Boys & Girls Club to Hold 'Slugfest' Clinic Oct. 1

September 27, 2022

Baseball on grass

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi, in conjunction with the Hank Aaron Sports Academy and the C.H.A.M.P.S. Xtream League, have announced a baseball clinic, Slugfest, to be held October 1.

The clinic will take place Saturday 9 AM – 1 PM at Smith Wills Stadium. There is free parking and live music. Clinic participants will receive a free lunch.

“We did this partnership to help bring the sport of baseball back to inner-city youth who may not be familiar with the sport,” said Jamye Horton, Athletic Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs. “We want to broaden their horizon, because there is a lot of opportunity in baseball for these kids.”

Horton had the opportunity to take three students to Baltimore, MD this summer to the Kal Ripken, Jr. Baseball Camp. Initially, those students were not excited to go, because they had not been exposed to the sport. One of those students won camper of the week, which speaks to the potential one could have in the sport.

“I’ve personally seen the results when a child is exposed to opportunity,” said Horton. “That’s why this partnership with the Hank Aaron Sports Championship and the C.H.A.M.P.S. Xtream League is so important. It’s all about the kids.”

The clinic will teach fundamental skills such as hitting, fielding, base running, and pitching. Participants will also take part in activities that include a Homerun Derby Competition, assimilation, and a pickup game.