Baseball Camps/Instruction

Ege wins second annual Bruce Dal Canton Service Award

September 2, 2014

Award given to player with significant contributions to community

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are pleased to announce that left-hander reliever Cody Ege was named the second-ever recipient of the Bruce Dal Canton Service Award for his efforts in the community this season. He was given the award before the Pelicans regular season finale on Monday at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. Catcher Pat Cantwell won the award in 2013.

The award is presented to a player that has demonstrated significant contributions to the Grand Strand community, the Carolina League and the baseball industry as a whole. Cody showed an ongoing commitment to charitable service throughout the season with his involvement in the Pelicans 3-Day Youth Clinic as well as school and summer camp appearances, just to name a few.

“Cody has been an excellent influence on all of the young children that he has worked with this season,” explained Pelicans Senior Director of Marketing Jen Borowski. She went on to add, “most importantly, from our end, he has helped us with every activity that we have asked of him and done it with a smile on his face. I am sure that, if the award was not involved, he still would have been willing to help out; that’s the kind of personality he has-always willing to help out, and he’s a great community leader.”

This award is named after the late Bruce Dal Canton. Bruce Dal Canton was the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Pitching Coach from the inaugural season in 1999 until his passing in 2008. Before joining the Pelicans, Dal Canton was a Major League pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox. He coached for 26 years, including ten with the Pelicans, until he prematurely passed away due to esophageal cancer on October 7, 2008. Dal Canton was heavy involved in charitable endeavors and constantly striving to make the community a better place to live, work and play. In 2009, the Pelicans named the home clubhouse after him and retired his number 43, one of just two past Pelicans retired numbers.

Ege was not alone. The Pelicans players and coaches donated countless man-hours in the community with events like the Home Run for Autism Camp, a day with Grand Strand Miracle Leagues, the 3-Day Youth Clinic, the Sanofi Healthy Living outings to two local YMCAs and the Boys and Girls Club of the Grand Strand, as well as food packing initiatives with the Lowcountry Food Bank and the Help4Kids’ Backpack Buddies program.

On a nightly basis, Pelicans players volunteered time before the games to sign autographs to fans behind home plate and caught ceremonial first pitches prior to each Pelicans home game. The Pelicans front office is grateful for all their hard work. Although Ege’s accomplishment is an individual award, the impact that the 2014 Pelicans achieved in the community mirrored the tremendous success of the group on the diamond.

On the field, Ege sported 3.88 ERA and a 4-1 record in 37 outings out of the bullpen for the Pelicans during the regular season. He punched out 76 batters and walked just 17 and had a 46-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio during the second half. He did not allow a run in 10 1/3 August innings.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Click here to view the original story.

G-Braves Announce 2014 Baseball Buddies Camp

July 22, 2014

Camp is open to anyone ages 8 and up with special needs

Last year's Baseball Buddies Camp participants gathered for a group photo at Coolray Field. (Gwinnett Braves) — Last year’s Baseball Buddies Camp participants gathered for a group photo at Coolray Field. (Gwinnett Braves)

The Gwinnett Braves will host their 2014 Baseball Buddies Camp at Coolray Field on Saturday, August 30 from 9 AM to 12 PM. The camp is open to anyone ages eight and up with special needs.

For $20, each Baseball Buddies camp participant will receive hands-on instruction from Gwinnett Braves players and coaches. Each participant also receives a Camp T-shirt and lunch, as well as an opportunity to get autographs and take pictures with the G-Braves.

Each sign-up also includes one (1) Baseline Box ticket for the August 30 game against the Charlotte Knights at 7:05 PM. Camp participants will get to take the field for a special pre-game parade that night.

Spots for the 2014 Baseball Buddies Camp are limited and expected to fill up quickly. To register, download the form from GwinnettBraves.com and turn it in to the Community Relations Department at P.O. Box 490310, Buford, GA 30043. The form can also be faxed to 678-277-0338.

For more information, contact Gwinnett Braves’ Community Relations Trainee Alison Atkins by phone at 678-277-0313 or by email at alison.atkins@braves.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Gwinnett Braves. Click here to view the original story.

U.S. Bank Aces baseball camp set for Saturday

July 22, 2014

The 2014 U.S. Bank Reno Aces baseball camp is set for Saturday, July 26 and is accepting participants. Instruction will be led by Aces players and former Major League Baseball pitcher Roric Harrison.

The camp is open to children ages 7-14 and will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Campers will receive instruction in pitching, hitting, fielding, outfield defense and infield defense.

For just $99, campers will receive instruction, a camp t-shirt, catered lunch, camp photo and a ticket to Saturday night’s Aces game against the Albuquerque Isotopes at 7:05 p.m.

