SECAUCUS — Young baseball players are picking up their bats and grabbing their gloves early this year.
The Secaucus Recreation Department kicked off a baseball clinic today to help prepare young athletes for the upcoming season, with help from a former professional baseball player.
“I wanna see the town win, not just specific teams,” said Mike Hartung, who was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1994. “So if I can get one kid from every team to play better, it makes me happy.”
This year, the Babe Ruth league combined with Little League, and all players ages 5 though 18 are part of the one organization.
The purpose of the clinic is to teach kids the fundamentals and basic skills of the sport.
John Mastropietro, a coach with the clinic, is hoping today’s spring-like weather is a reflection of what’s to come this season.
“It makes it seem like (the season) is right around the corner,” Mastropietro said.
And parents agree.
“When you’re talking February, you don’t know what to expect — this is ideal, it’s warm, there’s no ice or snow on the ground,” said Anthony Derienzo, whose son Nicholas was an All-Star first baseman for the Babe Ruth League last year.
But for Nicholas, he’s more excited about getting back on the field.
“I’m just excited to get back on the field again and show off what I’ve learned during the off season,” he said.
The clinics are expected to run for four weeks.
