Gadsden State Baseball Announces 2026 Fall Instructional League

TWLN Staff Writer | The Weekly Ledger News | GSCC - Community News | Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Gadsden, Ala. – Gadsden State Community College Baseball is excited to announce its 2026 Fall Instructional League, a five-week developmental program designed to help high school baseball players improve their skills through instruction from the Gadsden State coaching staff and Cardinal baseball players.

The league will provide participants with a true college baseball development experience through skill instruction, position-specific training and live game situations in a structured, competitive environment. Players will experience many of the same routines, drills, expectations and coaching methods used daily by the Gadsden State Baseball program while receiving valuable instruction to prepare them for the next level.

“Our goal is to teach the game the right way,” said Gadsden State Head Baseball Coach Blake Lewis. “We want players to build sound fundamentals, improve their baseball IQ and experience what it is like to train in a college baseball environment. Our coaching staff and players are excited to invest in the development of the next generation of baseball players.”

Weekly Schedule

Each session will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Session 1: Player Development

Each evening will begin with instruction focused on the fundamentals of the game, including:

• Dynamic stretching and movement preparation

• Arm care routines

• Proper throwing mechanics

• Position-specific instruction

• Skill development drills led by the Gadsden State coaching staff and current Cardinal players

  
  

Session 2: Instructional Games

Following the instructional portion of the evening, participants will compete in modified scrimmages with live, in-game instruction from coaches.

Rather than simply playing games, coaches will stop play as needed to teach positioning, situational awareness, baseball IQ, decision-making and game management. This format allows players to immediately apply the skills learned during instruction while receiving feedback in real game situations.

League Information

Dates: Oct. 20-Nov. 19

Location: Gadsden State Baseball and Softball Complex

Time: 6-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday League: Grades 8-10

Thursday League: Grades 11-12

Registration Information

Registration is currently open and can be completed online. Registration details are available through the 2026 Fall Instructional League registration form. Payment information will be provided after the registration form has been completed.

Registration deadline: Oct. 15 or when all spots are filled

Cost: $450 per player

A player's position in the league is not guaranteed until registration has been completed and payment has been received.

League Capacity

To provide quality instruction and maximize repetitions, enrollment will be limited. Each grade division will consist of:

• Two to three teams

• Approximately 12-14 players per team

If three teams are formed within a grade division, a rotating schedule will be used. One team will receive additional instruction in the batting cages while the other two teams compete in live game action. This format will maximize both instruction and game experience throughout the evening.

Required Documents

After registering, participants must email the following documents to Coach Blake Lewis before participating:

• Current athletic physical

• Signed Gadsden State participation waiver

  
  

Players will not be permitted to participate until all required documentation has been received and approved.

What Players Should Bring

Participants should bring:

• Baseball glove

• Bat

• Batting helmet

• Baseball pants

• Molded cleats or turf shoes

• Water bottle

• Catcher's gear, if applicable

Why Participate?

The Gadsden State Fall Instructional League offers athletes an opportunity to:

• Learn directly from Gadsden State coaches and players

• Receive position-specific instruction

• Develop proper throwing mechanics and arm care routines

• Improve baseball fundamentals

• Increase baseball IQ through live instruction

• Compete in instructional game situations

• Experience a college-style practice environment

• Prepare for future high school and collegiate competition

Unlike traditional camps, the Fall Instructional League is designed to immerse players in a collegiate baseball environment where development is emphasized each week through both instruction and competition.

Additional Information

The Fall Instructional League is intended to develop baseball players through quality coaching and instruction. Participation in the league does not guarantee recruitment or future roster opportunities with Gadsden State Baseball.

Weather-related schedule changes will be communicated by the coaching staff. When possible, instruction will continue indoors or in covered training areas.

Questions

For additional information, registration questions, or required documentation, contact:

Blake Lewis

Head Baseball Coach/Athletic Director

Gadsden State Community College

blewis@gadsdenstate.edu