Our goal at FTB Academy is to provide a comprehensive player development program that fosters the growth and success of young athletes. We are dedicated to promoting a love for the game of baseball and helping our players acquire the skills necessary to reach their full potential. Our focus is on player development, skill acquisition, and building a strong foundation for a successful future, both on and off the field. We feel every player has unique abilities and we are committed to helping each one reach their goals through individualized training, hands-on instruction, and a positive and learning environment. FTB Academy is a unique alternative to the traditional brick and mortar school.
Mission
The FTB family really strives to have well-rounded young men. When we are looking to fill our program, we feel being talented on the field is just one of the desired qualities. We are looking for committed athletes that are leaders with strong integrity, character and sportsmanship along with achieving high academic excellence. With our countless collegiate connections, it is our goal to assist the student-athlete with the opportunity to continue his baseball career beyond the high school level. With your talent, our brand, and a proven recruiting program, FTB will optimize your baseball opportunities.
Meet The Staff
We have put together the best staff to ensure progress in player skills and development on and off of the field.
George Gonzalez: FTB Founder and Academy Advisor
FTB was founded in 2009 by George Gonzalez and Jered Goodwin. Since that time FTB has focused on developing and preparing youth baseball players for the college and professional level. It is our staff’s mission to build a relationship with each individual player in our program. Our goal is to help them understand what area they need to develop to play successfully at the next level and work with them to achieve that.
“The Academy is the next step in that process. The best traditional high school alternative. We will be providing the athletes with 20+ hours weekly of specialized training and instruction. The athlete that truly desires to play ball at the next level, this is the place you want to be.”
-George Gonzalez
Billy Bullock Academy Owner
Billy Bullock played college baseball as a pitcher at the University of Florida from 2006-2009. Drafted in the 2nd round by the Minnesota Twins, Billy went on to pitch professionally for the Twins and the Braves with a career 227 IP, 292 SO and a 4.32 ERA. After having Tommy John surgery in 2013, Billy played one season of independent baseball. Billy began coaching in 2015 under George Gonzalez of Florida Travel Baseball (FTB). Billy is married to his wife Ashley and they have 3 children, Madyson, Olivia and Deklan.
Javi Miranda Varsity Head Coach
Javi Miranda spent 2 seasons with State College of Florida. Prior to joining the Manatees, he spent 6 years at Hillsborough Community College. Javi’s duties include coaching baserunning, infielders and assisting with recruiting. He also spent 4 years coaching High School Baseball in Hillsborough County. He spent 2 years at East Bay High School and 2 years at Riverview High School. The Manatee offense continued to improve in Javi’s second season with the team in 2023. As a team the Manatees were in the top 5 in every major category. Javi led the defense to the top fielding team in the state with a .970 fielding percentage. Javi brings 16+ years of coaching experience and a strong background in molding players into some of the best. Javi is also part of one of the top Travel Ball organizations in the country in FTB. Javi has been part of the organization for 7 years and currently is the FTB Phillies American manager. Javi has been successful in committing players to numerous D1, D2 and Junior College programs. Javi started his baseball career in Miami, FL at Westminster Christian School where he made All County and All State teams. He was part of 3 State Championships and 1 National Championship. In 1996, his team went 36-0 and was the #1 team in the Nation. After graduating from high school, he attended Indian River Community College from 1997-1998. He completed his college career at St. Thomas University in Miami, Fl. Javi Miranda currently resides in Riverview with his wife Kelley and 3 sons: Trey, Talan, and Ty.
Rowland Ruiz - Varsity Assistant and JV Head Coach
I was born in Bronx NY and went to High School in Long Island NY. After Highschool I enlisted into the USMC where I excelled and was meritoriously promoted 3 times. While in the Marines I went to multiple courses to further my education and Leadership skills. Throughout my time in these rigorous courses, I learned priceless life lessons/ skills that have calloused my mind and allowed me to learn how to overcome any obstacle as an individual or in a team setting. After my time in the USMC, I then moved to Riverview, FL where I started my coaching career at East Bay Little League and met 2 of my future mentors Ronnie Rodriguez and Javi Miranda. They both guided me through my first few years of coaching and instilled a passion for developing young athletes. My favorite thing to do in this game is hitting and I can speak on it for hours upon hours, which is why I started at DBAT as the Head Hitting Instructor. It was here that I honed my communication and program planning skills. I was then brought into the FTB organization to coach the 17u Tucci Scout team where I furthered my knowledge with the mentorship of Billy Bullock. Shortly after I was on board FTB I became a JV Head Baseball Coach at Riverview High School. Then covid hit, throughout covid I continued to give lessons to athletes online which furthered my communication and problem-solving skills even more. The following year I became the Head Baseball Coach at Brandon High School. The next year the opportunity to work close to home and with numerous players I had coached in their youth came up, East Bay High School where I currently am the Head Baseball Coach. Throughout my year©oaching at the High School level I have had the privilege of assisting over 30 athletes play Baseball at the Collegiate level. I have an absolute passion for helping develop not just athletes but young men to become leaders of men. I currently reside in Ruskin FL with my wife Crystal and 4 children Rowland Jr, Quinn Marie, Lincoln, and Leonidas.
