Diamond Star Academy

September 19th, 2010

Please download and print for registration by mail.

Academy Philosophy

The past few years we've seen significant improvement in the quality of baseball being played on local youth diamonds. Kids are better hitters, pitchers, and fielders. Much of the improvement can be credited to the opportunity for kids to get private instruction and more leagues to play in year-round. However, while players' individual skills have improved, they still lack a clear understanding of how baseball is played.

Graduates of the Diamond Star 10-week Academy will take the field with a better strategic understanding of the game to compliment their improved physical skills. Each week players will spend 40 minutes in a classroom learning concepts and strategies of the game, followed by (2) 45 minute sessions on the field or in the Academy learning specific offensive and defensive techniques.

Every player's goal is to play at the highest level possible. Playing at the highest level requires more than physical ability alone. If you want to raise the level of your game, the Diamond Star 10-week Academy is the training program for you. We challenge you to join us this fall and be ready to control the game next season.

For Dedicated Players ages 9-12

Classroom Topics

Attitude Toward Drills and Games

• Advancing Runners
• Bunting Philosophy
• On Deck Preparation
• Aggressive Baserunning

• Getting Ahead
• Relays & Cutoffs
• Positioning/Specialty Positioning
• Backing Up Plays
• Bunt Defenses

*Players enjoy building their own playbooks complete with diagrams, pictures, worksheets and quizzes which are provided each week.

Coaching Staff

David Crain – Baseball Coach and Instructor since 1984, former Player and Coach at Central Washington Univ.
1980-1984, Instructor at Stottlemyre Baseball Camps.
1983-1985, President and Coach for Triple Play Baseball Club since 1990, Grand Slam Instructor/Academy and Camp Director since 1992.

Joe Cano – Grand Slam Instructor & Camp Director since 2010; Player - Cincinatti Reds organization 1987-1988, L.A. Dodgers organization 1968; Asst. Head Coach Pasadena City College 1991-1995; Asst. Head Coach La Salle High School 1988-1990; Grand Slam Academy Director 1991-1994.

Dan Schumacher – Grand Slam Instructor & Camp Director since 2008. Hitting Coach Los Angeles Valley College since 1991. Instructor USC Baseball Camps 2004-2007, Los Angeles Baseball Camps 1991-2003.

Players Receive

• 15-Round Hitting Card FREE
• Academy T-Shirt and Shorts
• Certificate of Completion
• Written Evaluation
• Personal Notebook & Learning Materials

What To Bring?

• Baseball cap, glove and bat
• Rubber or cleated shoes (no steel)
• Baseball pants or Academy shorts
• Protective cup and supporter
• Optional - sunscreen, sunglasses, batting gloves

Check out our Pro Shop if you need more gear!

Curriculum & Tuition

Grand Slam Sports Center offers 10 weeks of comprehensive classroom and on-field instruction every Sunday afternoon beginning September 19th, 2010. Class begins at 1:00P.M. and continues until 4:00P.M.

Tuition: $295

• 15% discount for each additional family member!
• Special payment plans available.
• Refunds NOT made after classes begin.