Space is limited and interested participants are encouraged to reserve their spot. To sign-up, contact Cody Lyford at (775) 334-7076 or clyford@renoaces.com. Click here for registration form.

Single-game tickets are on sale for the remainder of the 2014 season. For more information, or to purchase an Aces ticket plan, call (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the offseason, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reno Aces. Click here to view the original story.

Baseball Academy – Pitcher/Catcher Camp in August

July 16, 2014

For pitchers and catchers ages 8-14

BlueClaws Baseball Academy will host a Pitcher/Catcher Baseball Summer Camp at FirstEnergy Park on August 12th and 13th. The event will run from 7 pm – 8:30 pm each day.

This two-day program is designed to teach players ages 8-14 how to build their individual skills as a pitcher or catcher.

Pitchers will learn proper throwing mechanics to keep them healthy during the season, along with information on proper grips for fastball and off-speed pitches. This is a drill intensive camp that will give players a multitude of new ways to practice at home.

Catchers will learn in order of responsibilities of being a catcher (receiving, blocking, throwing, tag plays, bunts and pop-ups) while learning the most specialized position on the field. Catchers camp has by far been our most popular camp. Camp will take place under the lights at FirstEnergy Park.

Each camper will receive 2 days of advanced instruction, use of the Lakewood BlueClaws facilities at FirstEnergy Park, and a FREE 1-on-1 Lesson*

For more information about our programs visit our website at Blueclawsbaseballacademy.com, check us out on FACEBOOK at BlueClawsBaseballAcademy, or follow us on Twitter @BBA_Claws.

Registration is $110. To sign up, please contact Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 x209 or jagnello@blueclaws.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Muckdogs Announce Youth Camp

July 15, 2014

Join us at Dwyer Stadium August 18, 19^th and 20^th for our youth baseball camp!

Kids ages 6-14 will receive two days of on-field instruction from the Muckdogs players and coaches on August 18^th and 19^th from 9am – 12pm. Children will learn from the pros in the areas of hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and bunting. Then on August 20^th, campers will be able to come back to Dwyer for a private autograph signing with the team 30 minutes before the gates open (5:30pm) and then be recognized on the field prior to the Muckdogs game vs. the West Virginia Black Bears (Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate).

Campers will also receive a special t-shirt not available in the team store, a camp photo, two tickets to the August 20^th game, as well as daily lunch, all for only $70. Registration forms are available at Dwyer Stadium or by clicking here. Space is limited and all registrations and payments must be turned in by Friday, August 5th.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Muckdogs Announce Youth Camp

July 15, 2014

Join us at Dwyer Stadium August 7th, 8th and 9th for our youth baseball camp!

Kids ages 6-14 will receive two days of on-field instruction from the Muckdogs players and coaches on August 7th & 8th from 9am – 12pm. Children will learn from the pros in the areas of hitting, fielding, pitching, catching base running and bunting. Then on August 9^th, campers will be able to come back to Dwyer for a private autograph signing with the team 30 minutes before the gates open (5:30pm) and then be recognized on the field prior to the Muckdogs game vs. the Brooklyn Cyclones (NY Mets affiliate).

Campers will also receive a special t-shirt not available in the team store, a camp photo, two tickets to the August 9th game, as well as daily lunch, all for only $70. Registration forms are available at Dwyer Stadium or by clicking here. Space is limited and all registrations must be turned in by Thursday, July 31^s^t.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Batavia Muckdogs. Click here to view the original story.

Free Spikes Youth Baseball Clinic Saturday from 11-1

July 11, 2014

Kids 12 and under can learn baseball skills from Spikes players & coaches!

Kids can learn baseball fundamentals from the pros at the Spikes Youth Baseball Clinic, presented by Penn State Sports Medicine, on Saturday, June 12. The clinic is free with a ticket to Saturday night’s 7:05 p.m. Spikes game, and will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

Spikes players will help kids sharpen their basic skills, including pitching, fielding and hitting, at the clinic. Kids and parents will also receive tips on injury prevention from a Penn State Sports Medicine physician. Registration will begin at 10:30 a.m., and participating kids will have the opportunity to get autographs from the players at the end of the clinic.

The Youth Baseball Clinic starts a jam-packed day at the ballpark, as the Spikes face the Staten Island Yankees at 7:05 p.m., with FIREWORKS after the game presented by Penn State Sports Medicine as well. It’s also a Scratch n’ Win Saturday, where every fan will be a winner as each fans receives a scratch-off card with a great prize or discount on it. In addition, one lucky fan will receive the chance to win a new Kia car with the Lion Country Kia Dice Roll.

