Spring Training Comes to Bayport-Blue Point

There may be snow on the ground, but local aspiring athletes are learning the game of baseball every Wednesday at clinics organized by the . 

Coach, parent and league board member Matt McGuire runs the clinic, which is offered to students in pre-k through second grade. All children need to attend is enthusiasm for playing baseball, a mitt and sneakers, as the program is free of charge. The coaches — all volunteers — start each week's session with stretches and a review of what they previously learned. Kids work together in small groups after their warm-up to practice specific skills.

“We teach the kids how to hold the baseball, throw, catch and hit. Most importantly we make it fun for them so they want to come back each week," McGuire said.

Safety, especially with the younger children, is emphasized and kids learn proper game etiquette. In addition to becoming familiar with the sport, McGuire would like to see the participants have fun.

“Hopefully after the clinics the kids will have an idea of what they are doing and hopefully they get to know each other and make new friends.” 

About five years ago the little league's board of directors started the clinics as a way to prepare children to play ball in the spring.  “The kids that do the clinics hit the ground running," said McGuire. 

Roger Brogmerker’s son Ryan looks forward to coming to each practice.  The older Brogmerker said, “I think it is a great thing that they offer.  They teach the kids the fundamentals of baseball before they actually start playing the game.”

At a recent clinic, the pre-K and Kindergarten group was learning how to catch ground balls; coaches referred to this tactic as "alligator chomping."

Young athlete Braedan Downey, was excited to learn the game of baseball. "It’s good and I like it," he said. 

For some participants, the best part of each session is the quick game of kickball at the end.  Kickball is similar to baseball and teaches the children how to run the bases to reinforce the understanding of the game, according to the clinic coaches. 

T-ball, Farm League, Single A, AA and AAA are open to Bayport and Blue Point girls and boys 4-years-old and older.  In the second grade girls can join the softball league.  There is still time to register to play in the spring.

The clinic began in January and runs through February , just in time for opening day on April 9. Here is this winter's schedule:

• T-ball and Farm League: Wednesday 6-7:15 p.m. at  in the gymnasium.
• Single A through AAA Wednesday 7:30-9 p.m. at the middle school.

• Softball K-first grade:  Wednesday 6-7 p.m.,
• Softball second grade: Wednesday fourth grade –  7-8 p.m., Academy St.
• Softball fifth grade: Wednesday eighth grade - 8-9:30 p.m., Academy St.