Woodstock High Performance Baseball Program

For decades, players in Woodstock who wanted to take the next step in baseball have faced the same reality: at 13 to 16 years old, they were told they had to leave their team, coaches, and community, not because they necessarily wanted to, but because they believed it was the only way to continue developing. We are launching a new High Performance Baseball Program within Woodstock Minor Ball Association in conformance with OBA High-Performance Program policies in RP1.13.

Keeping Players Local

Families want a pathway to develop at a high level without leaving Woodstock.

High Quality Coaching

Strong, qualified coaches with clear standards and accountability are a critical priority for us.

Keeping Costs Reasonable

The program will remain accessible and cost-controlled. Our commitment is transparent, minimal costs while maximizing value.

Protecting Local Opportunities

We will ensure Woodstock players continue to have opportunities, while attracting additional players to the program.

Improving Indoor Facilities

Indoor access and training environment are important to delivering quality development. We also have some of the best outdoor fields in the region.

Community Participation

There is strong interest in contributing through coaching, player development, governance, and support roles.

Community Info Session

High Performance is more than just new teams.

To support players properly, WMBA is building the systems, training environment, evaluation process, and development support around the program. That is the role of Woodstock Baseball Academy.

Development & Training Arm of WMBA

Woodstock Baseball Academy is comprised of people who understand player development and support both Rep and High Performance athletes through structured training, evaluation, physical preparation, mental development, and resources that help athletes grow on and off the field as they pursue continued development.

Physical Training

Strength, conditioning, movement, mobility, and performance tracking.

Mental Performance

Confidence, resilience, leadership, focus, and accountability.

Nutrition & Recovery

Healthy habits, recovery, and support for multi-sport athletes.

Character

Developing good young people through work ethic, respect, and community.

People Behind the Program

Jordan Tiegs

MLB Pitching Coach | Woodstock MINOR BALL Alumni

“I am beyond excited to hear that Woodstock is going to have high-performance baseball for 16 and under players.

We have the right people in place to make this happen with Nate, Jerry and Mitch leading the way. They not only have the baseball knowledge to help develop young players but also have their best interest at heart to develop them as young men.

Being able to train, develop and compete at this level in your own community with the teammates you’ve grown up with is something Woodstock just simply hasn’t been able to offer previously.

This is going to be a tremendous opportunity to keep the talented players in the community, playing with each other, representing the city and the players not having to worry about missing out on a better opportunity elsewhere.

They’re going to get the exposure, development and competition they need to pursue their goals without having to leave their own backyard and incur the financial burden that is travel sports these days.”

Jordan Tiegs is a Woodstock Baseball alumni and Major League pitching coach. His support reinforces what this program is designed to provide: a serious development environment for players who want to keep growing while staying connected to their community.

Jerry Kleiner

Program Advisor | Player Development

Born and raised in Woodstock, Jerry Kleiner has spent decades developing and mentoring young people both in athletics and within the local school community. Jerry brings a strong combination of playing experience, coaching leadership, and community mentorship to Woodstock Baseball Academy.

⚾ Playing Career
• Played youth baseball with Woodstock Minor Baseball
• Played 2 years at Brock University with the Brock Badgers
• Part of 2 OUA Championship teams

⚾ Coaching & Leadership
• 20+ years as a local high school teacher, guidance counsellor and coach
• High school coach for Baseball, Basketball & Rugby
• 3 TVRAA Baseball Championships
• 2 WOSSAA Baseball Silver Medals

⚾ Community Impact
Jerry is widely respected throughout the Woodstock community for his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to helping young people succeed both on and off the field.

His decades of experience working with youth athletes and students aligns directly with the vision of Woodstock Baseball Academy, developing not only stronger baseball players, but stronger young people.

Sean Latimer

Program Advisor | Player Evaluation

Sean Latimer brings decades of experience in education, coaching, leadership, and player development to Woodstock Baseball Academy. His background spans high school, collegiate, provincial, and international baseball environments, with a long track record of helping athletes and programs grow.

