Alberta Cal Ripken
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Ramon Valdez - Head Technical Director

Ramon Valdez’s baseball journey began in Alberta, where he played for the Okotoks Dawgs Academy and represented Team Alberta, the province’s elite program. His success and leadership at the amateur level earned him the opportunity to continue his career in the United States.

Ramon began his collegiate career at Parkland Community College, where he played in 49 games, including 38 starts for the Cobras, helping guide the team to a 34-23 record. He batted .343 with seven doubles, three triples, two home runs, and 38 RBI, displaying exceptional plate discipline with 38 walks for a .478 on-base percentage. During the summer, he competed in the Ohio Valley Collegiate Baseball League, hitting .363 in 29 games for the Railroaders, recording 29 hits, eight doubles, one triple, three home runs, 24 runs scored, and 23 RBI, with 30 walks and a .560 on-base percentage. His performance at Parkland set the stage for a successful transfer to Barry University.

At Barry University (NCAA Division II) in Miami, Florida, Ramon served as the starting catcher for three seasons. He became a key team leader, earning Team MVP honors, Academic All-American recognition, and serving as team captain. His performance placed him among the Sunshine State Conference leaders, tying for 6th in doubles, 2nd in walks (41), and 2nd in runners caught stealing (15). He led the team in doubles and ranked third on the team in home runs and RBI.

Ramon’s academic achievements were equally impressive. He was named to the Dean’s List (Fall 2015), the Capital One Academic All-District First Team (2015), and the Sunshine State Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll (Spring 2015). He graduated in 2016 with a degree in Exercise Physiology, providing a strong foundation for his player development approach, blending technical instruction with knowledge of biomechanics and human movement.

As a coach, Ramon is known for his ability to teach, motivate, and connect with players. An outstanding former catcher and hitter, he brings deep insight into both the physical and mental aspects of the game. He is able to instruct in all areas, specializing in catchers’ development, infield progressions, and future-ready hitters’ preparation. His sessions combine technical and physical training with discussions on approach, mindset, and emotional resilience, helping athletes grow into complete, confident players.

Ramon is currently on his 9th season running the Alberta Cal Ripken program.

 

Coach Bo – Pitching & Player Development

Bo brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the field, specializing in pitching development and the mental side of performance.

A Calgary native, Bo began his career with the Calgary Redbirds and attended the National Sports Academy. He went on to play two seasons at Southeastern Illinois College (NJCAA Division I – GRAC) as a starting pitcher before an injury cut short his sophomore campaign. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, he continued his rehab at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (NCAA Division I – SWAC) and later at Driveline Baseball in Kent, Washington, where he developed a new, data-driven approach to pitching and performance training.

Over the next five years, Bo combined his offseason training at Driveline with a successful professional career. He pitched for the 2017 championship-winning High Desert Yardbirds in the Pecos League, competed internationally with the South Perth Cubs in Australia’s WA State League, and finished his career as part of the 2022 London Majors championship team in the Intercounty Baseball League.

Bo’s approach to coaching emphasizes movement efficiency, arm health, and the mental tools needed to compete at a high level. His experience training alongside professional athletes gives him a clear understanding of what it takes to reach the next level — and how to help young players build the foundation to get there.

Bo currently coaches with Alberta Cal Ripken and Coyote Youth Baseball, where he focuses on developing complete athletes both on and off the field.

Coah Mike Belliveau

Early in his baseball career, Mike began establishing himself as an outstanding catcher and was a member of Team Canada at the 2008 Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen, MD. After Little League, Mike had a brief stint with Calgary Coyote Baseball before spending three years with the Calgary PBF Redbirds, and one year with the Calgary Junior Dinos. Throughout his high school career, Mike played for Team Alberta on four separate occasions: at the Western Canada Prospect Series in Lethbridge, AB, twice at the Baseball Canada Cup in Moncton, NB, and London, ON, and at the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, QC, where he ultimately earned a Bronze Medal.

In the spring of 2012, Mike was invited to the 2012 Baseball Canada Junior National Team Spring Training Program in St. Petersburg, FL, which was made up of the top high school aged baseball players from across Canada. During this time, Mike faced off against the Netherlands National Baseball Team, St. Petersburg Junior College, minor league prospects in the Phillies, Orioles, and Blue Jays organizations, as well as major leaguers, which included Jose Bautista, Brett Lawrie, and J.P. Arencibia. That same year, Mike was also invited to Pasco, WA, to tryout for Area Code Baseball, which features the top high school prospects in North America and has former alumni that include Phil Nevin (’88), Albert Pujols (’98), Adrian Gonzalez (’99), Gerrit Cole (’07), and Bryce Harper (’08).

Following high school, Mike played baseball at Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY, where he became the first Canadian baseball player to ever suit up for the Knights. During his tenure at Bellarmine, Mike was a four-time Academic All-Great Lakes Valley Conference honoree, received the Great Lakes Valley Conference Council of Presidents’Academic Excellence Award in his senior season, and was inducted into the Kappa Gamma Pi National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society. During the offseason in 2015, Mike spent the summer playing in the Collegiate Baseball League Europe, which provided him with opportunities to play baseball in Spain, France, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.

In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, Mike established himself as an outstanding leader. In 2017, Mike was presented with the Father John D. Deatrick (’55) Award of Excellence for Leadership and was also inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, whose members include former Presidents of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt and George H.W. Bush, as well as professional athletes Peyton Manning, Gaylord Perry, Paul “Bear” Bryant, and Arnold Palmer. Mike graduated from Bellarmine University in 2017 with a degree in Exercise Science, Magna Cum Laude and returned home to Calgary where he completed his Bachelor of Education degree, With Distinction.

Mike began coaching with Alberta Cal Ripken in the winter of 2024 and thoroughly enjoys mentoring young baseball players. His goal is to inspire the players he works with, elevate their baseball skills and knowledge of the game, and provide them with the same opportunities he was given throughout his career.

Coach Kody

Kody’s baseball journey began with Rocky Mountain Little League, where three formative years sparked his lifelong love for the game. His dedication, discipline, and natural talent earned him a place in the Okotoks Dawgs Academy, where he trained and competed at an elite level for five years.

In 2014, Kody proudly represented the Calgary area at the Alberta Summer Games, an experience that strengthened both his competitive edge and passion for baseball. A versatile athlete, Kody excelled as a catcher and third baseman, consistently striving to elevate his performance and leadership on the field. He went on to complete his final two seasons with Babe Ruth Calgary before pursuing his education in aviation.

Though his professional path led him to aviation, Kody’s connection to baseball never wavered. For the past three years, he has dedicated himself to coaching young athletes with Alberta Cal Ripken and Coyote Youth Baseball, sharing his extensive knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for the game.

As a coach, Kody is passionate about developing not only skilled players but also confident, disciplined, and respectful teammates. He strives to inspire the next generation of athletes to play with heart, hustle, and love for the sport — just as he has throughout his own baseball journey.