by www.baseballeurope.com
30 players from Spain and other European countries are concentrated in Puerto de la Cruz
The Atlanta Braves and the Spanish Federation have founded an academy for baseball prospects earlier this year and this is the third time the athletes come together to work on their skills and monitor the progress they are making. Tenerife has proven to be an ideal site for the purpose, as it is well connected with flights from most European countries and has what probably is the best climate in Europe that makes it possible to practice and play baseball all year round. But, most important of all, it is the home of both Nestor Perez father and son, two baseball professionals who have brought a lot of baseball enthusiasm to Tenerife and have been able to convince both the Atlanta Braves and the Spanish Federation to invest in the project.
First international participants
After stages one and two in February and June, this third stage for the first time includes players from outside of Spain. There is a promising representation of Italian and Russian players taking part of the academy and it is very probable that next year more talents from other European countries will be present.
Data sampling, workouts and position specific training
The first days of the meeting are being used to make different tests to measure biometric data and the athletic capabilities of the players. There is a through warm up training directed by the physiotherapist of the Spanish Federation, Antonio de Paz, every day, followed by position specific work under the supervision of specialists for all the fielding positions and pitchers. Then there is batting practice for everyone and the sessions end with some running, exercises and a special cool down phase.
Inter squad games
For the second half of the meeting, inter squad games are scheduled with the purpose of giving the players the opportunity to put the newly learned skills in practice and show the coaches what they are capable to do in a game situation.
Two players signed this year
In the two previous stages the Atlanta Braves have signed Dutch Ruben Rijkhof and Spaniard Alejandro Sanchez. This is motivation both for the Braves and for the young players to keep the hard work up.