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MIZUNO To Headline Sponsor BLE Summer Camps

October 22, 2009

The BIG LEAGUE EXPERIENCE is excited to announce that Mizuno Canada will be a key partner for the 2010 BLE Summer Camps. In addition to partnering up for the Summer Camps, Mizuno will be the "headline" sponsor of the Mizuno Showcase Camp, the Mizuno Select Prospect's Invitational Camp, the Mizuno Future's Invitational Camp and the Mizuno Young Gun's Camp, all new camps for the 2010 summer calendar. BLE owner, Marty Lehn commented "Mizuno is a company committed to the sport of baseball and over the years I have enjoyed a great relationship working with them through my involvement with Team Canada. We are very excited to have them aboard and especially look forward to their direct involvement in the four key camps they are headlining.

Mizuno's National Sales Manager, Dave Bartlett, "As the World's #1 Baseball Company, Mizuno has played an integral role in the promotion of the sport to players of all ages. We are excited to partner with Big League Experience in order to continue to support the growth of the game. We love to share our passion for baseball with young players who we hope will become the superstars of the future. Together with BLE we are dedicated to making this happen!"

2010 BLE Summer Camp Schedule

October 22, 2009

The 2010 BLE Summer Camp schedule is finalized with a busy summer of Team Camps, BLE Individual Camps for all ages and four specialized camps under the Mizuno headline banner. Owner Marty Lehn, "The BLE staff are all excited about the 2010 schedule, three of our camps, the BLE Midget 15/16 Camp, the BLE Bantam 13/15 Camp and the BLE 10/12 Summer Camps will welcome players of all abilities focusing on all aspects of improving their game. New for 2010 is the addition of the BLE Mizuno Camps which will bring a new element for the committed player.

Kicking off the 2010 BLE camp season will be the MIZUNO Future's Invitational Camp, designed for elite players from across Canada, born in ‘96 and '95 only. Invitations will be made by Mizuno, BLE, player's associations and or coaches. A total of 48 players will form four teams that will work and train with their team over the first four days of the camp and then represent the BLE as TEAM MIZUNO in the KR3 Can Am FUTURE'S 14U Classic Wood Bat Tournament. Cost of the camp, including lodging, meals, camp hat and shirt, tournament shirt and tournament fees will be $650. Dates of the camp are June 28 (noon) to July 5. Camp is held on a 90 ft/60.5 ft diamond.

The BLE PNC Tune Up Camp will run July 5 (noon) to July 8. The PNC Tune Up camp is designed for players born in '97 to '94 interested in participating with TEAM BC at the PNC championships in Portland, Oregon. This camp will give the player the opportunity so show his skill ability over four days of instruction and games and also help them prepare for post season tryouts. Cost of the camp, including lodging, meals, camp shirt and instruction will be $350.

The BLE TEAM Camp I will also run July 5 (noon) to July 8. The Team Camps are designed for each team, including their coaches, to work as a unit and build team chemistry and continuity in preparation for upcoming tournaments, district and provincial and state playdowns. Both coaches and players receive individual and team instruction as well as play games against "outside" competition. Cost of the camp, including lodging, meals, camp shirt and instruction will be $350. Coaches are half price (1-2 must stay with the team). Camp followed by KR3 Can Am PROPECT'S 16U Classic tournament however Team Camp I will be open to all age groups.

The MIZUNO SELECT PROSPECT'S Invitational Camp, held July 12 (noon) to July 15th. is designed for elite players from across Western Canada, born in ‘95 to '93. This camp will focus on elevating elite skills and gives the invited players the opportunity to showcase their skills to MLB scouts, National Coaches and college coaches over a 4 day period. Players are invited by being identified by MLB scouts as well as Provincial and Divisional coaches. Cost of the camp, including lodging, meals, camp shirt and instruction will be $350. Camp is held on a 90 ft/60.5 ft diamond.

The BLE BANTAM 13/15 Summer Camp dates are July 19 (noon) to July 23. This camp is designed for players born in ‘97 to '95 of all abilities who will be playing on 80 ft/54 ft diamond. Campers will be given the option of playing on TEAM BLE in the KR3 Can Am Bantam Classic tournament held July 23 to 25. Cost of the camp/tournament is $650 and includes meals, lodging, camp hat and shirt, tournament shirt and tournament fees. Camp ONLY cost is $500.

The BLE TEAM Camp II will also run July 19 (noon) to July 23 and is ideal for Bantam teams (born in '96 and '95) playing on 80 ft/54 ft diamond. The Team Camps are designed for each team, including their coaches, to work as a unit and build team chemistry and continuity in preparation for upcoming tournaments, district and provincial or state playdowns. Both coaches and players receive individual and team instruction as well as play games against "outside" competition. Cost of the camp, including lodging, meals, camp shirt and instruction will be $400. Coaches are half price (1-2 must stay with the team). Option to participate in KR3 Can Am BANTAM 14U Classic tournament.

