Starting Fall 2026

Medicine Hat Big League Academy

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The Medicine Hat Big League Academy is a comprehensive high-performance training program designed to support the development and success of athletes competing at the highest level of high school baseball in Medicine Hat and surrounding areas.

Operated by Medicine Hat Big League Baseball, the Academy is a nine-month program running from September through May, followed by a competitive summer season with the Moose Monarchs (19U) or K of C Knights (18U).

The program is delivered by experienced coaches within the association, with additional support from specialized instructors, guest speakers and performance professionals.

The goal of the Academy is to enhance the development, experience and long-term success of athletes within our summer programs and beyond.

Program Structure

Fall – Instructional Phase (September to October)

This phase focuses on instruction and evaluation in a game setting. Coaches identify individual adjustments while introducing team concepts.

  • Practices: 5 times per week

  • Games: 20+

  • Strength and conditioning: 2 times per week

Winter – Build Phase (November to February)

Athletes focus on individual development, technical refinement and physical performance.

  • Indoor training: 5 times per week

  • Classroom sessions: 2 times per week

  • Strength and conditioning: 3 times per week

  • Includes video analysis and off-season throwing programs

Spring – Preparation Phase (March to May)

Athletes transition into game simulation, team systems and mental preparation.

  • Practices: 5 times per week (indoor/outdoor)

  • Games: 10+

  • Strength and conditioning: 2 times per week

Summer – Compete Phase (June to July)

Athletes compete in a full season with:

  • Moose Monarchs (19U American Legion AA)

  • K of C Knights (19U American Legion A)

Training Schedule 

  • Monday to Friday: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

  • Optional flex time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Program dates: September 2026 to May 2027

Athletes who are unable to secure a spare period may attend from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Student athletes may earn high school credits through Prairie Rose School Division while attending their school of choice.

Facilities include Jeffries Park and Southern Alberta Collegiate.

Player Development

The Academy is focused on developing complete student athletes through physical, mental and emotional training.

Athletes will:

  • Train daily in a high-performance environment

  • Receive individualized technical instruction

  • Develop team concepts and game understanding

  • Follow structured hitting, fielding and throwing programs

The program utilizes industry-standard technology including:

  • Rapsodo

  • Blast Motion

  • Video analysis tools

Performance and Progress

  • Athletic and baseball testing conducted three times per year

  • Results reviewed with each athlete

  • Academic performance is monitored

  • Study hall implemented when required

College Preparation

Athletes are supported in pursuing opportunities at the next level through:

  • Education on the recruiting process

  • Social media and personal branding guidance

  • Exposure opportunities (digital and in-person)

  • Support in contacting college coaches

Third-party recruiting services are available (additional cost ranging from $600–$3,500).

Classroom Series

The Academy includes structured classroom sessions covering:

  • Social media and branding

  • Nutrition

  • College preparation

  • Mental performance and sports psychology

  • Study habits and best practices

  • Goal setting

  • Video analysis

  • Guest speakers

Strength & Conditioning 

Strength and conditioning is designed and delivered by Foundation Training.

The program focuses on:

  • Arm care and injury prevention

  • Speed and athletic performance

  • Strength and rotational power

Training is delivered through small group and individualized programming.

Eligibility

Athletes must:

  • Be 16–19 years of age

  • Be eligible to play for Moose Monarchs or K of C Knights

  • Reside within American Legion Baseball boundaries

  • Demonstrate commitment to high-performance training

Our Academy Team

Saad Samuel

Growing up playing all sports in Consort, Alberta, Saad chose baseball and moved to Medicine Hat in high school in-order to play American Legion Baseball in the summer.  Continuing onto Indian Hills Community College (Iowa) and Viterbo University (Wisconsin), attaining a BA in Business Administration.

Saad brings over 25 years of experience developing athletes from Little League through to college-level play. A former collegiate athlete, he has led multiple programs and academies focused on player development and progression.

Saad is looking forward to developing a full college prep program the gives players the opportunity to accomplish their baseball dreams by building pathways for their development as student athletes. 

Coaching experience includes:

  • Director of Baseball, The Dome (Red Deer)

  • Founder of Central Alberta Sox Academy and Jr Sox Academy

  • Technical Director roles within SJPMBA and SEEBA

  • Instructor at multiple high-performance academies

Highlights:

Coaching: BA Provincial Champion (3), Western Cnd BA & LL Championships (1 silver, 2 bronze), Calgary City Championship (2 gold) 4 Best of The West gold medals, Kamloops (2x 18u, 1x 15u, 1x 13u), 44-12 Sox record over 2 years.

Player: JUCO World Series, All-Iowa 3B, American Legion ROTY & MVP, WMBL (WCBL) All-star 1B & HR/ RBI league leader, Sunburst League batting champion, 5 BA Provincial Championships, American Legion State Tournament (3 yrs)G

Director
Pitching Coordinator

Jared Libke

Bio coming soon!

Cole Schrieber

Player Coordinator

Bio coming soon!

Dr. Sean Bourassa

Injury Rehab Advisor

Bio coming soon!

Kimberlee Brooks

Nutrition

Bio coming soon!

Player Coordinator

Andrew Scott

Bio coming soon!

Shane Chynoweth

Strength & Conditioning

Bio coming soon!

Janay Gregory

Mental Performance Coach

Bio coming soon!

Program Fees

Academy (Fall + Winter)

  • Pay in full: $5,265 (due August 31)

  • Payment plan available

Individual Options

  • Fall Ball only (19U): $1,750

  • Academy only: $4,000

Summer Teams

  • Monarchs: $3,500

  • Knights: $3,200

Fee allocation includes:

  • Coaching and instruction

  • Strength and conditioning

  • Equipment and apparel

  • Facility access

  • Administration

  • Fall and spring games

Additional costs may apply for spring trips, recruiting services and injury rehabilitation.

FAQs

Is this similar to school-based programs?

No. The Academy focuses on high-performance training and competitive application.

Can any student attend?

No. Athletes must be eligible for Medicine Hat Big League Baseball programs and committed to playing at that level.

What if I can’t get a spare at school?

Athletes can attend a modified schedule starting at 3:30 PM.

Is transportation provided?

No. Athletes are responsible for transportation (except for away games).

Does this guarantee a college scholarship?

No. However, the program provides strong support and opportunities for exposure.

Contact

For questions or to schedule a meeting:

Saad Samuel

780-299-4349

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Contact us to learn more about the Medicine Hat Big League Baseball Academy 2026

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