XE9 Camp: Pros Share Skills with Local Youth

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. — Xavier Edwards fielded grounders. Kids borrowed Anthony Bender’s glove. They played catch with Braxton Garrett.

Local youth baseball players received priceless instruction from the pros at Edwards’ annual XE9 baseball skills camp on Saturday at North Broward Preparatory School.

Edwards created the free camp for kids ages 8-17 while in the Minor Leagues during the 2018 offseason. It’s grown significantly as then, from 18 participants to around 220. More sponsors have joined, too. In 2025, the Players Alliance, the marlins, ADT, PRIME, Wilson, Chinook Seedery, Big League Chew, PS, elite and JSG Baseball are all supporting the camp. The Players Alliance donated baseball gear.

“It’s gotten a lot bigger, and hopefully the impact has gotten that much bigger,” Edwards said. “We’re grateful for the increasing donations each year. All the companies that give back allow us to do an event like this and give these kids gifts – bats, gloves, things they do have, or maybe don’t have, things they may want. So just glad to be able to give back at this time of the year.”

This year, like every year, Edwards received strong support from current and former teammates, as well as pros from South Florida.

Marlins players Anthony Bender, Braxton Garrett, Griffin Conine, Tyler phillips and mascot Billy the marlin were present. Jesús Luzardo (Phillies), Triston McKenzie (Padres), Jake Eder (Nationals), Paul McIntosh (Phillies), Enrique Bradfield Jr. (orioles) and retired players also helped out.