Coaches
Jacob Buffa - Owner
Buffa attended Missouri State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science. While there, he spent time working with the MSU Strength and Conditioning Staff, until he eventually started his first athletic development program as a Junior in college. After graduating he and Denton McNamee opened Elite Baseball Academy in June of 2016. In 2019 he got the opportunity to work as a Performance coach for the Houston Astros. After 3 years he was promoted to Director of Performance Science as the youngest Performance Director in MLB at the age of 28. He was then promoted to Senior Director of Performance Science and Player Development, until 2026 when the St. Louis Cardinals hired him to oversee their International Scouting Department.
Buffa@Elitebaseballacademy.net
Denton McNamee - Co-Founder
Denton grew up in St. Louis, MO, and attended CBC high school. He went on to attend Rockhurst University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and a Business Certificate. Next, he achieved his MBA in Management from Rockhurst University.
In 2019, Denton worked for the Houston Astros in their Player Development department. He was stationed with the Quad Cities River Bandits, an Astros affiliate. There he helped them win the MWL first half championship and lead the league in fielding % and stolen bases. The River Bandits also saw 9 MLB players come through their affiliate throughout the season.
He served as the Maryville pitching coach for 3 seasons, leading them to their first regional and national ranking in 2023. His pitching staff set win records in back to back seasons (2022,2023) and broke the single season strikeout record in 2022. He had 5 pitchers earn all conference honors while also breaking numerous single season records. He currently serves as the Lindenwood pitching coach.
denton@elitebaseballacademy.net
Credentials:
Precision Nutrition Coach
Certified Speed and Agility Coach
K-Motion Lvl 1 Baseball
Meet Our Coaches
Jimmy Carey - Head of Performance
Zachary Neff - Head of Pitching
Adam Core - Head of Hitting
About Our Program
EBA believes that no two athletes are the same, and our program reflects that. In a state of the art 23,000sq. ft. facility, we offer both private and semi-private training for youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. Each athlete goes through a detailed screening process to both determine what exactly they need, as well as take measurable baseline numbers to measure improvements. Whether its a return to sport post injury program, strength and conditioning, or baseball specific skill work, EBA has a program for you!
