The Stanford Cardinal baseball program offers some of the best youth baseball camps in the country. They are organized into three programs: Kids Camps for age seven to twelve; Development camps for thirteen to eight year olds: and Summer Prospect Camps for incoming high school juniors and seniors.

The camps are held at Klein Field at Sunken Diamond which is where the Stanford Cardinal play their home baseball games.

Stanford’s big winter camp in 2013 will be its Elite Pitching Academy and Winter Catcher’s camp. Not only will this program feature Stanford coach Rusty Filter but Stephen Strasburg, who played with Filter when he was the pitching coach at San Diego State. Strasburg will offer instruction and do a Q&A session during the camp, which runs between December 28 and December 29.

Each day of the camp will feature three and a half hours of on field instruction. Besides Filter, the rest of the Stanford coaching staff, and Strasburg there will be other college coaches aiding with the camp during the sessions. Last year there were nine division one baseball coaches at the camp. The camps organizers make sure to have coaches from all over California to make sure the campers have exposure to other schools besides Stanford.

The cost of the camp is five hundred dollars for pitchers and four hundred for catchers. Per NCAA rules, any applicant will be part of a lottery which decides who can attend. (Otherwise the camp would be illegal “recruiting.”)This camp is only recommended for the serious baseball prospect who needs advanced and elite instruction.

Stanford hopes Houston Astros catcher and Stanford alum Jason Castro will be among those instructing the catchers in the winter camp. However he is rehabbing an injury this offseason and there is chance he won’t be able to make it. If that’s the case Stanford promises another high profile catcher will be brought in to take his place.

The Strasburg Q&A session will take place on Saturday night and is open to the parents of the campers as well as the campers. The camp has also blocked a room of hotels for $119 at the Sheraton Palo Alto, which is in walking distance of Klein Field at Sunken Diamond. However the camp warns not to make travel plans until your applicant has won the lottery, which will take place on November 8.

Don’t worry about bad weather, if you sign up for the Stanford Baseball’s Elite Pitching Academy and Winter Catcher’s camp. The camp feature a massive covered practice facility that is well-lit and turfed. There was a major rainstorm in 2010 and the camp went on exactly as planned. All cancellations are subject to a twenty dollar fee.

Who said camp is just for the kids? Twenty four major league baseball teams offer annual fantasy camps that are not only geared towards adults, but actually require attendees to be a minimum age, usually 25 or 30.

The structure of these camps is basically the same: they generally take place in the team’s spring training facility in January or February; they are usually about a week long and feature instructions and game action and players get their very own team uniforms which they can keep.

One of the big draws of the fantasy camps is the former major leaguers that take part in the camp as either instructors or lecturers. The quality of these big leaguers varies from fantasy camp to fantasy camp, but tend to be big names in at least the host franchise’s team history.

Other variations in Fantasy camp include cost (although they are all in the $3500 to $6,000 range) and inclusiveness (some packages include airfare and dinner, while these will be extras in others.)

The average age of a fantasy camper is between 40 and 50, and just about every camp says you don’t need much baseball experience to participate. However hey do recommend you be in good enough shape to not drop dead from some calisthenics.

We’ve listed information about all the 24 active fantasy camps below, alphabetically by team. Additionally most fantasy camps allow for a reduced price a spouse or companion to come to the camp but not participate in the baseball exercises  While most camp base their price on double occupancy hotels, you can usually upgrade to a single occupancy room for between $300 and $500 more. Some camps also offer VIP packages, which typically involve more time and a golf outing with the former player. Make sure to book as soon as possible as most camps will sell out.

