Staff

Meet your leaders

Our staff takes pride in making sure that the Baseball & Softball Players of Western New York are being taught how to not only play the game at a very competitive level but how to learn and have fun while doing it. We will work as hard as we can every single day to make sure the needs of your son are daughter are met. Whether it’s for private training, team training or strength & conditioning, we are here to help every one of you get better. Welcome to the Hot Corner Athletics family!

Ronnie Bernick

President & CEO

Ronnie is in his 5th Year at Hot Corner Athletics. Since opening Hot Corner Baseball Academy in 2016, he has trained, coached and developed 250+ players into College Baseball & Softball, 3 Independent League Baseball Players, and has been a part of training 30 MLB Draft Picks. His most recent MLB Draft pick is 2021 1st Round Pick (CBA), Joe Mack, taken 31st Overall by the Miami Marlins #juntosmiami #mr305. Joe decided to become a Professional Baseball Player and signed to play in the Marlin’s Organization. In November 2018, he opened Hot Corner Performance Center in Lockport, NY to increase the strength, conditioning and overall performance development of all Baseball & Softball players in the area. In the last year, he has helped the New York Yankees with scouting in WNY and has been a part of their High School Development Coaching Staff. That has helped open the door to be a part of the coaching staff for the East Coast Pro scrimmage games at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, as well as on the coaching staff for the High School Rivalry Game held at Fenway Park between the Yankees and Red Sox. Most recently, Ronnie has been named a scout for Team USA NTIS in WNY. Ron opened Hot Corner Athletics to create a bridge between all sports in the future, but his passion is Baseball & Softball, and that is the market we are trying to create the most value, at this point. As of January 2020, he has become a Franchisee of Juice Plus+, the leader in advancing plant-based nutrition, to bring awareness to parents and families about how they can live a healthier lifestyle. As of March 2020, Ron, Sam Cumbo, Nick Bernick of Hot Corner, Jake Banwart and Adam Gouker of BAMFAM, co-founded Dugout Coalition in a collaboration to create a 6 tool training system for all athletes and coaches around the world. In September 2020, Nick Bernick opened the Hot Corner Futures Foundation, which is a non-profit organization geared toward helping underprivileged kids have the opportunity to play baseball. Our mission is to be able to fund leagues and provide new or used equipment for the kids that can’t afford it! Ron is a board member of the Foundation and highly involved in the day too day operation! From 2011-2014, he was a member of the Canisius College Golden Griffins Baseball Program where they took home Championships in 2013 (Tournament) & 2014 (Regular Season). He graduated in May 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health & Physical Education. Following his tenure with the Griffs, he spent the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons as an Assistant Baseball Coach at Niagara University in Lewiston. With the Purple Eagles, Ronnie worked with the Hitters, Catchers, Infielders and Base Runners. In each of his 2 seasons, they increased their base stealing totals, run production, batting average, and on-base percentage. He is also a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association. Ron resides in Niagara Falls, NY, currently, with his wife, Katelyn, their son, Griffey, and their daughter, Maddux.

Personal Accolades:

Co-Founder, Dugout Coalition

President, Hot Corner Athletics, Inc

President, Hot Corner Baseball Academy, Inc

President, Hot Corner Performance Center, Inc

Treasurer, Hot Corner Futures Foundation NFP

OnBaseU Pitching & Hitting Certified

Rapsodo Pitching & Hitting Certified

KMotion Level 1 Certified

Driveline Certified – Youth Athletic Development

USA Baseball Certified Coach

Scouting (WNY) & High School Development Coach — New York Yankees Scout (WNY)

Team USA NTIS

300+ Players in College Baseball & Softball

40+ MLB Draft Picks

Franchisee, Juice Plus+

Bachelor of Science Degree Concentration in Health & Physical Education

2012 & 2013 MAAC All-Tournament Team Selection

2013 MAAC Tournament Champion

2013 2nd Team All-MAAC (Shortstop)

2014 MAAC Regular Season Champion

2014 1st Team All-MAAC (Utility)

Sam Cumbo

National Director of Sports Performance

Sam’s passion for physical development began during his own athletic career. Sam played multiple sports in high school but ultimately fell in love with baseball. Training was always important to him, but it wasn’t until college that he realized what he had been missing. After learning about the physiology of human movement and going through hands-on movement assessments and corrections, he noticed how much he had left on the table during his career.