Ronnie Rodriguez - Director of Middle School and Youth
Coached baseball for 50 years 1985 to 2003 Assistant Baseball Coach at East Bay HS 2004 to 2018 Assistant Baseball Coach Riverview High School 2019 Head Baseball Coach at Riverview High School 2020 - Present Assistant Baseball Coach at Lennard High 2008 - 2018 Worked for Baseball Factory ( Training boys all over the country in Baseball) 2019 - Present Coach and evaluate boys in baseball with prestigious organization of FTB. I have coached numerous boys that received baseball scholarships to colleges I have also Coached 6 boys that have played or are playing in the big leagues . I have coached over 40 years at East Bay Little League. I was also Vice President at East Bay Little League for 12 years . My passion in life is coaching. There is nothing that I love to do in life besides being a husband ,father and grandfather is coaching Married to Kelly Rodriguez the love of my life.
Andrew Burdick Strength and conditioning coach
The founder and owner of AB Sports Performance. Born and raised in the Southshore area, I graduated from Lennard High in 2009 and went onto attend at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. In college, I played two collegiate sports (football/baseball) as I pursued a BA degree in Kinesiology. After graduating, I continued my education and physical preparation passion through Concordia University Chicago, finishing my MS in Sports Nutrition. Concurrently I worked at the University of Iowa on the Olympic side of strength and conditioning to hone my coaching skills. In 10 years of experience I have been fortunate enough to have coached athletes of all levels including Olympic sprinters, professional baseball players as well as final four contenders in girls high school basketball. I hold a certification through the NSCA as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), both the Level 1 and 2 Functional Movement Screening certification from the Functional Movement Systems (FMS). I am a Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) with certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). I am also CPR certified by the American Heart Association.
Evan Boyle Middle School Pitching Coach
Sean Herrick Head Youth and Pitching Coach
Sean “Checkz” Herrick was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, and relocated to Florida at the age of four. Growing up, he was a multi-sport athlete, competing in both football and baseball. By the age of 13, however, he recognized that baseball was his true passion and committed himself fully to the game. Sean attended East Bay High School, where he continued to excel in both football and baseball before advancing his baseball career at Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Alabama. Following his playing career, Sean developed a strong desire to give back to the game that had given him so much. He began his coaching journey at his alma mater, East Bay High School, serving as a pitching coach for a season and a half. After a brief hiatus to focus on personal and professional priorities, Sean returned to the game with renewed passion and dedication. Since re-entering the travel baseball scene, he has remained deeply involved in player development and team coaching. In 2022, Sean joined FTB Academy, where he has played a key role in developing players across multiple age levels and currently serves as the Head Coach of the youth program. In addition to his work at FTB, he is a private pitching instructor and the pitching coach at Mulberry High School, where he has contributed to a program that has achieved two regional championships and two state finalist appearances. Sean currently resides in Lithia, Florida, with his wife, Taliya, and their two sons, Sean Jr. and Shiloh.
Carson Caso - Varsity and JV Pitchng Coach
2 time National Champion from The University of Tampa. Proficient in player development analysis tools such as trackman, rapsodo, and yakkertech. Main goals as a pitching coach is to keep pitchers healthy while making strides on and off the field every day.
Jose Cadenas - Middle School Head Coach
Born in Cuba, Jose Cadenas developed a passion for baseball at an early age, starting to play at just four years old. He continued honing his skills throughout his youth and went on to compete at the high school level at Gaither High School under the guidance of coaches Frank Permuy and Nelson North. During his time at Gaither, Jose played a key role in securing the 2016 State Championship and set a new school record for stolen bases. Following high school, Jose continued his baseball career at Hillsborough Community College (HCC), where he spent two years playing under Coach Javi Miranda and Coach Wrenn. His journey then led him to the University of Tampa, where he played for four years while earning a degree in Sport Science and Human Performance. After hanging up his cleats, Jose knew he wanted to remain involved in the game that shaped his life. This passion led him to join the FTB family, where he now dedicates himself to sharing his knowledge and helping young athletes develop into not only great baseball players but, more importantly, great human beings. Through coaching and mentorship, he strives to instill the values of hard work, discipline, and character in the next generation.
Derek Taylor Youth Assistant
Frequently asked questions
FTB Academy is for the player that has interest in playing at the next level either collegiately or professionally. Be sure to complete the interest form. If you have any specific questions please feel free to reach out to us at ftbaacademy@gmail.com.
We are very selective in the players we take. All players 4th-12th grade are eligible to participate but there is an admissions process that we have with each family and staff meetings to ensure it is a good fit for everyone
The Academy is set up for athletes (4th -12th grade).
Players will report no later than 8:00 am finishing up around 4:00 pm each day, we workout and train 5 days a week.
15308 Huckleberry Rd Wimauma, FL 33598
The Academy year will start August 2026 and will go through the end of May of 2027
Varsity and JV play in the ABA Academies League, playing against other academies across the state. Middle School, plays academies as well as local private and charter schools in the area. Youth squad plays against local youth teams. We will play 30+ games between the Fall and Spring.
Yes, we pride ourselves on development and college placement.
Middle School & High School Athletes – complete interest form and we will get you pricing details.
Scholarships are available through StepUp. For more details please connect with a staff member.
Academy ** $1,350/month = 80 hours skills training, also includes personalized professional strength and conditioning program, personalized nutrition plan, academic mentorship & accountability.
Traditional ** 4-8 lessons month = $275-$480, Gym membership $50 month, nutritionist $125 month, travel ball dues $375 month
Totals $825 month that includes 1 weekly lesson, $1,100 month for 2 weekly lessons.
Are you interested?
