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Our Programs and Seasons

What program fits you ?

Blizzard Elite Fall Program (10U–18U)
August 1 – December 31

The Blizzard Elite Fall Program is the premier, comprehensive baseball experience for serious players ages 10U–18U. Players participate in a full practice schedule, college consultations, varsity showcases, and optional winter training. Teams compete in 3–4 local tournaments and 3 national tournaments, including top events such as PBR, Perfect Game, Prospect Select, Bullpen Tournaments, and the Desert Fall Classic in Las Vegas. Training continues through November and December.

  • National and local tournament schedule

  • Full baseball and performance training program

  • Upperclass showcase games vs. colleges

  • Small roster sizes (12–14 players per team)

Blizzard Elite Summer Program (10U–18U)
May 1 – August 1

The Blizzard Elite Summer Program offers a high-level travel baseball experience during the traditional summer season. Players train, practice, and compete at premier tournaments around the Midwest and nationally. Roster sizes remain small to maximize playing time and development.

Blizzard Gold Fall-Only Program (9U–18U)
August – October

Designed for multi-sport athletes, the Blizzard Fall-Only program offers a high-level fall baseball experience without winter training commitments. Teams follow the same practice schedule as Blizzard Elite during August and September and compete in 4–5 local tournaments. The Gold Program also serves as a "minor league system" for Blizzard Elite — with players earning call-ups based on performance.

Blizzard Spring Program (9U–14U)
March 1 – April 30

The Blizzard Spring Program is our longest-running developmental program, focusing on young players ages 9U–14U. Teams practice twice per week starting in March and participate in 2–3 tournaments in April. The primary focus is on building fundamentals, teaching Blizzard culture and values, and preparing players for their summer seasons.

Why Blizzard?

  • Elite-level competition across the country

  • Comprehensive player development: skills, strength, speed, and mental toughness

  • College and professional exposure

  • Experienced coaching staff with MLB scouting, college, and professional backgrounds

  • A culture built around attitude, effort, preparation, and teamwork

 

Definition of Teams

Our Blizzard Elite teams are separated into three groups – Blue (top team), Black (2nd team) and Red (3rd team).  Players are not guaranteed roster spots and must be earned every season at tryouts every season.

The Blizzard Regional teams are separated into two groups - Gold National and Gold American.  These teams (12-14 players) are picked on skill level, position depth charts and proximity to teammates.  Our fall teams are very competitive and are usually comprised of many top-tier players who cannot travel due to other sports.  We use our Regional Gold Blizzard teams as a minor league system and are the first players called up when an Elite Blizzard player is unable to make a traveling trip.  Last year, over 20 players were brought up to play on Blizzard Elite teams throughout the season.  Fees for one tournament are on a case by case basis but typically range from $350-$500 / tournament.

PITCHER ONLY players are rostered players who are on the team primarily as pitchers.  The fee structure is the same but there are more options including lessons.

Why play for the Blizzard?

Quite simply, the Minnesota Blizzard is the premier elite travel baseball program in the state, with a proud tradition of producing Minnesota’s top players.

Our teams compete at top-tier tournaments across the country, giving players the chance to face the nation’s best competition — and to be seen by college recruiters and professional scouts. Competition, development, exposure, alumni involvement, and family are the driving forces behind everything we do.

At Blizzard, it’s about more than just baseball — it’s a life experience. Our coaches genuinely care, and our players are committed to getting better every day.

Over the past three years, 100% of our varsity players have gone on to play college baseball. Our coaching staff includes MLB scouts, current and former college coaches, and professional players, all bringing an expansive network and unmatched expertise to the field.

When you play for the Blizzard, you’re not just playing for a team — you’re joining a tradition of excellence.

Standard of Excellence

Blizzard Baseball Academy: Building Champions On and Off the Field

Since 2003, Blizzard Baseball Academy has been changing the landscape of Minnesota baseball. Founded by Adam Barta and Johnny Anderson, Blizzard was born from a simple but powerful mission: give players from the North a chance to compete with the best from warm-weather states.

Starting with small groups and seven-day-a-week dedication, Barta and Anderson quickly made Blizzard a force, developing some of Minnesota’s most decorated prep players, including Joe Loftus (Vanderbilt), Madison Boer (Oregon), and Logan Shore (Florida). Today, Blizzard alumni include over 60 professional players — with 10 reaching the Major Leagues, including Michael Busch, Alex Call, Isaac Collins, and Louie Varland.

Where Excellence is the Expectation

At Blizzard, excellence isn't just a goal — it's our standard. Our academy is made up of four dynamic divisions:

  • Blizzard Baseball Academy — Skill instruction and elite development

  • Minnesota Blizzard — Regional and national travel teams (9U–18U)

  • Prospects AFBL Fall League & USSSA Tournaments — Competitive game platforms

  • Blizzard Performance — Strength, speed, agility, and athletic performance training

Through every swing, sprint, and study session, Blizzard athletes are guided by a culture of excellence. Our coaches and instructors are not just teachers — they are mentors, leaders, and examples of what it takes to succeed on and off the field.

More Than Baseball

At Blizzard, we believe baseball is a vehicle to build something even bigger: character. We teach our players that attitude, effort, and preparation are what separate the good from the great — in the game and in life.

Our core philosophy, the Blizzard Big 5, is woven into everything we do, shaping players who win with integrity, lead with humility, and chase their dreams with passion.

Blizzard Baseball Academy: Where champions are made — for the field, for life.