Sam was the only one from his college baseball team on a mandated stretching program from the athletic training staff due to excessive movement restrictions that were left unaddressed from the previous strength and conditioning program. With little success to regain motion, he began to hit the books (or more accurately, he hit the laptop) to learn. After creating his own program designed to clear out his limitations, Sam’s vertical jump went up 7 inches (22in to 29in) within the following year.

His passion now is to help athletes achieve their maximal performance through a well-rounded sports performance program that leaves no stone unturned on their path to greatness.

Sam’s Education & Personal Accolades

Bachelor’s Degree from Canisius College in Health and Wellness

Dual Minors in Strength and Conditioning, as well as Psychology

Certified L1 SFG / Certified L1 FMS

OnBaseU Pitching & Hitting Certified

Co-Founder, Dugout Coalition

Nick Bernick

President, Hot Corner Futures Foundation

Nick is in his 3rd full year at Hot Corner. He comes to us after a very storied High School and Collegiate careers. Nick graduated from Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh, PA in May of 2014. During his senior campaign, the Senior Captain led the Baldwin Highlanders to the AAAA WPIAL Championship where they finished runner-up. They moved on to win a couple games in the AAAA State Playoffs that season. The 2014 Baldwin Varsity Baseball team is the most successful team in school history. Following his high school career, he attended Niagara University to continue his athletic playing career. Nick spent 4 years as a member of the Purple Eagles and was a part of a Purple Eagle team that made it to the MAAC Tournament for the first time in 12 years. He was primarily a 2B at NU but saw some time at 3B as well.

Following his playing career at NU, Nick graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. He began working for Hot Corner in the summer of 2018. Nick has been an integral part of Hot Corner and the development of the players we have. He has helped the over 250 players reach the collegiate levels, while training and helping the local college players and MLB Draft picks.

In January 2020, Nick moved into a new role with Hot Corner as the National Camp Director. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we saw the Camp Division of Hot Corner deplete based on the Regulations within New York State. This opened up the door to Hot Corner Futures Foundation. In August 2020, Nick founded the Hot Corner Futures Foundation to help bridge the gap between athletes that aren’t as fortunate or come from a less fortunate geographical location. Our mission is to help limit the fees associated with playing house and travel baseball, as well as provide new and used equipment to athletes in need. Currently, we are in the process of starting a College Scholarship Fund in order to help athletes limit college fees. Our goal is to help bring more athletes into the game of baseball and softball and help them have fun playing the game we all love.

Nicholas is also a co-founder and co-owner of the Dugout Coalition.

Nick resides in Pittsburgh, PA, currently.

Personal Accolades:

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance

2014-2018 MAAC All-Academic Teams

2014 AAAA WPIAL Runner-Up

2014 AAAA State Qualifier

2018 MAAC Tournament

President, Hot Corner Futures Foundation

Co-Founder, Dugout Coalition

Jake Burlingame

Director of Baseball Operations

Jake comes to Hot Corner after a very successful and storied career at Canisius College. Jake has been promoted to our Director of Baseball Operations where he will oversee all of the baseball skill development within the Hot Corner program. Jake played at Canisius from 2017-2021 where the Griffs won the MAAC Championship in 2018. Jake was a mainstay in Centerfield for the Griffs for 4 years and went back for his Master’s Degree following the shortened season with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Jake is a great representation for the true definition of a Student-Athlete being named to the MAAC All-Academic Team from 2018-2021 (4 seasons) and a 2021 recipient of the COSIDA All-District First Team All-Academic. Not only is he a great student, but Jake performed at a very high level on the field, being named a 2021 All-MAAC 1st Team Selection after batting over .370 with 7 homeruns.

