Husband, wife realize dream with Thibodaux baseball, softball academy

By the time Scott Sanders officially retired from professional baseball in 2004, he already knew what he wanted to do.

After a seven-year stint in Major League Baseball with the Padres, Mariners, Tigers and Cubs, Sanders returned to the place where it all started – Thibodaux – to give back to the city that provided him great memories through his playing years at Thibodaux High and Nicholls State University.

His wife Lisa, a California native and one-time College World Series softball standout, shared his desire. Thus, Sanders Baseball and Softball Academy was born.

“This is an idea my wife and I share: To give back to not only baseball and softball, but to the youth by sharing the stuff we learned,” Sanders said. “I was fortunate enough to be raised in this great town and play the sport I love professionally. I figured this would be a great way to combine both and give back.”

The couple has been operating the Ridgefield Road academy – the Tri-parishes’ lone baseball and softball operation – for two years. During that time, the facility has gained a reputation as a premier training site, drawing young players from as far away as Lafayette, New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Sanders said convenience to out-of-towners was a factor in selecting a site for the academy.

“I wanted to get as close to Houma and Morgan City as I could while staying in Thibodaux,” he said. “Being that I grew up in Thibodaux, I wanted to be as close to those cities as I could. We draw from Baton Rouge, Destrehan, Larose, Montegut and almost Lafayette. We get kids from a 45-mile radius coming in to do lessons.”

Over the summer school break and each holiday, the academy offers a camp program for youngsters as well.

That last camp, drew 50 participants. Campers range in age from 5 to 15 years old; however, Sanders said lessons are open to people of all ages.

“I had a 41-year-old gentleman who came in and wanted lessons for a couple of days,” he said. “I don’t put an age on anything. If anybody wants to play ball and get better, we’ll help them.”

The main focus at the academy is hitting and pitching, but help with fielding is available, according to Sanders.

And with Sanders’ Major League Baseball connections, it’s not uncommon for former players to visit from time to time to assist with camps and offer advice on various aspects of baseball, the academy owner said.

“This whole process has been a dream come true for us,” Sanders said. “It’s been wonderful.”