Built by the game. Driven to develop the next generation.
Meet Coach Francis Florentino
From Professional Baseball to Player Development
Francis Florentino’s journey in baseball began at a young age, turning his passion for the game into an opportunity to compete at the professional level. His playing career included experience within the Milwaukee Brewers organization, followed by the Minnesota Twins organization, where he continued his career as an outfielder. His baseball journey also included experience with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, USPBL, and Florida Caribbean Baseball League.
Today, Francis brings the knowledge, discipline, and experience gained throughout his playing career to El Pikante Academy, where his focus has shifted from playing the game to developing the next generation of athletes.
More Than Just Training
Coach Francis believes player development goes beyond simply learning how to hit, throw, or field a baseball. His approach focuses on developing the complete athlete—combining proper mechanics, fundamentals, Baseball IQ, confidence, discipline, and game awareness.
Training is tailored to each athlete’s age, experience, and individual needs. Whether a player is picking up a glove for the first time or looking to sharpen existing skills, the goal is to meet them where they are and help them continue progressing.
Players can receive development in areas including hitting, fielding, throwing, catching, pitching, defensive fundamentals, Baseball IQ, coordination, and overall athletic development.
Building Players. Building Confidence.
Having experienced the demands of competitive baseball firsthand, Francis understands that development isn't always immediate. It requires repetition, accountability, patience, confidence, and a willingness to keep working.
That perspective is at the heart of El Pikante Academy.
The goal isn't simply to create better baseball and softball players. It is to help young athletes become more confident in their abilities, understand the game at a deeper level, develop strong habits, and learn the discipline necessary to continue growing both on and off the field.
Coach Francis works with beginners, recreational athletes, and competitive players, creating an environment where athletes can learn, make mistakes, be challenged, and improve.
Training Parents Can Feel Confident About
In addition to his playing and coaching experience, Francis has completed youth-sports safety training and certifications in areas including CPR/AED/First Aid, concussion awareness, sudden cardiac arrest, youth sports safety, and protecting youth athletes.
For parents, that means training with someone who understands that coaching young athletes comes with a responsibility that extends beyond baseball instruction.
The Mission Behind El Pikante Academy
El Pikante Academy was created to give young athletes access to knowledgeable, individualized baseball and softball development in an environment centered on growth, confidence, discipline, and love for the game.
Every athlete has a different starting point and a different goal. Coach Francis's role is to help them take the next step.
Built by the game. Driven to develop the next generation.