Personal Accolades:

2018 MAAC Champion (Tournament)

2021 1st Team All-MAAC

2020 Pre-Season 1st Team All-MAAC

2021 Pre-Season 1st Team All-MAAC

2021 COSIDA All-District 1st Team All-Academic

2018-2021 MAAC All-Academic Team

Rick Cumbo

Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

Rick is in his 1st year at Hot Corner after a long career in the Fitness Industry. Rick has been in charge of the Baseball and Softball Sports Performance Development and has worked closely with Sam on making sure that all of the athletes are improving, consistently creating good technique and making sure that their programs are specialized for them.

As Rick continued to grow at Hot Corner, he is one of the coaches that a lot of the athletes look up to for guidance with their Sports Performance. We are really excited to have Rick as part of our staff and can’t wait to see how we continue to grow and expand our Sports Performance Center.

Charlie Mack

Hitting, Catching & Infield Coach

Charlie Mack comes to Hot Corner during the off-seasons following each of his professional baseball seasons. Charlie has worked out at Hot Corner for 4 years to get ready for Spring Training.

He has always been a big name in the Buffalo area as a player to watch in the baseball world. Charlie spent 6 years as a Varsity Baseball Player at Williamsville East. He has amassed numerous accolades at WEHS, as well as WNY. He committed to play at Clemson University shortly after beginning High School.

Following his Senior year of High School, he was named the 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year for New York State. In the 2018 MLB Draft, Charlie was taken in the 6th Round, 184 Overall, by the Minnesota Twins. He has spent 2 years in their organization working through the Twins Rookie and Rookie Advanced Leagues. He has spent the last 2 years as a 2B, 3B, DH & C.

We are really excited to have Charlie with us at Hot Corner because he has a great understanding of hitting, infield and catching and will be able to assist us from October – February.

Personal Accolades:

2010 Pitch Hit N’ Run National Champion

2018 Gatorade Player of the Year

2018 MLB Draft Pick (6th Round, Pick #184, Minnesota Twins)

Clemson Baseball Commit

PBR Super 60 Participant

Perfect Game All American

Under Armour All American

2017 Rivalry Classic Player

2017 Area Code Games Player

2017 East Coast Pro Player

Matt Cross

Hitting, Catching & Infield Coach

Matt Cross comes to Hot Corner during a storied playing career. Matt was a Starpoint HS graduate in 2016. From there, he went on to play at Niagara County Community College where he racked up accolades and achievements. His highest accolade being a NJCAA Division III Gold Glove.

Matt was a NJCAA All American during his time at NCCC. During his second year at NCCC, he committed to play baseball at the University at Pittsburgh. Following his 2018 NJCAA season, Matt was drafted in the 19th Round, 563 Overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2018 MLB Draft. In 3 seasons of professional baseball, Matt has played at every level of Minor League Baseball. He is primarily a Catcher, but has seen time at 1B, 3B and DH.

We are excited to have Matt as a part of Hot Corner because of his expertise in hitting, catching & infield. He will be training at Hot Corner during the months of October – February.

Personal Accolades:

2018 Pitt Baseball Signee

2017 NJCAA Division III Gold Glove Winner (3B)

2018 MLB Draft Pick

Joe Mack

Hitting & Catching Coach

Joe is in his 1st full year as a trainer at Hot Corner after spending 4 years training with our President, Ron Bernick. Joe has been the name of baseball in WNY for the last 7 years as he has won almost every accolade as a Youth Amateur Baseball Player. Joe spent 6 years on the Williamsville East Varsity Baseball team where he has been named Western New York Player of the Year, 1st Team All Western New York and other awards multiple times.

Joe is the King of Swat Champion at Cooperstown Dreams Park where he beat the records held by Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. Joe spent his summers playing for Tri-State Arsenal and the East Cobb Astros. In the summer of 2020, Joe was named Perfect Game Tournament Player of the Year. Joe was the Number 1 player in the state for the 2021 class and the #2 ranked high school catcher, according to Baseball America and Prep Baseball Report. Joe was also named to the 25 player roster for Team USA and would have competed in the World Junior event, but the COVID-19 Pandemic put a hold on that.