Arizona Diamondbacks Fantasy Camp
Where: Scottsdale, Arizona
When: January
How long: Six days and nights
Cost $4000 with a $500 deposit
Minimum age: 30
Special features:Authentic home and batting practice jersey. Reunion party during home game.
Scheduled to appear: Matt Williams, Mark Grace, Luis Gonzalez Joe Garagiola Sr.
Contact: 602-462-3710 http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/ari/fan_forum/academy/fantasycamp.jsp

Atlanta Braves Fantasy Camp
Where: Kissimmee, Florida. Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort.
When: January
How long: Five days and five nights
Cost: $4,299 with a $500
Minimum age: 25
Special features: Rates for spouses. Welcome party
Scheduled to appear: Javy Lopez, Steve Avery, Sid Bream, Zane Smith
Contact: 404-614-1526

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/fan_forum/fantasycamp.jsp?c_id=atl

Baltimore Orioles Fantasy Camp
Where: Sarasota, Florida. Lido Beach Resort Hotel
When: January
How long: Seven days six nights
Cost: $4.299
Minimum age: 30
Special features: Airfare from Baltimore included. Fantasy camp video.
Scheduled to appear: Mike Bodicker, Rich Dempsey, Chris Hoiles, Boog Powell
Contact: 410-547-6063

http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/bal/fan_forum/dream_week.jsp

Where: Fort Myers, Florida. Holiday Inn at Gulf Coast Town Center.
When: January
How long: Eight days, seven nights
Cost: $4,799
Minimum age: 30
Special features: Unlimited food and beverage happy hour every day. Pre camp golf tourney
Scheduled to appear: Luis Tiant, Rich Gedman, Trot Nixon, Mike Timlin
Contact: 617-226-6400 http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/fan_forum/fantasy_camp.jsp

Chicago Cubs Fantasy Camp
Where: Mesa, Arizona. Dobson Inn Ranch
When: January
How long: Seven days, seven nights
Cost: $4,195
Minimum age: 30
Special features: Personalized baseball card. Engraved Louisville Slugger bat.
Scheduled to appear: Ferguson Jenkins, Billy Williams, Randy Hundley.
Contact: http://www.cubsfantasycamp.com/html/imagine.html

Chicago White Sox Fantasy Camp
Where: Glendale, Arizona. Residence Inn.
When: January
How long: Seven days, seven nights
Cost: $4,195
Minimum age: 21
Special features: Personalized baseball card. Guaranteed game on main field.
Scheduled to appear: White Sox greats.
Contact: 312-674-5398. http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/cws/fan_forum/fantasy_camp.jsp

Cincinnati Reds Fantasy Camp
Where: Avondale, Arizona. Hilton Garden Inn
When: February
How long: Eight days, seven nights
Cost: $4,600 first time, $4,200 veterans
Minimum age: 30
Special features: Certified umpires. Campers vs. Pros game.
Scheduled to appear: Johnny Bench, Eric Davis, Chris Sabo, Tom Browning
Contact: 800-755-REDS http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/fan_forum/fantasy_camp.jsp

Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camp
Where: Goodyear, Arizona. Renaissance Courtyard.
When: January
How long: Eight days, seven nights
Cost: $4,800 first time, $4.400 veterans.
Minimum age: 30
Special features: Daily camp newspaper. Seven game schedule.
Scheduled to appear: Mike Hargrove, Corey Snyder, Pat Tabler, Mike Jackson
Contact: 216-420-HITS http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/cle/fan_forum/fantasycamp_main.jsp

Colorado Rockies Fantasy Camp
Where: Scottsdale, Arizona. Scottsdale Plaza Resort
When: February
How long:
Cost: $4,350
Minimum age: 21
Special features: Airfare included. Championship game
Scheduled to appear:Rockies greats.
Contact: 303-312-camp http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/col/fan_forum/fantasycamp.jsp

Detroit Tigers Fantasy Camp
Where: Lakeland, Florida.
When: January
How long: 8 days, seven nights
Cost: $3,595 first time, $3,295 veteran.
Minimum age: 21
Special features: Airfare included. Games under the lights. Match up against Yankee campers.
Scheduled to appear: MIckey Lolich, Mike Heath, Frank Tanana, Willie Hernandez
Contact: 313-471-2550. http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/fan_forum/fantasy_camp.jsp

