INSIDE WELCOME TO THE GRB RAYS PLAYER PACKAGE INFORMATION MEET THE STAFF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT RAYS IN THE MLB DRAFT WHERE THE RAYS ARE FROM NEW FACILITY TESTIMONIALS
Welcome to the GRB RAYS We guarantee that you will find coaches and staff that take the game and training as serious as the players do Welcome to the GRB Rays program. Over the last 10 years, we have dedicated ourselves to helping improve baseball in Wisconsin, and to advancing and guiding players in the game that we love. In that time, the Rays program has been started and built from the ground floor into one of the top places to play in the Midwest and the country. The program s rise is a combination of hard work and dedication by all, players and staff. What we offer with the Rays program is simple: We guarantee that you will find coaches and staff that take the game and training as serious as the players do. Players in our program will be given every platform item needed to improve and advance their career - the right training, skill development, advice, and recruiting opportunities. I hope you join us here at GRB. We love the game and would love the opportunity to help your family get where they want to go. Yours In Baseball- Greg Reinhard Owner - GRB Academy
MISSION The mission of the GRB Rays Organization is to provide young players the opportunity to grow and develop their skills while competing against some of the top competition in the Midwest and the country. By utilizing the best coaching available to ensure correct fundamentals and skill sets, the goal is to help players become successful players in high school, college, and professional baseball. Since the 2010 high school class, the Rays have guided over 145 players to the next level, including 55 players to Division I baseball. Not only is it a goal of the GRB staff to help players improve their skills on the field, but also help players and families through the ever-evolving Since the 2010 high school class, the Rays have guided over 145 players to the next level, including 55 players to the Division I level. and often intimidating recruiting process. From before the first contacts with college coaches to the ultimate goal of commitment and signing, the staff at GRB uses all of the resources available to help players make the best decision for their future.
8U, 9U, 10U, 11U, 12U 1 - Hat 2 - Player Jerseys (Yours to keep) 1 - Game Pants 2 - Socks 1 - Belt 1 - Pair of Molded Cleats 13U 1 - Hat 2 - Player Jerseys (Yours to keep) 1 - Game Pants 2 - Socks 1 - Belt 1 - Pair of Metal Cleats 14U, 15U 1 - Hat 2 - Player Jerseys (Returnable) 1 - Game Pants 2 - Socks 1 - Belt 1 - Pair of Metal Cleats 16U, 17U 1 - Hat 2 - Player Jerseys (Returnable) 1 - Game Pants 2 - Socks 1 - Belt 1 - Pair of Metal Cleats 1 - Pair of Molded Cleats RAYS PLAYER PACKAGE Any player within the GRB Rays Baseball Organization will receive a package from the organization that is outlined below: * - Every player in our organization has a yearly membership to the GRB Academy. * - Players will receive the appropriate Winter Training Package depending on their age level. * - Each player will receive the outlined player uniform package. * - Discounted apparel as described. UNIFORM PACKAGE Every player at each age level will receive the corresponding package to the left and it will be theirs to keep. Anyone losing any piece of this will be required to purchase the replacement piece immediately. Players within the GRB Rays Organization must wear spikes or cleats that are WHITE. This rule is strictly enforced. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION The membership to the GRB Academy comes with playing for the GRB Rays. Membership runs beginning September 1, 2016 and ends August 31, 2017. Membership includes full use of the facility anytime there is an open space, cage, mound, etc. It is recommended that you reserve your space in advance. APPAREL AND ONLINE STORES GRB offers two online sales per year - one in the fall, and one in the early spring. We sell much of our team gear for players, parents, relatives, etc on those sites. In addition, GRB has a Pro Shop in its building where you can always find hats, shirts, sweatshirts, and other GRB products.
