Incoming Clarkston softball coach Don Peters saw a need to enthuse a youth program in Clarkston three years ago. June 18-21, more than 40 girls ages 7-16 realized Peters? plan during the Future Stars softball camps at Clarkston High School.
Future Stars, along with a newly formed eighth grade softball team and travel teams are an outlet for Clarkston area girls to get into softball.
‘I knew we needed to get kids interested in playing softball and improve the fundamentals of the kids coming to us,? Peters said.
‘All of it works together, four travel teams, the eighth grade program, we need to do those things (because) they all work together.?
Peters? initial focus upon coming to Clarkston was to work with 10 and 12 year olds.
‘Within two or three years, we’ve grown to have four age groups in our program,? he said.
‘When I came here, I wanted to get as many girls interested in softball and get travel teams started.?
At Future Stars, which was divided into morning and afternoon sessions, players worked on catching, pitching and fielding in the infield and outfield, made easier with the facilities at CHS that have two adjacent softball fields. Aside from teaching the building blocks of the game, the camp was designed to teach the young players about hustle and attitude.
Several members of Peters? varsity softball squad came to help with the clinic.
‘I’m a strong believer in them giving back and they’re young adults,? he said.
‘The more people working with (the younger players), the better they’re going to be.
‘Having the girls out there, they’re good role models.?
At the same time the girls were playing softball, Clarkston baseball coach Phil Price, his staff and players were hard at work at Clintonwood Park for the 16th annual Price Baseball Camp. Players 7-14 took the morning session and boys and girls 4-6 got to take their best swing at the pre T-ball clinic in the afternoon.
‘We try to teach (ages 7-14) the specifics of the game. We teach them all the positions,? Price said.
‘The main focus is to get out and play. I’m a firm believer in the more you play, the better you’re going to be.?
Stripping the game to its core helps young players to get a better grasp on the sport.
‘We teach kids it doesn’t always have to be a structured game. No umpire, no equipment, it’s okay,? Price said.
The T-ball clinic was designed to sketch an outline of baseball for the kids. Coaches taught players to run after hitting the ball and where the each base is specifically, Price said.