Today we’d like to introduce you to Pete Villanueva III.
Hi Pete, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Pete Villanueva III and my passion is baseball and helping all kids achieve the skills necessary to achieve their full potential on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
I was born in Laredo, Texas, and I come from a migrant family of six. During my childhood, we traveled to Minnesota every summer where we picked cucumbers for different farmers until I was 16 years old.
My baseball career started when I was six years old and my older brother Leonel Villanueva was the main factor in developing my athletic skills. This was the beginning of how baseball became my inspiration. As a young boy, I played for the Rio Grande Little League until the age of 13 when I was selected to play on the All-Star Team. In high school, I was a starting freshman on the varsity baseball team at Martin High School in Laredo. Texas. Throughout my four year high school career, I received awards to include “Newcomer of the Year” and “All District.” I am proud to say that my baseball career continued into college. I attended Laredo Junior College where I played for two years and transferred to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. While at both colleges, I received two “All-Conference” awards, two batting titles, and received “All-American” honors for 2 years. After college, I played independent professional baseball and played with the professional Mexican Baseball League for seven years.
I received my degree from St. Mary’s University. I’ve been teaching at Alamo Heights Independent School District as a Special Education teacher for the past 26 years, combining my love of baseball/sports/activities all the while teaching kids important life skills and character. During my career at Alamo Heights ISD, I coached high school baseball for 11 years, as well as coaching Special Olympics basketball, track, swimming, and bowling.
The idea of developing my own baseball program has always been a dream of mine. Throughout the years, I had been instructing individual baseball lessons but didn’t have my own space. As my client list grew and the demand became more apparent, it became time to officially look for my own space. This was the beginning of Class A Baseball established in 2011. Since 2011, I have instructed private lessons and coached my own “select” baseball team programs. I began in Alamo Heights area, but the demand in the greater San Antonio area lead me to move locations and I am now located on the Northwest side of town. I provide baseball and softball lessons and had a Class A girls softball team, as well several baseball teams. Through my program, I am proud to say that many alumni have developed their skills to make the transition from high school to college. It’s a great feeling to have players come back and help me coach.
I couldn’t do this all without my beautiful wife, Vickie, who was a 17 year special education educator as well. We have two sons, Evan who is currently a junior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University studying aerospace engineering and Gavin who is a sophomore in high school.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any business, some of my struggles have been mostly the time away from my family. As I am an educator by day, and I run my business at night and weekends. Other struggles have been location, rental hikes, and imitators. There is also a struggle with competing with bigger organizations that try to sell “bells and whistles,” while I offer a more personal experience on a friendlier budget. For me, it’s always been about the kids and not the size of our pockets. Offering lower prices puts a strain on the business at times, but in the end, it’s more about making a difference than making the dollar.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Class A Baseball?
Special Education Teacher–Alamo Heights ISD
Business owner and operator of Class A Baseball LLC – Est 2011
I want to be known for my heart and my dedication to the solid development of children and teens into adults. I love to win just as much (or more) than anyone. My program is not just about winning. It’s about developing the skills necessary to work hard, have grit, and keep going while winning, but especially while losing.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Leonel Villanueva- my older brother who taught me everything about baseball
Ruben Terran- my little league coach and mentor
Rene Ramirez- my high school football coach- mentor
Charlie Migl- St. Mary’s University baseball coach- mentor
Vickie Villanueva- my wife, my rock, my support, and manager of Class A Baseball
Contact Info:
- Website: https://classabaseball.club
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/class_a_baseball/
- Facebook: Class A Baseball
- Email: petevcoach@gmail.com
