About Core Catching

Our Mission

Our mission is to build the finest catchers and young men in Southern California. The Core Catching Program provides the opportunity for youth to develop at the catching position while also building skills necessary to be successful in the classroom, in society and life. Southern California is one of the most competitive baseball regions in the world. Core Catchers are held to high standards and are taught  the work ethic and mental preparation necessary to take their game to the next level. Core Catching training is led by former and current professional catchers.

Core Catching is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.


Brian Bennett, President & Head of Baseball Instruction

Brian Bennett is the President of the Core Catching Board of Directors and Head of Baseball Instruction. Brian went to Indio High School in Indio, CA. He graduated in 1985 as a three year letter athlete and two all-league selections. In the 1985-1986 season Brian went to College of the Desert in Palm Desert, CA for his freshman year of Baseball.

Brian Headshot_for bio

He was selected in the 1986 winter free agent draft in the 5th round by the Kansas City Royals Baseball Club. He elected not to sign a contract and continue his development and transferred to San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino, CA. The 1986-1987 season at SB he played on a 33-13 team who won League then Regionals and found themselves in the California State Championships in San Jose, CA. During the June 1986 free agent draft Brian was picked up by the Houston Astros Baseball Club where he ultimately signed in 1987. Brian had the privilege of playing professional baseball in the Houston Organization for 5 1/2 seasons.

Some of the training received came from such players as (hitting: Gene Clines, Bob Watson,) (baseball: Rusty Kuntz, Ceasar Cedeno) (catching: Jack Hyatt, Bobby Ramos, John Sterns) Brian’s mentor and catching guru is and will always be Gary Tuck, currently the bullpen coach for the Boston Red Sox. While the techniques gained from all of the above outstanding instructors the work habits, drill sets, mental and physical preparations and overall dominance of the catching position comes from Gary. His relentless challenge for responsibility and preparation is the foundation for the players Brian works with today.


Colton Plaia, Vice President & Catching Instructor

Colton is the Vice President of the Core Catching Board of Directors and also trains catchers during his off season. Colton Plaia grew up in Mission Viejo, CA and attended J Serra Catholic High School where he was a standout catcher under Coach Brett Kay. At J Serra he served as team captain in his senior year, garnered All-League recognition as a junior and senior, named a Scholar-Athlete, and earned the Coaches Award as a senior. Colton graduated from J Serra in 2009 and received a scholarship following graduation to play baseball at Loyola Marymount.Colton2

At LMU, Colton was named to College Baseball Daily’s Top-100 Players list prior to the 2013 season, the 2013 Preseason All-WCC selection, the 2013 College Sports Madness preseason second team All-Conference, and first team All-WCC selection as a Junior. He was named the 2013 WCC Defensive player of the year, being the first LMU player to achieve the award. Colton was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 33rd round of the 2012 draft, but elected to return to LMU after playing for the USA Collegiate National Team during the summer of 2012. Playing for Team USA, he helped the squad to a 12-5 record and a bronze medal. Colton was then drafted in the 15th round by the Mets his senior year in 2013.

 Since then Colton has completed three seasons of professional baseball with the Mets, completing his last season with the Binghamton Mets (AA).


Joel Edwards, CFO & Head of Baseball Operations

Joel is the CFO of the Core Catching Board of Directors. Joel’s role is to manage the finances and operations of Core Catching. This includes organization of clinics and camps, management of merchandise, generating partnerships with baseball brands, managing social media, and directingJoel Edwards _ about photo fundraising activities.

Joel’s son has been training with Brian since he was nine. His son is also a regular attendee of Core Catching clinics and camps. Joel has worked as an executive in the pharmaceutical industry for over 15 years.


 

 

 

Galleries

  • 2015 Thanksgiving Camp
  • Catching Drills
  • Catching Instruction
  • Group Photo of Coach Bennett and Catchers
  • Catching Drills
  • Home Plate Drills
  • Home Plate Drills
  • Batting instruction

Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.