The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

INTERNATIONAL Elite Sports Academy will look to keep young baseball players active over the holiday break as they head into their respective 2019 seasons.

The organisation is set to host its first Christmas Baseball Camp at Pinewood Park December 20-22. The event is offered to players ages seven to 18 each day from 9am to 1pm at a cost of $150 with lunch provided.

Interested persons can call or WhatsApp (561) 562-9219 and (561) 563-9123 to register.

“The idea is to give kids the opportunity to see what level they are at during this time period. Hopefully we can help them to understand the game better, teach and solidify some techniques and get coaching from professional coaches. It helps just to be in the atmosphere with professionals and to give them some encouragement because they may possibly be in that position themselves one day,” said Geron Sands, director of I-Elite.

In addition to the fundamental skill development over the course of the event, players will be showcased before pro baseball scouts in attendance. There will also be a meet-and-greet with professional baseball players.

“I hope every kid takes away at least one lesson from the camp, whether it’s from the offensive side, defensive side or just improvements mentally. It’s a lesson that they have to learn early that success in baseball does not come easily but you have to be dedicated to your craft,” Sands said. “We go through defensive drills, coordination, then we do the offensive side where we break down the fundamentals of hitting and what you should be doing with the bat. Then we will have a strength and conditioning section, where we teach them what they should be doing to get stronger and faster and to help them overall to be a better baseball player. It’s also a great networking and interactive tool for the guys involved.”

International Elite Sports Academy recently looked to extend its reach into the academic recruitment field to facilitate the development of prospective student athletes. The group has also partnered with certified athletic and academic college recruiter Kim Sweeting to form I-Recruit.

While the group has consistently guided their I-Elite athletes to minor league contracts in recent years, they came to see the need for athletes to have the opportunity to also be able to attend the college or universities of their choice.

I Recruit has reportedly partnered with several institutions in the United States and has a network of over 1,300 colleges and universities.

“We use these relationships to personally communicate with the college coaches and get our I-Elite prospects identified and actively recruited. We know what college coaches are specifically looking for in upcoming recruiting classes,” the organisation said in a press release.

“This knowledge allows us to put our prospects in front of colleges that are realistic for each prospect. We are hands on. We are at events and our careers are based on the trust and relationships that we have developed with college and universities while being completely honest with everyone involved in the process.”

Warren Saunders was the latest I-Elite product to sign a minor league contract, inking a deal with the New York Mets in August.

“With our unique, hands-on process, we recruit and guide athletes, students, and their families through each step of the process while maximising their exposure to colleges, making the process simple and helping our Bahamian athletes and students get the best opportunity in their education and sport.”