Major League Baseball coach teaches KMC youths

Christine June
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern


“Fun while learning” will be the batting order for the Major League Baseball Envoy clinics to be held 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Landstuhl Twin Fields on Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

***image1***“These clinics are important because the kids learn the fundamentals of the game,” said Anthony Broccoli, the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern’s youth sports director. “And, the coaches keep it as fun as possible for the kids while they are learning the proper techniques on how to bat, hold the glove and throw the ball.”

Children, ages 6 to 18, will learn baseball’s fundamentals from professional baseball coach John Noce during the two, seven-hour free clinics. Additionally, Noce will discuss education, scholarships, sportsmanship, dedication, attitude and what top college programs are seeking in recruits.

“We are very excited to be a part of this initiative,” said Jason Holowaty, manager of game development for Major League base International. “Through these clinics, we are hoping to prepare kids to play at higher levels and to show them what top high school and college programs are looking for.”

These clinics are a reality thanks to the partnership of the U.S. Army, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Major League Baseball. The U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern’s Child and Youth Services are sponsoring the clinics here.

Peter Benjamin, who was 9 years old when he attended the 2003 clinic here, said it really helped him as his team’s first baseman during that year’s youth baseball season.

“I learned to hit farther, aim my throws better and throw faster,” he said.
Registration is not required for these clinics, said Broccoli. Interested students can sign up at the field at 9 a.m. Monday. For details, call 489-6142 or 0631-536-6142.

The Major League Baseball Envoy Coach program has been MLB’s flagship international project since 1993. Since the program’s inception, MLB has sent hundreds of professional coaches to more than 75 different countries to work on baseball development projects.