PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER)– More than 80 children took over the baseball diamond at Hadlock Field Saturday to learn fundamentals of the game from the players themselves.

The Sea Dogs Baseball Clinic for kids gives young baseball lovers a chance to pick up tips straight from the guys who play the game on a regular basis. Boys and girls practiced drills and exercises in pitching, hitting, outfielding and infielding and more. Players and clinic volunteers said learning about baseball encourages kids determination and confidence as well as other life lessons they’ll need to grow.

“They’re going to learn to be disciplined, they’re going to learn about focus, they’re going to be held accountable for things, but they’re also going to walk away with a smile and a better connection with the game of baseball,” said Mike McCarthy, Portland Sea Dogs pitcher.

The kids, on the other hand, said they just love how much fun it is.

“I like to be in the outfield, it’s fun to catch the ball,” said Will Harmon.

Will’s brother Gabe added he enjoys when being taught “how to throw it and how to catch [the ball] properly.”

When asked if they would be back for the next clinic, Gabe said, “Yeah, definitely.”

If you missed Saturday’s kids baseball clinic, your kids will have another chance to attend one. There will be another kids clinic on Saturday, July 16th. To pre-register, go to seadogs.com.

(© 2016 WCSH)