This month we want to recognize a special group of young ballplayers as our BATT Academy – MEMBERS OF THE MONTH.  They are the Lakeshore GraySox 10U travel team.  Not only is each player on the team a BATT Academy member, they can now all be called CHAMPIONS!!  The GraySox competed in the Cal Ripken “Big Kahuna” Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The GraySox returned to Maryland as champions after cruising through the competition with an 8-1 record.  In the championship game they defeated the Saints of St. Petersburg Florida by the score of 10-8.  Congratulations to the 10U GraySox, we are extremely proud of you for the excellent job you did representing Lake Shore, the BATT Academy, and the entire state of Maryland.  Job well done!!

Team Photo Above:

(Top Left) Bobby Quesenberry, Daniel Casalino, Roland Siwinski, Mike Storm, Blake Rebstock

(Bottom Left) Andrew Revels, Tommy McNamaara, Trace Carleon, Chase Hilliard, Dillon Young, Andrew Colebrook

 The GraySox are Managed by Jeff Young.  Assistant Coaches Shawn Rebstock, Marty Hilliard, Pop-Pop Caputo,and Aaron Revels.

And to all the Moms who spend tireless hours here at the BATT Academy, and out at the field as well.  Thank you!

To view past Member of the Month winners, click here

 Little League WS Debate

The end of summer usually means most youngsters are finishing up their little league seasons.   For a select group of teams, their summer seasons finish up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the site of the Little League World Series.  Millions tune in to ESPN to watch some of the best little league players and teams in the world.  It’s a tremendous experience for the young baseball players involved but it also is a great opportunity to increase exposure to the sport in an era when kids have so many other things occurring in their daily lives.  

Lamade Field - Williamsport, PA

However, the purpose of this post is to debate whether or not the Little League WS is a true testament of Little League baseball.  On one side of the debate, many feel the Little League WS is overrated.  This argument stems from the fact that there are so many 13 year old players in the WS whose birthdays happen to fall before the cut-off date.  Typically, 13 year olds have graduated to a 90 foot diamond with fences reaching far beyond the 200 ft mark at Williamsport.  Many have noticed this year the amount of homeruns that not only clear the fences, but have soared well beyond that 200ft marker.  Another part of this debate is that the players in the Little League WS are not a true representation of the best little league players in the country.  Many who tune in to the Ripken World Series for example (same ages as LLWS), will notice the level of play is much more competitive.  Other non-LLWS advocates feel the series is tainted because they allow so many teams in from so many countries that the talent level is watered down. 

Now, for the PRO-LLWS advocates out there:  This group feels that the LLWS draws attention to the sport in a positive way.  Many youngsters may want to get involved in baseball just because they see kids on ESPN playing the game and having fun.  As mentioned earlier, in an era when kids have the internet and video games etc, going out and playing baseball doesn’t always register as an outlet for fun and entertainment.  Kids do not typically go out and play sandlot baseball as this has become a thing of the past.  So the LLWS provides youngsters the opportunity to get involved in baseball and discover why it is known as America’s pastime.  

Let the debate begin.  Post your comments, questions, concerns, thoughts???

  This past week, Coach Acevedo and Coach Williams along with several other college coaches and pro scouts, had the unique opportunity to work with over 200 high school baseball players from across the country at the United States Naval Academy.  It was a long, but extremely fun and informative camp that gave kids a unique opportunity to not only receive top notch instruction from some of the best college coaches around, but also a taste of what life is like as a midshipman at the US Naval Academy.  Coaches and players lived in the dorms on base for the duration of camp and were exposed to some of the daily routines that a midshipman player or coach goes through each day.  

Bishop Stadium

The mornings began with a quick 7:00am breakfast then players reported to their respective fields by 7:45 to begin morning skills training.  Aside from the normal hitting, fielding and pitching stations, players were also given the opportunity to enhance their agility and flexibility while also learning advanced base stealing techniques.  After lunch, players reported back out for games in the afternoon followed by dinner in the evening.  Each night was concluded with a leadership talk with speakers including Coach Kosty from Navy, a Marine Corp Captain, and also a Navy Seal.  

One of the most challenging and exciting parts of the Navy Baseball Camp actually came away from the baseball field.  Players were exposed to what is known as the Endurance Course.  The “E” course as its known is a 2.5 mile course through the woods that includes several obstacles along the way.  Players  climbed up ropes, vaulted over walls, balanced over rope bridges, all while trekking up and down steep hills, sometimes through the mud!  It was a challenging, but very fun course for the players and a handful of coaches, including Coach Williams (Acevedo was stuck umping !).  

toughness can be more mental than physical

All in all, it was great experience for everyone involved; Coach Williams and Coach Acevedo were excited to see so many familiar faces there from the BATT Academy.  All of you guys made a good impression and did a great job representing the BATT while holding your own against some of the best high school players across the country. 

A special thanks to Coach Jason Ronai, one of the hardest working guys in baseball, you’re the best. 

Check back for more stories and updates from the BATT Academy as we try each and every day to teach the game of baseball and share our knowledge and experiences with younger players.  