In July of 2021, Joe was drafted by the Miami Marlins 31st overall and became the 1st WNY 1st round draft pick in 43 years. Joe is a leader in the baseball community and has given athletes in our area the ability to chase their dreams and has proven that they are possible.

Personal Accolades:

2021 MLB Draft Pick, Miami Marlins (1st Round (CBA) 31st Overall)

2020 Team USA

2020 Perfect Game All American

2018-2020 Area Code Games Attendee

2020 East Coast Pro Attendee

King of Swat – Cooperstown Dreams Park (Current Record Holder)

2021 WNY Player of the Year

2021 1st Team All Western New York

Jon de Marte

Pitching Coach

Jonathan comes to Hot Corner Athletics for his fourth offseason in professional baseball and first in WNY. Throughout the last three offseasons, de Marte has trained over 60 pitchers in the Richmond, VA area, specializing in throwing programs and pitching development. He credits his baseball development knowledge to Cressey Sports Performance and everything he has learned in his time working with their coaches.

de Marte grew up in Westchester County, NY and attended Lakeland HS where he was a four year varsity starter and helped lead his team to a state semi finals appearance in 2010.

de Marte attended the University of Richmond where he earned a degree in Rhetoric and Communications and minored in Education in Society. He also received a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Richmond. Jonathan endured several injuries in his first four years and made the transition from a starting pitcher to infielder in graduate school. In his final year as a Graduate Senior he returned to the mound as a reliever.

Jonathan signed his first pro contract with the Normal Cornbelters of the Frontier League in 2017. In the end of 2018 he was traded to the York Revolution of the Atlantic League where he spent the rest of ’18 and the beginning of 2019. After being released by the Revolution, de Marte signed with the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am Professional Baseball League where he was named the team’s Rookie of the Year. Throughout the 2019 season, Jonathan was allowed by the Capitales to play in the European Championships with the Israeli National Baseball Team, the first country to qualify for the 2020 now 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Jonathan became a dual citizen in Israel in the Fall of 2018. In 2019 he threw 15 innings for Team Israel in four different European Tournaments (Olympic Qualifiers) tallying four wins and only three earned runs.

Following the European Qualifiers, Jonathan played winter ball for the Perth Heat in the Australian Baseball League.

After the ABL season, de Marte signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Cubs and just finished pitching in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics with Team Israel.

Personal Accolades:

2021 Tokyo Olympian (Team Israel)

2010 & 2011 New York State Gatorade Player of the Year

2010 Louisville Slugger NYS POY

2011 Louisville Slugger All-American

2012 Atlantic 10 Preseason Rookie of the Year

2017 Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team

Chicago Cubs Signee

Rohn Pierce

Pitching Coach

Rohn Pierce is in his 2nd year as a Pitching Coach at Hot Corner and has worked some camps, clinics and other events all over WNY. Rohn, a Newfane High School grad, attended Canisius College in 2011-2012 as a Freshman. With a very strong Pitching Staff, Rohn handled most of the mid week non-league games as a Freshman and Sophomore. Returning in 2014 as our Ace, Pierce started his Junior campaign beating #5 NC State, Carlos Rodon and Trea Turner in the team’s 1st game of the season. Rohn only looked up from there as he went on to win the 2014 MAAC Pitcher of the year and was drafted in the 2014 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners in the 19th Round.

Rohn played a few seasons in the Mariners minor league system before returning home to help give back and develop the youth athletes in our area. We are really excited to have WNY native and former Seattle Mariner, Rohn Pierce with us at Hot Corner.

Personal Accolades:

2014 MAAC Pitcher of the Year

2014 All-MAAC 1st Team

2014 Capitol One 3rd Team Academic All-American

Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week (February 17, 2014)

Two-Time MAAC Pitcher of the Week

MAAC Rookie of the Week (Feb 28 – Mar 5, 2012)

Bret Ertel

Pitching Coach

Bret comes to Hot Corner after a successful playing career at ECC. Currently, Bret is the Pitching Coach for the North Tonawanda Varsity Baseball Team. Bret has been with Hot Corner since March 2021 and has done a great job with the growth and development of our athletes.

