Baseball | 4/12/2016 12:15:00 PM

DETROIT -- The annual Wayne State University Summer Baseball Camp has been scheduled for July 18-20. The event will be held on the campus of Wayne State and will utilize the WSU Baseball Field and Multipurpose Indoor Facility. Campers will receive fundamental instruction in all aspects of the game and will have the chance to meet select Detroit Tigers.

This year's guests from the Detroit Tigers will include Ian Kinsler, James McCann and Shane Greene.  Past Tiger guests have included David Price, Max Scherzer, Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera, Curtis Granderson, Torii Hunter, Brandon Inge, Doug Fister, Austin Jackson, Victor Martinez, Rick Porcello, Ivan Rodriguez, Jose Valverde, Gary Sheffield, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen and Justin Verlander.

Sessions 1 and 2 will feature different and current Detroit Tigers players. Participants will have an opportunity to learn and listen to the current Major League Baseball players. There will be a detailed Q&A segment followed by an autograph session. This camp has sold out quickly in previous summers. We encourage you to register early to secure your camp spot.

Clinicians for the camp will include retired Detroit Tigers pitching coach and current advisor with the organization Jeff Jones and WSU head coach Ryan Kelley, select high school coaches, premier guest instructors and and Wayne State baseball student-athletes and coaches. Camp participants will learn from an open camp environment where questions are encouraged.  Jones has over 30 years of experience in professional baseball, including over 20 as a pitching coach in the Detroit Tigers organization. Jones has been a big part of bringing Cy Young and MVP awards to Detroit.  He was named the Tigers' bullpen coach in 2006, marking his fifth stint in that capacity, before being promoted to pitching coach in 2011.  Jones had previously served seven consecutive seasons as the pitching coach for the Toledo Mud Hens, Detroit's Triple A minor league affiliate.  His professional coaching career began with the Tigers organization in 1989. Selected by Oakland in the 13th round of the June 1977 draft, his pitching career spanned 11 seasons (1977-87).  He attended Southgate High School, helping lead his team to the Wyandotte League title in 1974.

The first two days will provide an organized station and drill work system featuring a fundamental approach to all aspects of the game including infield instruction, outfield play, base running, bunting, hitting.  The drills will vary each day.  Camp participants will be exposed to drills and concepts to help elevate their game.  Drills and instruction from the professional, collegiate and youth levels will be featured.  Participants will be able to meet and learn from members of the Detroit Tigers while also working with baseball representatives from the NCAA level.  Participants will be placed into groups based on ages and rotate together throughout the camp experience.  Both days will establish a similar camp structure but the vast majority of instructional baseball drills will be different on day one and two.  The first two days begin at 9:30 AM and run until 1 PM.

Day three will focus on the pitching and catching positions only. Jeff Jones and camp staff will help lead an outstanding pitching curriculum.  Special catching guest instructors will compliment staffing.  Scheduled to participate is current Tigers Area Scout Jeff Kunkel who is a former catching draft pick by Detroit, and the organization's recent bullpen catcher.  Day three focus will be on several aspects of pitching including mechanics, throwing drills, holding runners, defending the pitching position, mental development, physical training and more.  Catching will detail receiving, blocking, footwork, stance, throwing, pitcher and catcher relationship strategies, fielding bunts and physical training concepts.  The final session begins at 9:30 AM and lasts until 1 PM.

Pricing can be found on the attached flyer.  Campers should be dressed prepared for baseball practice and are advised to bring their own equipment, if possible.  The camp is open to ages 7-18.  Questions can be directed to the WSU Baseball Office at (313) 577-2749 or ryankelley@wayne.edu.  This is a non-refundable camp.  Registration cancelations will be credited towards a future Wayne State University Baseball Camp.