Christine Hornak instructs a student during a lesson Wednesday at the House of Fastpitch facility in Fletcher.
FLETCHER – There were moments when boredom would hit and Cody Geyer would learn more about hitting.
As a minor-league pitcher, the former North Buncombe standout would have plenty of time after throwing, so he returned to something more familiar.
“When I got into pro ball I never got to hit, but hitting was my first love,” said Geyer, who still owns the NCHSAA record for home runs in a career with 45. “Hitting came so naturally to me.”
With time on his hands, Geyer would listen to former major leaguers like Mark Grudzielanek, Mark Grace and Louis Gonzalez talk about the art of swinging a bat.
Those lessons, along with tips he picked up as a prep star and college standout, help him as he gives lessons at Fletcher’s House of Fastpitch.
The indoor complex opened in January 2015.
“I learned so much that I’m very confident teaching every aspect of baseball,” said Geyer, who was picked by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 14th round of the Major League Baseball draft out of Walters State (Tenn.) Community College.
Fielding, pitching and hitting lessons are now Geyer’s way to give back to the sport he loves.
He works with owner Christine Hornak, who is the former softball coach at Western Carolina and was an assistant at Virginia Tech.
And he doesn’t just teach baseball players.
“I think a lot of people who play softball or are involved in softball think there is a huge difference when it comes to the root of mechanics for hitting a softball or baseball,” he said, “and there really isn’t.”
Geyer and Hornak teach lessons throughout the week and on the weekends. Geyer said he give four lessons each weekday and then 10 to 12 on the weekends.
“Cody has brought so much knowledge about the game on both softball and baseball to the facility,” Hornak said. “He has been willing to share experiences and strategies used with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He also creates a fun and exciting atmosphere for everyone who come into the facility.
“We do our best to provide a family atmosphere at the facility. He completes that part of the puzzle. That is important to me. There is always something missing when he is away at spring training and playing.”
Hornak pitched for two colleges (Campbell University and UNC Greensboro) and works with more than 25 high school and middle school pitchers from Buncombe, Transylvania, McDowell and Henderson counties.
“House of Fastpitch gives young athletes a place to call their own to train in the sport of softball and baseball,” she said. “It gives them access to instructors who are extremely knowledgeable, experienced and connected to the college and professional scene, along with guaranteed space to practice and availability to equipment to utilize while training.”
Being a 23-year-old instructor has helped Geyer, who has taught for three years, become close to his students. He understands what teens are going through.
That moment of seeing (or hearing about) their successes is the motivation he needs to keep teaching.
“Of all the accomplishments I’ve had in baseball, and I’ve had quite a few, there’s nothing like having one of those kids call you after a tournament or have their parents text you and tell you that they threw three scoreless innings or went 7-for-10 with doubles,” he said. “That’s pretty rewarding.”
For more information about House of Fastpitch, log onto http://www.houseoffastpitch.com.
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