Batter up

SPRINGHILL: It's never to early in spring to learn how to play ball and that's why training camp is now under way for young Springhillers gearing up for another season of baseball.
Approximately 60 kids will be learning the fundamentals of the game at Springhill High School for the next few weeks.
"We had a training camp once before, we held it at the Minors Hall, and it worked out good because the kids have an idea what to do when they go on the field," long time minor league baseball coach Jim Melanson said. "We teach them the basics now and they can practice what we preach when they hit the field."
Kids will run onto their field of dreams once the ball diamonds dry up.
Melanson said the training camp teaches the kids how to bat, how to catch and how to throw, but most important, it teaches attitude.
"We want them to hit the field with the right attitude," Melanson said. "We want them to come to the game with the right attitude towards their teammates, towards the umpires and toward their coaches. Once you get the attitude straightened out they have a better idea of what the game is all about."
Parents are always more than welcome to join in on the fun.
"We are getting more parents coming out every year and that's a great thing," Melanson said. "That way they know what's going on and they can see what their kids are being taught."
Melanson also sees more kids coming out to learn the game.
"It looks like we'll be able to keep all three teams going this year," Melanson said.
The teams are Rookie, Mosquito and PeeWee.
Rookie is made up of kids ages 7-9, Misquito is made up of kids aged 10 and 11, and PeeWee is made up of kids ages 12-13.
Jim says there is always room for more kids
Spring training camp runs for seven more nights at the SHS gymnasium.
Training days remaining are: March 26, Mosquito & PeeWee. March 27, Rookie. March 28, Mosquito & PeeWee. April 1, Rookie. April 2, Mosquito & PeeWee. April 3, Rookie. April 4, Mosquito & PeeWee.
Everyone is asked to wear proper footwear for the gym.
For more information call Jim at 597-3288.