About Us

Big League Development, LLC
The New Standard in Baseball Training

Meet Our Team

Big League Development (BLD)

BLD was founded by former professional baseball players, raised in our community, that have the desire to bring quality baseball instruction to the area. The primary goal of BLD is to give all ages and skill levels the opportunity to improve their baseball skills in a developmental environment with a focus on fun, sportsmanship, and the benefits of hard work. We teach the importance of being a good teammate coupled with the need to improve individual skill sets. We also stress the importance of giving your best and being better than your abilities through attitude, hustle and focus.

The BLD Leadership Team:

Ryan Freel

Born in Jacksonville and graduated from Englewood High School. Ryan is known around the major leagues for his hustle and ability to play multiple positions. Ryan has continuously played above and beyond his 5'9" , 180 lbs stature. Ryan was drafted in 1995 by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 10th round. He made his big league debut on April 1st, 2001. He spent six seasons with the Cincinnati Reds where played second base, third base, and all three outfield positions. In his eight seasons in the big leagues, Ryan is a lifetime .270 hitter. Ryan is currently a free agent and will be reporting to Spring Training in early February. He is known around the big leagues for his tireless efforts to support the charities in his communities.

Kris "Kritter" Keller

Kritter was born in Williamsport, PA but grew up in Jacksonville. He played youth baseball at Jacksonville Beach and Atlantic Beach. He graduated from Fletcher High School and was the first player drafted coming out of the school. He pitched and won in the gold medal round of the Jr. Olympics. Kritter made his MLB debut on May 24th, 2002. Due to an injury, his career ended in 2004. At that time, Kritter returned to Jacksonville and began teaching baseball lessons. He started the Jacksonville Whitecaps Travel Baseball teams and has built a reputation as a premier coach in the community. His travel teams have been ranked nationally and have competed in Cooperstown, NY annually.

BLD TEAMMATES:

Patrick Barnes

Patrick was drafted in the 16th round out of Englewood High in 1998 by the Seattle Mariners. Named opening day starter in 3 of his 5 minor league seasons and had a brief call up to the major leagues in 2002 before suffering an injury. Signed with the Cleveland Indians and retired in 2006. Barnes has spent the last two years conducting private pitching lessons with children throughout the Jacksonville area as well as south Ga and Palm Beach. Patricks goal is to change the way baseball is played on the First Coast and to bring children an opportunity reach their potential.

Billy Bone

Hilly Hathaway

Wes Timmons

Bill Timmons

Travis Chapman

Mike Jones