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Gadsden State Baseball Announces 2026 Fall Instructional League
Posted on Aug 17, 2026 at 10:31 AM
Gadsden, Ala. – Gadsden State Community College Baseball is excited to announce its 2026 Fall Instructional League, a five-week developmental program designed to help high school baseball players improve their skills through instruction from the Gadsden State coaching staff and Cardinal baseball players.
The league will provide participants with a true college baseball development experience through skill instruction, position-specific training and live game situations in a structured, competitive environment. Players will experience many of the same routines, drills, expectations and coaching methods used daily by the Gadsden State Baseball program while receiving valuable instruction to prepare them for the next level.
“Our goal is to teach the game the right way,” said Gadsden State Head Baseball Coach Blake Lewis. “We want players to build sound fundamentals, improve their baseball IQ and experience what it is like to train in a college baseball environment. Our coaching staff and players are excited to invest in the development of the next generation of baseball players.”
Weekly Schedule
Each session will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Session 1: Player Development
Each evening will begin with instruction focused on the fundamentals of the game, including:
Dynamic stretching and movement preparation
Arm care routines
Proper throwing mechanics
Position-specific instruction
Skill development drills led by the Gadsden State coaching staff and current Cardinal players
Session 2: Instructional Games
Following the instructional portion of the evening, participants will compete in modified scrimmages with live, in-game instruction from coaches.
Rather than simply playing games, coaches will stop play as needed to teach positioning, situational awareness, baseball IQ, decision-making and game management. This format allows players to immediately apply the skills learned during instruction while receiving feedback in real game situations.
League Information
Dates: Oct. 20-Nov. 19
Location: Gadsden State Baseball and Softball Complex
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday League: Grades 8-10
Thursday League: Grades 11-12
Registration Information
Registration is currently open and can be completed online. Registration details are available through the 2026 Fall Instructional League registration form. Payment information will be provided after the registration form has been completed.
Registration deadline: Oct. 15 or when all spots are filled
Cost: $450 per player
A player's position in the league is not guaranteed until registration has been completed and payment has been received.
League Capacity
To provide quality instruction and maximize repetitions, enrollment will be limited. Each grade division will consist of:
Two to three teams
Approximately 12-14 players per team
If three teams are formed within a grade division, a rotating schedule will be used. One team will receive additional instruction in the batting cages while the other two teams compete in live game action. This format will maximize both instruction and game experience throughout the evening.
Required Documents
After registering, participants must email the following documents to Coach Blake Lewis before participating:
Current athletic physical
Signed Gadsden State participation waiver
Players will not be permitted to participate until all required documentation has been received and approved.
What Players Should Bring
Participants should bring:
Baseball glove
Bat
Batting helmet
Baseball pants
Molded cleats or turf shoes
Water bottle
Catcher's gear, if applicable
Why Participate?
The Gadsden State Fall Instructional League offers athletes an opportunity to:
Learn directly from Gadsden State coaches and players
Receive position-specific instruction
Develop proper throwing mechanics and arm care routines
Improve baseball fundamentals
Increase baseball IQ through live instruction
Compete in instructional game situations
Experience a college-style practice environment
Prepare for future high school and collegiate competition
Unlike traditional camps, the Fall Instructional League is designed to immerse players in a collegiate baseball environment where development is emphasized each week through both instruction and competition.
Additional Information
The Fall Instructional League is intended to develop baseball players through quality coaching and instruction. Participation in the league does not guarantee recruitment or future roster opportunities with Gadsden State Baseball.
Weather-related schedule changes will be communicated by the coaching staff. When possible, instruction will continue indoors or in covered training areas.
Questions
For additional information, registration questions or required documentation, contact:
Blake Lewis
Head Baseball Coach/Athletic Director
Gadsden State Community College
blewis@gadsdenstate.edu

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