⚾ Playing Career
• NCAA Division II Baseball at Barton College (North Carolina) on athletic scholarship
• 3-time Academic All-Conference selection
• 3-year starter at Barton College
• Team Ontario roster — Canada Summer Games (U22)
• U18 National Championships All-Star selection for Team Ontario

⚾ Coaching & Leadership
• 20 years as a high school teacher, 10 years at CASS in Woodstock
• Founded two TVRA high school baseball programs (Laurier & CASS)
• TVRA Convenor for 15+ years, helping grow the league from 8 teams to 32 teams
• Baseball and Basketball coach: 3 TVRA AAA Championships, 2 WOSSAA Silver Medals

⚾ University Baseball Experience
• Coach with Western Mustangs Baseball (2005–2009)
• Part of 3 OUA Championship teams
• Western Mustangs Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee — 2025

Sean’s combination of teaching, mentorship, program-building, and high-level baseball experience brings tremendous value to Woodstock Baseball Academy and helps support our commitment to developing complete athletes and strong young people.

Jordan Bahnuk

Pitching Coordinator | Player Development

Born and raised in Woodstock, Ontario, Jordan Bahnuk represents the next generation of local baseball talent giving back to the community that helped shape his career. His experience as both a high-level player and coach brings valuable modern development insight to the Woodstock Baseball Academy.

⚾ Playing Career

Began his baseball journey in Woodstock, playing 2 years locally at the 10U and 11U levels
Played 7 seasons with the Ontario Nationals organization from 12U through 18U
Played 2 years at Indian Hills Community College, earning an Associate of Arts degree
Played 3 years at Southwestern Christian University, graduating with Honours in Kinesiology
Played 1 season in the Intercounty Baseball League with the Kitchener Panthers

⚾ Coaching & Leadership
4 years coaching within the Ontario Nationals program
Served as Head Coach at the 14U, 15U, and 16U levels
Worked as Pitching Coordinator within the organization

Jordan currently works in Woodstock as a Kinesiologist specializing in injury rehabilitation and athlete recovery

Mitch Lattimer

Program Advisor | Player Development

Born and raised in Woodstock, Mitch Lattimer has spent decades building his baseball experience as both a player and coach, while helping develop competitive teams and strong team culture within Woodstock Minor Baseball.

Mitch brings a player-first coaching philosophy focused on development, accountability, and building winning environments where athletes can grow together.

⚾ Playing Career
• Played Rep with Woodstock Minor Ball before moving to the Brantford Red Sox then London Badgers before coming home to the Woodstock Wranglers for 22U
• Collegiate baseball at Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan
• Finished playing career with the London Majors ICBL team

⚾ Coaching & Development
• Longtime WMBA coach focused on player development and team growth
• 4x ICBA League Champion
• 3x OBA Champion
• Coached Woodstock teams ranked as high as 5th in Ontario AAA rankings despite Woodstock being classified as a “B” centre
• Led a team to Cooperstown in 2024, finishing 27th out of 78 teams
• Part of the coaching staff that led Woodstock to a 4th place finish at the 2025 13U National Championship

⚾ Coaching Philosophy
• Development of players within a winning atmosphere
• Creating positive environments where players feel valued and supported
• Building trusted relationships between coaches and players
• Emphasizing hard work, accountability, and dedication to the program

Mitch’s passion for player development and team culture aligns closely with the vision of Woodstock Baseball Academy — helping athletes pursue high-level baseball opportunities while continuing to grow as teammates, competitors, and young people.

Dan Mendham

Program Coordinator | Player Development

Dan Mendham brings decades of experience as both a player, coach, instructor, and evaluator to Woodstock Baseball Academy.

📍 30 years as a high school teacher and coach.

