Bill Krejci has coached 15 Major League Baseball players.SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
If there is one man knows baseball it's Bill Krejci.
Krejci, who has been coaching America's Pastime since 1973, is the Athletic Director at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa and has served as the head coach and hitting instructor for the 16 & Under and 18 & Under Team USA squads.
In 1996 Krejci began working with USA Baseball and Sunday afternoon at Strikers Complex in Sioux City nearly 100 baseball players that participate in the Fall Baseball League had the chance to soak up some wisdom from Krejci.
15 of his former players are in the major leagues, including Minnesota's Joe Mauer, Washington's Bryce Harper and Baltimore's JJ Hardy and Manny Machado.
"It's kind of cool having a 1-on-1 session with a guy who taught Bryce Harper how to hit homeruns," 17-year old Ben Hegge said. "It's a pretty good feeling. Pretty cool."
"It's an honor. I mean, he's worked with some of the best in the big leagues and for him to come to Sioux City and it's just almost surreal," 16-year old Joe Keegan added.
And if you're wondering who the greatest hitter Krejci has had the opportunity to mentor? He's a five-time All-Star, three-time American League batting champ and four-time Silver Slugger Award recipient.
"Definitely (Joe) Mauer is the best consummate hitter I've ever coached," Krejci said. "He was a 17-year old when I had him in the World Games. He could do everything. Hit the other way. If he needed to, he could hit for power, hit all pitches, wouldn't get fooled. Yeah, he's the best I've had."
Krejci is currently a special advisor and talent evaluator for Team USA and USA Baseball.
