SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Wednesday’s scorching hot weather did not stop dozens of kids in Springfield from learning some baseball skills with the help of a professional team as the third annual Red Sox Foundation Play Ball Clinic was held, once again, at American International College.
It is a collaboration between the foundation and Square One, a nonprofit that provides early education and family support services. This year, kids from Square One were joined by other organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Springfield, with the goal of not just getting kids outside and active, but also introduce them to the love of America’s past-time.
“They’re making new friends today, new memories, (and) maybe playing for the first time,” said Aneury Pichardo, youth baseball and softball program manager with the Red Sox Foundation. “We all remember our first time picking up a bat and ball if we’d played baseball or a different sport. We hope that, after today, they grow more affinity with the game and they’ll continue playing back at home.”
The kids learned some basic skills, including base running, outfield mechanics, and a home run derby. They even got some assistance from players and coaches of AIC baseball and softball. A couple of young ones from Square One explained to Western Mass News their biggest takeaways. “It’s really fun hitting a ball because sometimes, it’s like you hit it out of the place and then you get to do a home run,” said Naomi Douglas, which Naraya Templeton added, “It’s good to meet new people, too. I could talk to a bunch of new people and make new friends, stuff like that.”
All of the kids were also paid a surprise visit from Wally the Green Monster. He came all the way from Fenway Park for Wednesday’s event and the hope is for the clinic to come back to Springfield next year.
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