B2 Bulls baseball program continues to thrive

The baseball organization has grown to 21 total teams and 195 baseball and 35 softball players on teams ranging 9U to 22U, and more than 50 coaches over the years.

They are in a 12,000 square-foot facility in Wickliffe.

The goal is designed to prepare our young men and women for not only college athletics, but more importantly, life.

“Our vision was we wanted to be structured, disciplined and do things the right way,” Blair, a Jefferson graduate, said. “We have high expectations for our players and their families.”

B2 rosters comprise mostly players from Ashtabula, Lake and Cuyahoga counties.

“The players and their families have built the culture,” Blair said. “They’ve done a phenomenal job of representing their communities and schools.”

Blair said the goal for B2 is to treat players with respect.

“A lot of organizations grow, but lose value,” he said. “We care about all of our players. I know everyone of our players’ first and last names. In northeast Ohio, it’s important for me to set the example.”

Ashtabula County players on high school teams are: Andrew Oros of Geneva and Dyln Newsome and Will Anderson of Saint John 18U; Anthony Severino, SJ and Anthony Rivera, Conneaut, U17; Michael Riffle and Braden South, Jefferson and Chase Clutter, SJ, 16U and Joey Sands, Jefferson, 15U.

“Over the past six seasons, B2 has had a tremendous impact on me both on and off the field,” Anderson said. “It has helped me shape my mindset and discipline. Coach Zak preaches a strong work ethic and lessons that go beyond baseball.”

Jim Savel and Andy Lipps are county baseball coaches.

Blair, and his father, Dave Blair, coach the 17U team.

In softball, Alaina Barrress, Ada Sirrine, Rylee DeMattia and Julia Sprage, of Jefferson; Carly Tracy and Sydney Miller, Edgewood; Caidyn Siegel, Geneva and Madison Drew, Conneaut, are on B2 squads.

Zak Blair said the season usually runs from late May or early June to the end of July.

“We try to make sure the younger ages don’t travel as much,” he said. “They play in local tournaments. The 11-12 age group usually plays in tournaments in Tennessee and at Cooperstown.”

Blair said the older teams travel to such places as Indiana and Georgia.

After the season concludes, the search is on to find players for the next one.

“We had over 300 kids tryout last summer,” Blair said.

Blair said the toughest part is informing players they haven’t made a team.

“We tell them that it’s important they came to try out,” he said. “Sometimes, they get a chip on their shoulder and say, ‘I didn’t make the team, now I’m out to prove myself.’”

Blair cited one example.

Jake Kamm, of Chardon, didn’t make a B2 roster the first team he tried out, but did so the second time. He’s now coaching the Bulls’ 14U team.

In addition to the multiple players, coaches and families, Blair is especially grateful for Rachael, their families and Dan Poskocil.

“I’m blessed to have Rachel,” Blair said. “She’s amazing, she does a lot of behind-the-scenes work. We have three kids of our own, ages 7, 5 and 2. Both of our parents help out, and Dan helps with the day-to-day operations.”

Blair has learned from trial and error over the years.

“I’ve taken the time to find out how things are going,” he said. “I have a certain confidence in the organization and with our families, that’s it’s going to work out. We’re moving forward because of the people I trust.”

And despite the hectic times, Blair wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I could not have imagined where it is today,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to do anything else in my life.”