Our Academy

Founded in 2024, NTH Baseball Academy focuses on providing comprehensive training during the off-season. We believe the off-season is crucial for player development, and the training undertaken during this period can distinguish a player from their peers. Our mission is to support and nurture the best and brightest of the young generation in their baseball endeavors. Our primary objective is for our students to commit themselves to achieving tangible results. We aim to develop independent baseball players who not only possess the skills to excel in the sport but also demonstrate respect, a positive attitude, and sportsmanship that can be learned through participation in sports.

Our Coaches

Taiyo Konishi

Taiyo Konishi

Baseball Career

- High School Baseball (Japan)

- Sacramento City College (California, USA)

- Orewa Sharks (2020 - 2022)

- Northshore City (2022 - 2024)

- Bayside Wolfs (2025 - Present)

- WBC Qualifier Diamond Blacks - Non travel (2023)

- U-18 Team New Zealand Pitching Coach (2023 - Present)

Comment

My professional expertise lies in physical training aimed at enhancing throwing and pitching mechanics, as well as improving overall physical performance in baseball-specific skills. I have had the privilege of playing baseball at the highest levels in Japan, the United States, and New Zealand. My journey has been far from smooth—marked by challenges, setbacks, and countless moments of struggle. However, each step of that journey has shaped who I am today and deepened my passion for the game. Now, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to support players in New Zealand, helping them grow from a place of uncertainty—when things feel out of reach—to achieving tangible success. My mission is to guide players toward unlocking their potential, moving from "I can't" to "I can" and "I understand." Let’s push boundaries and work hard together to achieve your dreams. I’m here to help you become a top player and reach heights you may not have thought possible!

Ayrton Laired

Ayrton Laired

Baseball Career

- Central City baseball Club 2010-2025

- Auckland Tuatara 2019, 2023

- North Iowa Area Community College 2019-2021

- 2014 15u National team WBSC baseball World Cup Mexico

- 2017 U18 National team World Cup Qualifier Australia

- 2022 23u National team World Cup Qualifier Australia

- 2022 Diamondblacks Men’s National team WBC qualifier Panama

Comment

Hitting and infield is where my experience and knowledge is commonly found but as well in many other aspects of baseball. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to be coached, play with and against some of the best players in the game. From multiple MLB players, current minor league players and coaches, as well as at the division 1 and 4 year collegiate level. I have also been through a similar journey and have had many shared experiences that I can share to the next generation of young ball players. I was not the perfect athlete, baseball player, or person. I have many flaws as an individual, but the constant seeking of knowledge paired with some effort can go along way in life and your baseball career. Let’s get to work

#nthacademy #barrelcentral_

Tairea Thompson

Tairea Thompson

Baseball Career

- Central City & Counties Manuka from (2014 - 2017)

- Semi pro in Perth, Australia (2018 - 2020)

- Counties Manukau (2020 - 2022)

- Central City (2022 - 2024)

- 2014 U-15 squad to Mexico (WBSC U-15 Team New Zealand)

- 2015 U-18 squad the Oceania champs in Auckland

- 2016 the Arizona fall classic squad

- 2017 U-18 (WBSC U-18 Team New Zealand)

- 2020 WBC Qualifier Diamond Blacks (Non Travel)

Comment

I’ve been a catcher my whole career so I’ll be coaching the catchers. I’ll also be working with the outfielder and helping with game strategy. I’ve been fortunate enough to play in a lot of different teams and travel the world. I’ve had the pleasure of not only playing and learning from teammates and coaches but also watching and seeing others play and coach. Throughout my baseball career I’ve been able to pick up quite a few tricks that will be beneficial for the future of our game. There’s a lot of potential in the future generation here in New Zealand and I’d love to help anyway I can. I want to help the future unlock their full potential and hopefully have them realise or even achieve their goals. If they are in love with this sport and have fun playing and it stays that way sky’s the limit. Looking forward to working with whoever decides to join the academy.

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