Carolinas Baseball Center and On Deck Academy Announce Merger

Two Major Baseball Developmental Programs Join Forces​

On Deck Academy merges with Carolinas Baseball Center

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Carolinas Baseball Center and On Deck Academy are pleased to announce a merger, which will take effect immediately. This merger represents a coming together of the two top baseball development organizations in the Charlotte area. Combined the two organizations will continue to produce the premium standard for youth baseball development in the southeast.

“We are incredibly excited about the opportunity this merger provides for the greater Charlotte area baseball community”, said Jeff Schaefer, former Major Leaguer and founder of CBC. Schaefer added, “Since our inception, CBC’s mission has been the development of baseball players and young men. The merger with On Deck not only supports that mission, but enhances it as the core culture of both organizations supports player development over the collection of trophies. We are very pleased to be working with the Hill family towards this mutual mission.”

Carolinas Baseball Center was founded in 2006 by Schaefer whereas On Deck Academy was formed in 1999 under the direction of Mike Shildt.

When asked about the merger Shildt said, “On Deck and CBC joining forces combines two proven, quality baseball organizations. Both establishments bring passion for teaching the game and a sincere interest in the development of our baseball community. The future of Charlotte area baseball is now more promising then ever."

In 2004, Mike Shildt turned over On Deck Academy to Garry Hill and his family in order to take a position with the St. Louis Cardinals organization, a position he still holds today.

Garry Hill, Owner and Chairman of On Deck BSDA stated, “It has always been our goal to grow the On Deck Academy and we believe this merger with Carolinas Baseball Center is not only growing our business, but our family. Both sides are bringing a lot of good things to this merger and the excitement level has never been higher.”

Jeff Schaefer added, “Our combined measure of success has been, and will continue to be, measured by the young men we help to achieve their goals of playing at the next level.”

Carolinas baseball Center and On Deck BSDA will control and operate both facilities, while the central office will be located at CBC's current facility at 1108F Continental Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28273, (704) 499-9040.

www.cbcbaseball.net
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I'm still letting this sink in....but the only word I can come up with is...AWESOME!!!!!!

 

Can you say DYNASTY of the future?!

 

CBC/ON DECK

We would like to thanks everyone for the support and enthusiasm regarding this announcement. We could not be more excited about the future of baseball in the greater charlotte area.

Sincerely,

On Deck Staff

 

"player development over the collection of trophies" ... gotta luv it.

 

SOMEBODY IS GETTING READY TO BE RICH.

 

Without wanting to put anyone down regarding money earning potential, this has to be said.

Ondeck was created by Mike Shildt and continued by the Hill family for the sole purpose of giving kids a place to play baseball. The main focus has always been to learn how to play the game right, respect the game, and constant player development. Sometimes they have lost games because the had a longterm plan for the players and the team. To me the practice is what sets them apart. You play like you practice, and for those who have skill, talent and the desire to become better, this is the seperator for Ondeck

The merger with CBC will be a great coming together of organizations and facilities. Great people with both coming together with a common goal of making Charlotte baseball great. What an exciting time for the players coming up. Best wishes for great success on the field and financially as well.

 

I was a little perplexed about the money statement, as well. While revenue is something that is needed to keep any business running, On-Deck and CBC have a higher calling with the youth in our area. They are molding great ballplayers and even better young men.
My son had the fortune of playing many years at On-Deck and Baseballnut was right on when he spoke about playing the game right, respecting the game, and player development. I can tell you from experience that a longterm plan for boys that work hard and listen to their coaches is evident even in the younger years when winning is not the focus. My son got the "tools" he needed to continue his career in baseball and we truly appreciate On-Deck, the coaching staff, and the Hill Family.
I can also tell you that money is not the main driver with On-Deck. They have scholorships for young men that cannot not afford the cost of the program, but really have the desire to play the game of baseball. Schildt and the Hill Family wanted to give evey kid a chance to play this great game.
I see this merger as another positive step in the Charlotte area for youth baseball. It's a win-win for everybody involved and I can't wait to see how they compete at PG and the other showcases. Good luck to On-Deck and CBC!

 

More players than opportunities?

Looking ahead: Two top notch organizations become one. Will there be as many player slots in the new organization as there were previously in the two separate organizations? I would guess that if there will not, then this move will strengthen other teams. That is a good thing.

 

From what I understand this will allow them to field more teams than before. The majority of new teams will be at the younger level. I'm sure they are still working out the details and I look forward to hearing about those details in the future.