Former MLB player gives back to Imperial Valley

Rudy Seanez works with one of his young charges at his Seanez Sports Academy in Imperial, Calif.

IMPERIAL, Calif.- After playing 24 years of professional baseball for nine different teams and 13 major organizations and being a 2008 World Series champion for the Philadelphia Phillies, Imperial Valley native Rudy Seanez returned to his home to help inspire young and old alike.

“I’ve always lived here. This is home. I grew up in Brawley. My family is here, so that was factor number one,” said Seanez in an interview at his Seanez Sports Academy.

After retiring from the pros, Seanez was on a mission to expose young baseball players to an official “spring training” environment by helping them condition and improve their skills.  He also had the idea to bring an overall fitness facility to the valley’s athletes and residents of all ages.

“When I retired I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay home and do nothing,” said Seanez.  So he thought if he had a sports academy, a gym, it would provide the optimal experience.  “I love to work out, and being part of baseball for that long a time, it’s only natural that I would combine the two. So that’s what I did,” said Seanez.

The academy provides the best of both worlds for Seanez since he’s continuing to do both things he loves – working out and coaching.