⚾ Playing Career:
• Played in the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) from 1991–2001
• Spent the majority of his career with the London Majors
• Selected as an IBL All-Star Third Baseman in 1996, 1998, and 1999

⚾ Coaching / Instruction Career:
• 25 years as a coach and hitting instructor with several organizations including the Ontario Nationals and Brantford Red Sox (IBL)
• Currently instructs players in hitting and fielding fundamentals
• Has helped many players achieve scholarships to colleges in the United States

🏟️ Professional Evaluation Experience:
• Former scout with the MLB Scouting Bureau (1999–2009)
• Covered Southwestern Ontario while assisting with MLB tryout camps and pre-draft camps

Dan’s experience at every level of the game — from player development and instruction to professional evaluation — provides valuable knowledge and mentorship for athletes throughout our program.

To Be Announced

Infield Coordinator | Player Evaluation

Profile summary to be added.

Interested in Being Part of This?

Players and coaches interested in Woodstock High Performance Baseball are encouraged to register or apply.

Player Registration Coach Application

Quick answers to common questions about the Woodstock Competitive Baseball Program (HPP).

How will coaches be selected, developed, and held accountable? +−

Coaching is one of the most important elements of this program.

We are committed to:

Selecting coaches based on experience, qualifications, and alignment with WMBA values
Providing ongoing coach development and support
Establishing clear standards and accountability across all teams

This includes:

Shared development frameworks
Regular evaluation and feedback
Alignment with program expectations and culture

Our goal is to build a coaching environment that is:

Consistent, accountable, and focused on player development

How will you ensure costs don’t continue to rise over time? +−

As a not-for-profit organization, WMBA is committed to delivering a high-performance program that remains accessible to families.

We will focus on value-driven scheduling, meaning:

Choosing competition that provides strong development value
Avoiding unnecessary travel and expenses
Being intentional with tournament and scheduling decisions

Our goal is to provide a high-quality experience while maintaining:

Cost discipline and transparency

How will indoor training facilities support this program? +−

Indoor training is a key part of delivering a high-quality development program.

The Bullpen provides an important foundation and is currently supported by:

WMBA membership
Existing Rep and Fastball teams

As we build this program, we recognize:

Demand for indoor space will continue to grow
Facility access must be shared across all WMBA programs

Any expansion or acquisition of a larger indoor facility would directly increase program costs for WMBA families

As part of WMBA’s long-term strategy, we will continue to explore:

Expansion opportunities
Additional / New Facility Access
Sustainable ways to support all athletes

Our approach balances:

Player development, shared access, and responsible cost management

What is the role of Woodstock Baseball Academy within this program? +−

Woodstock Baseball Academy will serve as the training and development arm supporting this program.

It will provide:

Skill development opportunities
Access to coaching and instruction
Training resources across multiple programs

Development opportunities will be accessible across the WMBA pathway, not limited to HPP players

Will local players be prioritized on teams? +−

Yes — supporting local players is a core principle of this program.

We are planning for a mandatory minimum number of local players:

On each roster
Across the overall program

This approach may evolve by:

Age group
Program growth over time

Our goal is to develop local players and strengthen baseball in Woodstock

What league(s) will these teams compete in? +−

League structure is part of the broader High Performance Program landscape across Ontario.

Key points:

All associations must declare HPP participation by May 1
Leagues and competition structures will be formed after that

We expect to have clarity and share details by the end of May 2026

This is a normal part of launching HPP programs and not a concern.

What will the competition structure look like? +−

The program will be built around a high level of competition, including:

Structured league play
High-quality tournament opportunities
Competitive matchups against strong programs

Our focus is:

Meaningful development through high-level competition

How will players be supported in advancing to higher levels? +−

Supporting player advancement is an important part of the program.

We will leverage:

Expertise from existing OBA programs
Connections within Canadian and U.S. baseball networks
Relationships with college recruitment organizations

Players will also be supported through:

Digital player profiles
Video and performance tracking
Modern exposure platforms

Strong development combined with the right exposure tools creates real opportunities

How will consistency be maintained across teams and age groups? +−

The program will be built around:

A shared development philosophy
Consistent training standards
Oversight and governance

All players will experience a consistent, high-quality development environment

What is the High Performance Program (HPP)? +−

The High Performance Program (HPP) is a Baseball Ontario initiative designed to provide a clear, high-level development pathway for athletes who are ready to take the next step in their baseball journey.

