by Colin McEwen
Reporter
What do you get when you combine expert baseball coaching with a state-of-the-art athletic facility?
That's exactly what happened when Brownlee's Baseball Academy in Akron recently joined with The Edge Sports Performance Academy in Twinsburg at 9550 Ravenna Road.
For 17 years, Paul Brownlee has coached more than 12,000 students -- from the earliest stages of baseball to playing professionally.
The Edge offers students the facility to master their skills, including a turf field, measuring 40 yards by 65 yards.
"We'll be able to offer programs I've been offering for years," said Brownlee. "I am extremely excited to join The Edge and its partners. It will be a one-stop shopping center for baseball."
He said his pupils learn inside the classroom before they are allowed to pick up a baseball bat and glove.
Among the four disciplines Brownlee instills in the students, with skill levels from "beginners to elite," are hitting, pitching, catching and defense.
"We try to teach kids why they're doing something, not just how to do something," he said. "I don't want any of my kids doing something unless they know why they're doing something."
Vice President of The Edge Jeff Thomas said he believes it is the training that Brownlee provides that makes his services so attractive.
"[Brownlee] offers the most competent and qualified staff," said Thomas. "The reason we're excited is his track record -- 17 years speaks for itself. Paul will help [students] become able to maximize their baseball experience."
Brownlee said in his time teaching baseball, he has watched his students grow up playing the game.
Among Brownlee's success stories are Matt Brumit of the New York Yankees, Matt Bok of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dave Mattle of the Detroit Tigers, Brandon Caipen of the Houston Astros and Chad Rogers of the Atlanta Braves.
He said he has helped countless students in college and high school, as well as little league players.
"We try to make them better one year at a time," said Brownlee, who is a 2005 Summit County Sports Hall of Fame inductee. "My academy is widely recognized as the most comprehensive baseball training program in the area."
The classes, set up in 12-week sessions, are catered to strengthen the goals of individuals.
With a complex that also houses and teaches basketball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, lacrosse and football programs, Brownlee said he knows The Edge is the right fit for his program.
He wants to teach more than just sports fundamentals to his students, and he said The Edge gives him the opportunity.
"This is a great teaching tool for life," he said.
For more information, visit www.edgespa.com or
www.brownlees.com.
E-mail: cmcewen@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3916