Minnesota Blizzard Baseball

Parents: Byron & Mindy (This family is all class – always such positive talk about all the boys. Byron is super knowledgeable and understands all the nuances of the game. He is also very appreciate of the game and all that it provides as well as the competition. Following his game with White Bear this past summer, Byron and his entire East Ridge team went over to White Bear following the game and thanks the players and fans. It was a gesture we saw last year in Arizona and Byron used it this past summer as a great way of showing sportsmanship with the opponent. He is highly respected among other coaches/parents as he is highly involved in the East Ridge Baseball Association. Also – the respect could be pure intimidation because when we hit the warm weather states and Byron rocks the cut-off its basically suns out / guns out. I think between Byron backing the Black and Garrett Beck backing the Blue both teams are covered – I’m thinking an arm wrestling match is in order on one of these trips (picture Arnold Schwarzenegger & Carl Weathers in Predator when they do the arm wrestling scene in the beginning – that’s what the biceps look like). Mindy is another sweetheart, she’s a hugger and nothing but positive thoughts. She couldn’t wait to have all the boys back together this fall after a great season last year. Mindy does split time between her daughter (volleyball) and Cade but we always love it when she is at the diamond! Another family willing to chip in and take a boy on for the weekend in order to get optimum performance on the diamond (Prospect Select, early start times = Gavin staying with them so he didn’t have to get up so early, always appreciated).

History: He is a big kid with a heart of gold, super respectful. Whenever I hear him talk after a game he is always asking his dad if they can go to the cage, facility or somewhere to get more swings in (watched him this summer for East Ridge, following the game he wanted to stop at the cage for more cuts and it was almost dark out). He is a “worker bee” – always looking to improve his game. I believe Cade is going to be a spitting image of his dad down the road in regards to his build. Cade is already a big, well-built kid but I also believe this is only the beginning. In all the reps I have watched on the hit-trax at the Vadnais facility he continually has the highest exit velocity of all the kids in his class (typically mid-80’s a year ago), lots of power! Cade has a slightly open stance, minimal crouch and explodes to the ball with power all over the field (doesn’t cheat himself on his swing). My favorite moment last year was watching him blast a homerun over the left-field fence in Las Vegas – absolute missile! This past summer for association ball (East Ridge 13U AAA) I know he hit in excess of 10 HR’s. In the field you are going to see Cade playing the corners (3B/1B). As big as he is he has good mobility and flexibility. He also pitches with a fastball that sits mid/upper 60’s. Look for Cade to remain a presence in the middle of the lineup for years to come!

Fun Fact: Cade is a huge Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs fan! I have seen Mindy rocking a Cubs hat on multiple occasions but the Hamilton’s seem to love the state of Georgia. In the past couple years, lots of bragging rights between the Braves and Bulldogs. Hopefully we can get some of the hardware they keep winning in the north (not referring to the State of Minnesota either)!

The Blizzard Baseball Academy’s goal is educate and enhance the 5 tools of baseball: hitting for average, hitting for power, arm strength, speed and defensive ability.

Focusing on the fundamentals is the key to becoming a better baseball player. Teaching youth baseball players important drills and correcting bad habits at an early age allows them to get a jump on their competition and compete at a higher level. The Blizzard Baseball Academy has the finest coaches to work our sessions including current and former pro players as well as current and former college players.

Our short-burst camps enables players to get some work in during the holidays, sharpen their skills and if you haven't seen the Blizzard Academy before, it is a great introduction to what we do !

Location: Blizzard  Academy - 3200 Labore Road, Suite 102 / Vadnais Heights, MN  55110
Dates: January 16th, 2023
Ages: 10u-14u / 9am-12n
Cost: $150
Focus: Hitting and Defense

Location: Blizzard  Academy - 3200 Labore Road, Suite 102 / Vadnais Heights, MN  55110
Dates: February 20th, 2023
Ages: 10u-14u / 9am-12n
Cost: $150
Focus: Hitting and Fielding

Location: Blizzard  Academy - 3200 Labore Road, Suite 102 / Vadnais Heights, MN  55110
Dates: March 13th, 2023
Ages: 10u-14u / 9am-12n
Cost: $150
Focus: Hitting and Fielding