On October 15, Tuckahoe Sports Inc. will celebrate the expansion and renovation of its TSI Training Center in Henrico.
No one could be more proud of this accomplishment than TSI President David Newton whose connection to the organization traces back to 1996 when his son was playing baseball with Tuckahoe Little League and he served as a manager. His youngest son began playing seven years later.
“Both of my boys went through the program all the way through Big League, giving me the opportunity to experience TLL not only as a parent, but as a coach, volunteer, and board member,” says Newton, who served as president of TLL and served on the board for 10 years before he joined the TSI Board.
Expanded Training Space and New Programs
The newly installed second floor highlights seven retractable batting cages, allowing for 6,600 additional square feet. Four of the cages are 13’ x 70’, which provide space for both the pitcher and catcher to conduct live at-bats. Additional upgrades include new turf on both floors, a larger workout space to accommodate the new in-house strength and conditioning program, a pitching lab, and reconfigured first floor cages.
Enhancements also include the addition of three credentialed instructors focused on strength and conditioning, the InBody machine which is utilized in the program, and a new complete pitching lab to ensure proper arm care and strengthening.
The renovated facility is now a premier training site for Tuckahoe Little League players and the Mid Atlantic Orioles’ teams which are based at TSI Training Center, as well as many regional college programs that enjoy the facility.
“The addition of the upper deck batting cages, and the other improvements, like the strength and conditioning area, make TSI Training Center the premiere indoor facility in the region,” says Mik Aoki, head coach of University of Richmond’s baseball team. “We are excited about these enhancements and look forward to continuing our partnership with Tuckahoe Sports for our indoor training and baseball camps.”
More Than a Game: Building Community
“Investing in our young people helps strengthen the family connections and as a non-profit it creates opportunities to learn, grow and give back to those less fortunate,” says Newton.
The facility’s partnerships include Henrico PAL, Kids On First and nonprofit organizations and schools that use the facility.
“Through strategic partnerships with Tuckahoe Little League, Henrico County, and other local nonprofits, TSI has developed a sustainable model that allows us to serve families year-round while remaining true to our mission,” says Lesa Williams, TSI’s executive director.
A Grand Slam Celebration
Thursday’s celebration, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., includes the ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:45 p.m. The free event, open to the public and emceed by Todd “Parney” Parnell, features appearances by Nutsy & Natasha of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, an 11 and under Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby run by TSI coaches, a throwing competition with a radar gun for participants 12 and older, and free food.
The evening also includes a must-be-present-to-win raffle for autographed baseballs from projected National League 2026 Cy Young winner, Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers, and projected American League 2026 Cy Young Winner, Cam Schlittler. Tours of the new addition and facility improvements will be led by TSI staff.
TSI and Tuckahoe Little League have meant more than just baseball and softball to Newton, who for the past two seasons has been coaching his grandson.
“It’s the lasting friendships and the importance of hard work and perseverance, both on and off the field,” he says. “Watching children grow as athletes and as young people is especially fulfilling, as is volunteering to give back to the local community and hopefully creating lasting memories for the children and their parents. As a board member of both organizations, it’s seeing that every child has an opportunity to grow and learn regardless of their ability.”
“Three generations of my family have now been part of this organization, and that is something I’m incredibly proud of,” he says.