The BLE 10/12 Individual Summer Camp held July 26 (noon) to July 31th. is designed for players born in 2000 to 1998. This camp is ideal for all skill levels and will be played on a 60 ft/46 ft. diamond and will focus on building the fundamentals of the game. Camp will include an Intersquad Tournament. Cost of the camp, including lodging, meals, camp shirt/hat and instruction will be $600.

The MIZUNO YOUNG GUN'S Camp, August 2 to 8th, is designed for committed players born in '98 and '97. This camp follows the new format where campers will work on skill development the first four days of the camp and then represent the BLE as TEAM MIZUNO in the KR3 Can Am YOUNG GUN'S 12U Classic Wood Bat tournament. Camp and Tournament will be on a 70 ft./50 ft diamond. Cost of the camp, including lodging, meals, camp hat and shirt, tournament shirt and tournament fees will be $650.

The BLE MIDGET 15+ Summer Camp, August 9 to 14 is designed for players born in ‘95 and older of all abilities who will be playing on 90 ft/60.5 ft diamond. Instruction will focus on all aspects of the game including specialized positional work. Cost of the camp, including lodging, meals, camp shirt/hat and instruction will be $600.

The MIZUNO SHOWCASE Camp, August 9 to 14 is designed for players born in or prior to '95 who are committed to improving their game and taking it to the next level, ie: college or professional baseball. This camp is focused on elevating elite skills and gives the players the opportunity to highlight their abilities to MLB and college scouts over six days. Cost of the camp, including lodging, meals, camp shirt/hat and instruction will be $600.

2009 BLE Summer Camps Completed

August 31, 2009

The 2009 BLE Summer Camp season is now over and planning is already underway to finalize 2010 dates for Tournaments and Camps. Marty and the BLE staff wish to thank all players and teams who attended camp or participated in tournaments and wish them "All the BEST!" in the upcoming fall ball season. If you are a player or a parent who is interested in providing feedback from a BLE camp experience, please email us @ mail@bigleagueexperience.com.

In addition, we have two full boxes of gloves, baseball bags, etc that were left behind by campers. If you lost any equipment at camp and are interested in finding it, give Robin at call at the Oliver office (250-498-2259), August 31 to September 4th and we will see if we can find it for you.

Drayton Valley Drillers BLE Team Camp

Ask nearly anyone where Drayton Valley, Alberta is and more than likely most have never heard of the small community just south of Edmonton. The Drayton Valley Drillers attended the BLE Team Camp and though they may be from a small community, they were a team with a lot of heart and spirit! BLE Head Coach and owner, Marty Lehn said, "The BLE coaching staff was really impressed with the enthusiasm and effort of both the players and their coaches.

Everyone with the Drillers was super supportive of each other and we saw tremendous improvement from all of the team." Driller's coach, Shane Dawson told us "13 players came out to tryouts and 13 players made the team. We hope to generate more interest in baseball in our area, and one day come back to Oliver to become the KR3 Can Am Classic Champions." It's our guess that the way they are working at it, it won't surprise anyone at the BLE when the Driller's hoist a Championship trophy. Best of luck to Coach Shane and his D.V. Drillers.

2009 Big League Experience Summer Camps Underway

July 30, 2009

It's late July and that means that the BLE Individual Summer Camps are now underway. The 2009 BLE 9/10 Summer Camp and the 11/12 Summer Camp are welcoming a sold out crowd of campers. BLE owner and Head Coach Marty Lehn, "Looking at the guest coach and counselor line up for 2009, it's the strongest  we have had in the past 13 years. Former MLB Chris Pritchett heads up the all star staff of guest coaches while the counselors for 2009 are made up of many ex-national junior team players and college athletes. 2009 will be an awesome year for BLE Summer Camps. There is still room in the 12/13, 13/15, 15/16 and Showcase camps, so if you are sitting on the fence about coming to camp or sending your son to camp, ALL ABOARD, this is the year!

For further information, contact the BLE office at mail@bigleagueexperience.com or phone us at 250-498-2259.

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Tune Your Team Up for Postseason

June 09, 2009

For 2009, the BLE has three Team Camp dates set. If you are looking for the ultimate experience getting your team ready for post season, Team Camps are the answer. The Team Camps are designed for each team, including their coaches, to work as a unit and build team chemistry and continuity in preparation for upcoming tournaments, district and provincial/state playdowns.

Players receive individual and team instruction as well as play games against "outside" competition. First Team Camp will be an open age camp scheduled June 29 to July 2nd, then the second camp will be for age groups 13-15 going July 6 to 9 and the final one is scheduled for July 20 to 23 leading into the KR3 Can Am 14U II Tournament. Cost of the Team Camp is $325 (plus GST) per player and coaches are half price, including lodging and all meals.

For more information contact the office at 604-531-9916.