ABOUT
The Rockies Philosophy
Grit, drive, and a positive mindset are paramount to the development and success of our athletes. With an unrelenting focus on mindful practice, repetitions and appreciating the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork, we strive to develop some of Canada’s greatest baseball players.
Who We Are
The Ontario Rockies Baseball club is an elite baseball club in Hamilton, Ontario, founded by former Cuban National Team player and Coach, Damian Blen. We compete in the PBLO (Premier Baseball League of Ontario), the Western New York Boys of Summer League and multiple tournaments and showcases in Canada and the United States. With a full slate of Professional Coaches from the Cuban National Team, and those with US Collegiate experience, the Ontario Rockies field teams from 12U to 18U each year.
The foundation of our baseball programs is an intense focus on proper mechanics and development of baseball IQ, while nurturing a strong work ethic, respect for all players, and a love of baseball.
Are you ready to be better? Contact us for an open evaluation today!
Ontario Rockies Coaches
The Ontario Rockies have a full time, professional baseball staff, that is complimented by a certified strength and conditioning coach. Dedicated fielding, hitting, pitching and catching coaches work together with all of our athletes to ensure they reach their maximum potential.
Damian Blen, Founder and Program Director
Coach Damian's love of baseball and people is contagious, and always apparent in his coaching. At the age of 10, he was selected to attend a Cuban government baseball academy, where baseball and academics were equally rigorous. Coach Damian played for the Cuban National Team and a number of other professional organizations, and eventually became a full time coach.
2016 - present
Founder and Program Director - Ontario Rockies Baseball Club
1995 - 1997
Cuban Junioir National Team Coach, Infield and Defence
Helped lead Cuban Junior National Team to three consecutive World Championships Gold medals, two Central American Baseball Game Gold medals and a PAN AM Gold medal.
1994
Team Havanas Juveniles, Head Coach
Teams played on: Cuban National Team, Cuban Industriales and Metropolitanos of the National League of Cuba.
Joquel Gil Acosta (Jokel Gil), Catching Coach
Coach Joquel's catching experience with the Cuban All Star team and many other Cuban National teams has provided him with the knowledge to help other talented catchers reach their potential. Coach Joquel is known for his quiet humour and patience, which make him a favourite with all of our players.
2019 - present
Ontario Rockies Baseball Club, Catching Coach and Head Coach, 15U
2011 - 2018
Cuban Provincial Junior Team, Head Coach
Academic Habana Trainer, Catching and Hitting Coach
Teams played on: Cuban All Stars (3 years), National League of Cuba (Industriales and Metropolitanos) 14 years
Reilly Rutgers, Pitching Coach, Assistant Coach
Coach Reilly's College level pitching experience and calm disposition make him a great pitching coach, and a huge asset on the field. He is able to communicate with all players in a way that they understand and are able to translate into their mechanics and play.
2021- Present
Ontario Rockies Baseball Club, Pitching Coach and Assistant Coach
2017 - 2019
Garrett College Baseball Team (D2)
Garrett College MVP (2019), Garrett College Male Athlete of the Year (2019)
Lawrence Burton, Hitting/Fielding, Assistant Coach
Coach Lawrence's abundant energy, patience and lifelong baseball experience make him a perfect member of our Rockies Professional Coaching staff.
Education:
● Bachelor of Sport Management & Business
Brock University (2012-2015)
Experience
● YMCA HBB: Physical Literacy and Sport Curriculum Developer (2019-2020)
● Baseball Development Coach: Hamilton Cardinals (2018-2019)
● Head Coach/Instructor: Toronto Blue Jays Care Foundation – Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (2018)
● Head Coach: 18U Ontario Expos Baseball Organization (2016-17)
● Assistant Head Coach/Infield Coach: 14U-18U Ontario Thunderbirds Organization (2015-2016)
Marta Fowler, Strength and Conditioning Coach
Coach Marta has over 25 years of experience in the Canadian fitness industry and has worked with hundreds of satisfied clients throughout her career.
She has a strong reputation as an elite personal trainer and motivator, with significant experience with youth athletes in ski racing, hockey, basketball, track and baseball.