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Camps to feature many new upgrades for summer 2011
The area's best summer program has gotten even better! Operating at Roger Dean Stadium since 2000, the THBA will feature several exciting new initiatives for its 2011 summer camps. Among the many new improvements is the John C Cassidy Cool Zone. The Cool Zone is a spacious air-conditioned multi-purpose space located in the right field corner of the stadium. It will be used throughout the day for "Cool Downs", lunch and instructional presentations. "We are thrilled to have the Cool Zone available to us. It is a huge enhancement to our program. Our students are going to enjoy cooling down throughout the day!," commented Brian Justine. Other new features include" lunches and smoothies by Tropical Smoothie, water bottles by Palm Beach Plastic Surgery, membership to the Knothole Gang, Yoga by Ms. Paula, speed and agility by Coastal Performance and mini cool zones set up throughout the complex. Registration for all summer camp sessions is underway at tommyhutton.com. |
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Heat Travel Baseball making an impact
 | | The area's best baseball program! |
Brian Justine's Heat Travel Baseball Program has established itself as one of the finest instructional travel baseball programs in the area. Through professional instruction, consistent practice routine, and a positive environment, his program has turned out a multitude of successful players at the next level. Started in 2003 through Tommy Hutton Baseball, Justine prides himself in being as much a positive role model as an instructor. Winning takes a back seat to learning and having fun. Players of all abilities are given the opportunity to participate, not just "A" caliber players. Make your plans now! Brian Justine's Heat Travel baseball program is holding tryouts for players ages 9-14 on Friday, August 12, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. at Roger Dean Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals practice field #2. Email Brian to RSVP at brian_justine@thuttbaseball.com
 | | Founder and Director Brian Justine. Coach, role model and youth leader! |
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Practice is the best coach
On almost a daily basis, I get asked various forms of the same question-
"How can my child improve and reach his maximum potential?"
The answer is simple. Practice. Practice. Practice. With so much emphasis put on playing on the right travel team or finding the perfect private instructor, good old fashioned practice has become a lost art. While playing on good teams and finding a qualified instructor to introduce certain aspects of the game do matter, practice and dedication remain the best formula for success and development.
Like most fathers, my father had an adequate understanding of the sports I played but not enough to be considered an "expert". With that being said, he did see to it that we adhered to a regular practice schedule outside the teams practice schedule and during all off-seasons. To be successful, THERE IS NO OFFSEASON! All those hours spent working on my game gave me self confidence that no private lesson or travel team can offer. It taught me how to compete and prepare for competition while correcting mistakes on my own. Don't get me wrong, natural ability will always reign supreme. As kids get older, they either have "it" or they don't. But every local success story has one thing in common- A great practice routine.
So many people have lofty goals for their young athletes, but, have lost sight of the importance going out to the field and regularly taking ground balls, batting practice, or throwing bullpens. Too much individual instruction or micro managing of a young career creates "paralysis by analysis" and typically has an adverse affect in game situations. Kids are easily burned out when the intensity is raised prematurely. Keep it simple and fun and remain focused on the process of improving not the results. Natural ability willing, the results will be sure to follow!
-Brian |
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Chris Volstad appearing at summer camp #1
Nolasco, Coghlan and Hensley also scheduled to appear!
Make your plans now to meet Palm Beach Gardens HS graduate Chris Volstad during week one of the THBA's 2011 summer camps. Volstad, now a household name for the Florida Marlins, will be on hand to discuss his journey to the big leagues. "Chris' success proves that hard work and making the right choices pay huge dividends. He will be extremely inspirational to our students. We are very lucky to have him involved in our program," explained Director Brian Justine when asked about the significance of his visit. In addition to Volstad's appearance June 6th, the THBA will feature visits from Ricky Nolasco, Clay Hensley, Chris Coghlan and multiple Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals players and coaches.
 | | Nolasco, Volstad, Hensley, Coghlan! |
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Matt Whitney joins THBA staff
Bill Falconio added as Assistant Director
One of the most decorated prep athletes in Palm Beach County history is now a member of the THBA staff. Matt Whitney, a former first-round pick by the Cleveland Indians out of Palm Beach Gardens High School, joined Brian Justine's staff in 2010 and will help oversee all THBA programs with an emphasis on baseball operations. "Matt and I share similar philosophies. He is a class act and treats people with respect. We are really enjoying working together and teaching kids the game we love!," exclaimed Brian Justine. Prior to joining the THBA, Whitney played eight seasons professionally making it to the Class AAA level. He also spent time in Major League Spring Training camp with the Washington Nationals. Whitney's former high school teammate, Bill Falconio will be working alongside Justine and Whitney to lead the 2011 summer camps. Falconio is a former standout at Palm Beach Atlantic University and is a certified strength and conditioning coach in addition to an extremely talented instructor.
 | | Selected with the 33rd overall pick by the Cleveland Indians out of PBGHS |
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THBA alumni excelling on and off the field
Prokos, Williams and Greener experience success
This month, we'd like to recognize three former THBA players for their accomplishments on and off the field. Now entering our 11th year of business, we have countless alumni excelling both on and off the field. Garrick Prokos, a former THBA camper and Heat travel player, recently finished his freshman season at Johns Hopkins University where he is majoring in natural sciences...Tommy Williams, a former Heat Baseball standout, recently finished his senior season at Palm Beach Gardens High School for Coach Joe Russo. Tommy has accepted a baseball scholarship at the University of Central Florida and is likely to be selected in the upcoming MLB draft... Calvin Greener, a former THBA camper and Heat Baseball star, just capped off one of the most decorated prep baseball careers in Jupiter HS history. Greener is a candidate for several post season honors and is a major division I college prospect as well as a professional prospect. Congratulations to these three individuals and all of our talented alumni!
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