SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Arizona Elite Baseball Academy (AEBA) is proud to announce that two-time World Series Champion and 2008 American League MVP Dustin Pedroia will join the organization in a player development role as AEBA launches its expanded eighth-grade baseball program in 2027.
The addition of Pedroia marks an exciting new chapter for Arizona Elite Baseball Academy, bringing Major League experience and a championship pedigree to a program committed to developing young athletes for the next level.
A four-time MLB All-Star and four-time Gold Glove Award winner, Pedroia spent his entire 14-year Major League career with the Boston Red Sox. Known for his relentless work ethic, baseball intelligence, attention to detail, and competitive mentality, Pedroia built a career around many of the same principles AEBA emphasizes in its approach to player development.
An Experienced Coaching Staff Leading the Way
Alongside Pedroia's involvement, AEBA is equally excited to announce the coaching leadership behind its new eighth-grade program.
Coach Dennis Cruz, the longest-tenured coach within Arizona Elite Baseball Academy, will serve as Head Coach of the team in 2027. Cruz has played an instrumental role in the growth and development of AEBA's athletes and brings a strong understanding of the organization's coaching philosophy, expectations, and commitment to teaching the game the right way.
Joining Cruz will be Coach Mike Stone, former Southern California club baseball owner and Head Coach of the West Coast Clippers, who will serve as an Assistant Coach. Stone brings years of experience developing competitive ball players and leading teams and parents through high-level travel baseball competition.
Together, Cruz, Stone, and Pedroia will provide the day-to-day leadership, instruction, and mentorship for the team. The combination of established AEBA leadership, experienced club baseball coaching, and Major League knowledge represents an exciting opportunity for players and families entering this next stage of development.
A Select 15-Athlete Roster Built Around Development
AEBA's eighth-grade program will be limited to 15 selected athletes, allowing the coaching staff to maintain a focused training environment with an emphasis on individual development, accountability, and consistent instruction.
The 2027 program will include:
15 selected athletes committed to development and high-level competition.
20+ weeks of weekly on-field practices led by AEBA's coaching staff.
8+ tournament weekends, featuring regional competition and out-of-state travel opportunities.
Mesa-based weekly practices from January through May, continuing into June with early-morning summer training sessions.
National tournament opportunities, including planned appearances at Perfect Game WWBA events.
Rather than building a schedule around tournaments alone, AEBA is committed to providing its athletes with consistent instruction and the opportunity to apply what they learn in practice against quality competition.
Preparing Athletes for the Next Level
The transition from eighth grade into high school baseball is one of the most important stages in a young player's development.
For AEBA Founder and Director ZJ Buster, the launch of the eighth-grade program represents something especially meaningful: the opportunity to see athletes he began coaching as young children approach the next chapter of their baseball careers.
"This is a really exciting time for our program. We're getting another step closer to high school baseball with a graduating class that we started developing back in 2020, when many of these boys were just 8 and 9 years old. To look back at where they started and see the players and young men they're becoming is pretty special.
For the athletes and families who have stuck with us, trusted our process, and continued to put in the work over the years, I'm excited for what comes next. In a sense, we're handing the baton off to some really good baseball people who can continue building on the foundation we've established. Having Coach Cruz, Coach Stone, and Dustin involved in this next chapter is something I'm extremely proud of.
As for me, I'll be heading back down to the farm, so to speak, to begin developing that next generation of young ballplayers. That's something I've always enjoyed about coaching: taking young athletes, teaching them the fundamentals, helping them understand the game, and watching them grow over time.
Our goal is to continue building a program where young athletes have a clear development pathway from their earliest years in baseball all the way through high school. We're excited about what the future holds for the select athletes who want to be part of it."
— ZJ Buster, Founder & Director, Arizona Elite Baseball Academy
Mesa-Based Training and Player Development
Beginning in January 2027, the team will hold weekly practices in Mesa, Arizona, continuing throughout the spring season from January through May.
As the program transitions into its summer schedule in June, training will continue with early-morning practices to accommodate the Arizona heat and maintain consistency in the athletes' development.
Establishing a regular training presence in Mesa will provide families throughout the East Valley with an opportunity to participate in AEBA's structured player development model.
The emphasis will remain on purposeful instruction, consistent repetitions, individual accountability, and teaching athletes the finer details of the game as they prepare for the demands of high school baseball.
Competing on a National Stage in 2027
In addition to its player development initiatives, AEBA is preparing an exciting national tournament schedule for its eighth-grade program.
The team plans to travel.
These events will provide athletes with opportunities to compete against talented programs from across the country while gaining valuable experience as they prepare for high school baseball.
Although national competition is an exciting component of the program, AEBA remains committed to its development-first philosophy, prioritizing consistent instruction, purposeful practices, individual growth, and teaching athletes to understand the game beyond the physical skills.
Interested in Joining? Here's How to Get Started
Arizona Elite Baseball Academy is currently welcoming interest from eighth-grade athletes and families who would like to be considered for the 2027 program.
The first step is completing the New Player Form on the AEBA website. Once submitted, the coaching staff will review each athlete's information and coordinate opportunities for prospective players to join the team at upcoming practices.
Throughout November and December 2026, selected athletes will be invited to participate in team practices, giving coaches an opportunity to evaluate their skills, baseball IQ, work ethic, coachability, and overall fit within the program.
Some athletes may also receive invitations to guest play during fall tournament weekends, providing an opportunity to compete alongside current AEBA players, contribute to the team's November and December tournament schedule, and experience the program's coaching environment firsthand.
This evaluation process allows athletes and families to get to know AEBA while giving the coaching staff a more complete understanding of each player's development, character, and potential contribution to the team.
With the 2027 roster limited to just 15 selected athletes, interested families are encouraged to complete the New Player Form to begin the evaluation process.
Visit www.azelitebaseballacademy.com/joinaeba to get started.
Built, Not Borrowed.
Since its founding in 2022, Arizona Elite Baseball Academy has remained committed to creating an environment where motivated young athletes can develop their skills, build confidence, embrace competition, and grow as teammates and individuals.
The addition of Dustin Pedroia, alongside the leadership of Dennis Cruz and Mike Stone, reflects AEBA's continued focus on its athletes, coaching staff, and long-term vision.
As the organization prepares for an exciting 2027 season, its mission remains unchanged: Develop confident competitors, intelligent baseball players, great teammates, and young men of character who are prepared for whatever comes next.
Becoming Elite Starts Here.
