The Augusta GreenJackets’ Baseball Camp was back in swing this summer after a two-year hiatus.
Kids ages 7-14 learned the basics of baseball at SRP park 9 a.m. to noon July 12-14.
“We’re just very excited to be able to bring the program back because we know that parents and kids get excited for these kinds of opportunities,” said Yari Natal, group sales director for the Augusta GreenJackets. “It also gives the kids some sense of normalcy after the past two years to come out and do what they enjoy doing.”
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Players and coaches worked with children at six different stations throughout the day, practicing pitching, throwing and baserunning among other skills. The campers also reflected on what they learned each day of camp.
Parents could drop off their children or stay around and watch them interact with instructors at the respective areas.
Natal said that parents often enjoy seeing the bond develop between the kids and the players.
“I think that experience of being on the field with a professional player is one of the things that probably impacts them the most,” she said. “That’s probably something that they’re going to keep in their mind for a very, very long time.”
Ashley Cox, one of the mothers in attendance, said her family follows minor league baseball and she enjoys watching her son connect with others who share a passion for the game.
“He wants to be a professional baseball player,” she said of her son Cooper Cox, who is almost 7. “He likes being on the field and actually coming and playing and interacting with the players
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For Shannon Strother, baseball is a growing presence in her family. Going to GreenJackets’ games has become a regular occurrence starting this year since purchasing season tickets after attending their first game.
She stayed in the stands to watch her 12-year-old son Logan Koutalidis improve upon his skills.
“He’s really into baseball now,” she said. “This camp has actually taught him a lot. He’s made progress.”
She said she also liked the environment the GreenJackets’ camp provided.
“This is a safe space for kids,” she said. “They really look out for them.”
Natal said the hope is for the campers take away a better understanding of baseball and a sense of belonging.
“The kids feel like they’re part of the team and the team feels like they’re part of the community as well,” she said.
For more information on upcoming events, call (803) 349-9417.
