Miners aim to promote healthy living at annual summer clinic

PALMER — The Mat-Su Miners annual youth baseball clinic is a summer staple. Each year, local young players have the chance to learn all the baseball basics from the Miners’ players and coaches.

But this year, the local amateur summer developmental organization has brought something new to the annual event. The Miners have teamed with the Mat-Su Health Foundation to create a program that not only teaches baseball fundamentals, but also promotes healthy living for children.

“We want to get kids out and get them active, teach them how to eat well, and succeed academically and athletically,” Denise Christopher, Miners director of marketing and community relations, said Monday.

To accomplish that, the Miners threw a curve ball to shake up the structure of the summer clinic, which began Monday and continues through Thursday at Hermon Brothers Field. Participants still have the chance to practice all the fundamentals of hitting, fielding and throwing the ball. But in addition to building skills, the Miners players and coaches are preaching the value of exercise and maintaining a healthy diet.

“There’s more to baseball than just throwing,” Christopher said.

About 65 young players between 4 to 17 years old attended Monday’s session.

Christopher said anyone else interested may attend the three remaining sessions, which are slated for Today, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The cost of the clinic is $60 for those interested in participating during the final three days. A prorated cost will be charged for those who may only be able to attend for one or two days. There are also full and partial scholarships available, Christopher said. Scholarship information is available by calling 841-4589.

With the help of Mat-Su Health Foundation, the Miners were able to expand their summer clinic this year.

“It’s kind of a pilot project,” Christopher said.

Christopher, who is also a nurse, said the statistics involving child obesity rates are simply alarming. She hopes the Miners — a team that includes top college players from across the country — can relay the importance of a healthy lifestyle to local children.

“Diet and behavior modification, all of these things you can change,” Christopher said.

Christopher said it can be as simple as stressing the importance of drinking water, staying hydrated and avoiding sugary drinks and soft drinks. Christopher said the Miners will introduce healthy alternatives to high-calorie snacks. Each day includes a snack for participants, such as oranges, crackers and granola bars.

On Thursday, Christopher said representatives from Allen & Petersen will be at the field to give the participants lessons on healthy cooking.

“We want to give them skills to eat healthy,” Christopher said.

The lessons will also include the importance of proper stretching and continued physical exercise.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.