Our Mission
Our mission is to create a world-class baseball experience where athletes of all ages can develop, compete, and grow with confidence. Gators Baseball Academy is committed to providing structured training, quality coaching, and competitive opportunities that help players improve their skills, understand the game, and build a lasting love for baseball.
Since 2009
Our Journey
- 2009
The Gators are founded
Club President Chris Cradick founds the Missouri Gators in the St. Louis area, giving baseball and fastpitch players a place to develop with structure.
- 2017
GBA Development sets its own path
The GBA Development Program builds its schedule around what is best for the team and each player: the Supers in Kansas City, ABC and MPL in Indianapolis, and the major St. Louis events.
- 2018
Illinois Gators
Our first expansion club launches in the Edwardsville area, bringing Gators baseball and fastpitch to Illinois.
- 2019
The commitment list begins
The class of 2019 starts the GBA college commitment list, with players heading to programs from NCAA Division I to JUCO.
- 2022
Spects National
In June 2022, GBA joins Spects National alongside Nebraska Prospects, Iowa Sticks, Arkansas Prospects and Minnesota Icemen, a true national avenue for GBA players.
- 2023
Diamond Allegiance
Starting with the 2023-24 season, GBA Development is the first branch with access to Diamond Allegiance, a national platform for player development and coaching opportunities.
- Today
Two states, one standard
Four youth clubs (Missouri, Illinois, Central IL and Southern IL), GBA and GBA Prep in Missouri and Illinois, and 183 college commitments and counting.
A Gators journey
6U-8U
Basic baseball fundamentals
9U-11U
Team Building
12U-13U
Beginning stages of separation
14U
GBA x GBA Prep
High School
Avenues to reach your goals