At The Carolina Baseball Shack in West End, NC, promising Moore County youth athletes have an opportunity to learn the discipline, teamwork and technical skills they need to advance to the next level. At this state-of-the-art baseball training facility, youths from ages 8 to 30 hone their pitching and fielding skills, gain strength and overall fitness and “learn from those who have been there.” The Carolina Baseball Shack coaching staff works closely with the rec ball, two local high school and travel baseball teams in Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Carthage and surrounding areas. Students also commute from surrounding counties to participate in the clinics and classes offered there regularly.

Rodney Swarms and Major League Baseball Pitcher Rob Wooten co-founded The Carolina Baseball Shack in 2017. Over the past year, they have added equipment to the facility and it now houses professional-level strength-training equipment, a weight room, resistance cables and conference areas.

Wooten, a North Carolina native and graduate of UNC, shares his Major League pitching expertise through one-on-one and small group sessions as well as pitching camps. Sports Performance and Strength Coach Ray Bear, who has a degree in sports medicine and has trained athletes at the professional level for more than 20 years, focuses on helping players become stronger and more efficient. Adam Friede, outstanding fielder and shortstop at Pembroke who also had a tryout with the San Diego Padres, rounds out the teaching staff. Friede is the founder of Knights Prime Baseball.

The Carolina Baseball Shack, located off NC 211 on Juniper Lake Road, operates year-round. For information on training programs, upcoming special events and hours/prices, email CarolinaBaseballShack@gmail.com