Upon formation in 2024, our founders needed to first determine the purpose of Michigan Ignite Baseball. To do so, our staff considered two questions that would guide all future decisions:

1.) What type of experience do we want to provide to our players?

2.) How will we differentiate ourselves from the hundreds of other travel organizations?

Ultimately, the answer to these two questions are one in the same - we wanted to serve as one of the only true College Preparatory organizations, providing the absolute best physical and mental resources available, all of which are designed to prepare our players to succeed at the next level. See our Perks tab for more details on how we fulfill these expectations.

Michigan Ignite Baseball will always look to provide the best opportunities for our players and families. We recognize that travel baseball has become both extremely competitive and expensive over the past several years, and as a result, some players who have incredible talent are excluded from showcasing their skills by participating with a travel team.

We do not want the cost of travel baseball to limit families’ ability to share in the fun, growth, and competitiveness that the summers have to offer. That’s why Michigan Ignite Baseball is a direct associate of the Reach360 Foundation, a non-profit in the state of Michigan that, among other things, aims to help families alleviate the financial burdens of travel sports.

With the Reach360 Foundation’s help, Michigan Ignite Baseball is proud to offer various fundraising events throughout the year with all individual funds raised by players being applied directly to their balance for the season. Reach360 also helps to provide our players with volunteer opportunities to act as positive influences in our communities. While none of this is required, it is strongly encouraged that our players and families get involved if they are interested.

Lastly, Michigan Ignite Baseball and the Reach360 Foundation are working to develop a scholarship fund for players and families that require financial assistance. As we mentioned, we do not want the cost of travel baseball to stand in the way of a player’s ability to succeed in this game. We will be compiling donations, funds from fundraising events, and other gifts of generosity to establish this fund and continue to provide an unmatched experience to those who join the Michigan Ignite family.

The name “Ignite” came from our Founder and President, John Bornoty. When John was playing his 15U season with a travel team based out of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, their team travelled to Evanston, Illinois, to play in a tournament at Northwestern University. During pool play, John’s team played against a group from Ohio with the team name “Ignite.” In this game, John’s team got, for lack of a better team, destroyed. However, he says it was his most enjoyable loss of his playing career. The other team had such strength, unity, and finesse in every single move they made. They were respectful in their demeanor, and embodied the positive spirit that makes travel baseball so much fun. They embraced their win with grace and humility, never once gloating or boasting their immense talent. In the handshake line after the game, the coaches of the other team shook John’s and his teammates’ hands, and cited a positive moment that was noticeable from each player during the 7-innings.

Looking forward to today, this is precisely the culture that Michigan Ignite Baseball looks to cultivate for their players and families. We aim to be respectful, gracious, humble, and strong in everything we do in this organization. And of course, let’s not forget to have fun while we’re doing it! After all, looking back to the hot summer days in July, playing a triple-header on a Sunday afternoon while covered in dust from head to toe, we know that our players will one day reflect and realize that these are truly some of the best days of their lives.

We are always looking to welcome talented players and positive families into Michigan Ignite Baseball! If you are interested in joining or organization, would like to partner with us, or would just like to receive some additional information about who we are, please do not hesitate to get in touch!