The Inspiration Academy Post Grad program is a 9 month program for players who choose to take a gap year between high school and college. The rigorous schedule places a high emphasis on development, college placement and teaching players how to compete through different situations they will encounter on and off the baseball field. While the key is the development side and helping players get ready to compete in college, this group still played the toughest post grad schedule in the country this past season. They challenged themselves against some of the best competition in Florida. Their schedule included games against Florida JUCOs, D2's, and NAIA's.
This team etched themselves into the IA history books with an opening day 14-5 win over South Florida State College. They became the first post grad team in IA history to beat a JUCO on opening night. This opening day win was a direct reflection of the development within this team & program.
Coming into the program in August, only 4 players came in with a top exit velocity above 90 mph. After 9 months of intentional training, 14 players left with a top exit velocity above 90. On top of that, 9 players reached 95+ and 3 were above 100 mph. Overall this group had an average exit velocity improvement of 8.3 mph. The numbers from the pitching staff are equally impressive. In the fall only 6 pitchers came in throwing 80 mph. At the end of the year there were 15 throwing 80 mph plus 8 throwing 85+ as well. This resulted in an average fastball velocity increase of 5.5 mph. Growth like this demonstrates the hard work the players put in and the dedication of the coaching staff.
Several players were recognized for their commitment and development during their time here. The awards were - the Iron Man Award, the CY Young Award, the Offensive MVP and the Most Improved Player.
The Iron Man Award recognizes any player who didn't miss a single team activity excused or unexcused. This includes all activities, from mentorship and chapel to practice and games. This award highlights those who went above & beyond in their dedication to the program. We had two players receive the Iron Man Award. This year's Iron Man winners were Brendan Lamby and Cole Armond.
The next three awards were voted on by players and coaches.
The Offensive MVP Award went to the player who provided the most value at the plate throughout the season. This year's Offensive MVP was awarded to Tyson Barrett. Tyson became a mainstay in the top of the lineup as he led the team in hits, stolen bases, runs scored and was top three in RBI.
The CY Young Award went to the pitcher who had the most success on the mound throughout the season. This player provided both longevity and effectiveness in his outings. This year's CY Young Winner was Cole Armond. Cole led the team in wins, strikeouts, WHIP, and innings pitched. He limited South Florida State in the season opener to 1 hit while picking up the win.
The Most Improved Player showed the most improvement from August to April in all aspects of his game. This player proved himself throughout the year and rose to the top. This year's Most Improved Player was Victor Lerma. Victor's hard work in the cages resulted in a 10.6 mph exit velocity increase. He left in April after hitting a top of 98 mph. The results in the cages translated to the field as well. Victor was 2nd on the team in hits and he led in doubles and RBI.
