Coaches ~ 2025-2026
Jon Halland
GA Sandlot Owner/Head Coach 17U
Coach Jon Halland is the Owner of GA Sandlot Baseball. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners after playing at Arizona State University.
Coach Halland co-founded the Arizona Sandlot Baseball organization in 2004. His goal is to bring his knowledge and experience to Georgia where GA Sandlot will be available at all age levels.
Dan Rumsey
From San Diego, CA; High School - Mt Carmel: All American 1985; College - Arizona State University: All American 1988-1989; Drafted 1989 - San Francisco Giants 1989-1992; Traded to California Angels 1992-1995; California Angels Organization Player/Coach
Present: Asst. Baseball & Hitting Coach - Sprayberry High School
After my professional career in baseball, I have assisted in the coaching arena at the college, high school, and youth levels across the country. My education at Arizona State University was a combination of Kinesiology and Chemistry. As well as coaching baseball, I have assisted athletes from the professional level, down to the age of 13 in strength training, which I believe is paramount for an athlete to perform at their highest level with the lowest possibility of injury. I’ve devoted my life to encouraging and enhancing any athlete that wants to pursue their career in their particular sport. Especially baseball which is my passion. I’ve had the privilege of raising 5 grown children and now am blessed to have 3 grandchildren, which I’m certain there will be more to come in the future.
I look forward to working with the Sandlot and being part of their team and success.
Kevin Lofthus
Kevin, originally from San Diego, California, brings an extensive background of high-level playing and coaching experience.
A standout at the College of Southern Idaho, Kevin earned First Team All-American, along with District and Region Player of the Year honors. He went on to earn All-Tournament Team honors at the JUCO World Series, where CSI finished 5th in the country—highlighted by a three home run performance in his final game.
Kevin continued his career at UNLV, earning First Team All–Big West and All-Region honors. In 1989, he was named a First Team All-American, leading the nation with 26 home runs and hitting safely in 34 consecutive games—both still UNLV records. In his final collegiate game, he again hit three home runs. He was inducted into the UNLV Hall of Fame in 2024.
He was later drafted by the Oakland A’s, playing professionally before a wrist injury requiring 11 surgeries ended his career.
With over 40 years of coaching experience from youth to Division I, Kevin has built a reputation for developing confident, disciplined hitters. His philosophy emphasizes a natural, individualized approach, focusing on feel, approach, and the mental side of hitting.
Trained by Harvey Dorfman, a pioneer in mental skills coaching, Kevin teaches hitters to stay relaxed, trust their approach, and focus on barrel delivery. His drill-based instruction helps players develop confidence through feel.
Andrew Swanson
Andrew is a dedicated and experienced baseball coach with a distinguished background, both as a player and a mentor. His baseball journey began with a standout collegiate career, earning the prestigious title of 2017 TCCAA Conference Player of the Year and an NJCAA Division I and All-American Honorable Mention. Andrew played one year at Georgia College, two years at Dyersburg State, and concluded his playing career at Tennessee Tech, where he graduated Cum Laude with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies and minors in Exercise Science and Communication.
With over five years of coaching experience, Andrew has developed a comprehensive approach to player development, focusing on hitting, fielding, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and teamwork. He has successfully designed and implemented functional nutrition and training programs tailored to enhance athletic performance. Andrew’s commitment to holistic player development includes mentoring athletes on practical tactics and strategies to overcome failure and mental roadblocks.
Andrew’s dedication to the sport and his players has made him a respected figure in the baseball community, known for his ability to inspire and elevate the performance of his teams and individual athletes.
Courtney Smith
Courtney is a native of the Bahamas where he was the top catching prospect in his class. In 2018 he signed with the Texas Rangers where he played professionally. Courtney has coached an academy in the Bahamas for 2 years where he dedicated himself to player development. He is a certified strength and conditioning trainer and a catcher/fielding coordinator.