St. Marys – Whether you've committed to playing ball this summer or not, come join the area youth at DCVI on Friday nights and hone your baseball skills.  After all, the price is right - it's free! For the fourth consecutive year, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum will conduct winter indoor training in a fun  and no-pressure environment.  Beginners are welcome, as the players will be grouped by age/skill level.

The clinics will run on Friday nights at DCVI's gymnasiums, beginning on Friday, April 1st through May 6th, with players aged 7-10 practicing from 6:00-7:30PM, and players aged 11-16 from 7:30-9:00PM.  Some adjustments to the split may be made based on actual registrations.

While there is no charge to participate, players MUST pre-register by contacting the Hall of Fame, either by dropping in the administrative office at 140 Queen St. E., or by calling 284-1838, or by emailing Email: baseball@baseballhalloffame.ca.

The Ball Hall is expecting over one hundred participants, and thus adult volunteers are needed - it is helpful but not necessary to be knowledgeable in baseball.  If enough volunteers are not recruited to assist in a ratio that is safe for all, some children may have to be turned away.  Older teens (looking for volunteer hours???) and adults are asked to contact the Hall a.s.a.p if they can help on some or all of the Friday nights.

"The adults we are seeking to help supervise don't need to be baseball gurus," said Hall president & CEO Tom Valcke.  Most of the stations are run with a quick explanation and demonstration followed by mass participation.  The adults simply help us ensure safety, order and fair participation, in order for every youngster to get what they are seeking out of the clinics."

Participants are asked to bring your own gloves and bats, if you own them.  Please be sure your names are on all equipment ahead of time.  You should bring indoor running shoes and wear comfortable clothing.

Other baseball notes:

(1) St. Marys Minor Ball will be accepting registrations at the first two clinics, April 1st and April 8th.  The deadline for baseball registrations this summer is April 11th.

(2) On Saturday, April 16th, the Toronto Blue Jays are partnering with General Motors and will be in St. Marys to conduct a youth clinic.  There will be a small fee, but it is an excellent experience for all youngsters, and they receive keepers like T-shirts, etc.  Pre-registration is required.  Contact the Hall for more info.

ST MARYS – 23 March 2005

June 24 – 9th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic

June 25 – 2005 Induction Ceremony

2005 SUMMER CAMPS for Boys & Girls

* Week-long camps (drop off Sunday, pick-up Saturday), including accommodation & meals
        * Focus on baseball FUNdamentals, swimming, soccer & tennis, trip to SkyDome
        * Social Justice and Cultural Awareness programs incorporated
        * Baseball Celebrities to take part