MEET THE STAFF
GREG REINHARD Reinhard is the founder of the GRB Academy and the Rays program. Prior to leading the way in amateur baseball in Wisconsin, Reinhard played for the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays professionally for 6 seasons. He also was voted the 2005 D3 National Baseball Pitcher of the Year unanimously, while leading the UW-Whitewater Warhawks to their first Baseball National Championship in school history. Reinhard grew up in Marinette, WI. Under his direction, the Rays program has become one of the most desirable programs to play for in the Midwest. The Rays boast impressive numbers under Reinhard s guidance, with over 135 college players coming from the Rays program, spread out across the country playing at the next level. Of those 135 players, 88 went to scholarship schools. Reinhard does pitching instruction at the facility, and manages the day to day operations of the Academy and the Rays. He also manages the 17U team and college recruiting for the program. MAX CORDIO Max Cordio is a partner at the GRB Academy, and has been a key figure in developing the Academy and the Rays program since day one. Cordio, a Whitewater native, chose to stay home for his college career and played for the hometown Warhawks. While at Whitewater, Cordio made an appearance in the NCAA Division III World Series. Playing multiple positions, Cordio is well rounded in the game of baseball. Cordio has led the Rays offensive attack for years, and is one of the most sought after hitting instructors in the Midwest. In addition to his training at the Academy, Cordio coaches 3rd base and manages game play of the 17U team. Cordio has had 32 Division I hitters come from his guidance, including four State Player of the Year awards in Wisconsin and two Major League Baseball draft picks.
COOPER STEWART Stewart joined the GRB staff in May of 2015. Prior to coming to GRB, Stewart spent several years at the D1 level as a player and coach. Stewart was a four-year starter at Western Illinois. At Western Illinois, Stewart ranks fifth in career games played (173), fourth in walks (84), eighth in runs scored (111), and sixth in doubles. Following his collegiate career, Stewart played two seasons of professional baseball in the Frontier League for the River City Rascals in O Fallon, Missouri. Following his playing days, Stewart returned to the Division I level to coach at his alma mater. Back at Western Illinois, Stewart was responsible for the catchers, and developing offensive strategy. Stewart trains catchers and hitters in private instruction. He also has knowledge in pitching, as well as strength and conditioning. ZACH RANSOM Ransom is the first Rays player to return to work for the program after his playing days. Ransom, a North Dakota recruit in 2010, was the first Rays player to sign to play Division I baseball. Ransom left the Rays program holding the wins record in a season, and still is the holder of this record currently. After his freshman season at North Dakota, Ransom transferred to Madison College. Ransom played with the Rochester Honkers and the La Crosse Loggers of the Northwoods League while at North Dakota and Madison College. A true competitor on the mound, Ransom has developed the Academy s velocity program, and takes the lead on several of the pitching development programs. Ransom also does some hitting lessons, and speed and strength training. JORDAN STAUBER Stauber, a De Pere, WI native, brought his college coaching and playing background to GRB in 2013. Prior to GRB, Stauber played college baseball for St. Norbert College. As a player, Stauber served as team captain in 2007 and 2008, winning the Midwest Conference title both years with a combined 51-22 record. Stauber hit.381 in 2008. Post playing days, Stauber has had coaching stints at St. Norbert, Lawrence, and Central College (IA). Stauber has also coached for the Green Bay Bullfrogs of the Northwoods League from 2009-2011. The Bullfrogs compiled a 98-77 record over his time in Green Bay, earning a playoff berth in 2011. Stauber has worked with over 30 MLB draft picks in his time, including three players currently playing in the majors.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
RAYS WINTER TRAINING Winter Training is the life-blood of the GRB Rays Organization. Every team within the organization participates in the Winter Training Program. The Winter Training Program is designed to advance our players and instill the correct skill-sets, swing mechanics, speed, strength and motions to become a highly developed baseball player. Winter Training for high school aged players runs from the beginning of November until the weekend prior to the start of high school baseball. Winter Training for the rest of the program extends to the start of the regular-season for the program. The days and times for each age level will be determined when all of the teams are formed. While Winter Training attendance is not mandatory, playing time may be dictated upon attendance. Attendance is highly recommended due to the success of those who train in the program. For the older ages (15-17) specialized, position-specific practices are run. This is to help with more in-depth work with all players. Pitchers and catchers are able to use the whole facility to work mechanics, arm care, conditioning and bullpen work as the season approaches. Catchers are able to work with the pitchers, catching live bullpens and defensive work. WINTER TRAINING STAFF All Winter Training practices are coached by the staff at the GRB Academy. To supplement team practices, guest coaches include current and former professional players as well as appearances by current Division I college players who have played for the Rays. DEVELOPMENT AT ALL LEVELS GRB prides itself on developing all players in the program at every age level. Players in our program will be given the same coaching and commitment to improve and advance their career - the right training, skill development, advice, and recruiting opportunities.