Bret’s passion for pitching started as a player himself, but recent injuries have limited his ability to continue to play. Bret has an in-depth knowledge of Pitching and helps all of our athletes stay on a consistent path to success. Bret has been a part of the development of athletes like Josh Milleville, Freshman RHP/UTL at Farleigh Dickinson University, as well as work with many of our youth athletes aspiring to pitch at the collegiate level.

Aaron Casper

Pitching Coach

Aaron is in his 4th year at Hot Corner after a successful career at Canisius College. Aaron pitched at Canisius from 2011-2015 where he won Championships with the Griffs in 2013 & 2015. In 2014, the Canisius Griffs won the Regular Season title and broke the MAAC Single Season Wins Record, which still holds up today.

Vinny Chiarenza

Hitting & Infield Coach

Vinny is in his 2nd year at Canisius and one of the most sought out coaches we have here at Hot Corner. Vinny’s personality and work ethic are great representations of our culture here at Hot Corner and it shows through the athletes that Vinny trains.

Vinny is a WNY native from Grand Island that attended Canisius High School. Vinny committed to play baseball at Mercyhurst University and attended MU for 1 season where he redshirted. Vinny decided to take his chances on something bigger and transferred to Niagara County Community College (NCCC) to play for the NJCAA Power House. Following 2 great seasons at NCCC, Vinny earned himself a scholarship to Canisius College. The COVID-19 Pandemic slowed down Vinny’s 1st full season at Canisius, but gave him 2 more years of eligibility to play with. In Vinny’s first full season at Canisius, he was named a 1st Team All-MAAC selection after batting over .330 with 9 Home Runs. He is now in his final year at Canisius where he will graduate with his MBA and move into the finance industry.

Vinny will be back working at Hot Corner following the 2022 Spring Baseball Season and will continue to help our athletes reach their peak potential and goals.

Personal Accolades:

2021 1st Team All-MAAC

2021 MAAC All-Academic Team

2018 NJCAA 3rd Team All-American

2019 NJCAA 1st Team All-American

2018 All Region 3 Gold Glove

2018-2019 NCCC Chancellor’s Award & President’s Cup Winner

Chris Gruarin

Hitting & Outfield Coach

Chris enters his 1st full year at Hot Corner following a very impressive High School, Collegiate and now, Coaching Career. Chris graduated from Niagara-Wheatfield High School and attended Niagara County Community College for 2 seasons. Following his playing days at NCCC, Chris attended Canisius College to continue his baseball playing career. G, as his teammates would call him, was a great leader on and off the field. He had the respect of his teammates with how he conducted himself on the field and with how he played. Chris was a leader on the 2013 Canisius Baseball Team that took home it’s 1st ever MAAC Championship title.

Following his playing days at Canisius, Chris attended Manhattanville College where he completed his Master’s Degree in Sports Business Management and was an Assistant Baseball Coach/Recruiting Coordinator for Manhattanville Baseball Team. He is now in the Health & Physical Education Field and Varsity Baseball Coach at Williamsville East High School. In his 1st season as Head Coach, WEHS won the Section 6 Championship, beating Grand Island in the final. G was also the coach of 2021 MLB Draft Pick, Joe Mack, who was selected 31st overall by the Miami Marlins.

Chris was named Coach of the Year for his team’s accomplishments during the 2021 season and we are lucky to have him with us here at Hot Corner.

Casey Gruarin

Hitting & Outfield Coach

Casey is in his 2nd year at Hot Corner after playing careers at Niagara County Community College and SUNY Oswego. Casey was a Niagara Gazette Player of the Year recipient in High School after leading the Niagara-Wheatfield Varsity Baseball Team.

Casey and the NCCC Baseball Team made a story book run during his Sophomore Campaign finishing Runner-Up in the NJCAA Division III National Championship, losing to Tyler (TX). Casey was named Regional MVP and helped lead NCCC to the NJCAA World Series that year.

Following his playing career at NCCC, Casey attended SUNY Oswego where he spent 2 years playing Outfield. Casey graduated with a Bachelor in Business Administration.

