Last Updated on Tuesday, 13 December 2011 04:11

History of the Academy Program

The Northwest Diamond Sports - Academy Program is one of the best player development programs in the northwest and the only program in Oregon to support an academic-style approach to training in youth baseball.  The program started with a dream to somehow make a major positive impact for high school baseball players in the state of Oregon using the best attribute NW Diamond Sports had to offer - individual player development.  The well-rounded staff commenced extensive meetings for the project in 2007 and developed their game plan: to combine all facets of their current modes of instruction, with the new school ideas of progressive player development, in a development system similar to those of collegiate and professional baseball. 

 The program launched with a single team in the Spring of 2008, posting a winning percentage of over .750 in their first season.  A streak that would continue for two more years until the first class of NWDS Academy Players graduated the program into high school baseball.  The (then 14U) team completed their season in a 16U Big League Dreams wood bat tournament in Manteca, California with a Top-10 finish.  The pursuit of dreams continued with those players in their first years of high school baseball where 6 of the team's players earned roster positions at the Junior Varsity level or higher as freshman, two of which started as Varsity freshman earning All-State accolades. 

NWDS Academy Program - Players of the 1st Graduating Class

Trace Loehr (Putnam HS), Mason Fessler (Blanchet HS), Tristan Guillen (Roseburg HS), David Irvine (Roseburg, OR)

Brady Fuller (Glide HS), Jared Bell (Lake Oswego HS), Collin Calhoon (Lake Oswego HS), Travis Sanders (Lake Oswego HS)

Charlie Farrenkopf (Central Catholic HS), Neil Wagner (Lake Oswego HS), Clayton Gelfand (Wilsonville HS)

The staff continues its mission for Oregon baseball in 2012 with an array of new and polished program features!

2012 Academy Program

Teams: 11-14U (May 1st age cutoff) 11 Man Rosters maximize playing time and game experience

7 Month Progressive Player Agenda & Pitching Program: meetings, workouts, lectures, video analysis, evaluations

NWDS Spring Training - progressive skill development, condititioning, clinics and program prep begins January

50+ Practices: Indoor/On-Field Training, Position Specific Training, Classroom Settings (baseball lecture, strategy, philosophy, mental approach), Team Practice, Elite Batting Approach, Advanced Run Production

50+ Game Schedule: 10+/- Tournaments and Independent Game Schedule

To be considered for the 2012 Academy Program contact our staff at (503) 888-6783 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

*14U Players before Dec. 30th - Contact Jose Cepeda at (503) 409-3950 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For other team development options please consider our Extra Innings Program for ages 11-14U