Lake County Lightning Baseball Camps

Lake County Lightning Baseball Camps offers instruction in pitching, hitting, fielding, catching, and baserunning. Camp activities include pitching mechanics, pitching mindset, pick off moves, pitching grips, pitching situations, hitting fundamentals, situational hitting, plate approach, pitch count strategy, bunting applications, infield and outfield glovework and footwork, tag plays, throwing to bases, getting pitch ready, pop-up priority, and baseball fundamentals. Campers also take part in playing catch with purpose, short and long toss, throwing programs and drills, around the horn, leading off, proper base stealing, timed 60 yard dash, proper base path running, situational baserunning, reading the ball, outfield communication, play ready preparation, situational play execution, fun pitching competitions, wiffle ball home run derby, team baserunning games, hand eye challenges, and mini competitions.

• Ages: 8–13 years old
• Schedule: 5 day camp meeting June 23–25 and June 30–July 1, 2025, with daily sessions for rising 3rd–5th graders from 9:00am–10:30am and rising 6th–8th graders from 11:00am–1:00pm
• Price: Total cost $59 for access to all 5 days; prorated pricing not available; one free camp T-shirt for every ticket purchased, with additional T-shirts available for purchase, and a free event T-shirt if paid online

Camps and clinics are offered for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players from 3rd through 8th grade. The program includes instruction related to work ethic and accountability, growth mindset, body language, sportsmanship and attitude, and playing in a safe, controlled, and fun environment. Campers are asked to wear baseball pants if possible, bring their own bats and batting helmet if possible (with bats and helmets on hand if needed), bring their own baseball glove, and bring plenty of water and Gatorade, with water also on hand.

Lake County Lightning Baseball Camps is part of an organization that serves the Lake County, Illinois community and is described as Northern Illinois’ premier baseball travel and softball travel organization. The organization states a mission of developing outstanding baseball and softball players and exceptional individuals, emphasizing fundamental skills, teamwork, strong work ethic, a positive and professional team culture, and a deep love for the game. Year-round training is available in a 20,000 sq. ft. indoor facility called “The Bolt,” and a Wilson partnership gives all Lightning families 20% off year round on equipment.

Coaches include individuals with current and former Division 1 collegiate experience, extensive experience coaching high school varsity teams, and specialized pitching coaches with seasoned professional experience. The leadership team includes Jeremy Lutz (Director of Operations, Lightning Baseball; Facility Manager, “The Bolt”; Head Coach, IL Lightning 15U), Jerry Fox (Founder, Lake County Lightning, Illinois Lightning Baseball, Illinois Lightning Softball), Chuck Gandolfi (Director of High School Development, IL Lightning Baseball; Head Coach, IL Lightning 17U), and Kurt Hironimus (Director of Operations, IL Lightning Softball; Head Coach, IL Lightning 18U).

Last updated January 15, 2026.