JOIN THE TRADITION

The Traction Canes Baseball Academy is where dedicated young athletes take their game to the next level. We provide a year-round development program built around what players need most: professional coaching, age-specific speed and strength training, and structured practices inside our state-of-the-art facilities.

Families choose traction because we offer more than just baseball - we offer a pathway. Our players compete on a national level, train in a professional environment, and gain access to the same resources trusted by elite athletes, including sports performance specialists, physical therapists, and sports medicine doctors.

With thousands of athletes advancing to high school baseball and hundreds earning Division 1 opportunities, our track record speaks for itself. If your son is serious about reaching his full potential, the Traction Canes Baseball Academy will give him the tools, guidance, and support to succeed at the highest level.

Teams

The Traction Canes Baseball Academy provides the South’s most effective training environment for youth baseball players, offering a variety of teams of various levels at each group.

MEET THE TEAM

Brad Cresse

Athletic Director

Brad Cresse brings a lifetime of baseball experience and a proud family legacy to his role as Athletic Director. A former standout at Louisiana State University, Cresse was a key contributor to the Tigers’ 2000 College World Series National Championship team and went on to play professional baseball after being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Baseball runs deep in the Cresse family. His father, Mark Cresse, spent more than two decades as a coach with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His godfather, Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, left an indelible impact on the game. Growing up in that environment instilled in Brad both a deep respect for baseball and a lifelong passion for teaching it the right way. After his playing career, Cresse transitioned into coaching and player development. He established himself as a leader in training and mentoring the next generation of athletes. Brad oversees all aspects of player development, emphasizing a long-term approach that prioritizes athleticism, strength and skill progression.

Cresse’s philosophy centers on developing complete athletes and ensuring that young players build a strong foundation to support both their performance on the field and their growth off the field. His commitment to excellence, combined with his deep knowledge of the game, has made him a trusted mentor for players and families throughout the region.

Playing Accolades

  • 3-Time All-American at LSU
  • 2-Time National Champion (1997 & 2000)
  • Johnny Bench Award Winner (2000)
  • Golden Spikes Award Finalist (2000)
  • 7-Year Professional Playing Career

Coaching Accolades

  • Coached thousands of players over a 15-year span
  • Founder of the Traction Canes Baseball Academy
  • Long list of high school and collegiate alumni

CANES ALUMNI

Brennan Holt

Juwan Fitch, Tyler Fitch

Grant Sunstrom, Drew Bourgeois, Cooper Smith, Jacob Hedges

Ben Switzer, Thomas Bonaventure, Braden Keen, Braden Corkern, Tristan Frederick

Caden Connor, Conner Achee, Brennan Lambert, Jaris Hamilton, Jaxson Burch

Brayden Allen

Jake Tompkins

Ashton Veade

Chance Reed

Cole Conner, Addison Ainsworth

Austin Holstein

Andrew Clapinski, Davis Emonet, Landen Chustz, Tyson Leblanc, Hudson Spangler, Josh Gregoire, Hunter Tabb, Austin Andrishok, Bennett Clement

Lucas Lawrence, Luke Hill

Brody Bailey, Alden Romano

Carter Guillory, Michael Griggs, Alden Romano, Stewart Bonnecaze

Logan Sorrell

Tanner Powell, Prescott Marsh, Myles Liggans, Thomas Bonaventure

Brayden Billingsley

Bryce Stansbury

Colin Foil

Edward Henriquez, Orlando Henriquez

Dalton Wilson

Conner Achee, Hayden Elliott

Mason Zambo

Koa Romero, Jordin Griffin, Jack Ruckert, William Schmidt, Brennan Holt, Nick Webre

William Nikolaus, Luke Pittman, Mason Hill, Aidan Lambert

William Boneno

Ethan Hopkins, Gavin Morrison

Travis Dowden

BJ Collins

Lane Jarreau

Paxton Smith

Noah Duplantis

Alex Ainsworth, Cole Cranford, Grant Cohn, Grant Segar, Brennan Lambert

Solomon Riley

Carson Reeder

Mills Richardson, Harrisson Waghalter, Brant Melancon, Grant Upton, Brant Husser

Harrisson Kidder, Myles Ledoux, Sawyer Pruitt, Josh Lim, Trip Dobson, Caleb Stelly, Mason Zambo, Ben Robichaux, Clayton Pourciau & Christian Gantt

Clayton Pourciau

Will Power & Kolby Hunter

Dylan Champagne

Braden Sanders

Camden Sunstrom

Jackson Landry, Joshua Gregoire, Tanner Roberts

Darcy Franklin, Hunter Tabb, Courtland Simonaux

Roderick Coffee

Shelby Anders

Micah Landry, Jake McCann, Cooper Sirk

Hudson Browning, Lane Mixon, Bryce Leonard, Brooks Leonard

Henry Beckers

Reese Smith

Brennan Lambert

JD Alexander

ATHLETE SUCCESS STORIES

“Playing for the Traction Canes from 9U through 14U was an incredible experience. I was fortunate to be surrounded by outstanding coaches and teammates who constantly pushed me to be my best while teaching lessons that go far beyond the game. Along the way, I built friendships and made memories that will last a lifetime. My time with the Canes prepared me tremendously for the next steps in my baseball career and I am truly grateful for it all.”
Jack Ruckert (LSU)