Aside from Casey’s Full-Time Job, he spends time coaching the Niagara Power and helps those athletes prepare for college baseball. Having Casey as an addition to Hot Corner is a great asset due to his successes as a player and growing knowledge to help our youth.

Mike Huff

Youth Catching & Hitting Coach

Mike is in his 1st coaching year at Hot Corner after spending 3 years training with the Hot Corner staff. Mike has just recently committed to play baseball at Western Michigan University and is a great addition to our strong Catching core of coaches. Mike has trained with Charlie Mack, Matt Cross and Joe Mack in the past and bring a coaching style that matches directly with what we are looking to do.

Mike will primarily coach the younger athletes with hitting and catching and will be a main part of the clinics and camps that we will run at Hot Corner this winter and into next spring. We will be able to watch Mike play in his final season for Niagara-Wheatfield in 2022 before he goes off to school and compete for a MAC Championship.

Mike is a great representation of the Hot Corner brand by the way he carries himself on and off the field and we are more than thankful to have him as part of our staff!

Bailey Briggs

Softball Hitting & Infield Coach

Bailey is in her 1st year as a staff member at Hot Corner after spending the last 6 years training with our President & CEO, Ron Bernick. Bailey began her playing career locally and has earned her way into the New Jersey Intensity program which is ranked in the Top 25 nationally every year. Bailey is in the recruiting process currently and will be committing to the school of her choice within the next few months. Bailey is very accustomed to the Hot Corner way as she trains on both the Softball Skill division, as well as the Sports Performance Center.

Bailey is a hard worker with a passion to teach the game and give back to the community. We can watch Bailey play her final season at Starpoint High School in the Spring 2022.

Dawn Jelen

Office Manager

Dawn is in her 2nd year at Hot Corner Athletics after 25 years as a Manager at Hard Rock Café in Niagara Falls. Dawn has a long history of understanding the ins and outs of building quality relationships and making sure that people are taken care of. At Hot Corner, Dawn will be the first face that you see when you come in for the first time! She manages all of the scheduling, training schedules, coaches, on-boarding and all other behind the scenes items that you may not see when you come in the doors.

For all inquiries regarding training, team training, strength and conditioning and all other items, Dawn can be reached via email: hotcornerathletics@outlook.com and by phone: 716-689-1000

Bri Male

Administrative Assistant

Bri comes to Hot Corner after a successful Winter Internship within our Marketing Team. Bri did a great job promoting all of our programs, clinics and camps and worked really hard to be offered a position in our Office. Bri is a recent graduate from Niagara University and is currently studying for her Master’s Degree. Initially, Bri was the lead on finding the new building that Hot Corner is moving to on November 1, 2021. Her help and guidance for our programs has helped us get to where we are today.

Bri is the mastermind behind all of our scheduling, office calls and emails, social media and flyers that you all see. Bri will be one of the first people that you will see when you walk in the doors at Hot Corner and we are really excited to have her as part of our growing team!

Work With us

Meet your leaders

Ronnie Bernick

President & CEO

Personal Accolades:

Sam Cumbo

National Director of Sports Performance

Sam’s Education & Personal Accolades

Nick Bernick

President, Hot Corner Futures Foundation

Jake Burlingame

Director of Baseball Operations

Rick Cumbo

Strength & Conditioning Coordinator

Charlie Mack

Hitting, Catching & Infield Coach

Matt Cross

Hitting, Catching & Infield Coach

Joe Mack

Hitting & Catching Coach

Jon de Marte

Pitching Coach

Rohn Pierce

Pitching Coach

Bret Ertel

Pitching Coach

Aaron Casper

Pitching Coach

Vinny Chiarenza

Hitting & Infield Coach

Chris Gruarin

Hitting & Outfield Coach

Casey Gruarin

Hitting & Outfield Coach

Mike Huff

Youth Catching & Hitting Coach

Bailey Briggs

Softball Hitting & Infield Coach

Dawn Jelen

Office Manager

Bri Male

Administrative Assistant

What's Happening?

Hot Corner Athletics