Kaua‘i pitcher Tyler Yates of the Pittsburg Pirates and Maui’s Shane Victorino of the World Champion Phillies are scheduled to be here when the West O‘ahu Baseball Clinic and Kama‘ina Kids (Elite Sports Academy) opens its second baseball clinic, Dec.
Kaua‘i pitcher Tyler Yates of the Pittsburg Pirates and Maui’s Shane Victorino of the World Champion Phillies are scheduled to be here when the West O‘ahu Baseball Clinic and Kama‘ina Kids (Elite Sports Academy) opens its second baseball clinic, Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 at Vidinha Stadium. A similar clinic will also be conducted at the Central O‘ahu Regional Park.
Last year, some 150 young baseball players turned out at the Lihu‘e County Park to meet the pros and spend the day learning proper mechanics.
Wes Masumura, the Kaua‘i coordinator for the clinic, said Victorino is definitely returning barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Joining Victorino and Yates, O‘ahu players in the Major League Baseball program include infielders Kila Ka‘aihue of the Kansas City Royals and Kala Ka‘aihue of the Atlanta Braves.
Other MLB players joining the training staff include infielder Jeff Bailey of the Boston Red Sox, pitcher Justin Germano, pitcher Caesar Ramos, catcher Cold Morton and outfielder Drew Macias, all of the San Diego Padres.
The clinic is designed for young baseball players from 8 to 18 years old to take advantage of having personalized attention in developing basic baseball skills.
Wade Yamasaki, the athletic trainer for the San Diego Padres, will be coordinating this year’s clinic with the professional staff teaching various fundamental and advanced baseball skills.
Players between the ages of 8 and 12 are scheduled to be on the field between 8:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.
Players 13 to 18 years old will be on the field from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on both days.
Registration for Kaua‘i players is $70 and includes a T-shirt, snack and an opportunity to receive baseball memorabilia.
The deadline to register is Friday.
Masumura said Kaua‘i players should consider this a rare opportunity to not only learn how to play better baseball, but also meet some of the professional players during their off season.
Yates, chatting during the General Election at Derek Kawakami’s headquarters, was enjoying the off-season, reacquainting himself with baseball coaches he played ball with during his high school years.
He said he is a Kaua‘i resident who goes away to play ball and will definitely be at the clinic.
For more information, or to sign up, call 1-808-262-4538. People can also register online at www.elitesportshawaii.com, or get more information by visiting the Kama‘aina Kids Web site at www.kamaainakids.com
