Big League Edge Performance Baseball is set to open its brand new 33,000 square foot performance athletic training facility on October 9, 2010. The new facility, located at 501 42^nd Street in Auburn (at the corner of Auburn Way and 42^nd Street), is set to be the largest indoor baseball complex on the West Coast and one of the largest in the country.

“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to provide more baseball training resources to the Puget Sound region that impacts more than 20,000 baseball players in Western Washington. This has been a goal of Big League Edge since the start.” Stated Jim Parque, president of BLE.

Big League Edge had been actively seeking new facility sites since October 2009, but settled on their new facility due to its location off of Auburn Way and pole configurations. Previous plans called for an expansion of BLE’s current location, but logistics, business, and facility constraints could not be maximized to ensure the longevity of BLE’s training model for the next five years.

“We wanted to be located on a major thoroughfare that promised high visibility for BLE. We also loved the pole configuration that is 50’ x 60’, placing one pole on each infield. This will provide for substantial improvement with all of our defensive and offensive training needs.” Stated Parque.

The new complex will feature two full sized infields with infill style turf to ensure safety and provide realistic outdoor baseball conditions. A free standing bullpen area, featuring three mounds gives pitchers the ability to throw long toss up to 110’. The Offensive Training arena provides seven batting tunnels with six Iron Mike arm style pitching machines and the Allstar 5000 video pitcher. Each batting tunnel with be 20’ high and 16’ wide which provide ample opportunity for hitters to drive baseballs in spacious areas.

“We took into consideration every aspect of baseball needs in the Pacific Northwest indoor training arena. Our new facility offers the complete package and limits the need for our athletes to seek other training avenues in order to round out their off season programs.” Stated BLE instructor Dennis Voss.

One of the best features of the facility is the live batting on the fields. Hitters will have the ability to hit off of live pitchers or Iron Mike pitching machines where they will see ball flight up to 140’ in most directions. This enables BLE to provide an indoor baseball league and increase offensive training opportunities not available anywhere else.

The centerpiece of the new BLE baseball complex is the state-of-the-art athletic fitness gym. This 6000 square foot gym features hardwood floors, commercial grade fitness equipment, and baseball specific strength and agility equipment. Parents will have the opportunity to get a full workout while their son trains. Additionally, BLE will be incorporating a baseball specific strength and agility program into all training that feature half hour workouts with the Seattle Mariners head major league strength trainer Allan “Rocket” Wirtalla.

“I am excited about the opportunity to provide my baseball expertise to these young athletes. It is a great way for me to give back and develop the next generation of major league superstars.” Stated Wirtalla.

“BLE is trying to bridge the gap between development and performance. The new fitness center allows us to build the athlete from the ground up and effectively arm them with a stronger and faster body that can handle our upper level training.” Stated BLE owner and ex major leaguer Jim Parque.

Team meeting rooms, player equipment lockers, life sized pictures, sound systems, upgraded lighting, and stained concrete walkways are planned. Additionally, a full sized pro shop with the latest and greatest baseball equipment and uniforms will be available in the complex. Walls are being built throughout the perimeter of the indoor training complex to cover up roll up doors and make the facility feel less like a warehouse. This will enhance the training experience for all.