My younger son Ruben who is 12 was selected to participate in a Nike/Sports Authority sponsored clinic.
The clinic began with what looked like a press conference but was an up close and personal Q and A with San Francisco outfielder Cody Ross and Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury.
Among the things asked, both players were asked who their heroes were growing up. Cody responded that his dad was his mentor and hero, while Jacoby replied his dad as well and added that his dad not only taught him the game but made him a homemade tee and would come home late from work and still play catch with him. When asked who their favorite players were, Cody's was Cal Ripken Jr. and Jacoby's was Ozzie Smith. (funny they both named shortstops) While the discussion ended up being longer than I believed to be ideal for the kids, Cody and Jacoby made some great points and I believe they left a lasting impression.
The best advice Cody ever received was from a little league coach, who said, "You gotta give it all you got. It doesn't take talent to hustle." Jacoby's advice was based on something he heard from one of his coaches at Oregon State after a less than stellar at-bat, "What are you doing? You are too talented to hold your head down. Pick your head up and enjoy playing the game." Both players acknowledged growing up with dreams of playing Major League Baseball and they both were consistent in their advice to the kids about following your dreams, giving it everything you have and enjoying the game. It made me reflect back to my youth and I had a pretty good idea how every kid felt in the room.
The clinic was a bonus and while I know the kids, including Ruben, enjoyed it, they were all looking forward to the Fan Fest. It was a sight to see. Imagine a giant baseball themed playground and you have a pretty good idea of what it was like. There were cages to hit, pitching areas equipped with radars, autograph opportunities from Hall of Famers such as Gaylord Perry, Lee Smith, Ferguson Jenkins and Tony Gwynn. Other former and current MLB players who were also there to sign autographs were former Nomar Garciaparra, Matt Williams and Justin Upton. Another attraction which was very popular was the Taco Bell sponsored booth which allowed you to steal a base against video screened players such as Derek Jeter and Carl Crawford to name a few. My favorite and what seemed like my boys favorite as well was the Under Armour Combine display which scored each individual on running the bases, outfield throwing accuracy, vertical leap and an agility drill.
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