IN THE MLB DRAFT
DANNY JANSEN TORONTO BLUE JAYS Danny Jansen was selected in the 16th round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays out of Appleton West High School. Jansen showcased his skills while playing with the Rays during the 2012 summer. Signing a professional contract, Jansen has worked his way through the Toronto Blue Jays organization, being named the 20th prospect in the system prior to the 2016 season. Currently in Class A-Advanced Dunedin, Jansen has hit.238 in his minor-league career, including a.282 average in his first full professional season in 2014. Totaling 10 career home runs and 24 doubles, Jansen owns a.352 career slugging percentage and a.349 on-base percentage. In high school at Appleton West, Jansen was offered and accepted a scholarship offer from Jacksonville University of the Atlantic Sun Conference, however, decided to begin his professional career by signing with the Blue Jays.
JEREN KENDALL VANDERBILT Jeren Kendall has vaulted his way up draft boards all over Major League Baseball after his freshman season and beginning of his sophomore season at Vanderbilt. Kendall was selected in the 30th round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox, but chose to play for the defending national champion Commodores to hone his already advanced tools. The Holmen, Wisconsin native played for the Rays during the 2013 summer catching the eye of college programs and professional scouts around the country. As a freshman at Vanderbilt, Kendall hit a walk-off home run in the Commodores 4-3 win over Cal State-Fullerton in the 2015 College World Series. Kendall finished his freshman campaign starting 56 games with a.281 batting average for the College World Series runner-up. The speedy lefty stole a team-high 19 bases while hitting eight home runs and tying eventual 2015 No. 1 overall selection Dansby Swanson with six triples. His.530 slugging percentage was good for fourth on the team. Kendall was rated the No. 2 draft prospect in all of college baseball prior to the 2016 season. Kendall finished the 2016 regular-season with a team-high.326 batting average, nine home runs, seven triples, 14 doubles and 27 stolen bases.
CLARK EAGAN ARKANSAS Clark Eagan became the first former Ray selected in the 2016 MLB Entry Draft as he was taken in the 9th Round by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The junior from Arkansas played with the Rays from from 2011-13. Eagan (Appleton, Wis. / Appleton North HS) enjoyed a career season at Arkansas in 2016 hitting.298 with career-highs in hits (67), RBI (37), home runs (7) and slugging percentage (.444). The left-handed hitter showed his versatility with the Razorbacks with the ability to play all three outfield spots as well as first and third base. Eagan was the only Razorback to start in all 55 games this season. Helping lead Arkansas to the College World Series in 2015 and an NCAA Regional appearance in 2014, Eagan made his decision to join the Razorbacks after fielding offers to play major college football.
JORDAN JESS MINNESOTA Jordan Jess was the second former Ray and fourth overall to be selected in the MLB Entry Draft since 2014. Jess was chosen in the 31st Round by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of Minnesota. Jess played with the Rays top level in 2009 and 2010 and played since the 13u level with some of the Rays startup groups. Jess (Ripon, Wis. / Ripon HS) helped the Gophers to Big Ten regular-season title and an NCAA Regional appearance in 2016. Jess recorded a leaguehigh seven saves in Big Ten games, finishing with a 0.84 ERA. The left-hander allowed only three hits in 10.2 innings pitched with 13 strikeouts, holding conference opponents to a.094 batting average against. Overall Jess struck out 35 in 26.2 innings while allowing only 15 hits, while holding opponents to a.165 batting average against.
