2026 Elite Coaches
15U EBLO Coach - John Axford
John is a veteran MLB pitcher with 11 seasons across eight teams (2009-2018, 2021), including Toronto, L.A., Oakland, Colorado, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. A member of Team Canada at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he ranks #6 all-time in games pitched and #2 in saves by a Canadian in MLB history. Axford won the 2011 Rolaids Relief Man Award, pitched in the 2013 World Series, and will be inducted into the Milwaukee Brewers Wall of Honor in 2025.
Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Yankees in 2006, he was previously drafted by Seattle (7th round, 2001) and Cincinnati (42nd round, 2005). Before his pro career, he made 50 NCAA Division I appearances (40 starts), pitched in the College World Series, and earned a BA from the University of Notre Dame and an MS from Canisius University. Axford’s roots include OBA baseball in Port Dover, representing Team Ontario and the Canadian Junior National Team, and pitching in both the IBL and WBCL.
16U EBLO Coach - Julian Parson
Julian is a former NCAA Division I baseball player and accomplished relief pitcher with a strong record of success at the collegiate and elite club levels.
He spent three years at the University of South Carolina-Upstate before completing his senior year at Winthrop University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Kinesiology. A four-year letterman, Julian competed annually in the Big South Conference Championship Tournament, finishing as a two-time runner-up. He made his mark both as a dependable relief pitcher and in occasional starting roles.
Before his NCAA career, Julian played elite club baseball with the Ontario Blue Jays, where he was ranked the 11th-best pitcher and 23rd-best player in Ontario by Perfect Game. His standout performances earned him multiple national recognitions, including:
- 2019 WWBA 16U National Championship - All-Tournament Team
- 2019 WWBA World Championship - All-Tournament Team
- 2020 Perfect Game Preseason Underclassman All-American - Canada Region
- 2019 PG Preseason Underclassman All-American - Honorable Mention
- 2021 PG Preseason All-American - Canada
- 2022 Southern Collegiate Baseball League - All-Star
Beyond his playing career, Julian is dedicated to athlete development and performance training. He holds an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) designation (finalizing August 2025), is Red Cross First Aid/CPR certified, and holds a HIGH FIVE® certification in Principles of Healthy Child Development. His education and experience allow him to combine technical baseball knowledge with advanced training methods, helping athletes reach their full potential both on and off the field.
