About The Sports Farm
The Sports Farm Mission Statement
At The Sports Farm, our mission is to cultivate young athletes' skills, character, and love for sports through innovative training programs and a supportive community. We strive to provide top-tier facilities, experienced coaching, and a positive environment that fosters growth, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for athletic excellence. Our goal is to empower every athlete to reach their full potential both on and off the field.
What we do at The Sports Farm - Elite Sports Training
Team
Darren Ford - Former MLB player
Professional Information: A former Major League outfielder known for his elite speed and dynamic athleticism, Darren Ford brings years of professional playing experience and a passion for teaching to The Sports Farm. Nicknamed “The Bullet” for his electrifying baserunning, Darren spent parts of four seasons in the big leagues with the San Francisco Giants, where he was a key contributor during their 2010 World Series championship run.
Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2004, Darren enjoyed a 15-year professional career that included time at every level of the minor leagues, showcasing his skills as a premier center fielder and base-stealer. Over his career, he totaled more than 350 stolen bases and earned multiple accolades for his defensive excellence and leadership.
After transitioning into coaching, Darren made an immediate impact, leading his team in the Empire Professional Baseball League (EPBL) to a league championship in 2024. His leadership and player development skills were key in helping several players advance their careers to higher levels of professional baseball.
As an instructor, Darren specializes in outfield play, baserunning, hitting, and overall player development. His approach emphasizes speed training, game awareness, and helping players build the instincts and confidence needed to compete at the highest levels. Darren’s experience, energy, and commitment to mentorship make him an invaluable asset to young athletes striving to reach their potential.
Book a lesson with Darren: BOOK
Where we are located
Our facility is centrally located between Sarasota and Manatee counties in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Our primary focus is baseball strength training, and we have a baseball cages and a baseball cage dedicated to pitching at our baseball training facility.