Houston Astros Fantasy Camp (none)
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Kansas City Royals Fantasy Camp
Where: Sunrise Florida
When: January
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Cost: 3,995
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Scheduled to appear: George Brett, Hal McRae, Brian Montgomery
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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Where: Tucson, Arizona. Doubletree Suites
When: January
How long: Seven Days, six nights
Cost: $4,250, $500 deposit
Minimum age: 30
Special features: All meals paid for. Coaches vs. Campers game.
Scheduled to appear: Rod Carew, Tim Salmon, Mickey Hatcher, Dave Frost
Contact: 818-585-3179 http://www.ladabc.com/index.php

Los Angeles Dodgers Fantasy Camp
Where: Tucson, Arizona. Doubletree Suites
When: January
How long: Seven Days, six nights
Cost: $4,250, $500 deposit
Minimum age: 30
Special features: All meals paid for. Coaches vs. Campers game.
Scheduled to appear: Rick Monday, Bill Russell, Jerry Reuss, Paul LoDuca
Contact: 818-585-3179 http://www.ladabc.com/index.php

Miami Marlins Fantasy Camp (None Offered)
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Milwaukee Brewers Fantasy Camp
Where: Phoenix Arizona.
When: February
How long: Eight days, seven nights
Cost: $4199
Minimum age: 30
Special features: Includes round trip airfare from Milwaukee. Reunion game at Miller Park during the season.
Scheduled to appear: Gorman Thomas, Jim Gantner, Cecil Cooper, Rob Deer
Contact: 414-321-8605 https://secure.mlb.com/mil/fan_forum/fantasy_camp_form.jsp

Minnesota Twins Fantasy Camp
Where: Fort Myers, Florida. Crowne Plaza Hotel.
When: January
How long: seven days, seven nights
Cost: $4195 first year, $3695 veterans
Minimum age: 30. 25 with an older parent.
Special features: Reunion game at Target Field. Cy Young, MVP and other awards
Scheduled to appear: Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven, Kent Hrbek, Frank Viola, Tom Brunansky
Contact: 888-446-TWIN http://yuratwin.com/twins-fantasy-camp-info/register-now.php

New York Mets Fantasy Camp
Where: Port St. Lucie, Florida. PGA Village Resort.
When: January
How long: six days, five nights
Cost: $4395
Minimum age: 30
Special features: Airfare included. Personalized videos.
Scheduled to appear: Mookie Wilson, Bobby Wine, Rodney McCray
Contact: 718-559-3035 http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/nym/fan_forum/fantasycamp.jsp

New York Yankees Fantasy Camp
Where: Tampa, Florida. Sheraton Suits.
When: November, January
How long: Six days, five nights
Cost: $4,995 (1950 for women’s mini camp)
Minimum age 30 (21 for women’s mini camp)
Special features: Full authentic uniform
Scheduled to appear: David Wells, Lou Piniella, Luis Tiant, Bucky Dent
Contact: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/fan_forum/fantasycamp_testimonials.jsp

Oakland A’s Fantasy Camp
Where: Phoenix, Arizona
When: January
How long: seven days, six nights
Cost: $3,500 regular, $4975 VIP
Minimum age: 30
Special features: Golf with major Leaguers, custom maple bat. (VIP)
Scheduled to appear: Dave Henderson and other Oakland greats
Contact: 877-993-7338 http://hendersonbaseball.com/As1.html

Where: Philadelphia Phillies Phantasy Camp
When: January
How long: Five days/four nights
Cost: 4,895 player 3,890 GM
Minimum age. 30 for player, 21 for GM
Special features: Can go as player or GM. Game against legends
Scheduled to appear: Mike Schmidt,Greg Luzinski, John Kruk, Larry Anderson
Contact: 610-42-3400 http://www.philliescamps.com/PhantasyCamp/pages/experiences_player.html

