To help foster the growth of baseball in Chatham-Kent, instructors from the Toronto Blue Jays will be returning to Fergie Jenkins Field at Rotary Park in May.
Chatham Minor Baseball Association President Jason Chickowski says this will be the fifth instructional clinic that has been hosted in the community.
He says past camps have seen a successful turnout with around 100 participants attending each one.
"The Blue Jay instructors run a well-oiled machine and will have the kids going the entire time," said Chickowski. "No actual Jays' players will be here but the instructors are first-rate nonetheless."
The camp is slated for Sunday, May 15, and will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $65 and each participant will receive a Blue Jays hat, t-shirt, and digital baseball manual with information to help develop their skills.
"This year’s clinic is for boys and girls eight to 12 years of age," read a release. "Players will rotate through six stations including hitting, infield, outfield, baserunning, agility, and a game [whiffle ball]. Players are divided up by age and receive a coloured wristband once they arrive at the field which serves as their group for the day."
Chickowski said the camp tends to draw in a number of players from neighbouring communities, though he believes the camps are also hosted in Windsor and London as well.
The association says the instructional clinics also serve as a fundraising opportunity. About $25 from each registration is donated back to the organization after the first 25 registrations.
With the upcoming season not far away, Chichokwski said the association is looking forward to a full season this year. Registration for the 2022 season is now open and can be done here.
For more information about the Toronto Blue Jay Instructional Camp in Chatham click here.
