SHORT PORCH

At Short Porch Baseball Company, our mission is simple: 

We do not let good enough be good enough.

We challenge the ordinary, push the boundaries of innovation, and create high-performance baseball and softball equipment that raises the standard of the game. Driven by a passionate team that refuses to settle, we're committed to making every product better than the last.

JEFF KESSLER | FOUNDER & CEO 

The driving force behind Short Porch, Jeff is a mathematician at heart and former Fortune 500 sales and marketing executive.  He founded Short Porch Baseball Company in 2017 with a bold vision: to challenge the ordinary and redefine the sporting goods industry.

With over 30 years of coaching experience and multiple world championships to his credit, brings a winning mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless passion for innovation. Never one to accept the status quo, he inspires his team to think differently, push boundaries, and turn bold ideas into reality.

His philosophy is simple: There's always a way to make it better and I do it because I can.

LESLIE SMITH | CFO

Behind every great vision is someone who knows how to turn it into reality. As CFO of Short Porch Baseball Company, Leslie brings a sharp business mind, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and a determination to turn bold ideas into lasting success.

With over 16 years of experience at one of the world's largest chemical companies, Leslie brings valuable expertise in advanced polymers, biobased chemicals, and innovative materials. Her unique combination of industry knowledge, financial strategy, and business leadership helps drive the development of cutting-edge products that challenge the ordinary.

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for continuous improvement, Leslie plays an instrumental role in the company's operations, innovation, and continued growth.

Her philosophy is simple: Success isn't just about having a vision. It's about making it happen.

TAMMY TURNER | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT 

Behind every growing company is a strong foundation, and Tammy knows exactly how to build one. With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience with Spurs Sports & Entertainment, home of the San Antonio Spurs, Tammy brings a wealth of knowledge in organizational strategy, business operations, and leadership development to Short Porch Baseball Company.

Having risen to Senior Vice President of Corporate Administration and Facilities within the Spurs organization, Tammy understands what it takes to build successful teams, establish effective processes, and create a culture where people and performance thrive.

At Short Porch, Tammy is helping turn entrepreneurial momentum into long-term success. From strengthening internal operations and developing strategic processes to supporting employees and guiding company growth, she brings the structure and leadership needed to take Short Porch to the next level—without losing the team-first spirit that makes us different.

Her philosophy is simple: Build strong people. Create strong processes. The results will follow.

CHRISTIAN LAMONT

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Where science meets the game, you'll find Christian. With over 20 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and environmental services, Christian brings a unique combination of technical expertise, hands-on experience, and a passion for performance to Short Porch Baseball Company.

From research, development, and rigorous product testing to warehouse operations and order fulfillment, Christian plays a vital role in turning innovation into reality. His background in playing and coaching gives him a firsthand understanding of the game, and the equipment players depend on.

Whether he's answering complex technical questions, helping customers find the right bat, or coordinating Short Porch's presence at tournaments, Christian bridges the gap between product innovation and the players who bring it to life.

His philosophy is simple: Great products aren't just developed in a lab. They're proven on the field.

DAVE VELASQUEZ

NATIONAL SENIOR SOFTBALL DIRECTOR

When it comes to softball, Dave doesn't just know the game—he's lived it. With over four decades of slow-pitch softball experience, Dave brings a lifetime of championship-level knowledge, competitive excellence, and passion to Short Porch Baseball Company.

A 2026 inductee into the Texas Senior Softball Hall of Fame, Dave's remarkable career includes national championship victories, 18 MVP awards, 25 All-Tournament selections, and two Gold Gloves. His involvement in bat research and development dates back to the 1980s, giving him a unique understanding of both the science behind the equipment and the athletes who swing it.

As the creator of the SeniorSoftballBatReview YouTube channel, Dave has spent 15 years building a reputation for honesty, integrity, and trusted advice on bat performance, hitting, fitness, and nutrition. At Short Porch, he brings that same dedication to product innovation, public relations, and strengthening relationships throughout the softball community.

His philosophy is simple: Experience earns respect. Honesty builds trust. Performance speaks for itself.

ERICA LAFONTAINE

OFFICE MANAGER

Every successful company has someone who keeps the wheels turning, and at Short Porch Baseball Company, that's Erica. The heartbeat of our office and a superstar at keeping things on track, Erica brings organization, dedication, and a customer-first attitude to everything she does.

From managing orders and coordinating daily office operations to answering questions and making sure customers feel supported, Erica is the friendly force behind the scenes who helps make the Short Porch experience exceptional.

With a talent for juggling a hundred moving parts while keeping everything running smoothly, Erica proves that outstanding customer service isn't just a department—it's a commitment.

Her philosophy is simple: Take care of the details, take care of the people, and everything else falls into place.

CAGE KESSLER

SALES & OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Some people have a job description. Cage has a mission: Whatever it takes to get the job done.

Representing the next generation of Short Porch Baseball Company, Cage brings an entrepreneurial mindset, relentless hustle, and a drive to turn opportunities into results. From managing USSSA sales representatives and coordinating warranty claims to driving sales through Whatnot, Cage plays an important role in keeping the business moving forward.

A true utility player, Cage isn't afraid to roll up his sleeves and step into any role when the team needs him. Whether he's supporting customers, generating sales, or tackling the unexpected, he brings versatility, determination, and a get-it-done attitude to everything he does.

His philosophy is simple: See an opportunity. Make it happen. Get the job done.

BRANDON MURRAY

DIRECTOR OF BASEBALL RELATIONS

Some people represent a brand. Brandon represents what it stands for. With a genuine passion for baseball and a natural ability to connect with players, Brandon brings energy, authenticity, and a people-first approach to Short Porch Baseball Company.

More than a brand ambassador, Brandon is a mentor, educator, and role model for the next generation of athletes. Whether he's sharing his knowledge of the game, building relationships with young players, or introducing families to Short Porch, his mission goes beyond equipment—it's about inspiring confidence, encouraging growth, and helping young athletes reach their potential.

As Short Porch expands its presence in baseball, Brandon plays an important role in bringing our brand directly to the fields, strengthening our connection with players, and building a community that extends far beyond the game.

His philosophy is simple: Don't just teach the game. Inspire the next generation to love it.

CRANSTON HOLDEN

SOCIAL MEDIA & BRAND ENGAGEMENT

Every great brand has a personality. At Short Porch Baseball Company, Cranston makes sure ours is unforgettable.

With quick wit, infectious energy, and a natural gift for connecting with people, Cranston brings the Short Porch brand to life both on social media and at the ballpark. His lighthearted humor, creativity, and authentic approach turn everyday moments into engaging content that keeps our community entertained, connected, and coming back for more.

But Cranston's greatest talent goes beyond creating content. He's the guy who knows everyone, makes everyone feel welcome, and has a way of turning customers into friends and friends into lifelong Short Porch supporters. Whether he's behind the camera, in front of it, or sharing laughs at the field, Cranston helps make Short Porch more than just a sporting goods company—he helps make it a family.

His philosophy is simple: Make them laugh. Make them feel welcome. Make them part of the Short Porch family.