“Having the ability to train over two thousand baseball players each year allows us to fully understand the positives and negatives of training techniques. This baseball training lab is always changing and formulating new ideas to assist the athlete with their goals.” Stated BLE owner and ex major league Jim Parque.

In the past two years, BLE has been slowly implementing a new approach to training that has been honed through seven years of experience in the Pacific Northwest. This new approach delivers specialized training to build the tools of the athlete, rather than their mechanics.

“Execution is up to the athlete and how well they can apply their training. Mechanics targets this area but does not define the athlete’s prowess and worth on the field. BLE’s number one goal is to provide training that defines the athlete to keep them consistent and successful for years and in an ever changing environment.” Stated Parque.

One of the new programs being offered is Advanced Power Pitching that will incorporate long toss, live pitching to hitters, and location training. The focus is on velocity and off speed pitches as this will provide pitchers with the ability to compete against any hitter. Advanced Power Pitching incorporates strength training during each session and will take a mental approach to the game.

·         MLB Workouts will build upon last season’s successes and separate the age groups into 12-13 and 14-18. New training resources will add invaluable training opportunities to players in the MLB Workouts that promise to increase “tool building” and further define the athlete.

·         Friday night Open batting nights will be offered each Friday where parents can drop their kids off and have a night out. Kids will be provided a fully interactive recreational time complete with competitive games with prizes.

·         Catching clinics will see live catching off of pitching machines, longer throwing lanes, and a renewed focus on receiving and blocking. One of the new aspects to Catching Clinics is the communication training that will increase the leadership skills of catchers.

BLE will be offering a brand new approach to training teams in 2010/11.

Performance Team Training is set to be just $134 per month and increase weekly training from four hours per week to 5.5 hours per week. Two weekday sessions will provide hitting/strength and defensive/strength training with a full 2.5 hours on weekends.

During offensive training nights, batters will hit live on the infields and batting ranges utilizing live pitchers and six pitching machines. On defensive training nights, players will utilize the entire facility- utilizing the two infields and pitcher’s work arenas to train all positions- including outfielders. Additionally, players will be provided strength training sessions with Allan Wirtalla (Mariners strength trainer) that are designed specifically for hitters or pitchers.

During weekends, teams will have access to three batting ranges (one hour) that include three Iron Mike pitching machines for all their offensive training needs. During their team defense time (one hour), coaches will have access to a 70’ x 110’ work area for one half hour to train ground ball reps and short defensive work, followed by a half hour on the full sized infield to conduct their full infield.

During the entire two hour weekend time slot, teams will have full access to the bullpen area to conduct pitching training. Each two hour weekend time slot will be followed by a half hour strength session.

New for 2010/11, Performance Team Training will feature indoor baseball games against other BLE trained teams during workouts and into the month of March. This is considered one of the best ways to build on field skills under the mentorship of BLE’s experienced staff of professional coaches.

Parents will be provided a full membership to BLE’s fitness center to work out whenever they please. BLE will also be providing batting cage cards to all players to receive extra hitting off the machines when they choose. This value alone is $450 which is just an additional perk of training with Big League Edge Performance Baseball.