Elite Coaches. Exceptional Results.
Where athletes at every stage come to develop.
From youth players to collegiate and pro athletes across the country athletes choose Eldred Baseball & Performance because we do things the right way. Our coaching philosophy blends old-school fundamentals with modern development strategies along with clear communication that supports players at every level as they grow on and off the field.
Elite Coaches. Exceptional Results.
Where athletes at every stage come to develop.
From youth players to collegiate and pro athletes across the country athletes choose Eldred Baseball & Performance because we do things the right way. Our coaching philosophy blends old-school fundamentals with modern development strategies along with clear communication that supports players at every level as they grow on and off the field.
Training done the right way
High-level instruction built to help athletes thrive.
Our training is designed to support athletes at every stage of their baseball journey. From fundamentals to advanced skill work, each session is intentional and tailored to what the player needs most. We combine high-level instruction with a big-picture development approach so athletes build confidence, consistency and the tools they need to compete at a higher level.
confidence starts here, trust the process
01
Individual Pitching Sessions
Athletes receive focused, one on one instruction that’s built around their goals, strengths, and long term development. Sessions cover mechanics, velocity, command, confidence and arm health so pitchers build strong habits that translate to the field. Each coach brings a unique style and approach, giving families the flexibility to choose the instructor who fits their athlete best.
02
Eldred/Kepros Spring Training Throwing Program
Our signature preseason program gives athletes a structured plan to prepare their arms the right way. The program blends strength, mobility, mechanics, and progressive throwing work so players enter the season confident and game ready. This is the ideal option for athletes who want expert guidance, accountability and a proven system to support arm health and performance.
03
Team Practice Rentals
Teams can reserve dedicated facility time for practices, workouts, and skill sessions. Rentals give coaches access to a clean, controlled environment where they can run efficient practices without worrying about weather or field availability. Perfect for winter training, in-season practices, preseason prep, or small group development.
04
Individual Hitting Lessons
We’re gearing up to offer one on one hitting instruction focused on mechanics, timing, and consistent contact. Athletes will work through a clear progression that builds confidence at the plate and supports long term development.
FAITH-BASED RESULTS-DRIVEN ATHLETE-FOCUSED
Youth through Pro Baseball Coaching
Experienced coaches providing
elite baseball training to athletes across eastern iowa and beyond
Eldred Baseball & Performance is led by coaches who have lived the game at its highest levels and understand what true development requires. Cal and C.J. Eldred bring years of collegiate, pro, and MLB experience along with a shared commitment to communication intentional instruction and faith-based leadership. We serve athletes of all ages and ability levels who are ready to work hard and get better.
Meet the coaching staff.
Our coaching staff blends technical skill with years of on field experience. They focus on mechanics, consistency and the long-term growth of every athlete.
Owner/Coach
Cal Eldred
Cal grew up in Urbana, Iowa and played at the University of Iowa before being selected in the first round of the 1989 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. He went on to spend 14 seasons in the major leagues where he compiled an 86–74 record with 939 strikeouts and a 4.42 ERA while competing at the highest level of the game.
After his playing career, Cal transitioned into coaching and development, bringing decades of elite experience to the athletes he works with. His background in MLB competition, long-term durability, and high-level fundamentals gives him a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed on the mound.
Cal brings his expertise to Eldred Baseball & Performance; Coaching with discipline, integrity, and a deep love for the game while helping athletes grow in skill and confidence.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28
Owner/Coach
C.J. Eldred
CJ also pitched in college spending his freshman year at Indiana University and then transferred to the University of Iowa. He was a part of two Big Ten Championship teams, one with each University. In 2017, he signed a professional contract with the Kansas City Royals. He spent seven years in their minor league system reaching Double-A. During these years he was a part of four more championship seasons - one at Low-A, two at High-A and one at Double-A. During his career he played Independent Ball for the Kane County Cougars and Winter Ball in the Dominican Republic for the Gigantes Del Cibao.
CJ has been a pitching instructor during the off-seasons since 2017 and now does it full time since he retired in 2024. His career has given him experience from little-league ball all the way through high-stakes college and professional level baseball. CJ knows what it takes to develop and succeed.
CJ brings that knowledge to every athlete at Eldred Baseball & Performance, helping younger players grow and mature as well as guiding more advanced athletes. His insight coming from someone who’s been there, is a great benefit to all players.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Jeremiah 29:11
Coach
Nick Dufoe
Nick pitched five years at Luther College where he developed from a freshman reliever into an all-conference starter. In 2021, he posted a team-best 7-2 record, helped lead Luther to an ARC championship and an NCAA tournament appearance, and finished his career with 180 collegiate innings along with summer ball experience in the Expedition League.
He transitioned into coaching after college and brings a development-focused, athlete-first approach to every session. His background in durability, growth, and competitive play gives him a clear understanding of what pitchers need to improve and succeed.
Nick brings that experience to athletes at Eldred Baseball & Performance, helping younger players build a strong foundation and guiding advanced pitchers with insight shaped by his own journey on the mound.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." -James 1:2-4
“The athlete you become starts with the habits you choose.”
Eldred Baseball & Performance
TRAIN DEVELOP GROW COMPETE
training for a higher purpose
Every athlete, every day
The values that shape every athlete we coach.
At Eldred Baseball & Performance, we believe development is about more than mechanics or reps. It’s about building athletes who carry strong character into every part of their lives. Our coaching is grounded in discipline, integrity and purpose so players learn how to work hard, lead well and grow in ways that last far beyond the field. These values guide how we train, how we communicate and how we support every athlete who walks through our doors.
01.
Respect
We teach athletes to respect their coaches, teammates, opponents, and the game itself. Respect builds character and creates an environment where real growth can happen.
02.
Attitude
A positive attitude sets the tone for every practice and every rep. We help athletes show up ready to learn stay coachable and respond to challenges with confidence.
03.
Concentration
Focused reps lead to better mechanics and smarter play. We train athletes to stay present, block out distractions, and commit to the work in front of them.
04.
Effort
Effort is the one thing athletes can control every day. We encourage consistent hard work that builds strong habits and fuels long term development.
faqS
We work with athletes of all ages at our Hiawatha training facility serving families all across Iowa. Training is tailored to each athlete’s age skill level and goals so they can build strong mechanics safe movement patterns and steady progress.
Our training focuses on long term development not quick fixes. Each session blends mechanics, arm care mobility, and efficient movement patterns to support healthy arms and real performance gains. Families across Eastern Iowa choose us because our coaches teach safe effective mechanics that help athletes grow with confidence.
Yes. We work with beginners of all ages and help them learn proper mechanics from day one to avoid bad habits and reduce injury risk. Young athletes benefit from clear step by step instruction that builds confidence and a strong foundation.
The Spring Training Throwing Program is a structured pre-season plan designed for athletes in who want to prepare for tryouts and the upcoming season. The program includes progressive throwing work, mobility training, mechanical instruction, and accountability so players build arm strength, improve consistency, and enter the season ready to compete.
Memberships offer discounted lesson rates priority scheduling and reduced pricing for programs like the Spring Training Throwing Program. Both individual and family memberships are available on monthly, six month, and twelve month plans, and are built to support consistent training for athletes across Eastern Iowa.
elite coaches, exceptional results