Round Rock Launches Express Baseball Academy

ROUND ROCK - Unraveling the ins and outs of baseball just got a little bit easier for tomorrow's stars.

To help usher in its 10th Anniversary Season, the Round Rock Express announced Thursday the formation of the club's inaugural mobile elite training camp - the Express Baseball Academy.

The travelling academy will feature past and present professional coaches and players in a two-day training session that will travel to various Central Texas locations. The aim of the academy is to provide easier, more cost-effective access to youth leagues in and around the Austin area.

"The goal of the Express Baseball Academy is to offer the best in baseball development to today's baseball youth," said Express founder and CEO Reid Ryan. "This gives players the chance to work with an elite crowd of former professional players and coaches without having to travel very far."

The two-day Express Baseball Academy will make its first stop at the Pflugerville Little League Complex on Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11. Players will receive eight total hours of instruction, including a simulated game, and will also receive an Express Baseball Academy T-shirt, goodie bag and tickets to a 2009 Round Rock Express game.

"This a great opportunity for youth leagues around Texas to enhance their programs," said Express Baseball Academy partner Jay LaFlair.  "The concept of a camp in your own ballpark with professional instruction has become a reality."

LaFlair is also the owner/operator of the LaFlair Baseball Academy, which has been in operation since 2006 at The Dell Diamond.