Minnesota Blizzard Baseball

To say Jordan Joseph and Henry Decaster have made an impact on the Blizzard program would be an understatement.

Both came into the program through different paths, but ultimately they both reached the same destination - committed to an academically driven school that offer top tier baseball development and competition.

INF Joseph, an STMA grad and defending state wrestling champion, will be attending the University of Minnesota while LHP Henry Decaster, part of back to back state championships at Moundsview HS, will be attending South Dakota State University.  Both play for the Minnesota Blizzard Elite team and are part of one of the best varsity groups to emerge from the Blizzard program to date.  They join Jake Stevenson (Gopher commit) to become the second and third players to commit for the 2015 season.

Joseph, who has been with Minnesota Baseball Academy and the Blizzard program since age nine has been down a different path than Decaster, who has been with the Blizzard program only since his junior year in high school.  Both reflected on their time at the Academy and with the Blizzard since their time in the program.

"Since I was 9 or 10 I have really appreciated and valued the personal attention that I have received from the hours and hours of baseball instruction that I have had from Minnesota Baseball Academy," Joseph said.  "This instruction has helped me fine tune my game and it has helped me take my game to a new level."

Decaster, who came into the Blizzard program as the only junior on an all-senior Blizzard team last year saw the Blizzard program as an opportunity to advance his game - especially from the mental side of pitching.

"After every inning I always get feedback from Coach Barta about pitch selection and location regardless of how the inning went," Decaster said.  "I have always been big on the mental part of the game, and it's been awesome having a coach like Barta to provide tons a knowledge. Also in the off season having lessons with Barta improved my pitches and bettered my ability to locate every pitch."

Joseph on exposure with the Blizzard ...

'"The exposure level has been great," Joseph said.  "The Blizzard staff and program are highly respected and now looking back, I can't even imagine the college pursuit path without the Blizzard.  I owe them a great deal and I'm truly thankful and appreciate for all the help, patience and personal instruction!"

Decaster on exposure with the Blizzard ...

"Being down in East Cobb (Perfect Game WWBA) with the Blizzard Elite was an unbelievable experience," Decaster said.  "At the Lake Point Perfect Game complex, there was 40 -50 scouts there, including South Carolina, LSU, and plenty of pro scouts including Barta who knows a ton of college and pro scouts.  When it came down to the wire of making a decision, Barta really helped me determine which option was best."

Joseph and Decaster on the talent level and competition

Decaster ...

"The competitiveness of Blizzard is unlike any team I've played on before," Decaster said.  "Often times playing inter squad scrimmage between our three varsity teams are more competitive than playing other Minnesota teams. The out of town tournaments are unlike any other. This past summer in East Cobb we faced some of the best teams in the nation and we beat them like the San Diego Show."

Joseph ...

"I am a very competitive person," Joseph said.  "I have always been impressed by way my Blizzard teams have competed ! It always gives me great pride to put on my Blizz Gear ! We flat out compete and I absolutely love that!"

Advice to younger players ...

"Go ahead and dream big," Joseph said.  "Surround yourself with people that help you with your pursuit of your dreams.  My father says if you want to see your future, look at who you run with! Be mindful of the way you spend your time and who you run with"

"For all younger guys out there, I would advise them to soak it all in,"  Decaster said.  "The Blizzard experience I had over just two years was some of the best baseball I've ever been apart of. Another thing for younger guys is don't get caught up in numbers or velocities or speed. Refine and make most of the abilities God gave you and don't take them for granted. I promise you that if you work your tail off, to be the best you can be, you will be satisfied with the result."

The result has been two great baseball players and two great people!