Red Sox Foundation holds clinic for Square One and Boys & Girls Club kids

SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WWLP) – The Red Sox Foundation held a baseball and softball clinic at American International College Wednesday as part of their “Play Ball” initiative.

The event was held as a way to share the two sports and grow the games with the younger generations in the local community. The kids were split up into smaller groups based on age and rotated through stations such as infield, outfield, agility, or the homerun derby.

Aneury Pichardo from the Red Sox Foundation told 22News these events are for kids of all skill levels and experience, “We have some kids who have never held a bat before, have never thrown a ball before or maybe have never had instruction from a clinician,” said Pichardo, Youth Baseball and Softball Program Manager at the Red Sox Foundation.

He said that seeing some of the kids pick up skills during the clinic is like hitting a ball out of the park. “Just to see the eyes of our kids light up when they actually get a home run or they make a good throwback to the first baseman. Those are moments I appreciate anytime we do an event like this.”

Kids from Square One and the Boys & Girls Club rotated stations to learn different softball and baseball skills, but they also used skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

“Some leadership skills and also just how to interact with other kids to make new friends,” said Jilien Ayala of the American International College softball team, who were helping at some of the stations. “They are going to meet new people every day in maybe a new grade they go to or whatever, and maybe if they play a sport, leadership skills are great to learn.”

“They are learning teamwork, they are learning skills. They are learning partnership, they are here today with their friends from the Boys and Girls Club,” said Kristine Allard, Vice President of Development & Communication at Square One.

One of the most important lessons learned; cheering on and supporting their teammates. The event was complete with an appearance from Red Sox mascot Wally, who was even participating in some of the games.

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