Taking Things to the Next Level

Last night, Mon. March 4th - the Defiance College and Defiance High School baseball programs welcomed David Franco of Next Level Ballplayer (@The_NLB). David spoke in front of the Yellow Jacket baseball and softball teams as well as Defiance HS Head Coach Tom Held's Bulldog baseball players. The NLB program focuses particularly on the mental side of the game - as well as providing tips of the trade straight from the guys at the top. Featuring multiple interview from big league players, coaches and managers - David has quite a toolbox in his arsenal from which he can dig into.

David Franco of Next Level Ballplayer

It was great to have David on campus, listen to some of the stories he shared - including one interaction with a certain MLB manager located right here in the buckeye state! Next Level Ballplayer is information straight from the horse's mouth - a blog by ballplayers for ballplayers. 

Check out David and NLB at www.NextLevelBallplayer.com

What's the Buzz?

• The 2013 campaign kicked off this past weekend in Florence, KY with a DH v. Calvin College.
• Calvin DH Box Scores: Game 1 & Game 2
• Game 3 of the Calvin series was canceled due to particularly chilly weather conditions. So the Hardy trip home started early.
• DC is scheduled to take on Taylor University this Thursday (3/7) in Upland, IN at 3:30pm
• The Jackets will also depart for Ft. Myers, FL this Friday (3/8) and will play seven games in the Gene Cusic Classic.

Stay up to date with all things Defiance Baseball here.

 

Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond



Snow Day? How about a Pro Day - Part II

Cold weather and a little snow could not stop the first ever Northwest Ohio Baseball Day with the Pros from going off without a hitch. This past Thursday (12/27) the Defiance College and Defiance HS baseball teams paired up with Defiance, OH native and New York Mets LHP, Jonathon Niese - all in order to benefit the NW OH Christmas for Kids charity.

Defiance HS HC Tom Held introduces Jon Niese and company.

With a little over two-hundred (200) in attendance, people from all over the Northwest Ohio area received instruction, question & answer, autograph and picture opportunities with ten (10) different professional baseball players (who all hail from NW OH). The Diamond has put together some video footage featuring each player in attendance and an overall highlight of the event. Enjoy!

*Special thanks to all the players who lent their time to benefit the Northwest OH youth and to all of the event's sponsors!

Stay up to date with all things Defiance Baseball here.

Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond

Snow Day? How about a Pro Day

In conjunction with the Defiance High School baseball program and a Northwest Ohio charity organziation - the Defiance College baseball team has announced its first annual Northwest Ohio Baseball Day with the Pros! The event will be held on DC's campus in the George M. Smart Athletic Center on December 27, 2012.

Twelve (12) current and one (1) former professional baseball player(s) will be in attendance to provide the NW Ohio youth with baseball instruction, autograph sessions, Q&A, photo opportunities and more! This list of 13 ballplayers will be headlined by New York Mets pitcher and Defiance, OH native - Jonathon Niese. Other attendees include:

Chad Reineke - Ayersville HS, Cincinnati Reds
Ross Gerdeman - Ft. Jennings HS, Arizona Diamondbacks
Kolbrin Vitek - Bryan HS, Boston Red Sox
Matt Wisler - Bryan HS, San Diego Padres
Justin Hancock - Defiance HS, San Diego Padres
AJ Meyer - Patrick Henry HS, Toronto Blue Jays
Marc Krauss - Patrick Henry HS, Houston Astros
Christian Snavely - Defiance HS, Toronto Blue Jays
Matt Bischoff - New Haven HS, Baltimore Orioles
Brian Garman - Wapakoneta HS, Milwaukee Brewers
Austin Blaski - Pandora Gilboa HS, Milwaukee Brewers
Tyler Burgoon - Defiance HS, Seattle Mariners

All registration will take place on the day of the clinic - the cost is $20 per person or $50 per family (max of four members). Proceeds made from the event will go directly toward the Northwest Ohio Christmas for Kids charity fund.

For more information on the NW OH Baseball Day with the Pros contact DC Head Baseball Coach Derek Woodley at dwoodley@defiance.edu, Defiance HS Head Baseball Coach Tom Held at theld@defcity.org and/or visit DC's school athletics' website.

Stay up to date with all things Defiance Baseball here.

Follow DC Baseball On and Off the Diamond on Twitter: @OnOffTheDiamond