TEXARKANA, Texas–A former Texas Rangers player is coming to Texarkana to share his love for baseball with the next generation.

Blake Tyler Grant-Parks, alongside Kameron Forte, is set to host a two-day baseball camp presented by Slugger Barn Texarkana on Tuesday, Nov.25, and Wed. Nov.26, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Slugger Barn at 7301 W. 7th Street, Texarkana, Texas.

The camp is open to boys ages 8 through 14.

The idea to host a baseball camp in Texarkana came to Parks after spending time in Texarkana visiting family in the area during his off-season at Slugger Barn.

“I have created a bond and friendship with Greg over the past couple of years, and we’ve talked about hosting a camp,” Parks said. “We wanted to have something for the local kids to experience what it is like to work with a professional baseball player and the day-to-day activities we have to go through to not only get ready for a game but also prepare for a long season.”

During the camp, kids will work on a variety of drills and techniques to help campers further develop their skills in baseball. Drills that will be included are speed agility, proper base running, fielding techniques, and hitting drills, according to Parks.

“But my main focus is for each kid to be able to leave saying they had fun and they learned something new that they can apply to their own individual game,” Parks said.

Parks said programs like the camps are important for kids’ development because they keep them around the game and practicing.

“Instead of sitting at home playing video games and watching TV, they can stay in shape,” Parks said. “Off the field, it will teach them that nothing comes easy, and if you want something, you are going to have to put in the time to achieve that.”

His time with the Rangers helped him with coaching youth players, according to Parks.

“The game is evolving, and I was able to learn about some of the new techniques and analytics,” Parks said. “I now apply what I learned with the Rangers to my lessons to give them a head start as to what teams are looking for and how we can even further develop their game against their competition.”

Parks’ message to the youth of Texarkana is simple: nothing is impossible.

“It’s not easy to play pro ball, but it is not impossible if you have faith in God and yourself; you can achieve anything in this game,” Parks said.

To sign up for more information, visit Slugger Barn on Facebook.