925Sports

ISI Baseball Institute Overview

Iron Sharpens Iron Baseball Institute (ISI) mission is to strengthen minority high-school baseball players:

Baseball Performance
Academic Achievement
Physical and Mental Well-Being

ISI specializes in providing opportunities that enhance not just the ballplayer but the whole person. Our eight-week program is designed to challenge student-athletes in a safe, healthy environment that creates resilient learners ready for success in life.

Iron Sharpens Iron Baseball Institute is one of the nation’s premier baseball experiences for minority student-athletes seeking to compete at the collegiate level. ISI is committed to providing an environment for scholars to enhance their learning in the classroom and development on the baseball field. ISI's goal is to produce student-athletes that are ready to compete on the field and excel in the classroom at the collegiate level their first year in college and beyond.

ISI is operated by 925 Sports Corporation, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

Partnership with University of Louisville
ISI Baseball Institute has partnered with The University of Louisville Division of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to create a college preparatory experience that mirrors the schedule of a collegiate baseball player. Students will live on campus while attending classes in the areas of: Reading, Writing, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Entrepreneurship.

ISI Eligibility
Prospective student-athletes must exhibit the potential to play baseball at the collegiate level. Players should be self-motivated and work year-round to continue their development.

Incoming high-school freshmen must have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) their 8th grade school year. High-school sophomores must have a 3.0 GPA their freshman year to participate. The GPA of high school students who are enrolled in advanced placement courses will be weighted.

ISI students will be provided additional academic resources during the school year to enhance their learning experience.

Weekly Schedule
Student-athletes will attend classes and go through extensive baseball training Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday on campus. Thursday through Sunday athletes travel to compete at elite tournaments/showcases throughout the United States. Selected events will allow players to display their talent in front of college coaches, scouts, and/or scouting services.

Tentative Tournament Schedule (based upon 2022 dates)

June 8-11       Prep Baseball Report Kentucky Limited Series; Louisville, KY
June 15-18       Prep Baseball Report Classic; Atlanta, GA
June 22-25       Prep Baseball Report KY State Championship; Lexington, KY
June 29-July 5    Prep Baseball Report 14u Nationals; Atlanta, GA
July 5-9       Perfect Game Select 32 Championship; Kansas City, KS
July 12-16       Pastime 14u Nationals; Louisville, KY
July 21-27       Perfect Game 14u WWBA Championship; Phoenix, AZ

Dr. Brelinda Johnson, Director of Academics

Dr. Johnson is uniquely qualified to serve as ISI Director of Academics as she is currently the Assistant Systems/Applications Administrator for EAB Navigate and Scholars Academy Manager in the Office of Student Success at Middle Tennessee State University.

As an education professional for fifteen years, she is experienced in supervision, advising, teaching, and multiple areas related to student success. She is a creator of effective programs for at-risk populations such as probation, first-generation, and minority students. Brelinda is adaptable and a fast learner with a knack for computers and technology. She enjoys developing creative and essential programs to assist first-generation and underrepresented students to navigate college. It is gratifying for Brelinda to see students grow within their first year and the years to follow until graduation.

Brelinda will begin her new role as the Vice President of Student Success at Motlow State Community College in September of 2022. Prior to working in the Office of Student Success she was the Advising Manager for the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. She has also taught in the area of Human Sciences throughout her time at MTSU. Before working at MTSU, she was a high school Family and Consumer Sciences Education teacher and track coach in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Bryant Jones, Director of Baseball Operations

Coach Jones extensive baseball background and immense knowledge of developing players serve well as ISI Director of Baseball Operations. He is the current Vice President of Wolves Baseball (Louisville,KY), where he has served for four years. Coach Jones plays a large role in their camps and clinics as well as assisting in facility management and the overall direction of the organization.

Jones played high school baseball at Shelby County (KY) High School, earning All-state honors in 2000. He went on to play collegiately at Tennessee-Martin University.

At UTM, he set multiple school records, was voted on the All-OVC first team, and became the schools only Division I All-American in 2004. Jones ranked 9th in the nation in batting average in 2004 hitting .425, the highest ever for a Tennessee-Martin player. Coach Jones was inducted into the Tennessee-Martin Hall of Fame in 2017.

Coach Jones went on to have a short stint in professional baseball from 2004-2005 with the Cincinnati Reds organization. Bryant received a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing in 2005 from UTM.

Anderson Miller, Leadership Development / Special Assistant to Director of Operations

Miller's exceptional experience as a player and his knowledge of navigating through Division I and professional baseball as a minority, helps set ISI Baseball Institute apart from other travel organizations.

A native of Lexington, KY, Miller grew up in a bi-racial home. His understanding of the different obstacles and potential pitfalls for minorities in the game of baseball is a game changer for our athletes.

Anderson’s role is that of a sounding board/mentor for ISI players. His focus is developing men first, baseball players second. His passion is for players to know that baseball is a vehicle that can open doors of new opportunities for their future.

Coach Anderson is a graduate of Lafayette (KY) High School in 2012 where he was an 1st Team All-State Selection. He went on to play collegiately at Western Kentucky University and was a 3rd round pick of the Kansas City Royals in 2015. Miller played professionally for eight years making it all the way up to the AAA level.