“My two teenage sons have been working with the Strike Zone team for over 4 years and have had great experiences. We feel as though we have had the best pitching, hitting and fielding instruction, as well as the chance to spend time with some very positive role models. Each Strike Zone instructor we have worked with has stressed the importance of attitude, persistence, and work ethic to a player’s eventual success. I have also worked with John and his team on a community level and have been impressed with their ability to handle tryouts and clinics for both our players and coaches.”

-Robert Karnes, Glencoe

" The Strike Zone staff is as solid as it gets.  The formula there is simple.  Their sole purpose is to teach the game, and right now, they do it better than anybody else. "

-Steve Rippley, 25 Year Major League Umpire




The Strike Zone is the best place for young players to improve their skills. The instructors are positive and make the game fun. My son has come to the Strike Zone for 8 years. The instructors have helped him improve his game and they care about him as a person. I recommend the Strike Zone to every player at any age, who wants get the most out of his or her abilities.

- Bob Kimble, Glencoe

"John Fix and his team of experienced instructors is able to communicate and teach the fundamentals of baseball in a positive and fun environment. Working with the The Strike Zone professionals translates into real on the field improvement for anyone who wants to improve their baseball skills and knowledge"

- Tom Errath, Winnetka

" Last season my son told me that he wanted to make the travel baseball team. He was in desperate need of some hitting and pitching lessons and the Strike Zone turned out to be the perfect place for us. Over the course of one winter of taking lessons with 4 time NL batting champ Bill Madlock my son went from an average baseball player to making the travel team and being the only player on his team to hit homeruns over the fence so far this season. As a result of the lessons he took at the Strike Zone not only have his baseball skills improved, but his confidence in himself as a person has also skyrocketed. I would strongly recommend to anyone considering taking lessons at the Strike Zone that they simply book a weekly time and then sit back and watch the benefits of working with positive baseball professionals that love the game. P.S. They also do a great job with birthday parties as well. "

- Steve Gerbel, Winnetka

"My son, Chris, first began lessons at the Strike Zone when he was six. Nearly twelve now, he currently receives pitching instruction from Paul Kosinski who has taught him to approach hitters intelligently; the result has been a measurable increase in strike outs. Bill Madlock has instructed him in the finer points of hitting for the past year. He's taught Chris to play within his abilities and use his skills to become a significantly better hitter. "

- Caren Kraska, Kenilworth

"My son has been taking hitting and pitching lessons at the Strike Zone for the past eight years. The instructors are very skilled in the latest hitting and pitching techniques taught today. As importantly, my son always walks out of the Strike Zone with a smile on his face ! I would recommend the Strike Zone to anyone, regardless of skill level. "

- Lyle Klimesh, Wilmette

" I'm thankful for the parents of our baseball team who referred us to the Strike Zone. My son, who is in his first year at the Strike Zone, has been working with coach Joe Knudsen in a group clinic. In a short period of time, I've noticed a vast improvement in his swing rotation, bat speed, fielding and throwing techniques. My son eagerly looks forward to every session, building further confidence in his abilities. Baseball is a great game, especially when it's played and taught the right way. Thanks again for being a great resource."

- Billy Mendo, Northbrook

" Our son has been working with the coaches at the Strike Zone for several years now and we've seen continual improvement in his skills every season. Working with Nathan Stillwell and the other excellent coaches at the Strike Zone has enabled him to continue to maximize his talent and grow into a more complete ball player. At the Strike Zone, he's learned that listening to good coaches, combined with great effort, is the best way to have lots of fun at the game he loves. It's great to see our son working with coaches that care about his ability to take what he's learned at the Strike Zone and translate it into success on the field. "

- Chris Johnson, Winnetka

" The North Shore is a competitive environment for young baseball players. One of the reasons that competition is so intense is because of the superior skills of players coming out of the Strike Zone's private coaching programs. Our son has been working with Joe Knudsen for four years. Until he began his weekly sessions with Joe, he was a player with some natural talent, a lot of interest and not to much competitive success. Since he has been working with Joe, he has not only made the competitive travel teams but also excelled in his positions. Joe has done much to improve his actual game and skills, but it goes much deeper than that. I think back fondly on all the useful and small details that Joe feels are necessary to address to make a complete baseball player. It is not every coach who will tell a player exactly how to dress for a try-out. Joe has worked hard to understand our son as a player and a person, and the winning combination of skill enhancement and player development has been invaluable. Private baseball coaching is not an inexpensive undertaking, but it appears to be well worth the investment ."

- Carla and Jeff Lipe, Winnetka

" As a current professional baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, I have been around the game at the highest level. The Strike Zone offers the development of skills and traits that a player must posses in order to reach the next level. The Strike Zone will provide hands on teaching with a full time commitment to success. I recommend the Strike Zone to anyone who wants to upgrade their skills in the game of baseball."

- Matt Sharp, Wilmette, Chicago White Sox