News

Major League Baseball, Baseball Canada and Mizuno Canada will host some of the top 15-16 year old baseball players in the country for the 2007 edition of the Mizuno Junior Elite Development Camp at the Rogers Center this April, it was announced today.

This select group of aspiring “big leaguers” from across Canada will receive on-field instruction from coaching and scouting staffs of the Toronto Blue Jays, Major League Baseball and Baseball Canada.

“The comprehensive nature of the Mizuno Junior 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.

“One of Major League Baseball International’s primary goals is building on the talent base of players all over the world,” said Paul Archey, Senior Vice President, International Business Operations, Major League Baseball.  “With an MLB-record 19 Canadians on Opening Day rosters this year, MLB remains committed to helping elite young players develop the necessary skills, both on and off the field, to succeed at the Major League level.”

From April 13 through April 16, the players will sweat through fundamental skills training designed by the coaching staffs that include hitting, pitching, infielding, outfielding, catching and baserunning.  On the final day of the elite camp, participants will form two teams to compete in a Canada East vs. Canada West intra-squad game.

In addition to the on-field training, the young men will participate in a series of “Life Skills” classroom seminars.  Seminar topics include proper nutrition, career goal planning, strength and conditioning, injury prevention and rehabilitation, talent evaluation and assessment.

“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.”

Past players who have participated in the Mizuno Junior Elite Camp include current Major Leaguers Adam Loewen of the Baltimore Orioles and Russell Martin of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Instructors include from the Toronto Blue Jays, third base coach Brian Butterfield, pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, first base coach Marty Pevey and Director of Canadian Scouting Kevin Briand.  Denis Boucher, former Major Leaguer and current pitching coach for the Canadian Olympic Team and Greg Hamilton, Head Coach and Director of National Teams for Baseball Canada are also included in the instructional staff.

For media wishing to attend, please RSVP to confirm your attendance by contacting André Cormier at 613-748-5606 or by e-mail at media@baseball.ca.