After the game, kids can run the bases thanks to Clinical Outcomes Group, Inc.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the State College Spikes. Click here to view the original story.

Free Baseball Skillz & Drillz Clinic this Saturday

July 11, 2014

The Greeneville Astros and the Boys & Girls Club of Greeneville & Greene County are teaming up to host the 10th Annual Baseball Skillz & Drillz Clinic on Saturday, July 12, 2014 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. The clinic will be held at Pioneer Park, home of the Greeneville Astros, located on the Tusculum College campus. The clinic is sponsored by Greeneville Pediatric Clinic and Laughlin Memorial Hospital.

The Greeneville Astros players and coaches will work with youngsters ages 14 and under on the basic fundamentals of baseball. Throwing, base running, catching and hitting are just a few of the fundamentals that will be worked on during the free clinic.

Participants in this year’s event will receive a free Baseball Skillz & Drillz Clinic T-shirt while supplies last as well as a ticket to the Astros home game Saturday night.

After the clinic, Greeneville Astros players and coaches will sign autographs and refreshments will be served to the baseball clinic participants.

For more information on the free baseball clinic, call Scott Bullington or Cathy Osborne at the Boys & Girls Club at (423) 787-9322 or contact Kelsey Thompson, David Lane or Hunter Reed with the Greeneville Astros at (423) 638-0411.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Greeneville Astros. Click here to view the original story.

Ollie Kids’ Club Clinic is a Hit!

July 7, 2014

Ollie Osprey Kids’ Club members attended the annual Kids’ Club Clinic at Ogren Park Allegiance Field before the game Sunday, July 7. These Ollie Kids’ Club members we able to receive specialized instruction and spend time with their favorite Osprey players.

The Kids’ Club Instructional Clinic ran from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and consisted of throwing, fielding and base running drills. Eight Missoula Osprey players helped run the clinic: Tyler Bolton, Brad Keller, Markus Solbach, Will Landsheft, Justin Williams, Damion Smith, and B.J. Lopez. After the drills, kids had the opportunity to ask players questions and get autographs from their favorite Osprey players.

To Join the Ollie Kids’ Club You will receive:

* Two Free General Admission tickets to every Sunday Osprey home game
* Free Ollie Osprey T-shirt
* Membership Card
* Invitations to Private Parties held only for Kids’ Club members

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE IS ONLY $15!
Cost is per child and for ages 3-12

Membership Sign-Up

If you need assistance or have any questions about your ticket order please contact the Osprey Office at 406-543-3300 or e-mail nhunter@missoulaosprey.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Missoula Osprey. Click here to view the original story.

Cutters Kids Camp to be Held August 2nd

July 2, 2014

The Williamsport Crosscutters will be holding their annual Cutters Kids Camp on Saturday, August 2 from 9am-1pm at Susquehanna Bank Park. The camp, presented by Susquehanna Bank, is open to any child between the ages of 7 and 14.

The camp will include; specialized baseball instruction from Cutters Manager Shawn Williams, and coaches Aaron Fultz and Eddie Dennis, along with selected Cutters players.

All campers will receive a Cutters logo baseball, camp certificate, lunch with the players after the camp and two tickets to the August 2 Cutters game where camp participants will come on the field with the Crosscutters for the National Anthem.

Space is limited. The cost is $65 per child and all participants must be pre-registered. Registration forms are available online at www.crosscutters.com or at Susquehanna Bank Park.

For more information on the Cutters Kids Camp, call the Cutters Hotline at (570) 326-3389.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Williamsport Crosscutters. Click here to view the original story.

US Bank Kid’s Clinic Huge Success

June 29, 2014

It was a beautiful day as over 100 kids took Melaleuca Field by storm to learn from their favorite Chukars players and coaches Saturday afternoon. Four stations were set up around the field including pitching, hitting, outfield, and infield.

Brandon Thomas was one of a handful of pitchers that ran the pitching station over by the home bullpen.

“Right now we’re trying to teach them about releasing the ball out front and hand separation. There’s a drill called 10 toes which works on separating your hands. Another one is where you spread your legs out a little bit more and it forces you to get on your front side, and other than that we’re working on long toss,” Thomas said. “Each one is unique in their own way and it’s cool to see them throw and just have fun.”

At the outfield station, Jerrell Allen helped work with the kids on pop fly balls and grounders.

“We’re trying to teach them how to read the wind when a pop fly comes, stay ahead of a ground ball, and keeping your glove on the ground to come up with the ball and throw it in,” Allen said. “Basically we want them to learn what we learned coming up and give back to them.”

