Baseball Academy
A structured daytime training program for homeschool athletes. Professional coaching, real reps, and a consistent place to get better four days a week.
More than a camp. More than a lesson.
The Academy is a full development program that runs during the school day. Instead of piecing together a lesson here, a workout there, and whatever reps your player can find on the weekend, athletes train in one place, with one coaching staff, on a consistent schedule.
Every session combines baseball instruction, athletic development, and competition. Coaches get to know each player, see them four days a week, and adjust their work to what they actually need. The goal is complete players, not one isolated skill.
This program has been running at The Dugout for more than five years. We are now opening it up to more families.
Elementary through high school
Players are grouped by age, ability, and development needs so everyone trains with the right level of challenge.
Elementary
Younger players building strong fundamentals, coordination, confidence, and good training habits in an age-appropriate group.
Middle School (Grades 6 to 8)
The years when movement patterns, baseball habits, strength, and understanding of the game start shaping everything that follows.
High School (Grades 9 to 12)
Athletes preparing for varsity baseball, college opportunities, or the next level beyond that.
Players don't need to be finished products. They do need to be willing to work, take coaching, and make the training environment better for everyone around them.
What players work on
Hitting
Swing mechanics, approach at the plate, and quality reps in the cages.
Throwing & Arm Care
Efficient throwing mechanics and habits that keep arms healthy.
Pitching
Mound work, mechanics, and command for players who pitch.
Catching
Receiving, blocking, and throwing for players behind the plate.
Defense
Infield and outfield footwork, glove work, and positioning.
Baserunning & IQ
Reading situations, running the bases well, and understanding the game.
Athletic Development
Age-appropriate strength, speed, agility, and mobility work.
Live Competition
Live at-bats and game situations so skills hold up under pressure.
Mindset & Leadership
Preparation, accountability, and how to carry yourself as a player.
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Field work
Throwing, defense, baserunning, movement, and team concepts on the turf.
Cages & mounds
Hitting, pitching, catching, and position-specific work.
Strength & athletic development
Speed, agility, mobility, strength, and injury-prevention work.
Competition
Live at-bats, game situations, and competitive drills.
Lunch & dismissal
Players finish the training day and are dismissed at 1:00 PM.
The exact order changes based on weather, training priorities, and competition days.
Coached by someone who has done it
Argenis Díaz, Academy Director
- Former Major League infielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates
- Fourteen seasons of professional baseball
- Played in the Red Sox, Pirates, Tigers, Reds, and Diamondbacks organizations
- Coached in the Pirates organization, including the Indianapolis Indians
- Five-plus years running his academy at The Dugout
Argenis leads the daily instruction and sets the standard for how academy players train. Players get coaching from someone who has lived the grind of professional baseball and knows what it takes to keep moving up.
Train through almost any weather
Academy players train at The Dugout, with outdoor and covered space so sessions keep going when Florida weather doesn't cooperate.
2 Turf Fields
Lighted fields for defense, baserunning, and live work.
10+ Batting Cages
Covered cage space so players get real volume.
10+ Pitching Mounds
Dedicated mounds for pitchers and catchers.
Strength Area
Space for athletic development and arm care.
What we expect from players
- Arrive on time and ready to work
- Bring the right equipment, water, snacks, and lunch
- Take coaching the right way
- Respect coaches, teammates, equipment, and the facility
- Give full focus and effort every session
- Follow all Dugout safety and conduct rules
This is a training environment, not childcare. Players who repeatedly don't meet these standards will be addressed with their family.
Includes full Dugout membership.
- Up to 16 hours of coached training per week
- Baseball instruction and athletic development
- Live at-bats and competition
- Dugout membership with 24/7 access card
- 25% off private lessons
Program details
| Days | Monday to Thursday |
| Hours | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
| Season | August to May |
| Fall semester | August to December |
| Spring semester | January to May |
| Payment | Monthly payment plan or pay the semester in full |
| Joining mid-semester | First month is prorated |
| Location | 2215 West 1st Street, Sanford, FL 32771 |
Every session
- Glove
- Bat
- Batting helmet
- Catching gear (catchers)
- Turf shoes or molded cleats
- Athletic clothes
- Plenty of water
- Snacks and lunch
- Sunscreen
No metal spikes, sunflower seeds, or gum.
Common questions
What ages can join?
Elementary through high school. Every player is grouped with athletes at a similar age and level.
Does my child have to be homeschooled?
The academy runs 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on weekdays, so it's built for homeschool, virtual school, and other flexible-schedule families.
Is it okay for beginners?
Yes, as long as the player is willing to work and take coaching. Younger and newer players train in groups that fit their level.
Can we join after the semester starts?
Yes. Your first month is prorated and you join the current semester.
Is Dugout membership included?
Yes. Tuition includes full membership, including a 24/7 access card and 25% off private lessons.
Does this replace travel baseball?
No. The academy is a training program, and it pairs well with a travel or school team. It's where players build the skills they take into games.
What happens when it rains?
We move to the covered cages and mounds and keep training.
Are meals provided?
No. Players should bring their own snacks, lunch, and plenty of water.
How do we register?
Register online through the button on this page. If you'd like to talk first, send us a question and we'll get back to you.
Ready to train with purpose?
Give your player a consistent place to improve, compete, and get ready for the next level.
Questions? support@thedugoutsanford.com