The Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy in partnership with Baseball Canada will host the 2018 National Coaches Clinic from January 26 to January 28, 2018 at Rogers Centre. It will feature presentations and on field sessions designed to provide coaches with tips and techniques to bring back to their local teams. In addition, coaches in attendance will have the opportunity to attend a four-hour National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) module.
Speakers will discuss various aspects of the game with the goal of providing coaches with tips and techniques to take back to their teams. Sessions will be combined with on field breakout stations allowing for coaches to speak with experts in a more hands on environment to fully understand take away points and ask questions.
In addition to the speakers and on field portions on Saturday and Sunday, coaches in attendance will have the opportunity to attend a four-hour National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) module on Friday, January 26. Coaches that attend one of the baserunning, infielding, outfield or hitting sessions offered on Friday afternoon will be awarded five Professional Development points towards their certification. NCCP sessions are not mandatory and are offered as a bonus to coaches free of charge for those able to attend. All coaches attending the National Coaches Clinic will be awarded three Professional Development points. Please note that only registered coaches will be able to be credited NCCP points. Registration can be completed at nccp.baseball.ca.
All coaches in attendance will receive: a Blue Jays Baseball Academy Nike full-zip hoodie, a Blue Jays Baseball Academy Handbook, Lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and admission to the Coaches Social on Friday, January 26.
Speakers include:
Homer Bush, Toronto Blue Jays Alumnus - After an eight year major league career, Homer Bush has spent time as a hitting coach with the San Diego Padres, led the Texas Rangers Baseball Academy and recently penned his first book, 'Hitting Low in the Zone'.
Stubby Clapp, St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Manager - After a professional baseball career amassing 11 seasons, Stubby coached with the Houston Astros and Toronto Blue Jays before joining the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017 to manage their Class-AAA club, leading them to a PCL Championship and being named PCL Manager of the Year.
Tim Raines, Toronto Blue Jays Outfield & Baserunning Coordinator - Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017, Tim Raines serves as the Toronto Blue Jays Roving Outfield & Baserunning Coordinator, working with players at all minor league affiliates.
John Schneider, Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Manager - 2017 marked his eighth season managing a Blue Jays minor league affiliate. Having been promoted five times, and most recently managing Class-A Dunedin, John is a key cog in the Blue Jays player development department.
Mark Shapiro, Toronto Blue Jays President & CEO - A long-time MLB executive with a background and passion for player development, Mark joined the Blue Jays in 2015 and oversees all aspects of the Blue Jays including both business and baseball operations.
Derek Shelton, Toronto Blue Jays Quality Control Coach - After spending 20 years as a coach and manager in professional baseball, Derek joined the Blue Jays for the 2017 season, collaborating with hitting, pitching, defense, and the Blue Jays analytics department to help players on an individual level.
Eric Wedge, Toronto Blue Jays Field Coordinator - The 2007 American League Manager of the Year, Eric serves as the Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Field Coordinator, tasked with developing the Blue Jays minor league system and working with players across all nine affiliates.
Baseball Associations that register 10 or more coaches for the National Coaches Clinic will qualify for a discounted price of $140 (+HST) per coach.
Associations can register as a group by emailing the Blue Jays Baseball Academy at baseball.academy@bluejays.com or calling us at 416-341-2500.