Come by and visit us, or drop us an email… thebatt@verizon.net 

 Coach Williams                  anwilliams01@frostburg.edu 

Coach Acevedo                 mace4429@yahoo.com

Ken Pumphrey explaining curve ball grips to Pat Hornick (RHP, Severna Park HS)

After several weeks of planning and preparation, the BATT Academy is proud to report that the Pro Pitching Experience kicked off week 1 yesterday.  The six week program is anchored by four ex-professional pitchers, Eric Milton, Mitch Cook, Ken Pumphrey, and Tony Saunders.  Each two-hour session is broken up between an hour of one-on-one pitching instruction and an hour of strength and conditioning, customized specifically for pitchers. 

Mitch Cook explaining the importance of a pitcher's lower body power

Our inaugural program sold out, as we strictly limited it to 16 elite high school and college age pitchers. Hopefully this is the first of many similar type programs throughout the year at the BATT Academy.

Eric Milton discussing bullpen preparation with Britton Quayle (RHP Frostburg State)

This elite group of pitchers will be exposed to the physical and mental aspects of pitching in a unique way, through the minds of four ex-professional pitchers.  In addition, they will gain insight on arm care and  injury prevention to go along with their weekly workout routines. 

Tony Saunders demonstrates a proper PFP drill

Also, we want to give a special thanks to our guest instructor, Greg Schwartzkoff (Stength & Conditioning Coordinator for the Bowie Baysox), for taking the time to work with our pitchers in the Pro Pitching Experience program in week 1.  Greg was able to bring his knowledge on how to prepare and repair a pitcher’s body between starts and share it with our program.  So again, thanks Greg from the entire BATT Academy Staff!!

Greg Schwartzkoff

To find out more about the Pro Pitching Experience or to request a lesson with one of our instructors, please contact a BATT Academy representative at 410.590.BATT or email thebatt@verizon.net

To learn more and apply for a spot click here. There are only a few spots remaining.

Here is a report on some our players who are currently playing professional baseball…

Stephen Lombardozzi – Potomac Nationals (High A – Nationals)

.282 avg     73 games     287 AB     16 2B    7 3B     15 SB

Alex Buchholz – Lynchburg Hillcats (High A – Reds)

.271 avg     65 games     240 AB     17 2B     6 HR

Steve Clevenger – Tennessee Smokies (AA – Cubs)

.294 avg     47 games     126 AB     10 2B

Bruce Pugh – Fort Myers Miracle (High A – Twins)

3-5  3.71 era     53 K     43.2 IP

Chorye Spoone - Bowie Baysox (AA – Orioles)

6-5 3.36 era     15 starts

Gary Helmick – Delmarva Shorebirds (Low A - Orioles)

.195 avg     40 games     149 AB     7 2B     2 HR     8 SB

Mike Flacco – Aberdeen Ironbirds (Short Season A ball – Orioles)

.250 avg     6 games     20 AB

Zach Moore – Aberdeen Ironbirds (Short Season A ball – Orioles)

.182 avg     6 games      11 AB

Josh Banks – Round Rock Express (AAA – Astros)

8-5 2.97 era     15 starts

**Recalled by Houston Astros 6/26 – 0-1 in 1 start

Dustin Pease – Wichita Wingnuts (Independent)

1-1 3.28 era    24.2 IP

Dan Blewett – Normal Cornbelters (Independent)

2-3 5.03 era     39.1 IP

May 2010

Jason Seitler – Chesapeake High School

Jason Seitler earns Batt Academy Player of the Month honors for May 2010.  A fierce competitor, Seitler led the Chesapeake Cougars on the mound with a 10-2 record including a runner-up finish in this year’s 4A State Title Game.  He also racked up a .462 average at the plate with 7 home runs.  Jason set the tone for this season by putting in numerous hours at the BATT Academy over the winter and his success is a direct result of his tireless work ethic.  Seitler will continue his playing career next year at Anne Arundel Community College. Congrats Jason from the entire BATT Academy staff!!

The Pro Pitching Experience

Tuesdays only beginning July 6th, 2010

¨ 6 week program combining pitcher’s skills training and baseball-specific strength and conditioning

¨ Experience professional training from a staff with over 40 years of Professional Baseball Experience

¨ Customized weight-training, Vertimax and SAS programs

¨ “Pre-hab” and injury prevention techniques

¨ Focus on instruction and skills development

This program is strictly limited to 24 pitchers age 13 and older.  To request a spot please call The BATT Academy at 410.590.BATT or send an email to thebatt@verizon.net

Pro Staff Including:

Eric Milton

-1st Round pick NY Yankees

-No-hitter with Min Twins 1998

-Also pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Dodgers

-2001 AL All-Star

Mitch Cook

-3rd Round pick Chicago Cubs    

-Also pitched for the New York Mets and Houston Astros

-Current pitching coach for Anne Arundel Community  College

Tony Saunders

-Signed by Florida Marlins

-Pitched in Game 4 of 1997 World Series

-Pitched 2 years for Tampa Bay

-Retired 1999

Ken Pumphrey

-4th Round pick NY Mets

-Also pitched for Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies

-75-68 career record & 4.15 era

Beginning on Monday, June 14th The BATT Academy will be switching to new summer hours.  For the months of June, July and August, the hours will be as following:

Monday: 12-7pm

Tuesday: 12-7pm*** (We will be running the “Pro Pitching Experience” on Tuesdays starting at 4pm beginning July 6th thru mid August so space will be limited from 4pm-7pm on Tuesdays)

Wednesday: 12-7pm

Thursday: 12-6pm

Friday: 12-6pm

Saturday: 9am-1pm

For any questions or concerns please contact a BATT representative at 410.590.BATT