New Balance Future Stars Series is pleased to announce the expansion of its team with the addition of four of North America’s top amateur baseball coaches as special assistants to the president. Joining Rob Bruno who has been Special Assistant to the President since 2018 are Wes Rynders, Brian Martinez, Sean Travers and Logan Stout.
All five are accomplished professionals that bring their extensive experience and expertise to further the organization’s mission to elevate the game of baseball.
Rob Bruno is a highly respected figure in the baseball industry, with more than three decades of coaching experience. As the founder of NorCal Baseball, he has been instrumental in nurturing talent and instilling character in his players, resulting in over 500 Division I baseball players and 52 major league players. Notably, Bruno’s efforts have given rise to an array of All-Star and MVP players, including the likes of Joc Pederson, Troy Tulowitzki, and Brandon Crawford. Bruno’s strong belief in developing players both on and off the field underlines his success as a coach, positioning him as an invaluable addition to the Future Stars Series team.
Wes Rynders, an alumnus of Pope High School and Georgia Tech, brings to the table a combination of personal experience as a top-level player and a record of exceptional coaching. Having played for the 2000 ACC Championship team and participated in the 2002 College World Series, Rynders turned to coaching and became an instrumental figure in high-level travel ball. During his tenure at East Cobb Baseball, he coached 10 National Championship teams and nurtured 28 first-round MLB draft picks and over 150 Division 1 College Scholarship players. As Vice President and 16u Marucci Coach at Georgia Bombers, Rynders oversaw a program that produced 350+ College Scholarships, 19 players drafted, and over 125 Perfect Game Championships.
Rynders’ relationship with Future Stars Series goes back several years, first getting involved when he was the VP of the Georgia Bombers. A veteran of the travel baseball circuit in one of the most event-heavy areas of the country, he brings his unique knowledge of the industry and its challenges to the organization.
Brian Martinez is a highly-regarded coach, widely recognized as one of Florida’s elite hitting instructors. Born and raised in Orlando, FL, he played high school baseball at Dr. Phillips High School and collegiate baseball at Barry University, Miami. Martinez then turned his passion toward coaching, contributing to the growth of the Orlando Scorpions brand and mentoring an elite group of players across professional, college, and amateur ranks. During his tenure, the Scorpions clinched eight national titles and nearly 500 college commitments. In collaboration with Mike Mercadante, Martinez also co-founded the TNXL Academy, which has seen substantial success, with all seniors since 2014 committing to a college and 22 players drafted in the MLB amateur draft.
With a proven track record of success, especially in helping amateur baseball talent advance to the next level, Martinez has a passion for players and competes with everything he does.
Sean Travers, Director of Player Development at Mississauga Tigers, Ontario Canada, has a storied career marked by a deep commitment to fostering talent and driving success in baseball. After attending Dallas Baptist University, Travers entered the professional world and secured multiple Championships for Johnstown Steel, PA, Guelph Royals, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Travers’ impressive coaching career spans esteemed institutions like the Doyle Baseball School, Ontario Youth Baseball Camps, and Double Play Baseball. His remarkable work has resulted in over 550 players securing US college scholarships, over 50 players making it to Team Canada, and over 40 players entering professional baseball, including ten players who have made it to the MLB.
Travers is a Future Stars Series original, having managed and coached in signature events such as the 2017-19 International Weeks, 2022 Main Event and Caribbean Classic. He’s served as Director of Player Development on the National Staff and instructed and evaluated players at Regional Combines and Scout Days.
Logan Stout is a dynamic leader in both baseball and business. Beginning as an All-Conference RHP at Panola JC, he grew into an All-American SS and RHP at the University of Dallas, culminating in a professional pitching career. Stout’s love for baseball led him to found the Dallas Patriots in 2000, an organization dedicated to nurturing young talent, resulting in significant accomplishments including 2,500 game wins, 27 World Series titles, and a roster of alumni that includes major league All-Stars.
As an entrepreneur, Stout has generated billions in business revenue. He’s also a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and leadership trainer, garnering endorsements from renowned athletes and entrepreneurs alike. Partnering with motivational speaker John C. Maxwell, Stout seeks to bring leadership training to all 196 nations. Stout’s multifaceted career demonstrates his unique ability to inspire, lead, and make significant contributions to the world of baseball and beyond.
The new additions will actively consult with Future Stars Series President and CEO Jeremy Booth on forming the FSS Partner Program circuit. Their wealth of experience and expertise will contribute to better returns and growth for the amateur academy and travel organizations and the players they develop. The partner organizations will be seeded in the collaboration between Future Stars Series and the Music City Classic in the National Championships each summer. They will also work with regional directors on event scheduling.
The circuit, designed for players 13-18, will begin in earnest in 2024.
“This is officially the ‘not messing around crew,’” says Booth. “It’s a blend of veterans and forward thinkers, all who have an extreme passion for the game and the players in it. They’ve seen it all, are extremely well connected, and you never have to doubt where you stand. It takes heart to recognize change is needed and do something about it, and these guys fit that for sure. We’ve all been involved with each other unofficially for a while. It’s gonna be a lot of fun making a difference together, and the game and its players will benefit the most, as it should be.”
To learn more about the New Balance Future Stars Series and its mission to elevate the game of baseball, visit https://futurestarsseries.com.
About Future Stars Series:
FUTURE STARS SERIES is the Global Initiative of PROGRAM 15 and New Balance Baseball. It boasts a faculty and staff that includes multiple Major League All-Stars and World Series veterans responsible for executing the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series, whose mission is to elevate the game of baseball by providing amateur players across all economic levels an opportunity to reach their full potential through the training, development, and guidance of former MLB players, scouts, and coaches. With a footprint in over 15 countries, participating players have earned signing bonuses well over 100M. To learn more visit https://futurestarsseries.com