Pittsburgh Pirates Fantasy Camp
Where: Bradenton Florida.
When: January
How long: Seven days, six nights
Cost:
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Scheduled to appear: Steve Blass, Richie Hebner, Bob Walk, Zane Smith
Contact: 1-800-BUY-BUCS

San Diego Padres Fantasy Camp
Where: Tucson, Arizona. Doubletree Suites
When: January
How long: Seven Days, six nights
Cost: $4,250, $500 deposit
Minimum age: 30
Special features: All meals paid for. Coaches vs. Campers game.
Scheduled to appear: Randy Jones, Derrell Thomas, Garry Templeton
Contact: 818-585-3179 http://www.ladabc.com/index.php

San Francisco Giants Fantasy Camp
Where: Scottsdale, Arizona. Marriott Suites
When: January
How long: Eight days, seven nights
Cost: $4,400
Minimum age: 25
Special features: Airfare included. Three nights of dinner.
Scheduled to appear: Robb Nen, Gaylord Perry, J.T. Snow, Vida Blue
Contact: 1-800-411-1919 http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/fan_forum/fantasycamp/package.jsp

Seattle Mariners Fantasy Camp
Where: Phoenix, Arizona
When: January
How long: seven days, six nights
Cost: $3,500 regular, $4975 VIP
Minimum age: 30
Special features: Golf with major Leaguers, custom maple bat. (VIP)
Scheduled to appear: Dave Henderson and other Seattle greats
Contact: 877-993-7338 http://hendersonbaseball.com/As1.html

St. Louis Cardinals Legends Camp
Where: Jupiter, Florida. Marriott Palm Beach Gardens.
When: January
How long: Five days, four nights
Cost: $5,000, $6500 VIP
Minimum age: 30
Special features: VIP’s get gold with players. Proceeds benefit Hire Heros.
Scheduled to appear: Ozzie Smith, Dave LaPoint, Tom Pagnozzi
Contact: 1-866-915-HERO http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/stl/fan_forum/fantasy_camp.jsp?loc=details

Tampa Bay Rays Fantasy Camp (None)
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Texas Rangers Fantasy Camp (None)
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Toronto Blue Jays Fantasy Camp (None)
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Washington Nationals Fantasy Camp (None)
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Did you know that over 100 college baseball programs offer baseball camps for high school and youth players? The close to 50,000 baseball players each year who attend college baseball camps do. Just about wherever you are in the country you should be able to find a college baseball camp where campers will receive instructions from college coaches and players.

At these camps younger players will be drilled in the fundamentals of the game by trained experts who already have them down pat. Older players will have their game tweaked and refined and prepared for the challenges of high school and then college ball.

College Baseball camps go on during the college baseball off season. Besides the late summer, when many camps are offered, most potential campers will be in school during this time period. So college baseball camps are often held over the weekend or during the week at night. Thanksgiving and the time between Christmas and New Years are also popular times to have college baseball camps.

The college camps coaching staff will be made up of the coaches from the host college as well as coaches from smaller college programs and junior college programs in the area. College players from the host school as well as other area college players will also assist as coaches and counselors.

Now the purpose of a college baseball camp isn’t just to learn new baseball skills, although that’s what they all advertise. For older players it is an opportunity to showcase their talents to the coaches in hopes of receiving a college baseball scholarship. (This is why going to a camp which has coaches from multiple schools is a good idea.) Some of the more prestigious college baseball camps will also have pro baseball scouts in attendance looking to check in on high school baseball players they might want to recommend to their team for Major League Baseball’s 40 round entry draft.

College camps can big pretty big, with some hoarding in 400 to 500 campers a session. Before picking a college camp you should inquire upon the coach to player ratio. Big camps are fine if they are well staffed.  But since the name of the game is getting instruction and exposure there will be plenty of campers who get lost in shuffle if there are not enough coaches.

