The NABF has teamed up with The Baseball Factory to help baseball players age 9-18 earn college scholarships or get a chance at being selected in the professional draft.

The NABF will assist The Baseball Factory in promoting their services to players and their families. In return, the NABF will receive sponsorship support and be a part of a national Baseball Factory commercial debuting on ESPN during the summer of 2000.

“The NABF has a long history and tadition,” said Steve Sclafani, President of The Baseball Factory. “They also have a strong commitment to scholarships for young players and we want to be a part of that.”

In the Baseball Factory’s Rookie Program, young players showcase their talents in a pro-style workout at one of 21 different pro parks across the country. Players are scouted and receive a detailed evaluation and prescription for sucess from a pro scout, work with top-flight instructors and receive a videotape of their performance after the workout. Players receive interactive tips and drills from current pro players. They learn where they stand against other players nationwide and what it takes to play college baseball.

Top high school sophomores across the country graduate to the Baseball Factory’s B.A.T.S. (Baseball & Academic Targeting Service) program. This program is rated America’s top recruiting service for high school players. B.A.T.S. players have earned over $40 million in scholarships and 30 players have been selected in the pro draft in the last two years.

Top players from each pro park showcase are nominated for the prestigious All-American Team. Pro scouts vote to decide the team, which has a special workout held at Dodgertown in Vero Beach.

The Baseball Factory will attend several NABF World Series tournaments as well as some select NABF Classic tournaments during the summer, distributing information about college opportunites to the players and their families. The Baseball Factory will sponsor the NABF Classics awards program and work with Director Charles Blackburn, Jr. and Special Events Director Wanda Rutledge to develop annual promotional goals and ways for the two rganizations to work together.

“The Baseball Factory is the most comprehensive player development and college recruiting service in the country for players ages 9-18,” said Blackburn. “I recommend that all of our players take advantage of their professional instruction and guidance.”