Using fun, teaching fundamentals

PALMER -- For most of the summer, college players from across the country roam the outfield and run the base paths of Hermon Brothers Field. But for a few days during the summer, local youth have their opportunity.

The Mat-Su Miners hosted the first of two schedule Miner baseball clinics at Hermon Brothers this week. The four-day event featured about 40 young ballplayers, ranging in age from 4 years old to 15.

Jimmy Smith, Mat-Su assistant coach and the lead instructor of the camp, said fundamentals and fun are emphasized at the camp.

"It's a game, and you can't call it a game unless you are having fun," Smith said.

Smith said every aspect of the basic fundamentals of the game of baseball was covered. Instructors tutored the players on the correct way to throw, catch and hit the ball, in addition to basic strategy of the game. Lessons included catching with both hands, keeping your eye on the ball and proper throwing motion.

Smith, the lead instructor, and a group of the Mat-Su Miner players were available to give the youngsters one-on-one attention.

To help keep the element of fun alive, the clinic featured a Wiffle Ball tourney, with Wiffle Ball games each day. The group was separated into teams and a clinic champion for each age class was crowned at the end of the camp.

On the final day, the participants in the clinic also had an opportunity to scrimmage a group of the Mat-Su players.

"(The kids) have been looking forward to that all week. They think they can take'em," Smith said jokingly.

Smith said the second clinic of the summer, a three-day camp scheduled for July 14-16, will include the same basic principles. The cost of the clinic is $50 for the first child and $40 for each additional family member. Each day of the clinic includes about three hours of

instruction.

About 30 have signed up for the July clinic, according to Smith. Those interested can find registration information on the Mat-Su Miners website, www.matsuminers.org or can contact the Miner coaching staff at the Mat-Su clubhouse at 745-6401.