Shortstop Corey Toups paired up with teammates to show the kids some infield drills like fielding ground balls and throwing to second.

“We have the kids set up at the shortstop position at normal depth taking slow ground balls. We’re teaching them about having a good center of gravity and a good base to make a strong throw over to first base,” Toups said. “Secondly, we have them taking grounders at double-play depth and doing a short toss to second. Most of them understand it and say they are infielders so it’s pretty easy.”

Alexis Rivera was one of several players running the hitting station. It was his second year helping with the clinic and he said he enjoys it.

“There’s a lot more kids this year. We started off the hitting station with five swings each but had to cut it down because there were so many kids,” Rivera said. “But it’s fun to have so many kids out here, teach them, and help future baseball players. We learn so many things and it’s fun to give back and teach the kids about the basics of baseball: fielding, pitching, and hitting.”

That was the consensus among the players who all said they enjoyed their time working with the kids.

“I went to camps like this when I was little. It’s so much fun to be here and be able to do that as a professional,” Toups said.

Allen said teaching was hard but he loved the Kid’s Clinic.

“(Teaching) is pretty hard but I’ve actually seen a decent amount of athletes out here,” Allen said. “You want to go out there with the guys and it makes you want to be a kid again. I love doing this kind of stuff.”

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Idaho Falls Chukars. Click here to view the original story.

Fans Invited to Participate in Bee Healthy Week at Smith’s Ballpark June 19-21

June 16, 2014

Highlights Include Bee Healthy Challenges, Clinics, Giveaways and More

The Salt Lake Bees will present Bee Healthy Week June 19-21 at Smith’s Ballpark as part of the team’s ongoing commitment to health and wellness. During the games those evenings, fans of all ages will be invited to participate in a variety of interactive Bee Healthy Challenges featuring special prizes. In addition, Bees players will host baseball clinics throughout the week to show local youth ways to stay active while having fun.

In collaboration with Intermountain LDS Hospital, SelectHealth and the Utah Department of Health, six Bee Healthy Challenges will line the concourse of Smith’s Ballpark during games June 19-21. Fans who complete at least four of the six challenges will receive a Bee Healthy T-shirt and entry into a drawing to win autographed Bees items, including a mini-helmet, jersey, bat or baseball. Designed to educate and inspire fans to embrace healthy living, the Bee Healthy Challenges will include:

LiVe Well Operation Game, a life-size version of the board game “Operation”
Blood pressure checks
Health-based social media contests
Chair yoga
Body fat analysis
Healthcare Wheel of Misfortune, a game featuring a large spinning wheel to help educate fans about healthcare reform

As part of the Bees organization’s ongoing efforts to encourage youth to stay active and live a healthy lifestyle, players will also lead five clinics during Bee Healthy Week, two of which will be open to Knothole Club members. The clinics will provide youth with a chance to interact with Bees players during a series of baseball drills, along with autograph and photo opportunities.

During the Bee Healthy homestand, All-Star Catering will debut a variety of individual salads and fruit plates as part of its “Fresh Express” menu for fans. Concessionaries will continue to offer healthy choices such as vegetable trays, baked chips and bean and rice burritos at Smith’s Ballpark. On Friday, June 20, when the team takes on the Memphis Redbirds, attendees will also receive Bee Healthy water bottles to help them stay hydrated while on the go.

The Bees will host the Memphis Redbirds and the Nashville Sounds during its eight-game homestand June 17-24. Tickets are available at the Smith’s Ballpark box office from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., as well as at all Smith’sTix outlets and Smith’s Food & Drug Stores. Tickets may also be purchased online with no additional fees at www.slbees.com or by phone at 801-325-BEES (2337).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Salt Lake Bees. Click here to view the original story.

Free kids clinic on Wednesday, June 18

June 13, 2014

Legends for Youth baseball clinic at Principal Park

Kids will have an opportunity to play with their big-league heroes at the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association Legends for Youth baseball clinic series on Wednesday, June 18, at Principal Park. The free clinic features former major-league baseball players who will teach baseball skills, drills and life lessons for kids ages 6-16.

Players scheduled to attened include Don Wengert, Dwight Siebler, Don Eddy, Curt Kaufman and Matt Wagner.

The clinic will take place at Principal Park from 9-11 a.m. Players will train at stations including pitching, catching, base running and life skills. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The morning will conclude with an autograph session for children in attendance.

To register for this clinic, please visit www.baseballalumni.com. Registration is required.

For more information regarding the clinic, please contact Nikki Warner, Director of Communications, at (719) 477-1870, ext. 105 or visit www.baseballalumni.com.

