Former MLB players coach Vineland baseball clinic – Vineland Daily Journal
VINELAND Former Major League Baseball players Tony Fernandez and Carlos Zambrano coached 120 eager young ballplayers Saturday at the Teens That Transcend Youth Summit and Baseball Clinic.
Youngsters focused on absorbing as many tips as possible for hitting, pitching and playing the infield. After listening to and watching the professionals, the young players hit the field to put their new skills into practice.
Noah Robinson, 15, of Vineland said he hopes baseball will become his ticket to exploring all the opportunities the world has to offer. The clinic helped him expand his playing skills.
“It’s a good experience. It’s a lot to learn and a lot to take in, but it’s always good to learn from a pro,” Robinson said between throws during the pitching portion of the clinic.
The event was presented by The Tony Fernandez Foundation, The Hand Foundation and the city of Vineland. It was sponsored by local businesses.
“This is one of the finest baseball clinics right here in the city of Vineland with great baseball players,” said Mayor Ruben Bermudez. “They could have gone somewhere else, but they decided to come to Vineland.”
Buy Photo
The mayor said kids here love baseball.
“We have a lot of talent here in the city of Vineland,” he said. “I’m hoping to see soon another Mike Trout in our city. Mike Trout was born in our city and raised in Millville.”
Featured guests included Fernandez, who played 17 years in the majors for a number of teams, but made his mark with the Toronto Blue Jays; and Zambrano, who played 12 seasons, rising to stardom primarily with the Chicago Cubs.
Also in attendance were inspirational speaker Bryan Maldonado, Hugo Savinovich, retired World Wrestling Entertainment commentator and professional wrestler, and Willie Alfonso, chaplain for the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Nets.
Players sat attentively on the field as the guests offered inspirational messages for life and tips for playing successful and safe baseball.
“All of us have a passion inside of us and we need to find a way to let out that passion,” Fernandez said. “When we have an event like this we are able to connect with the kids. They can see that you can be successful in life and still be an example in your community and be an example in your family. It gives the kids a wonderful opportunity to be exposed to people that have reached success and given back to their community.”
A Teens That Transcend awards ceremony was held at the Landis Theatre on Saturday evening after the clinic.
About Us
Free Shipping
If your order is $35 or more, you may qualify for free shipping. With free shipping, your order will be delivered 5-8 business days.
