the eighth edition of the MLB European Academy starts today in Tirrenia, Italy at the CONI Olympic Training Center. The 2012 Academy will feature 47 of Europe’s best young baseball players who were selected at a series of MLB Scouting Bureau try-outs held earlier in the spring.

The players come from 13 different European nations, including the first-ever players selected from Moldova. Additionally, two top young prospects from New Zealand Daniel Bradley and Irannui Holthausen -  will be joining the camp. The MLB European Academy will run from August 1 – 17 and consists of an intensive program of practices and games modelled after Major League Spring Training. The staff will be headed by former Major League manager John McLaren and MLB stars Bruce Hurst, Wally Joyner, Dale Murphy and Craig Shipley.

The MLB European Academy is the centrepiece of Major League Baseball’s player development programs in Europe, which includes support of 25 off-season player academies in 9 nations. Since it began in 2005, 52 players from the MLB Academy have signed contracts with Major League clubs, 

New Zealander Daniel Bradley and Irannui Holthausen  - former softballers,  have both represented their country at the 2011 AA and the 2012 18U Oceania Championship.   Daniel Bradley first atttended the Baseball Oceania Regional Training Centre held in New Caledonia 2009. Daniel has progressed with his baseball skills following on from the intensive 10 day camp in 2009.

Daniel Bradley

DOB 11/10/1992

TEST RESULTS FROM THE 2009 RTC (held in New Caledonia)

10 yds     1.69 s

h-1b     4.69s

Bat velocity 86 mph

Vjump         20 inches