WHERE THE ARE FROM
RAYS IN THE FOX VALLEY Over 40 Rays have come from the Fox Cities, including alumni: Danny Jansen (Appleton West, Toronto Blue Jays), Scott Schreiber (Kimberly, Nebraska), Craig Nenning (Wrightstown, Ohio State), Ben Carew (Kimberly, Kent State), Clark Eagan (Appleton North, Arkansas) Connor Wollersheim (Appleton North, Kent State), Taylor Borchers (Appleton North, Gonzaga), Alex Henwood (Appleton North, Nebraska), Joe Baier (Bay Port, Chicago State), Dakota Klein (Bay Port, Texas A&M) and Brendan Meisner (West De Pere, Illinois), FOX VALLEY RAYS ALL-TIME ROSTER The Rays all-time roster features players from over 120 different cities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois.
THE NEW GRB ACADEMY COMING DECEMBER 2016
The GRB Academy is excited to announce its brand new, state of the art baseball and softball facility. The facility is expected to be completed the end of December, 2016. The new facility will be located at 6385 New Towne Road, in DeForest, WI. Ground breaking is scheduled for Thursday, July 14th. The new facility will be considered one of the best baseball and softball indoor facilities in the Midwest upon completion. The building will be 51,840 square feet, an upgrade from its current 14,025 square foot facility. Inside, the facility will have the following features: Full Major League Size infield. Infield will be a total of 25,600 square feet. The field will have a 26 foot high net that encloses the full field and allows for live action to be played. In addition, the field will have a divider that can split the field in half to allow multi uses when needed. 12 Batting Cages. 7 batting cages will be 55 feet long, 13 feet wide, and 20 feet high. The other 5 cages will be 75 feet long, 13 feet wide, and 20 feet high. The 7 cages have the ability to open up to one box that is 91 feet long and 55 feet wide, fully netted on the outside. The 5 cages will have the ability to open up into a fully enclosed space that is 65 feet long by 75 feet wide. All cages that are 75 X 1 3 X 20 have space to put a full length mound setup inside, making all cages convertible to pitching lanes. A 6,000 square foot weight room. A 75 foot long CMU wall for med ball strengthening, and throwing program usage. A 450 square foot Pro Shop area that will sell baseball and softball equipment and apparel. Several office and storage spaces. Men s and Women s Bathrooms. 2 shower rooms. Concession Stand. For more information on the GRB Academy, or the GRB Rays Baseball or Softball program, please email Greg Reinhard at oneninebaseball@gmail.com
Without the GRB Rays, I truly believe a lot of the opportunities I have gotten wouldn t have been possible with other programs. I can t even describe the amount of fun I have had the past two Fall season and Summers playing for this program. Not only did it develop me into a fundamentally sound and skilled baseball player, but also more importantly they taught me to be a hard working individual off the field. Bottom line if you are looking for the best opportunity to get seen and developed into a collegiate baseball player, you need to be a part of the GRB Rays. CLARK EAGAN ARKANSAS I ve been familiar with the GRB Rays and organization as a whole going back to their beginning. As a scout, it s important and valuable for me to be able to quickly identify the best players in my territory. I knew from the very first roster that Greg and Max put together that GRB was a program I would be seeing a lot of going forward. In the subsequent years I got to know both of them as people and can say with confidence that they do things the right way. I ve seen the way in which their players develop skills in addition to the way they carry themselves on and off the field. In both areas, GRB turns out top notch kids. If I had a son, I would be proud to have him learn baseball from Greg and Max and the rest of the GRB staff. ANDY STACK SCOUTING SUPERVISOR - CINCINNATI REDS Greg Reinhard was one of the most respected teammates I ve ever played with. His competitiveness and knowledge of the game made him a joy to play with. When I think of someone with the skills to teach baseball and to make people better I think of Greg. SAM FULD OAKLAND ATHLETICS
A HISTORY OF DEVELOPMENT