Last June, as Jake and Ben wrapped up their junior baseball season, I sat down with their mothers, Sarah Martinez and Lisa Thompson, to reflect on the journey that had brought their sons to this point. What started over a decade ago in the Bloomfield Baseball League’s ‘Shetland’ T-Ball division has evolved into a potential path to college baseball, with scouts starting to show interest in both athletes.
For Sarah, watching Jake’s progress has been a mix of pride and disbelief. “When Jake started, he was shy and unsure,” she says. “I honestly thought we were just signing him up for exercise and a chance to make friends. Now, to have colleges looking at him, it’s hard to wrap my head around.”
Lisa has seen a similar transformation in Ben. “He was always more outgoing, but baseball was a challenge at first. To see where he is now, with scouts looking at him too, it’s honestly pretty surreal.”
Now, with their senior season fast approaching, both boys are on the radar of college scouts, a far cry from the early days of T-Ball. Jake has developed into a strong pitcher, and Ben’s skills as a shortstop have made him one of the top players in the state at his position. The Bloomfield Baseball League has been instrumental in their development, providing opportunities for them to push their limits and compete at higher levels of play.
The Bloomfield Baseball League: Building More Than Just Skills
The Bloomfield Baseball League is not only a place where young athletes can develop their skills but also a supportive community that encourages personal growth. Both Jake and Ben started in T-Ball at the age of 5, where they were introduced to the fundamentals of the game.
From there, they progressed through various divisions, with the league offering more competitive opportunities as they developed. The travel ball program, available to athletes who show promise and dedication, was a pivotal moment in their baseball careers. It provided the challenge they needed to sharpen their abilities and push beyond their limits, something not offered through most community based recreational leagues.
“It wasn’t just about learning the game,” says Sarah. “Jake started gaining confidence, not just as a player, but as a person. The league helped him grow in ways we never expected.”
For Lisa, the league’s impact on Ben was equally significant. “It’s been about more than just baseball. It’s about discipline, responsibility, and learning how to compete at a higher level. The league gave him the chance to learn all those lessons.”
The Foundation: Elite Baseball Training Made Available for Every Player
A major turning point in Jake and Ben’s development came when the Bloomfield Baseball League partnered with Matt Williams, the Manager of Baseball Growth Initiatives for the Detroit Tigers and owner of Williams Infinite Training Solutions.
Through this partnership with Matt and his team of elite trainers, the league transitioned to more than simply a place to play, it morphed into a high performance training ground for athletes serious about improving their skills and mindset. Under Matt Williams’ leadership, players like Jake and Ben receive top tier coaching in hitting, pitching, fielding, and mental toughness.
The league has created a structured, professional environment where recreational players have access to high level, professional style training typically reserved only for travel ball programs without the time and financial demands of full time travel baseball.
Williams, a former college player at Wayne State University and current coach at both Wayne State and the University of Michigan-Dearborn, brought a deep well of experience to the league, working hands on with athletes across all age groups and skill levels…
Hitting: The focus starts with the swing, but it goes far beyond basic mechanics. Matt’s approach to hitting emphasizes timing, bat speed, and the importance of generating power through the lower body. His drills don’t just teach kids how to hit, they teach them how to react to a variety of pitches, how to maintain focus through adjustments, and how to approach each at-bat like a professional. Whether it’s tee work, soft toss, or live pitching, every drill is designed to build muscle memory and develop hitters who can perform in game situations.
Pitching: Pitching training goes deep into mechanics, but also emphasizes strategy. Players are taught that balance, leg drive, and core strength as the building blocks of a strong delivery. But the focus is on more than just speed, Matt works with players to develop pitch sequence and command. His drills focus on reading batters, knowing when to throw a fastball, a changeup, or a curveball, and maintaining mental composure while under pressure. Jake’s fastball didn’t just increase in velocity; his ability to execute and outthink batters on the mound developed under Matt’s expert guidance.
Fielding: Matt and his team ensure that even the most basic skills are perfected. Whether it’s footwork, glove positioning, or quick reactions, Matt’s defensive drills emphasize speed and efficiency. Ben’s defensive growth is a direct result of this, his ability to field grounders, make rapid transitions from glove to throw, and turn double plays has become one of his standout features on the field.
Williams’ approach to coaching goes beyond the physical aspects of the game. “Matt’s training is about the entire athlete,” Sarah explains. “It’s not just about how to throw a pitch or hit a ball, it’s about understanding the game mentally. How to approach each at-bat, how to read hitters, how to deal with pressure.”
For Jake, the opportunity to work with Williams changed everything. “Matt taught me how to prepare like a pro,” Jake says. “It wasn’t just about improving my pitching mechanics, it was about understanding the mental side of the game. I learned how to break down hitters, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to adjust my approach when things aren’t going my way.”
Ben’s experience with Williams was just as transformative. “Matt helped me get my head in the game,” Ben says. “It wasn’t just about playing harder, it was about playing smarter. He taught me to focus on the little things, like pitch recognition and adjusting my stance.”
Williams’ influence helped Jake’s fastball jump from 70 mph to 85 mph and elevated Ben’s fielding to an elite level. But perhaps the most valuable lessons were those focused on mental preparation, giving both players the mindset needed to succeed at the highest levels.
Looking Ahead: Senior Season and College Opportunities
As the boys prepare for their senior season, college scouts are starting to take notice. Jake’s pitching has impressed scouts, with his velocity and command of his pitches making him a standout prospect. Ben, known for his quick reflexes and exceptional defense at shortstop, is being recognized as one of the top infielders in the state.
“I’m so proud of how far Jake has come,” Sarah says. “From the kid who was afraid to step up to the plate to now, being recruited by colleges, it’s incredible.” For Lisa, the journey has been equally rewarding.
“Ben has always had the talent, but he’s learned how to refine that talent. Working with Matt and playing in the league has given him the confidence to compete at a higher level. It’s been an amazing process to watch.”
Bloomfield Baseball League: Where Potential Becomes Reality
The Bloomfield Baseball League isn’t just about playing baseball, it’s about developing well rounded athletes who have the skills and mindset to succeed in life. With programs available for every age group, from introductory T-Ball to competitive travel ball, the league provides young athletes with the structure, training, and community support they need to excel. Through its partnership with Williams Infinite Training Solutions, the league offers access to elite level coaching that helps athletes of all levels reach their full potential.
Your Family’s Story Starts Here
If you’re ready to give your child the tools to succeed on and off the field, registration for the Bloomfield Baseball League’s spring season is now open. With programs for ages 4-18 and specialized training opportunities through Matt Williams, the league is more than just a place to play, it’s a place to grow.
Register today at BloomfieldBaseball.com. The spring season begins April 20th, with an early registration discount of $100 off, available through January 31st. Don’t miss out, your child’s baseball future starts here!