The Arizona Elite Baseball Academy
2025–2026 Program Overview
Location: Greater Phoenix Area — Based in Scottsdale, Arizona
Welcome to the Arizona Elite Baseball Academy, where young athletes and their families are welcomed into a values-driven community built on passion, purpose, and a shared love for the game. At AEBA, we believe baseball is more than just a sport—it’s a platform for life lessons, personal growth, and lasting relationships.
For the 2025–2026 year, AEBA will offer three main programs:
The ELITE “60/90 Prep Program” – 13U (Class of 2031)
Fall Tuition: $3500 | August - December
This 165-hour program is tailored for 13U athletes preparing to make the transition to the full-sized 60/90 field. Guided by Head Coach Dennis Cruz and AEBA’s staff, this team focuses on skill development, game IQ, and the physical readiness needed to take the next step on the bigger field.
Open to committed athletes, including multi-sport athletes.
2 Weekly team practices and seasonal tournament play.
Travel tournament to Las Vegas, Nevada in December.
Focused on preparing our athletes for High-School.
Head Coach: Dennis Cruz
Assistant Coach: Xavier Fernandez
Pitching Coach: Jared Matheson
The ELITE Youth Program – Ages 9–12
Fall Tuition: $4295-$5000 | August - December
This youth program is home to uncommon young athletes who seek to grow in both skill and mindset. Directed by AEBA founder Coach ZJ Buster, each team is developed and led by a staff of committed hired-coaches with intention, commitment, and care. View Coaching Staff HERE.
Weekly Training for our athletes include: 1-hour of Workout & Speed Training, 1.5-hour of Indoor Hitting & Game Film Study, and 2.5-3 hour team field practices.
Competes in elite tournaments locally and across the country (Travel in the Spring ONLY).
Emphasizes both physical development and mental performance growth.
Fundamental School of Baseball – Ages 7–10
Focused on growth, learning, and access, this year-round training experience is ideal for families who want their athlete to build skills and confidence.
Instructional Program (Fall 2025 only) | Tuition: $3165
Practice alongside AEBA’s ELITE team of coaches to gain real-time instruction in skill development and baseball IQ. We will supplement this program with up to 10 local league games.
New for Fall of 2025!!
Coaches Internship Program
We’re opening our doors to passionate individuals—teenagers, former players, or anyone interested in learning the art of coaching. This program provides hands-on experience in mentorship, player development, and leadership within AEBA’s culture. Registration Coming August 2025.
Parent Coaching Clinics
This fall, we’ll host a coaching clinic for dads, moms, and parent volunteers. Whether you're coaching a rec team or just want to better support your athlete, this will be for you.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to empower young athletes in Arizona through a comprehensive baseball program that builds skill, character, and a lasting love for the game. With experienced coaching and a positive learning environment, we prepare players to succeed—on the field and in life.
dedicated Staff of coaches
At Arizona Elite Baseball Academy, we hold our coaching staff to the highest standard—because we know the strength of a program starts with the people who lead it.
Our coaches are hand-selected by Director ZJ Buster through a rigorous screening and interview process, including background checks and evaluations of coaching experience, teaching style, and player-first mentality.
We believe in more than just baseball knowledge. Our staff is made up of leaders who love teaching the game, who lead by example, and who are committed to building confidence, discipline, and consistency in every athlete they work with.
From skill development to personal growth, our coaches play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded young athletes—on the field and beyond.
Training Facilities
Based in Scottsdale, the Arizona Elite Baseball Academy is very much dedicated to making a difference for our younger athletes and their families by providing them with the top resources, instruction, facilities, and community partners in Arizona. Our facility partners, including Az Play Ball, Arizona State University, Redline Athletics and DBAT-Scottsdale continue to make a positive impact leading to a memorable and rewarding childhood experience for each of our young athletes.
“Play this game like the 8-year-old you used to be, dreaming to play in the show. Heart, passion, and fire! Remember where you came from.”
– Bryce Harper
“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. consistent hard work leads to success. greatness will come”
“we have an obligation as a coach of the youth to lead, educate, CHALLENGE and inspire each of our young athletes towards becoming their ELITE SELF, both on and off the diamond.” - Coach zj buster
