Former Tigers All-Star Launches Cutting-Edge Performance Lab in Michigan

Getty

American League All-Star Brandon Inge of the Detroit Tigers waves to fans in the line before the 2009 MLB All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14.

For longtime fans of the Detroit Tigers, Brandon Inge needs little introduction. A gritty, versatile infielder, primarily at third base, and occasional catcher over more than a decade (plus shorter stints with other clubs), Inge gained a reputation not just for durability but for hard work, defensive hustle, and a never-quit attitude.

Now, Inge is turning that same work ethic into a different kind of legacy–one built for the future. He’s set to open Inge Performance Lab on December 13, in Brighton, Michigan. The facility, located at 8101 Movie Drive, aims to offer youth and elite baseball/softball players a place to train with resources and coaching approaches inspired by the lessons Inge learned in the big leagues.

According to its website, the lab’s mission is built on “grit, growth, and game-changing development.”

What Inge Performance Lab Offers – A New Kind of Player Development

The IPL is more than just a typical batting cage setup. It’s designed to be a full-spectrum training environment, offering:

• HitTrax-enabled batting cages (six total), giving real-time data feedback for hitting drills

• Full indoor turf infield space for fielding, throwing drills, and situational play

• Customized strength, conditioning, and mobility programs built for athletes of all ages — from youth prospects aiming high to seasoned players looking to refine or rehabilitate

• One-on-one coaching and small-group training sessions, replicating a pro-level training environment

In short: this is the kind of facility that marries professional-level resources with community-level accessibility. Whether an athlete wants offseason strength training, winter batting work, or long-term skill development, IPL aims to provide a full toolbox.

In his own words, Inge said the facility will carry the same “purpose, passion, and persistence” that fueled his MLB career.

“At every stage of my career, having mentors and coaches who believed in me made all the difference,” Inge said. “I wanted to build a place where athletes can get world-class training, real guidance, and an environment that genuinely invests in their future. Michigan is home for us, and we’re excited to give back to a community that has supported us from the beginning.”

For Players, Community, and Inge’s Legacy

IPL couldn’t come at a better time. With youth baseball and softball growing fast, young players often struggle to find indoor, year-round training–especially in colder regions like Michigan. IPL fills that gap, offering a stable, professional-quality training option regardless of weather.

More broadly, this kind of facility offers something often missing in amateur and youth sports: structure, consistency, and pro-level coaching insights. For athletes with ambition–college ball, minor leagues, or simply maximizing their potential–having access to data-driven training and experienced coaching could be a game-changer.

For Inge, the lab represents a transition from player to mentor: using the knowledge gained over 13 seasons, countless at-bats, and defensive wins to pass on a blueprint for longevity, discipline, and resilience.

Why Grit Will Matter More Than Equipment

Of course, launching a training facility isn’t all batting cages and onboarding. It requires strong business acumen, consistent demand, and community support. Pricing matters (memberships range widely depending on services), and to succeed, IPL will need to balance accessibility with sustainability.

“These first 15 athletes will forever be a part of our story,” co-owner of IPL, Shani Inge, said. “This facility was built not just for training, but for community. We want every athlete and every parent who walks through our doors to feel supported, challenged, and confident in the development path ahead.”

Inge knows grind. He survived bullpen battles, position changes, injuries, and the ups and downs of a long career. If anyone’s equipped to run a performance lab built on toughness and consistency, it’s him.

“A portion of our annual sales will go directly to supporting young athletes and community organizations in Brighton and across the state. If we can help more kids chase their dreams, that’s a win,” Inge said.

What This Means for Michigan Baseball – and Beyond

In the long run, we could see:

• A new generation of finely tuned players emerging from Michigan’s youth ranks, ready for college ball or higher–trained indoors through winter, refined year-round.

• A shift in how training is approached locally–not just skills, but conditioning, analytics, and pro-level regimes.

• A model for other former pros to follow–leveraging their experience to build grassroots infrastructure that blends professional insight with community access.

Inge Performance Lab may be small now, but the ambition is big.

According to Your Central Valley, grand opening details are as follows:

• Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
• Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Location: Inge Performance Lab; 810 Movie Drive, Brighton, Michigan 48116
• Activities: Facility tours, live demonstrations, trainer Q&A, membership sign-ups, and exclusive day-of promotions.