Mark is shown here in the batting cage with long-time hitting student Andy Gerch of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. Andy has been working with Mark since he was a sophomore at Lincoln (NE) Pius X High School.  As a freshman for the Huskers, Andy made the All-College World Series Team.  Gerch, who is starting his senior year at Nebraska, continues to work with Mark on his hitting on a regular basis.

Mark mentored Einar Diaz of the Cleveland Indians (R) and Hector Ortiz (L) of the Kansas City Royals, both catchers, during their minor league careers.  Mark is shown here with his former students in 2004 when they competed against each in Kansas City after both reached the major leagues .

Mark worked with Hector during Hector's stint with the Royals AAA affiliate Omaha.  Omaha Coach Ron Johnson said to Mark, "if you can teach him to hit, he can play in the major leagues."  And, he did.

While watching Einar Diaz take batting practice before the game in Kansas City, Mark saw that an adjustment in Einar's elbow position would help his swing.  Einar hit a home run on the next pitch and went 5-for-5 in a game just a couple of days after these adjustments.

Mark is shown here with Hector Ortiz (L) and Steve Cisco (R) in 1998 during Mark's tenure as Hitting Coach for the Omaha Royals.

Cisco credits Mark for helping him make it to the big leagues.  Cisco's first major league at bat was a walk-off 9th inning pinch hit home run for the Atlanta Braves.

Mark talks to Major Leaguer Hector Ortiz before a game about the importance of the back knee, which supplies vision and power.  Ortiz went on a seven-game hitting streak after these adjustments.

Mark worked with Omaha Royals slugger Chris Hatcher numerous times during the off-season in 1997 and as the O Royals hitting coach during the 1998 season. 

That season Hatcher set an Omaha Royals record for the most home runs in a season and was selected as Pacific Coast League Player of the Year.

The teacher himself must sometimes be a student.  Mark is shown here with his long-time mentor, Merv Rettunmund, often referred to as the "Dean of the Major League Hitting Coaches."

The list of Rettunmund's hitting students reads like a "Who's Who" of top major league hitters, including:  Gwynn, McGuire, Sheffield, Canseco, Cameniti, Henderson and others. 

Another of Mark's mentors has been long-time friend, Tony Gwynn, who was inducted in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, NY in July 2007 along with Cal Ripken, Jr.

Ever a diligent student of hitting, Gwynn is show here during his playing days with the San Diego Padres hitting off a tee.

Gwynn is currently Head Baseball Coach at his alma mater, San Diego State University.