Chicagoland Baseball Academy, Niles

Chicagoland Baseball Academy's 5,000-square-foot training facility reverberates with the clink of balls ricocheting off aluminum bats, the pop of pitches hurtling into practice nets, and the cries of “Got it!” from fielders communicating a pop fly. Owned by longtime baseball trainer and high-school head coach Bill Rosencrans, the Academy helps players improve their games through lessons that isolate essential skills such as power throwing and executing double plays. To ensure each athlete plays to his or her full potential, classes also focus on regular core training, using ropes, medicine balls, and plyometrics to keep bodies in top shape.