About The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA)
MLBPAA was founded in 1982 with the mission of promoting baseball, raising money for charity and protecting the dignity of the game through its Alumni players. The MLBPAA is headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO with a membership of more than 6,900, of which approximately 5,300 are Alumni and active players. Alumni players find the MLBPAA to be a vital tool to become involved in charity and community philanthropy. Follow @MLBPAA for Twitter updates.

About Legends for Youth Clinics
MLBPAA’s Legends for Youth clinics impact more than 15,000 children each year, allowing them the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from players who have left a lasting impact on the game of baseball. The MLBPAA has reached children across America and internationally in Australia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, the United Kingdom and Venezuela, through the Legends for Youth clinic series. To donate to this program, visit baseballalumni.com/donate. The official hashtag of the Legends for Youth clinic series is #LFYClinic.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Iowa Cubs. Click here to view the original story.

MCU AND CYCLONES TO OFFER FREE YOUTH CLINICS

June 3, 2014

Municipal Credit Union (MCU) is launching the first MCU Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic Series. The Clinics, which are open to children 7 – 14 years of age, will be held on Monday, June 23, Wednesday, July 16 and Monday, August 4 at MCU Park before the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball games. The Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic Series is part of MCU’s corporate commitment to giving back to the communities in which it serves, in particular the youth of the community.

John Franco, MCU spokesperson and Mets Hall of Fame Pitcher, will be the Head Coach of the Clinics. Current Cyclones players, area high school coaches and players, and other special guests will also serve as volunteers to coach Clinic participants.

Youth participating in the Clinics will take part in drills on fielding, running, throwing, and injury prevention/stretching. They will also be able to take part in a question and answer session with volunteer coaches and a photo op with John Franco.

Each participant will also receive four tickets to that evening’s Brooklyn Cyclones game at MCU Park. There is a limit of 100 participants per clinic, and participation will be on a first come, first serve basis.

“I am excited to be part of the MCU Youth Baseball and Softball Clinics this summer. My lifelong dream of playing professional baseball began in Brooklyn, and the instruction and encouragement I received from coaches throughout my career allowed me to live that dream. Being able to give back to the community by teaching young ballplayers the right way to play is something I am honored to do, and I’m so proud to work with MCU and the Brooklyn Cyclones to provide the City’s kids with this invaluable opportunity,” said Franco.

“MCU is proud to host our first annual Youth Clinic series at MCU Park this summer. We are honored to work with the Brooklyn Cyclones and our spokesperson John Franco to provide a unique opportunity for young baseball and softball players to receive professional instruction on a professional field, and we hope that this program could continue to grow as another shining example of the work that we do as an institution to give back to the communities which we serve,” said Kam Wong, President/CEO of Municipal Credit Union.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with MCU for the Youth Baseball and Softball Clinics. As an organization, we pride ourselves on being active members within our community while also helping to grow the game of baseball with young people throughout the city. This program helps accomplish both of those goals, while also providing kids with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the same field that many current major leaguers, including Curtis Granderson and Daniel Murphy, once played on,” said Steve Cohen, Cyclones Vice President.

To participate in any of the Clinics, individuals must sign up at www.nymcu.org/youthclinics or CLICK HERE.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Brooklyn Cyclones. Click here to view the original story.

Dunkin’ Donuts to Host Free Baseball Clinic for Kids

June 2, 2014

Clinic Set for Saturday, June 21st 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

The Portland Sea Dogs have partnered with Dunkin’ Donuts to host a free baseball clinic for kids 16 and under at Hadlock Field on Saturday, June 21st from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.

Portland Sea Dogs’ players will be on hand to teach the basic fundamentals of baseball including hitting, pitching, outfielding, and infielding. Kids will also have the opportunity to get autographs from the players taking part in the clinic.

The clinic is open to children 16 years old and younger. Kids participating must be comfortable being on the field without a parent. Parents are welcome to watch the clinic from the stands. The clinic is also dependant on weather and field conditions.

The clinic is free but pre-registration is required. Parents may register their children at www.seadogs.com. Registration is open to the first 100 kids. Kids participating must be comfortable going on the field without a parent. Register Now

Kids participating in the clinic should arrive at Hadlock Field by 9:45 AM and meet at the Slugger statue. Kids should provide their own glove. All other equipment will be provided.

The Sea Dogs will host another free baseball clinic at Hadlock Field on Saturday, July 5th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Register Now

Please contact the Sea Dogs at 207-874-9300 with any questions regarding the clinic.

Additionally, the Sea Dogs will also be hosting a week-long baseball camp for children 8-12 years-old from July 28 through August 1st. More Info

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Portland Sea Dogs. Click here to view the original story.