Family. Friendship. Community. Baseball.

Established in 2000.

Twenty Years and Over 15,000 Participants Later...

Twenty years ago, THBA founder Brian Justine was driving back home to Palm Beach County from Madison, WI, with his dad after being released near the end of his second minor league season. Only 23 at the time, Justine knew his playing career was most likely coming to an end, and it was now time to figure out “life after baseball.”

Like all good dads, Justine’s father, Jerry (who is more affectionately known at the THBA as Chef Jerry), didn’t let him dwell on the past for long.

Turning a Dream Into Reality

Justine fondly remembers, “I think a day or two after I was home after being released, my dad started talking to me about how much rent would be to live at my parents's house. That was just the kick in the rear I needed to begin putting the baseball camp idea into a business plan and get the wheels into motion. I stayed up for 5 straight days and nights and completed the first and only draft of the plan that was used to launch the Tommy Hutton Baseball Academy. And I was certain it would be successful.”

The Perfect Partnership

Perhaps an act of fate, one of Justine’s childhood best friends had also just been released from the Chicago White Sox organization. Jason Hutton, Tommy Hutton’s oldest son, found himself in the same situation as his good friend.

Sensing that the two of them would be effective business partners, Justine presented the idea to Hutton. Like Justine, he grew up in northern Palm Beach County and still had a passion for the game and helping others.

Our Inspiration

“Jason and I shared a strong desire to remain around baseball. We both believed strongly in running the business with the purpose of serving others by sharing our passion and knowledge with kids.

With his dad being a former major league player and well-known baseball personality, it was a no-brainer to name the camp in Mr. Hutton's honor. Tommy Hutton and his class and high character became the brand we set out to build. And we had a blast doing it!” commented Justine.

Building Partnerships

The Big Break

“Rob took my call, and I was in his office only days after completing the camp business plan. The pitch lasted about an hour, and I left with the feeling that this was really happening. Sure enough, he called the following week and said we were in. We signed a five year deal and were set to hold our inaugural camp on the back fields at Roger Dean in June!” exclaimed Justine.

Now, with the clock ticking and only six months until the first camp, Justine and Hutton needed to secure funding for startup expenses.

Funding the Dream

“One of my favorite parts of the story is how we were scrambling to find funding. Neither Jason nor I wanted to ask our parents for a loan. Although they most likely would have come through for us, we wanted to do it ourselves on merit and the strength of our business plan. We sent the plan to Kathy Willoughby at Bank of America, and she got back to us and said it was one of the best business plans she had seen. We were approved for a $50,000 SBA loan, and our dads cosigned the note with us. That day in the office with us and our dads, closing on our startup loan, is a very special memory!” Justine explained.

Marketing in Motion

First Camp Success

Justine recalls, “We ended up with 98 players at our first camp. Alex Perez was the first to ever enroll. For that, we awarded him a signed Derek Jeter ball. We paid almost the entire loan back by the end of our first year in business, nearly ten years ahead of schedule. Kids were learning. Our best friends were on staff. Major leaguers were coming out to visit every week. We had 200 kids at one of our camps! It was a dream come true!”

Continuing the Legacy

Now, 20 years and over 15,000 participants later, and a new home at Lake Catherine in Palm Beach Gardens. The Tommy Hutton Baseball Academy continues to be a place where young players of all ages and abilities can learn and fall in love with the game. Hutton and Justine have moved on, but Will Guay, former STL Cardinals pitcher, now runs and owns the camp.

Frank Torre, an original THBA staff member and Justine’s elementary school best friend, has served as a coach, director, and guest instructor throughout the camp's history. Justine, Hutton, and Torre all played high school baseball locally and were summer teammates on Kevin O’Sullivan’s American Legion teams.

Family & Legacy

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The THBA Story on ESPN

-ESPN West Palm Beach, FL

Recent Testimonials

-Jessica W, Jupiter FL

"The best experience!!! Very well run, they worked very hard and learned a lot! "

-Sherry B, Palm Beach Gardens FL

"My 5 year old had the best week ever at baseball camp, we look forward to another week this summer"

-Frances R, Loxahatchee FL

"Wouldn't trade this baseball camp for anything, thanks to Brian for all his support!"

-Jennifer V, Jupiter FL

"This camp is amazing. My son Owen has learned so much from Brian and his staff."

What I Like Best About Baseball Camp...

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-Holden S, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

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-Carson B, Jupiter, FL

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-Nate L, North Palm Beach, FL