The Greeneville Flyboys, along with the Boys & Girls Club of Greeneville/Greene County, hosted their annual Skills and Drills Clinic Saturday morning at Eastman Credit Union Field at Pioneer Park. The event was held in conjunction with MLB Play Ball Weekend, an initiative designed to inspire participation in baseball and softball around the world.
More than 90 local youngsters between the ages of 5-12 took part in the clinic, working alongside members of the Flyboys while learning skills and drills to help them continue developing in America’s pastime. Following the clinic, each participant was treated to lunch and given an opportunity to collect autographs from their favorite Flyboy.
JT Long, a pitcher from Tampa who plays collegiately at Dallas Baptist, reflected on attending similar events as a child and the opportunity to now give back to the next generation.
“I remember coming to things like this as a kid, and it’s so cool to see how excited they are,” Long said. “It’s kind of like a full-circle moment. Baseball has a cool way of always being able to give back to the next generation.”
Aiden VenDeHatert, another Flyboys pitcher from Cincinnati who also plays at Dallas Baptist, shared his thoughts on the importance of older players mentoring younger athletes.
“I remember when I was younger how awesome it felt getting to meet older players,” VenDeHatert said. “Hopefully getting to hang out with us and the rest of the Flyboys allowed them to have a good time and learn more about the game.”
Greeneville will host its home opener on Thursday, June 11, against the Pulaski River Turtles. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m., and fans in attendance will receive a magnetic schedule giveaway.
For ticket information, call 423-609-7400 or visit www.appyleague.com/greeneville/tickets.
