just so great.”
For $50 each month, athletes get fitness training, one-on-one coaching from Hey Coach instructors, personalized practice plans, and even an online “locker” where they can log in and watch the recorded practice, along with voiceover instruction. “This is not designed to be elitist,” says Atkin. “We want to make this affordable.”
The Hey Coach instructors are mostly Macalester College grads who played intercollegiate baseball. “We try to hire younger coaches so that they can relate better to the kids,” says Atkin.
Entire baseball teams have also signed up to use the technology. Golden Valley Little League and Tonka Babe Ruth use Hey Coach instructors to help run practices, shoot game film, and work with players.
Hey Coach doesn’t plan on stopping with baseball and golf. “We are working to include hockey and soccer, too,” says Atkin. “We are perfecting everything in the Twin Cities, and then we plan to go nationwide.”