For Woodstock Minor Ball, this represents an opportunity to build a complete player pathway — from grassroots to high-performance — all within our local community.

This program is about creating an environment where players can:

Train at a higher level
Compete against top competition
Continue progressing without leaving Woodstock

What types of HPP teams exist? +−

There are two types of HPP teams:

HP-OBA Programs (Association-Based)
These are programs run by local associations like WMBA. They:

Follow Baseball Ontario and Baseball Canada standards
Require certified coaching
Prioritize player safety and long-term development
Operate within a community-first, not-for-profit model

HP-Independent Programs
These are privately operated programs that:

Recruit broadly across regions
Operate outside local associations
Typically come at a significantly higher cost

Woodstock’s program will be an HP-OBA Program — combining high performance with community values.

When would this program begin? +−

Player identification and engagement: Summer 2026
Team formation: Fall 2026
First competitive season: 2027

What ages will this program serve? +−

HPP is available for players 12U and older, in alignment with Baseball Ontario guidelines.

This creates a natural next step in the WMBA pathway, following House League, Select, and Rep programs.

How is this different from traditional Rep baseball? +−

HPP represents the next level in the player pathway.

Key differences include:

Ability to roster players from across Ontario
Higher level of competition and exposure
Expanded training and development programming
Increased flexibility in player movement

This allows WMBA to offer a true “stay, develop, and advance” pathway — rather than players needing to leave the community to pursue higher-level opportunities.

Why is WMBA launching this program? +−

WMBA’s long-term vision is to be a leading development organization in Ontario, offering opportunities for every player — from beginner to elite.

Launching HPP allows us to:

Provide a complete development pathway within Woodstock
Attract and retain high-level players and coaches
Strengthen all programs through shared knowledge and resources
Position Woodstock as a destination for player development, not just participation

This is about building the future of baseball in Woodstock — not just responding to external competition.

What would be included in a Woodstock program? +−

The program is designed to deliver a comprehensive, high-performance experience, including:

Indoor off-season training
Position-specific instruction
Strength & conditioning programs
Nutrition education
Mental performance training
Fall development programming
High-level tournament and competition schedule

This approach ensures players are developing on and off the field, in alignment with modern athlete development principles.

How much will it cost? +−

As a not-for-profit organization, WMBA is committed to delivering high-level programming in a way that remains accessible to families.

Estimated annual costs:

12U–13U: under $4,000
14U+: under $5,000

Given Woodstock Minor Ball Association historical ability to obtain local sponsorship and partners, these amounts are likely to be substantially reduced through fundraising efforts of the High Performance Program.

Travel and accommodations are not included.

Our goal is to provide exceptional value compared to private programs, while maintaining community accessibility.

Can players still play other sports? +−

Yes.

WMBA strongly supports Long-Term Athlete Development, which includes:

Multi-sport participation
Proper rest and recovery
Balanced athletic growth

While HPP involves a higher level of commitment, it will be designed to support well-rounded athletes, not specialization at the expense of development.

Who will coach these teams? +−

Coaches will play a critical role in delivering this program.

They will be selected based on:

Experience and alignment with WMBA values
Commitment to development and continuous learning
Ability to deliver a high-performance environment

All coaches will be expected to meet or exceed Baseball Ontario standards and contribute to a culture of excellence and accountability.

How will fairness and transparency be ensured? +−

The program will be guided by a community-based governance model, including:

WMBA leadership
Independent community members
Individuals not directly tied to specific teams

This ensures decisions are made:

Transparently
Fairly
In the best interest of all players and families

Will this reduce opportunities for Woodstock players? +−

No — it will expand them.

The introduction of HPP will:

Create additional teams at key age levels
Provide more development pathways within WMBA
Strengthen the overall player ecosystem