Meet the STAFF

Our instruction ranges from hitting, fielding, pitching and catching to functional strength and conditioning.  Our coaches have professional experience, are highly skilled and, most importantly, have an insatiable appetite for baseball and softball. 

Michael Moras » Owner/Head Instructor

The owner and operator of The Grind Baseball and Softball Training Facility, Michael is well-known in Connecticut as a player, mentor, coach and friend.  Selected by the New York Mets in the 20th round of the 2008 amateur draft, he played professional baseball for five seasons.  A graduate of the University of New Haven, Michael was the school's four-year starting catcher.  A four-time, All-Conference and All-Region player, Michael was named All-American in his junior year.  He hit three home runs, including two grand slams, in a single game, to tie a Division II record.  Michael also led UNH and the East Coast Conference with 70 RBIs in 46 games, breaking the school's single-season record.  Born and raised in Orange, Michael attended Amity Regional High School where he was named an all state player his senior year.  He is also a former Orange Little League standout. Michael sets the tone for The Grind with his love for the game, his players and his individual attention to all The Grind's athletes.

John Ascenzia » Head Instructor

A West Haven native, John is a head instructor/coach for the Grind. At West Haven High School, he was a three year All-SCC starter leading the Blue Devils to the 2009 CIAC Class LL Championship. At the University of Bridgeport, John was a four year starter and three year captain. While at UB, John was selected to receive the Rawlings/ABCA Gold Glove Award for the best defensive shortstop in collegiate baseball. In his four year career, he was selected to All-Region and All-Conference teams twice. In 2016, John started his professional career, playing two seasons in the Frontier League with the River City Rascals and Florence Freedom. He specializes fielding and hitting for the Grind.

Mike Antonini » Director of Pitching/ Head Instructor

A native of Delaware County, PA, Mike has been a key part of The Grind's staff for several years, leading the development of our pitchers and overseeing the Arm Barn. A former National Champion at Gloucester County College, Mike went on to play at Georgia College and was drafted twice—by the Phillies in 2006 and the Mets in 2007. He spent four years in the Mets system, was called up by the Dodgers in 2012, and later signed with the Angels in 2015. Mike also played internationally in Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. Mike previously coached at Notre Dame West Haven and North Haven High School. Mike brings pro-level experience, passion, and strong track record of developing arms to every athlete he works with.

Matt Fitton » Head Instructor

A Lebanon native, Matt joins the Grind as a head coach/instructor. He attended Lyman Memorial High School (2004-2007). In those 4 years, he was a varsity starter on the baseball team, and earned All-State honors in his Junior and Senior year. He also varsity lettered in basketball and soccer. He attended Sacred Heart University (2007-2011) and played Division 1 baseball all four years. His senior year they won the Northeast Conference title and competed in the NCAA tournament regional in Clemson.

Matt played two seasons professionally (2011 and 2012) with the Newark Bears of the Canadian-American League as a left handed pitcher.

Jimmy Robbins »Director of Pitching Technology and Data

A former professional baseball player with six years of experience pitching in the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers organizations, Jimmy Robbins brings a wealth of knowledge, discipline, and first-hand expertise to our program.

Beyond his playing career, Jimmy has trained collegiate and professional athletes at one of the nation’s premier baseball development facilities in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jimmy is fluent in cutting-edge technology and tools like TrackMan and Edgertronic cameras, bringing an analytical edge to his coaching. His ability to blend traditional fundamentals with advanced data insights allows him to translate elite-level performance into clear, actionable instruction—setting him apart as a coach and leader both on and off the field.