Andrews youth learn from the pros

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Joshua Dewberry | Washington Nationals team members pose for a photo with collegiate baseball players at the Major League Baseball Players Trust City Clinic’s youth baseball clinic on Joint Base Andrews, Md., June 28, 2016. The Players Trust, DC Grays, a Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League team, and USO Metro coordinated this event. More than 100 children attended the clinic, receiving coaching from collegiate and professional baseball players, as well as free baseballs, gloves, T-shirts and autograph cards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua R. M. Dewberry)  

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD, UNITED STATES

06.30.2016

Story by Senior Airman Joshua Dewberry 

316th Wing

Washington Nationals players visited Joint Base Andrews baseball fields for the Major League Baseball Players Trust City Clinic’s youth baseball clinic on June 28, 2016.

More than 100 children of military personnel from the Washington D.C. and Baltimore area were coached on baseball fundamentals from pros as well as collegiate baseball players from several colleges.

“Everything came together wonderfully,” said Alexandra Bitonti, USO Metro program specialist. “The parents and children loved this clinic and getting to meet some pro athletes. We would love to host something like this again in the future.”

Several current Nationals players were in attendance including Ben Revere, outfielder, Clint Robinson, first baseman, Sammy Solis, pitcher, and Blake Treinen, pitcher.

The USO Metro, MLB Players Trust and DC Grays, a Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League team, all coordinated this event together.

“This is the first baseball clinic we’ve had on JBA and have always had a great working relationship with base leadership,” Bitonti said.

Two of the Nationals’ staff were also in attendance; Jacque Jones, assistant hitting coach and former outfielder, and Johnnie “Dusty” Baker, manager and former outfielder.

“My father served in the Air Force and I was a Marine reservist during my time with the Atlanta Braves,” Baker said. “I felt it was important to get involved and give back to my community and I’m so happy to be here doing just that.”

After two hours of coaching from collegiate and MLB players, the children had a Q&A with pros and staff asking about their experiences in the league and how they became professional athletes.

“The gym provided all the resources we needed for the clinic,” said Michael Steis, 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations manager and event coordinator. “With a lot of coordination and help from some active duty volunteers, everything went off without a hitch.”

Youth in attendance received free baseball gloves, baseballs, T-shirts, lunch and autograph cards.

The Players Trust is a charitable foundation from the MLB Association created by major league baseball players to promote and teach baseball to under-privileged children, autistic youth and children of active duty military personnel and veterans across the country.

For additional information about the Players Trust and the City Clinics program, visit http://playerstrust.org.

• Date Taken: 06.30.2016
• Date Posted: 07.01.2016 08:28
• Story ID: 202972
• Location: JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD, US