Four players of the Austrian Baseball Academy will be guests of the FIBS Academy in Tirrenia, Italy from January 31st to February 5th. Alexander Buchelt, Richard Alzinger, Stefan Ludescher and Felix Zimmerle will take part in the normal program besides the regular academy attendees and Italy’s professional players. Martin Langlois, the head coach of the Austrian national team, had inquired if it is possible to send a few kids down.
The daily schedule includes weight training and strength and conditioning in the morning, skill training in the afternoon and indoor hitting practice after dinner, a routine which is similar to the American minor leagues. Coaches on hand will be Bill Holmberg (head coach of FIBS Academy), Rob Helmick (strength and conditioning, Toronto Blue Jays), Marco Mazzieri (hitting, Italian national team head coach), Pedro Jova (infield) and Daniele Santolupo (outfield).
Lutz Rauch of the Austrian Baseball Federation was so kind to give Mister-Baseball some more information on the newly founded Austrian Baseball Academy:
The Austrian Baseball Academy East was founded in November 2009 and represents the first institution of its kind in Austria. It includes 12 players, 14 through 18 years old, from 5 different clubs in the eastern part of Austria. The goal of the academy is to give the players a complete physical and mental preparation for the upcoming season. Practices are held 3 times a week under the supervision of Austrian National Team Coach Martin Langlois, two sessions focusing on Strength and Conditioning, one on Hitting.
4 of these 12 will participate in a week of practices (2/1 – 2/6) at the MLB/FIBS Academy in Tirrenia, Italy:
- Richard Alzinger, RHP, 15yrs, Vienna Metrostars
- Alexander Buchelt, C, 15yrs, Vienna Metrostars
- Stefan Ludescher, RHP, 16yrs, Vienna Metrostars
- Felix Zimmerle, RHP, 15yrs, Vienna Wanderers
The other 8 players are:
- Marcel Ceska, RHP, 15yrs, Vienna Metrostars
- Moritz Hackl, IF, 17yrs, Stockerau Cubs
- Fabian Hirnschal, RHP, 16yrs, Schwechat Blue Bats
- Michael Meindl, C, 17yrs, Schrems Beers
- Benjamin Salzmann, IF, 18yrs, Vienna Metrostars
- Michael Schneider, RHP, 15yrs, Stockerau Cubs
- Lukas Schütz, IF, 18yrs, Schwechat Blue Bats
- Severin Schütz, IF, 14yrs, Schwechat Blue Bats
The Austrian Baseball Federation plans to develop additional academies in the coming years to enhance the level of play in Austria.