Jakub Janda talked in another interview with Jay Stott, director of the Purpose Driven Baseball program.
Jakub Janda: Jay, please could you introduce yourself to our readers in a few lines?
Jay Stott: Jay Stott, director of Purpose Driven Baseball, a “character first” baseball program that delivers baseball camps, clinics and international baseball trips for high school age players.
JJ: You have visited the Czech Republic last week. What was the purpose of your visit?
JS: Over the last few summers we have developed a great relationship with Libor Chrastansky from Southern Bohemia and others in Czech baseball. Last week we were connecting with many friends in Czech baseball and assisting Mike Griffin with a baseball camp in Nymburk for the Czech Baseball Academy.
JJ: You brought with you your coach mate Corey Lee, former big leaguer. What was his role when at Czech Republic?
JS: Corey was the lead instructor for pitchers during the camp. Corey was a 1st round draft pick in 1997 and has over 10 years of professional baseball experience. Corey is a quality instructor and one of our coaches in North Carolina with Purpose Driven Baseball.
JJ: It is not your first time in the Czech Republic, you have been here for last two summers, coaching the North Caroline high school selection at the Youth Baseball Games of Friendship tournament. How have been your impressions from the country?
JS: I have visited the Czech Republic numerous times over the last 7 years and have loved getting to learn about the history and culture. I love the country side and the unique charm of “Old Town”. I have met lots of great people and look forward to more visits.
JJ: What have been your impressions from Czech baseball?
JS: I think Czech Baseball has improved over the last few years and is showing signs of getting even better. There are numerous good players I think there is great potential to become more and more competitive in World events.
JJ: You worked with the Czech Academy program last week in Nymburk. Give us you insight on how it went and what you thought about the program and the players.
JS: I think the camp went great. Mike Griffin and the others connected with the Czech Baseball Academy provided a great opportunity for players to improve as players. The Nymburk facility was a perfect place to get out of the bad weather and work hard. I was impressed with the focus of the players and their eagerness to learn. It was good to see players from Prague and Brno attending for the week.
JJ: Do you see any connection between you and Czech baseball community in the future?
JS: I sure hope so. We have developed good friendships over the last few summers and hope to come back many times in the future. We will be hosting a Spring Training in North Carolina again in 2011. We will also be back next summer with a team to play in the International Youth Baseball tournament in July.
JJ: How “far” is it from Czech baseball to the college level?
JS: I have seen a few players who could, if given the opportunity, play at the college level.
JJ: What is your schedule for 2011?
JS: Hosting Spring Training —possibly in March and April.
Summer tournament in July through IYB.
JJ: Last question – when you say “Czech Republic” – what are the first five words which cross your mind?
JS: Good food, Old Town, History, friends, and baseball
Thank you for your time.
Jakub Janda