by Belgian Baseball and Softball Federation, www.frbbs.be
Belgium Baseball Academy coach Christophe Dassy was in Surprise (Arizona) at the Fall Instructional league from the Kansas City Royals. The 36 year old coach from Namur was awarded this opportunity thanks to the European Baseball Coaches Association that had a spot open in the
Coaches Development Program of Major League Baseball. MLB invites the selected coaches and hosts them in Instructional League programs for a period of 2 weeks where they are on the field all day, 6 days a week and can learn from the best teachers in the game and work with the stars of tomorrow.
A coaching staff highlighted by Jack Waloof, author of the book “Hit like a Big Leaguer” and former hitting coach for players like Tony Gwynn, Derek Lee, Edgar Renteria, John Kruk… Also, former MLB manager John Wathan, 1st base coach Rusty Kuntz and recently retired catcher Vance Wilson. Among the future stars, 2009 1st round draft pick Aaron Crow, 2010 1st round pick and former USA Team captain Christian Colon, College World Series Champion Whit Merryfield, as well as prized latino prospects like Arteaga and Calixte who will for sure impact the club within a few years. On the menu, a game every day, most of the times preceded by a full workout where the 60+ players work on fundamental skills as well as team offense and defense and conditioning.
It’s been over 10 years since a Belgian coach received that opportunity and this year, only 3 spots were awarded by MLB for international coaches. It sure is a sign of the good ground work laid down by the Belgium Baseball Academy and the recognition that starts to show for that work.