OTTAWA - Major League Baseball, Mizuno Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays and Baseball Canada will host some of the top 15-16 year old baseball players in the country for the 2010 edition of the Mizuno Elite Development Camp at Rogers Center from September 8th to 11th.
“The comprehensive nature of the Mizuno Elite Development Camp will allow these talented young Canadian players the opportunity to refine their skills while preparing them for competition at the next level,” says Greg Hamilton, Head Coach and Director of National Teams for Baseball Canada.
While at the camp, players will participate in baseball specific drills during the morning that are designed by the coaching staff. The emphasis will be on pitching, hitting, infield and outfield drills and base running. In the afternoon, players will attend life skill’s seminars that will cover topics such as: strength and conditioning, talent assessment, the minor league system, an introduction to the National Teams Program along with college recruitment and a presentations from Mizuno Canada and RBC Sports Professionals.
“Mizuno is pleased to be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity to help these young athletes realize their dreams of playing in the Major Leagues,” said John Stacey, President of Mizuno Canada. “Our relationship with Baseball Canada continues to flourish and Mizuno will continue to help support the development of Baseball in Canada through grassroots programs.”
Players will also have the opportunity to attend three Toronto Blue Jays games while at the camp. The camp will culminate on September 11th when players will be divided into Canada East and Canada West teams that will compete in an intra-squad game at Rogers Centre.
Past players who have participated in the Mizuno Elite Development Camp include recent 1st round MLB draft picks, Kellin Deglan (Texas, 2010), Brett Lawrie (Milwaukee,2008), Phillippe Aumont (Seattle, 2007), current Major Leaguer Russell Martin of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Adam Loewen of the Toronto Blue Jays organization.
“Major League Baseball International is pleased to once again be a part of the Mizuno Elite Development Camp,” said Paul Archey, Senior Vice President, International Business Operations with Major League Baseball. “As the number of talented young Canadian ballplayers continues to rise each year, we look forward to working with Baseball Canada to prepare them for the next level.”
Instructors include from the Toronto Blue Jays, Third Base Coach Brian Butterfield (lead instructor) and Pitching Coach Bruce Walton, former MLB pitcher and JNT Pitching Coach Paul Quantrill, Junior National Team Head Coach Greg Hamilton, former Toronto Blue Jays Strength and Conditioning Coach Jeff Krushell and Toronto Blue Jays Director of Canadian Scouting Jamie Lehman. Also, additional instructors will be represented by coaches from each province.
