Fred Tillinghast was a 4 year varsity starter for Hall of Fame Coach Ed Nietopski at Bishop Kearney. He batted .500 as a senior and graduated as the all time hits leader with 129. A switch hitting infielder and relief pitcher, Fred played for Team USA at the Pan Pacific Games where he batted over .400 and pitched relief.
He was scouted by several MLB teams (Braves, Cubs, Rangers, Orioles, Marlins, Indians) and was recruited by over 100 colleges. Fred went on to be a scholarship player and starter at the University of Richmond and Le Moyne College. Fred helped lead his team to 3 NCAA post season appearances and recorded 135 hits in 130 games. He capped off his collegiate career with back to back homeruns. He was named a NY State College All-Star and hit a home run at Yankee Stadium at the Div. 1 College All-Star game.
His teammates over the years included MLB players Aaron Boone, Eric Chavez, Sean Casey, Jarret Wright, and Troy Glaus. He has trained hundreds of players who have gone on to play baseball or softball at the collegiate level, and several others who have signed professional contracts with the Padres (Andy Parrino), Rockies (Rick Guarno), and Twins (Matt Tone). Andy Parrino (2011 – 2015) became the 1st Rochester area hitter in over 50 years when he made his big league debut as a switch hitting shortstop for the San Diegeo Padres. Andy Parrino trained with Fred from age 6 right through college and pro ball. Hitting student Jeff Albert grew up taking lessons with Fred and in 2016 became the 1st ever Rochester native to coach in the big leagues in over 30 years and is the hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Fred has trained players who have set numerous Section V batting records, NY State batting records, and NCAA batting records in baseball and softball. His alumni include NY State High School Softball Players of the Year, NY State High School Baseball Players of the Year, and NCAA All Americans in both baseball and softball. Fred has trained over 300 area baseball and softball players who have gone on to play NCAA Div. I, Div. II, Div. III, NAIA, and JUCO.
He trains little league, high school, and college players year round. He is the lead instructor for all winter academies, spring academies, and summer camps. He is available by appointment for private lessons, semi-private lessons, and team training year round for baseball and softball.
He is co-owner and lead instructor at The Battery since 1998.
Fred lives in Churchville with his wife Martha and daughters Grace and Jenna.
