Tom Brady. Steph Curry. Muhammad Ali.  All sports legends with one thing in common:  Under Armour endorsements.  The brand is synonymous with the best of the best in sports and now two local teens have been selected to showcase their talents on the field with the 2019 Under Armour Baseball Factory.  

 

Colt Kirby and Preston Heslep figuratively knocked it out of the park during their evaluations, landing each of them spots with the program.  Both boys have played baseball since the age of seven and being a part of the National Tryout for Under Armour Baseball Factory gave them an opportunity to improve their skills, both mentally and physically.

 

The National Tryout is conducted in 150 cities throughout the United States and consists of athletic testing (60-yard dash, 5/10/5 shuttle, broad jump, grip strength and throw velocity), fielding, and batting.  Pitchers are put through additional testing.  Testing is conducted and monitored by professional scouts and college coaches.  Players are video recorded during their testing.

 

The Under Armour Baseball Factory evaluates, trains and recruits middle and high school baseball players in skill development and college recruitment.  Following the tryout, the players received an individualized scouting report that outlines the strengths and weaknesses.  

 

Results and video from the evaluation are posted into a national database accessible to college coaches across America.  Invitations to Baseball Factory’s developmental programs are extended to those who perform well in the National Tryout.  

 

Both Kirby and Heslep will be assigned baseball “guidance counselors” during the program. Their grades, school performances and training will be monitored throughout the process. Kirby and Heslep attend Bridgeport Middle School and are currently in seventh grade.  

 

Heslep participated in the national event in Dodgertown at Vero Beach, Florida, where he was one of about two dozen boys form the region.  He played first base and pitched and underwent intense training in skills, competition, conditioning and classroom work designed to improve his ability as a baseball player.  

 

Heslep has played for Bridgeport Little League and Harrison County Pony League and trains with Alan Robbins and Marty Davis at First University Athletics.  Additionally, he trains with Nolan Tucci at WV Fitness 24. He is also a regular baseball camp participant at Marietta College and Fairmont State University.

 

Kirby’s goal is to attend the invitation-only event in Cleveland.  While there, he would receive high intensity training and have the opportunity to attend the MLB home run derby.  Kirby has played for Bridgeport Little League, Harrison County Pony League and several travel teams.  He also trains under Alan Robbins and Gorilla Strength and is a member of the Bridgeport Middle School Cross Country Team.

 

Being selected to participate in the Under Armour Baseball Factory is a dream come true for both Kirby and Heslep.  This opportunity allows them to hone their skills at an early age and explore their options as high school and college athletes.