embrace the grind and join the pathway to the 1%

1% athletes are the ones that are committed to the grind, highly competitive and work consistently on their own. These athletes posses natural talent but the commitment to the work pushes them beyond even their higher level peers that are college bound (the 7%). We encourage these athletes to develop to higher levels by providing 24/7 access to the Strike Zone training facility, weight room and instructors. Training plans are developed with instructors and homework is assigned to players to maintain a consistent development.

We look for blue collar, humble, hard working players that want the highest level training in NW PA along with high level, regional competition to prepare for College Showcases. Canes athletes will train in a highly competitive team environment and an advanced academy training system that works with all aspects of the players game. Toxic, self centered, diva players will not meet our culture no matter how talented.

A championship culture is built on gritty players that play for something greater than themselves.

Our training is 70% practice and 30% games. We focus on training skill development (team practice/academy sessions) and game development (games/tournaments).  The focus is providing a player pathway to take athletes to the highest levels of the sport while building good human beings in a positive and professional environment. Our seasons are divided into 3 phases.

1. Offseason - September through February. During this time, athletes work on individual skills, strength, speed and team training in our academy sessions at the Erie Strike Zone. Teams will play in a fall ball tournament/event in October. 
2. Preseason/Spring Training (March-April) - Ages 8U to 14U starts full time team training and indoor spring training double headers.
3. Tournament season - (May to August) Teams challenge themselves against difficult competition to see the higher speeds of the sport.

Note: We welcome multi-sport athletes but Canes teams are designed for athletes committed to baseball as their primary sport. Multi-sport athletes must train in academy sessions during the offseason and attend all in-season practices; otherwise playing time will be impacted. 

The academy trainings was developed with the Erie Strike Zone Academy, Erie Jr SeaWolves and a team of professional coaches, including athletes and coaches from Gannon University, to provide a unique training experience for athletes. 

These academy sessions are mandatory for all of our Canes athletes and are specifically designed to be separate from normal team sessions to teach the current techniques of the game in high rep environments. Canes and Jr SeaWolves players will work side by side in these sessions to push each other to be the best they can be in highly competitive environments. These provide an independent training program that is not influenced by team dynamics that works in parallel to the coaches to strengthen the individual athlete and allow them in turn to strengthen their team. The academy practices have their own structure and a specific culture that is designed to build 7 tool athletes (5tool + mental game + spiritual health).

Athletes practice in academy sessions consistently September through February and are tested on metrics periodically to find where they can improve their game. Athletes at all levels can improve their game. We believe it is important to teach athletes to look at their weaknesses and understand how to overcome them with purposeful hard work and repetition in a positive and structured environment.  This type of environment develops consistency, mental resilience and promotes competition in an iron sharpens iron environment.

We offer pricing plans to make Canes baseball affordable for all families.  There are always costs associated with high-quality training. As a non-profit and through our partnership with the Erie Jr SeaWolves we provide opportunities for families of all economic levels to be able to find ways to offset their costs. Motivated families are able to offset their entire registration fees and build funds in player account that can be used for travel costs, private lessons and equipment.

Payment plan options are as follows:

1. 3 mandatory fundraisers: $140 per month
2. 2 mandatory fundraisers: $195 per month
3. 1 mandatory fundraise: $250 per month
4. No fundraisers: $315 per month

Note:

1. Pricing is based on 13 players on a roster which may include pitchers only (POs)
2. Parents can work with JSW fundraising committees to have additional options to offset cost.

We are committed to delivering the maximum value in a college pathway program. We are transparent with families about costs and design our training and competition offerings to be as all-inclusive as possible with no hidden fees. This includes:

• Year-round training - Registration includes a full year of training! You do not need to sign up for multiple seasons or teams.
• Weekly team trainings at Erie Strike Zone. Team trainings include strength and agility, fundamental training in hitting, base running and fielding (for position) and specialty training for pitchers and catchers. Sessions are structured differently by age to focus on 1) development of athletes and 2) being highly competitive teams. Sessions are designed by directors and our experts to maximize time efficiently and provide a positive and fun environment for the athletes.
• Outdoor practice fields (in season late May to beginning of August)
• Academy training from September to February with college athletes and lead instructors. This provides fundamental training for individual athlete skills in small group settings. (Described below)
• All teams have technical oversight by our leadership team.
• All coaches are certified through the Strike Zone Academy and required background checks.
• Travel tournament budget
• Jr SeaWolves and Canes tournaments and events. 
• StrikeZone Unlimited Membership - including SZ annual cage bookings, PowerZone (weight room), Hit Trax Access and exclusive discounts.
• Discounts on the hottest gear including the latest bats like Easton the Dub, Rawlings Icon, Easton Hype Fire, Louisville Slugger Supra, DeMarini the Goods and many more! 
• Under Armor game uniforms. 
• Hats
• 2 team banners. (1) hung at the Erie Strike Zone and (1) to travel with the team