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Scout Day Spotlight: B2 Bulls Baseball

To view the results from this showcase, click below:
Results | Top Performers | Sneak Peek

WICKLIFFE - Just two years into existence, the B2 Bulls Baseball organization is flourishing.

What started as two teams now has six. A 4,500-foot facility has grown to 12,000.

“This has blossomed into something special,” explained Zak Blair, the founder of B2 Baseball. “It was always a dream and now it’s actually happening.”

Blair, along with his father Dave Blair, have helped B2 Baseball become what it is today, with teams in the 11U. 13U, 14U (two), 16U and 18U age groups.

“I started B2 Baseball in 2016 after being with the Cubs organization,” Blair noted. “I came home, I’ve been married for four years and I coached for two seasons at Case Western Reserve. But I wanted to develop high school guys to help them get to the next level if that’s what they wanted to do.”

Enter the B2 Baseball program.

“Our philosophy from 11U to 18U is that we just expect them to work as hard as they can and to give a full effort,” Blair said. “We know you’re not going to be successful all the time which is fine, as long as the effort is there. We preach to win every pitch and believe in yourself no matter how it’s going.”

With numbers in the organization continuing to rise, Blair sees the organization accomplishing what it was set out to do.

“The goal of the organization with high school level kids is to prepare them to succeed at the high school level and then get to the next level,” Blair noted. “Our 11, 13 and 14s, I just love working with those guys. They’re like sponges at that age. They don’t have bad habits.

“We just expect them to work hard. We preach confidence. We tell them don’t worry about the outcome of an at-bat or pitch. Just give your best effort and at the end of the day you’ll have no regrets.”

Blair is more than pleased with the staff of B2 Baseball, starting with his father.

“Dave Blair taught me everything I know,” the younger Blair said of his 18U assistant coach.

Jim Savel and his son Jimmy Savel head up the 16U group with Chris Bryant and Joe Iveljic in charge of 14U. Jordan Taylor is with 13U and Benji Jarabeck 11U.

“Without them this is not happening,” Blair said of the coaching staff. “They are in the facility almost every day practicing with the guys. The good thing with our coaches is that everybody played in the pros or coached at the college or high school level, so the knowledge is there. And the passion of the coaches is there.

“Sometimes coaches are there for the wrong reason, but these guys have a passion for this. That helps us accomplish our goals.”

Seven 2019 members of this year’s 18U B2 Bulls team are set to move on to play college baseball while one 2020 player has an offer from Toledo.

“Other interest is out there,” Blair noted. “We’re only two years into existence and it’s been incredible. It’s been a fun ride.”

Part of the fun is hooking up with Prep Baseball Report. The B2 Baseball Scout Day is set for Jan. 13.

“Last year was our first organizational one and I thought it was awesome,” Blair said. “The biggest thing when I went through it was that none of this (organized exposure) existed. I wish I had more experience with dealing with nerves. This gives kids experience going through showcase events.”

That can only lead to more confidence and better results for the players.

“Any time you can get a player’s profile and present it to a college coach anywhere in the country, it’s a great thing,” Blair continued. “It’s amazing all the coaches we talk to ask us to send their PBR profile. It’s so easy and accessible. Why would an organization not do this?”

B2 Baseball players have also participated in other PBR events.

“We’ve had quite a few go to Bo Jackson or the Southern Ohio Games, things like that,” Blair said. “It’s a great experience. It not only prepares you for other showcases but you get used to being watched by more than just your coach and your mom and dad. When you get to the college level you’re constantly watched and judged as you battle for a position.”

More exposure is obtained through the summer schedule.

“With the 16U and 18U teams we try to play in big tournaments,” Blair noted. “We try to stay with PBR, Perfect games and Prospect Wire.”

Events like the Perfect Games in St. Louis, the Midwest Challenge, the PBR Limited Series and the National Championship at Grand Park are among the tournaments B2 Baseball competes in, at the older age groups along with a number of local tournaments.

“At the younger levels it’s cheaper but we do as much as we’re allowed to do,” Blair said. “It’s more Ripken and Pigeon Forge. It’s all about having fun. Even at the older ages we try to make sure the guys are having fun.”

It is all part of the goals of the organization.

“Our overall mission statement is to make sure we’re giving guys the opportunity to achieve their goals,” Blair concluded. “All of them want to play in college, it’s our job to put them in the right position and prepare them for college.”