By: Sam Santos – Intern
Every summer children from around the area attend clinics put on by all ten teams in the Cape League. These week-long clinics are designed so youth ages 5-18 can get a deeper understanding of the sport of baseball, teamwork, and sportsmanship, all while having fun along the way.
Yarmouth-Dennis staff put on these clinics annually. Y-D Red Sox manager Scott Pickler has overseen the clinics for many years. Y-D players also get to let loose and have fun while assisting in the clinics as coaches for the different age groups.
“The focus of the clinics is to help develop all skills related to baseball, including conditioning, hitting, throwing and catching, sportsmanship and teamwork. Children come to clinics with a variety of experiences, from very little to all-star players. The clinics are structured so that all children will improve their skills. For a more individualized focus, coaches do offer private sessions,” clinic coordinator Amy Chartier said.
During the clinics, the children do an hour or so of practice focusing on hitting, throwing and catching, etc. and then meet for group activity. Wednesdays are Popsicle Day, with the multiple winners of the previous day’s dance contest getting an extra.
“Mostly, the funnest part for me was throwing the baseballs at the inflatable catcher. I also got to throw water balloons at Mom and that was awesome! I’ve been begging to go back. I would do anything to go again. Except the dishes,” 10-year-old Nick told Y-D Interim President, Shane Skinner.
Even parents can join in on the fun that the clinics bring. Every Friday, the clinics wrap up the week with “Family Fun Day!” This includes a “Kids vs. Adults” ball game, as well as other activities like egg tosses and even some time on our giant “Slip ‘n Slide.”
During one game each week, the clinic participants also get to take the field during the national anthem. All participants receive a t-shirt and certificate at the conclusion of the clinic, along with lots of pictures from the week and autographs from the players.
“My favorite part of being involved with the Y-D clinics is the relationships that have been formed over the past years. My girls have grown up going to the clinics, becoming close with the players and coaches. YD baseball is the best part of summer, and I am happy to be part of such an incredible organization.” Chartier said, who’s brought her daughters to the clinics for almost a decade, before taking over as coordinator in 2019.
Clinic sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., with the first session beginning June 20, 2022. Visit our Clinics page to learn more.
