Andrew Sohn

Andrew Sohn has been a team player for quite some time. For starters, the co-founder of Pro Insight played baseball at Brother Rice High School and Western Michigan University before going pro. Now, he and Grant Heyman, a former professional player based in Rochester, New York, offer virtual coaching for kids from professional baseball and softball players. “We have really good instructors and coaches,” said Sohn, who is 27. “We get to know their attitude and teaching style to make sure they do this well and connect with kids.” Sohn had pro instructors throughout high school and college, where the shortstop played for three years before being drafted in the sixth round to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014, where he was a middle-infielder. “It was awesome,” he said. “I worked for that my entire life and I was so fortunate to have people to work with me to get to that place.” Some of his personal highlights include being named First Team All-MAC at Western Michigan University and winning a minor league championship with the St. Louis Cardinals and with the American Association in Winnipeg, Canada. He credits those mentors for his ultimate success. “I wouldn’t have been in that place if it weren’t for the efforts of my instructors and the information they gave me. I took that and used it as motivation. It was a blessing,” he said. “You don’t have to be the best player. It’s just about getting better as the years go on.” Being on both sides of the equation gives him a unique perspective. “It’s really exciting to be working with somebody. I know because I coach and I love working with kids and seeing them light up,” he said. “What we really want to be is a resource for them and their parents, not just for a mechanical flaw, but to create a relationship and mentorship with a professional player.” There’s also a comfortability aspect for parents and kids. “As a parent, you want your kid to be comfortable,” said Sohn. “As a kid, I know it’s exciting and cool to work with a pro, but also nerve-racking. Our instructors want them to feel super comfortable and have a great relationship.” Though the concept first came in February, right before online learning became the norm, their virtual instruction model simply made sense for pairing pros with kids across the country. Still, it would turn out to be rather timely, considering all the restrictions that would soon follow for sports and more. “We want to continue this for years, even when there is no need for remote learning. The mentorship will be just as important and useful for kids after quarantine,” he said. The cost for a 30 minute session through proinsightbaseball.com is $45. Giving back is an essential part of their business as they partner with the Miracle League, a national non-profit organization that makes it safe for kids with disabilities to play baseball. “We want everyone to have that opportunity to play baseball, so $5 of every lesson goes to the Miracle League,” said Sohn. Now his professional life seems to be a culmination of his time as a player and as a coach. “I’ve come full circle with my baseball journey and career,” he said. Photo: Laurie Tennent