About The Owner

Michael Richard, the owner and founder of Custom Pitch Academy, brings over three decades of experience and a deep-seated passion for baseball. Born and raised in Walla Walla, WA, Michael has been immersed in baseball since birth, growing up in a family rich in athletic achievements.

Baseball Pedigree

Michael's father was drafted in 1979 out of high school to the Cleveland Indians organization and later traded to the Seattle Mariners organization, where he was known as the hardest throwing lefty in baseball. His athletic lineage extends to his uncle, a JUCO All-American WR who received a full scholarship to the University of Oregon and later transferred to play basketball at Whitman College, setting numerous scoring records. Michael's brothers and other uncles have also left their marks in football and baseball, showcasing the family's deep athletic roots.

Personal Baseball Journey

Despite the impressive family background, Michael carved out his unique path in baseball and other sports. He was a standout athlete in high school, being named a 1st team All-State WR in football twice, a 2nd team All-State player in basketball once, and the Gatorade "Rookie" of the Year for the state of Washington in basketball. His baseball accolades include being a 1st team All-State Pitcher three times and receiving the HS Pitcher of the Year award in Washington State.

Michael began focusing on pitching around the age of 12/13 and quickly developed a passion for it. As a freshman, he set a high school record by achieving 15 strikeouts with no walks in the state championship game. His promising career faced a challenge when he experienced an ulna nerve injury, leading to surgery and sidelining him for most of his junior year. However, his determination saw him return strong in his senior year, earning multiple D1 baseball scholarships and ultimately accepting and committing to Washington State University.
 

Michael went on to play at Spokane Falls Community College where he earned 1st Team East Region Pitcher before transferring to Oklahoma City University on a full-ride scholarship for his final two years. During his junior year, he was named National Pitcher of the Week by Baseball America and posted an impressive 10-3 record. Unfortunately, his senior year was impacted by a re-injury to his elbow, cutting short a promising season after a strong 3-0 start.

Michael's personal experiences with pitching injuries and recovery have shaped his coaching philosophy. He is committed to training and teaching each pitcher to their strengths, emphasizing flexibility and injury prevention. Unlike coaches who promise quick velocity gains at the expense of arm health, Michael focuses on a tailored approach, analyzing each pitcher's biomechanics to develop a natural, sustainable pitching motion. His goal is to minimize injuries while maximizing performance.

Custom Pitch Academy

Founded with the vision of providing personalized training for pitchers, Custom Pitch Academy reflects Michael's dedication to individual development. From youth pitchers to college-bound athletes, Michael offers tailored programs that build on each athlete's unique abilities, helping them achieve their full potential on the mound.

Personal Life

Michael is a dedicated family man, married and with two wonderful children. His commitment to family and community is mirrored in his coaching style, where character development is as important as athletic achievement. Outside of baseball, Michael is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in cybersecurity, federal law enforcement, and program and project management.

Join Us

At Custom Pitch Academy, Michael is excited to share his extensive knowledge, experience, and love for baseball with aspiring pitchers. Whether you're looking to refine your mechanics, improve your pitching strategy, or gain a mental edge on the mound, Michael is here to help you succeed. Join Custom Pitch Academy and take your pitching to the next level!