Hello, my name is Kelly Shoppach! I am a former Major League Baseball catcher, hailing from Fort Worth, Texas. I had the privilege of playing for several MLB teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and Pittsburgh Pirates. ​

 

I began my professional career when the Boston Red Sox selected me in the second round of the 2001 MLB Draft. After spending time in the minors, I made my MLB debut with the Red Sox in 2005. Throughout my career, I was known for my defensive skills behind the plate and had the honor of catching a no-hitter thrown by Matt Garza in 2010. ​

 

In addition to my professional career, I had a standout collegiate tenure at Baylor University. Over three seasons, I posted a .333 batting average with 26 home runs and 121 RBIs. In 2001, I received the Johnny Bench Award as the nation's top collegiate catcher and was named Big 12 Player of the Year. ​

 

Since retiring from professional baseball, I have been dedicated to sharing my knowledge and experience with aspiring catchers. I offer personalized training sessions during the offseason in Fort Worth, TX, and provide remote training options during the season. With over five years of coaching experience, I tailor each session to the individual's needs, focusing on skill development, game strategy, and mental preparation.​

 

I have been a college catching coach for six years and offer in-person and virtual instruction during the offseason. I am available for in-person instruction in the Fort Worth, Texas.