There are all different types of college baseball camps, including some that are just for hitters or pitchers. They also have quite a price range. Some camps from top college’s like Arizona State can run $1000 for a two day seasons. However you might get a three or four day camp at your local community college for less than half of that.

Choosing a college baseball camp, particularly for older players who want to showcase their talents, should have a lot to do with the player’s skill level. If the teenager has no chance of playing college ball at a top Division 1 school they would probably be better off attending a camp at a Division 3 or NAIA school. Not only will the camp likely be cheaper but by meeting the coaches at a college the camper has the skill set to attend it builds the kind of relationships that may actually led to them playing college ball and even getting a scholarship to do so.

If you are interested in a college baseball camp the first step should be to check to see if the colleges in the area offer them. If they have baseball programs, the chances are they do.

Have you ever noticed that a disproportionate number of Major League Baseball players come from the Atlanta area? Reasons for this over-representation include the Southeast’s warm climate, the Atlanta Braves success during the ‘90s — which encouraged the region’s youngsters to emulate their heroes — and the East Cobb Baseball youth facility in Marietta, Georgia.

Located on 4617 Lee Waters Rd in the Atlanta suburb, East Cobb Baseball is a sprawling multi-million dollar 30 acre campus with eight baseball diamonds and many outdoor and indoor hitting cages. The complex also features meeting rooms, offices and even living quarters for out of town players and their families.

The project was the brainchild of entrepreneur Russ Umphenhour. He had been impressed with the way the East Marietta squad had won the Little League World Series in 1983, and also impressed with Guerry Baldwin, who was one of their coaches. So he poured in an estimated ten million dollars into developing East Cobb Baseball, and then had Baldwin recruit area youth and high school coaches to staff the facility.

East Cobb baseball hosts events throughout the year, including wood bat tournaments, and competitions involving various youth age groups.

But things really heat up at East Cobb during the summer months. It is then players between 7 and 18 try out for teams. Most players end up being placed, and each age group usually has at least ten teams. The best players in each age group are on the East Cobb Astros.

Also during the summer the facility hosts players between the ages of nine and 14 from all over the country in the Travel Ball National Championship, which takes place over three four day events in July.

Another big summer event is the Perfect Game USA sponsored tournament for high school aged 17-and-under and 18-and-under teams, which generally draws more than 100 squads. This event typically has a very heave presence of Major League scouts.

Because of everything going on at East Cobb Baseball, an area kid has the chance to play up to 60 highly competitive games a summer at the facility, which gives them a leg up on players from almost anywhere else in the nation.

Atlanta Braves coach Al Goez explains: “When you look at an East Cobb kid, you’re looking at a kid that has played so much baseball that his skills and mechanics are better than a kid, say, from south Georgia or from Florida that has not played that much.” Teams from the East Cobb have won 199 national championships in various age groups.

Over 30 East Cobb players have made the Major Leagues, including 2013 All-Stars Buster Posey, Domonic Brown, Brian McCann and Brandon Phillips. Here is a list of current and prominent East Cobb Major Leaguers:

Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves
Stephen Drew, Boston Red Sox
Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants
Domonic Brown, Philadelphia Phillies
Ethan Martin, Philadelphia Phillies
Zeke Spruill, Arizona Diamondbacks
Mitchell Boggs, Colorado Rockies
Charlie Culberson, Colorado Rockies
Xavier Avery, Baltimore Orioles
Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles
Chad Jenkins, Toronto Blue Jays
Luke Putkonen, Detroit Tigers
Blake Wood, Cleveland Indians
Gordon Beckham, Chicago White Sox
Jeff Keppinger, Chicago White Sox
Brandon Moss, Oakland A’s
Zack Wheeler, NY Mets
Will Smith, Kansas City Royals
David Hale, Atlanta Braves
Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays
Dexter Fowler, Colorado Rockies
Jeremy Hermida, San Diego Padres
Kris Benson, retired
Adam Everett retired