B4B and BGC Together

Our goal as an organization is to support all youth mentoring programs. We have worked mainly with Big Brothers & Big Sisters throughout our summer-long journey even though we had been lucky to join up with BBBS and the Boys and Girls Club in Phoenix. But it was time to step our of our comfort zone (BBBS) and go full strength with a Boys and Girls Club.

In Atlanta, we were set up to have our baseball clinic with 30 kids involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta program. Whew! We knew this one was going to be a thrill and we were STOKED for it!

The kids came cruising on over to us and our set-up at Oakhurst Park at 10 AM on Friday, June 29th. They each grabbed a glove and headed out to the field to warm-up their arms as they were instructed. As they warmed up, there were already TONS of teaching moments for the B4B team. Only 4 kids had ever played baseball/softball before. So we worked through partnering them up correctly and lining up to execute a proper warm-up toss. Growing up playing baseball, warm-up toss is one of the most important things to learn that many baseball players just take for granted that they know. 

Once we were warm, (arm-warm, it was 100 degrees so we were already temperature-warm) we split up into groups and worked on the fundamentals of the game: hitting, fielding, base-running and throwing.

Again, several kids had never held a glove before. They were either putting the glove on the wrong hand, catching bare-handed with their dominant hand, or just unaware on how to hold their glove to catch at all. We taught them how to put the glove on and then the most important thing about catching: use two hands! They did great!

Hitting home runs is always a blast AND a competition. The kids with the top 3 most HR’s get a bandana! They were out there swinging like Hank Aaron, and with the same result… a HR! We taught the kids how to keep their eye on the ball, a crucial component to a solid hit.

Base-running is a tricky concept to learn. There are so many factors that go into a decision to run to the next base. Practicing the Pickle Drill to focus on a specific instance that one might have on the base paths helps the kids learn a couple key components of running: don’t get tagged, know where the ball is at all times, and use your instincts.

Working on our heaves from center field to home plate, the athletes really stood out in the crowd. They were eager to step up and show their strength. Even the little ones who had not quite developed the arm strength, still took a few steps up and gave their best toss towards the bucket. We had 4 bucket hits! Nice job!

The kids were beyond stoked about playing the game. “When can we play baseball?” they’d say. Well we are playing baseball! But now it’s time for the REAL fun: the game!

The All-Star Yankees took on the All-Star Braves. The Yankees, with their rich history and lofty payroll, were too much for the Braves too handle. With music booming through the stadium and each kid announced on the PA system as they stepped to the plate, the field was full of excitement. We had our first (legitimate) inside-the-park home run too! Way to go Heather! 

The day was hot, filled with many water breaks, many teaching moments, and many laughs. Great job kiddos! See you next year!

Kids involved: 30
Bandanas won: 30 (everyone won! 🙂
Bucket Hits: 4
ESPN Highlight catches: 10
HR’s Hit: 85
Final Score: 10-1 Yankees