Forge Baseball Academy – Elite Training & Player Development

The Standard in Player Development

Where decades of professional player experience meets decades of elite level coaching. Our pros influence those who want more and are dedicated to training!

Our CLub standards

Mission Statement

Forge Baseball Academy exists to forge elite baseball players and trustworthy high character leaders. We do this through delivering professional-level instruction, personalized development, and a player-first culture, rooted in the proven expertise of former Major League players. We transform dedicated athletes through masterful hitting, pitching, catching, and fielding fundamentals—integrated with advanced performance training—while instilling mindset, baseball IQ, discipline, and character that prepare them to excel at the highest levels of competition and in life.

vision Statement

We will be the impact and standard setter in youth and amateur baseball development, producing the next generation of high school and college standouts, professional prospects, and lifelong contributors who embody excellence, resilience, and integrity—elevating the standard of player development from the Kansas City metro to a model emulated across the country.

FORGE LEADERSHIP

CHAMPIONSHIP STAFF

Elite instruction from coaches who have lived the lifestyle. Our staff brings decades of collegiate and professional experience to the diamond.

Shawn Sedlacek

Owner/Director of pitching development

Shawn brings a wealth of professional experience and passion for player development to Forge Athletic. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 14th round out of Iowa State University in 1998, he went on to make his MLB debut with the Royals in 2002, where he posted a 3-5 record across 16 appearances (primarily as a starter).

Over his professional career (1998-2005), Shawn started more than 200 games, pitched over 1,000 innings in the minors and independents, and earned All-Star honors in the Northwest League (1998), Texas League (2000), and Northern League (2005). He was also named Royals Minor League Player of the Year in 2001 by Baseball America.

After retiring from playing, Shawn dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring young athletes in the Kansas City area. He has provided professional baseball instruction to thousands of pitchers through his lessons program, producing multiple draft picks, Division I players, and college standouts.

Todd sears

owner/Director of Hitting development

Todd has established himself as one of the top hitting instructors in the area. He has a unique ability to break down the swing and help players become more efficient. His professional playing career has led him to work with, and learn from, some of the best hitting minds in baseball. This has allowed him to piece together a wide variety of concepts and drills, which are then tailored to each hitter. He has worked with and helped players of all ages and levels, and he can help you.

"My philosophy is simple! There is no right way to hit, but there are a lot of things that hitters need to do correctly to succeed! Simple and efficient hitting movements along with a simple mindset and approach can make hitting easier! Hitting is extremely hard, so give yourself the best chance to be successful"

rick croucher

Owner/director of team & Player development

Coming Soon

ACADEMY IMPACT

PROVEN RESULTS

"Such an amazing program. My son was in the program for several years and learned how to excel as well as many amazing life lessons. Shawn, Todd, and the staff always taught the players to act as good sports, and how to compete. These lessons have followed my son well into Physical Therapy School."

Jackie D.

Parent of long time players

"Coach Todd has helped me find my swing again, since I had surgery in the summer of 2025. The way that he explains what your swing is supposed to do, truly helps you better understand what you are doing. He helped me find my power, as well as my consistency of the plate. He has reinforced my positive thinking with all aspects of my game"

Olivia

D1 Ball Player

Both of my boys go to Forge Baseball Academy. The way they coach & teach, and the conversations with the players through Q&A is the best. They really get the kids to understand and make adjustments. Those in KC who know what is out there, will agree, this staff is truly they best. They are true pros (not just because they were Big Leaguers). This is the best place in KC for true ball players.