Founder, NorCal Baseball: Rob Bruno

Rob is the founder and GM of NorCal Baseball Club. He has coached baseball for 25 years and established NorCal Baseball in 1992. He has coached at the high school level, as well as held the position of Associate Scout for five years in the mid-90's.

Rob has run numerous tournaments thoughout Northern California and has orchestrated the highly successful NorCal World Series for ten years. He has also served as a draft expert and advister for numerous publications, including assisting Baseball America for several years as their west coast anaylist for the annual major league draft preview.

Under Rob's leadership, NorCal baseball has become one of the top programs in the country:

• Sent nearly 300 players to Division I baseball schools
• Has had over 100 players drafted, including 21 in 2008 and 5 of the first 50 picks
• Won over a dozen national championships in USA, AAU and Perfect Game national events
• Placed more players on USA baseball teams than any other program in the country.
• Had 8 first round draft picks; Pat Burrell, Chris Gruler, Brandon Morrow, Troy Tulowitzki, Beau Mills, Jason Castro, Brett Wallace and David Cooper
• MLB notables include: JP Howell, Dantrelle Willis and Xavier Nady
• Over 50 NorCal alumni have played pro baseball and 17 have played in the big leagues

Head Coach/Instrutor: Mark Helsel

Mark is a 1981 graduate of Altoona Area High School. Mark won the batting title as a junior and senior for Altoona. Mark earned a Division I baseball scholarship to Mercer University in Macon, Georgia where he started all 4 years as a middle infielder. While at Mercer, Mark had the opportunity to compete against the top college teams in the country such as Miami, Florida State, Florida, South Carolina, and Auburn. Mark also won the Rookie of the Year Award in the Altoona City League. Mark has been married for 13 years and he and his wife have three children. Mark owns three successful businesses in Altoona.

Head Coach/Instructor: Dave Brisbin

Dave is full-time baseball instructor. Prior to his current job, Dave was the head coach of the Tyrone and Bellwood High School. Dave's coaching had a strong influence on the 2003 Bellwood team that won the state championship. Dave has also had the honor and privilege to coach several players who have played at the professional level. Dave's forte is hitting instruction. He has worked closely with Major League hitting instructor, Cal Emery of the Chicago White Sox. Dave has been happily married for 26 years and is active in his church.