Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande Baseball Fall League is no more. In its stead is the new University of Rio Grande Fall Baseball Academy.  Like the fall league, the baseball academy will be on Saturday's beginning August 28 and ending on October 2.

Rio Grande head baseball coach Brad Warnimont explained the reasoning behind making the switch to an academy. "We are replacing the fall baseball league with the fall baseball academy. We decided to make this change to focus on instruction and fundamentals," Warnimont said. "The players will receive individual instruction from our players and staff, and will be provided with an evaluation of strengths and weaknesses at the end of the academy."

The schedule for the academy is as follows:

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Offense, defense, and base-running fundamentals.

12 p.m. - 2 p.m. - Games.

The Rio Grande Fall Baseball Academy will be for boys in 7^th grade through high school. The cost is $250 per player. Checks should be made payable to the University of Rio Grande Baseball Fund.

Hitters will start with a 1-1 count when they come to bat and will swing aluminum bats. In the past, wooden bats were used for the Fall Baseball League.  

The teams will be divided up on the day of the game with open substitutions and all OHSAA Rules will apply. In case of rain, instruction will be moved indoors if needed. 

Interested players need to bring cleats, tennis shoes (for the batting cage), glove, pants and a bat. 

Registration is available online at www.rioredstorm.comon the baseball page. You will also have to fill out the waiver form also located on Rio's baseball page. 

For more information contact Coach Warnimont at 740-245-7486 or by e-mail at bradw@rio.edu.