Annual Youth Clinic Nurtures Love of the Game
June 1, 2016 - International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release
It's the oldest game in the book: a father and son (or daughter) shagging some flies in the backyard with well-worn mitts. On May 31, downtown Indy's most revered green space, Victory Field, welcomed families for a game of catch (and more!) with the pros at the annual Indianapolis Indians Youth Clinic. An hour-long event prior to the Indians game against the Rochester Red Wings, children ages 14 and under were invited to play alongside their idols, while gaining invaluable advice from both players and coaches.
The event was led off by Manager Dean Treanor, welcoming the young players and reminding them just how much dedication baseball requires. Demonstrations from players followed in hitting, fielding, pitching, base running, and catching, showcasing the great amount of detail attributed to every move. Within each segment, the group of well over 1,000 watched and listened intently.
While the coaches fielded questions from parents in the stands, the real fun began as the kids joined their favorite Indians players for some one-on-one skills and drills on the pristine playing surface. As kids rushed to their positions, the excitement was undeniable from both pupils and instructors.
"Who's having more fun out here - the players or the kids?" Treanor asked rhetorically. "Without question it's the players."
The time seemed to pass quickly but once concluded broad grins were visible by all as the field was cleared and prepared for the evening's game.
"That's why I love these kind of things, because of the interaction with the kids," Treanor said. "They have a chance to interact with the players, and it's not about skill level, it's about the kids getting a unique opportunity to be on the field having fun."
Though the clinic each year focuses on offering tips and advice to kids, parents, too, often leave with useful information and insight.
"We came last year and it was a lot of fun," said Nikki Adams, parent of a Youth Clinic participant. "It was good experience for the kids. My son plays league ball and travel ball and after so much stress of trying to win a game, it's fun to come out here and get with the big players who they idolize."
The question at the end of the day, however, still remains: who benefits more, the little or big kids on the field?
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