Hours
Mon. - Fri.: 3pm - 9pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 9am - 4pm
LEARN FROM THE PROS
About
Upper Deck Elite
Founded in 2016 by Joe Barge and his son Joseph Barge, The Upper Deck Elite Baseball & Softball Academy was built on a shared love of the game and the special bond baseball helped create between father and son. What began as a way to spend time together and support a young player’s early passion quickly grew into a thriving community where athletes don’t just train, they belong.
Today, The Upper Deck is led by former professional players Jon Hunton and Bryan Malko, who bring elite-level experience, mentorship, and passion to every athlete who walks through the door.
If selected to play for one of our elite teams, our winter program will feature training led by professional coaches, focusing on fundamental skills to prepare for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Our summer, spring, and fall seasons consist of league play and various tournaments.
Our facility offers batting cages, open rental tunnels, private and group lessons, as well as team training from coaches with professional backgrounds. Lessons are open to players of all ages and skill levels, helping them become better, more knowledgeable players. Lessons cover hitting, fielding, catching, pitching, and agility. Lesson packages and deals are available for booking.
Baseball & Softball Training Facility
We offer year-round baseball and softball development programs for athletes of all ages and skill levels. From private lessons and cage rentals to team programs, camps, and strength training, our facility is built to support complete player development.
2026 9u - 18u
Spring & Summer Baseball Open Tryouts!
Baseball & Softball Instruction
Our lessons are designed to help players improve specific skills through focused, high-quality instruction.
Batting Cage Rentals
Our fully equipped indoor facility is available for individual training, small groups, and full team rentals.
Meet Our Coaches
Coach Bryan Malko, a 1995 major league draft pick of the Minnesota Twins, and senior instructor/coach at The Upper Deck Elite Baseball & Softball Academy.
He is a graduate of Piscataway High School, where he was named a 1993 All-County, 1994 All-State, and 1995 All-American. Upon high school graduation, he was offered full scholarships to Monmouth and Seton Hall University, but was drafted to the Minnesota Twins and was with the organization from 1995 to 2002.
During his time of play with the Twins, Malko was named AA Pitcher of the Month three times and was the 1998 Pitcher of the Year. Malko also struck out Derek Jeter twice in a single game while in Spring Training. Although injuries rendered Malko from moving up to the Major League, he played with the Atlantic League Champion Newark Bears in 2002, while obtaining a pitching role for the Somerset Patriots in 2004.
Prior to joining The Upper Deck, Coach Malko had been giving lessons since 1996 and had ran a baseball summer camp in years preceding. Coach Malko has also ran multiple coaching clinics in the tri-state area. At The Upper Deck, Coach Malko will teach private, semi-private, and group lessons as well as coaching teams and various camps/clinics.
Senior Instructor
BRYAN MALKO
The North Plainfield, New Jersey native has been involved in Professional Baseball for the last seventeen years. Since 2013, he has been with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League (Bridgewater, NJ), ranging from the team's record-setting relief pitcher, Director of Baseball Operations/Player Personnel, Pitching Coach, and even made his managing debut as manager of the New Jersey Blasters of the Somerset Professional Baseball Series in 2020.
In 2014, Hunton became the first player in professional baseball to hold the title of Director of Player Personnel while still playing. Hunton finished his Atlantic League playing career as the league's single-season (49, 2014) and all-time saves leader (167).
He was drafted in the MLB First-Year Player Draft four consecutive years from his senior year at North Plainfield High School (2001) through his junior year of college at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX (2004).
Hunton also had years of service in both the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics organizations, reaching Triple-A. As well as playing overseas in Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela.
Additionally, for his playing career, he amassed 275 saves in 14 seasons, was a 5x All-Star, and won 7 Championships.
Senior Instructor
JON HUNTON
OUR FACILITY
Welcome to our state-of-the-art training facility located in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. We are proud to offer cutting-edge technology and the latest training equipment to enhance your experience. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, our facility is designed to help you achieve your goals. Join us and take the first step towards reaching your full potential!
LOCATION
75 Industrial Rd, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
HOURS
Mon. - Fri: 3pm - 9pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 9am - 4pm