From Dodgertown to Wrigley

Dave Lax: Tip of the Week

The old saying “practice makes perfect,” which has been modified through the years to “perfect practice makes perfect,” is still 100% accurate. I was recently in Chicago for the 2009 Under Armour All-America Game, powered by Baseball Factory and got the chance to meet one of the many Baseball Factory success stories. Every year Baseball Factory sees thousands of players and has had over 25,000 go on to play college baseball, yet every time we hear about another success story we get just as excited as if it were the first player we helped over 15 years ago. In Chicago, the top 36 high school players from across the country and Canada played at Wrigley Field in front of scouts, college coaches, family and fans. One of the participants was Davie, FL native Nick Castellanos.

Nick came to Chicago as a highly touted third basemen and power hitter. He has been compared to five-time Major League All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner, Scott Rolen. Nick, who should one day make an impact for some Major League Team, worked very hard to make it where he is today. He is also the epitome of a Baseball Factory success story. Not because he has been so highly recruited or even looked at as a top pick for the 2010 First Year Major League Draft. Rather he is considered a success because of the player development that he has gone through during his years of working with Baseball Factory culminating in his verbal commitment to the University of Miami to further his baseball and academic career. The prestigious Under Armour All-America Game in Chicago was just icing on the cake for Nick.

Nick realized early on that player development was the key to improving his game and his career. Nick attended one of Baseball Factory’s National Tryouts in 2006 to see where he graded out and what he needed to improve. After going over his evaluation with his Player Development Coordinator he was selected and attended the Dodgertown World Series (now Pirate City World Series) in Vero Beach, FL. Nick had just finished 8th grade when he attended the camp. At the camp he was immersed with baseball from dawn till dusk. Nick took advantage of the training and coaches at the event as he continued his baseball career into high school.

During the summers Nick plays for the All-American Prospects, one of the elite travel baseball teams in the country. Nick’s development continued with his play with and against some of the top players in the country. Nick’s team has played in the Under Armour Southeast Wood Bat Tournament, operated by Team One Baseball since the tournament’s inception. This tournament attracts many of the top travel teams and in turn some of the best high school players. Some of the Under Armour Southeast Tournament Alumni include Tim Beckham, #1 Overall Pick in the 2008 Draft, Bobby Borchering #16 Overall Pick in the 2009 Draft and Mychal Givens teammate of Nick’s and #54 Overall Pick in the 2009 Draft. Being surrounded by these top players allowed Nick to keep getting better even as he became one of the highest rated players in the country.

In August, Nick traveled to Chicago to play in the 2009 Under Armour All-America Game. Nick had a game to remember. After taking home the hardware in the Mattingly Sports Home Run Derby Contest, he went on to go 4-4 at the plate, all doubles, and had 3 RBI’s and 3 runs scored. Nick added a stolen base and a walk to round out his day (Check out the Under Armour All-America Game Recap). He proved that he not only deserved the MVP honors that he received but that starting player development early and continuing to work hard pays off. When I spoke with Nick out in Chicago, he told me his ultimate goal was to win the College World Series followed up by a World Series Championship. With the work ethic, dedication and desire to play the game it seems like Nick will be able to make his dreams a reality.

Finally I wanted to congratulate Nick on his selection and subsequent performance in the Under Armour All-America Game along with his commitment to further his baseball career and education at the University of Miami. Everyone at the Baseball Factory is proud of the baseball player, and more importantly the person, Nick has become.


Dave Lax is the Assistant Director of Marketing at Baseball Factory. Dave started with Baseball Factory in June of 2006 having earned his degree in Business from the University of Maryland, College Park. He majored in Marketing and minored in Communication. At Maryland, he played on the Scout Basketball Team for three years, where he was part of the National Championship team in 2006. In addition to his marketing responsibilities Dave serves as the administrator for Baseball University and helps design and maintain the website.