Watch above: up and coming ballplayers mentored by some of the best
SASKATOON – When attempting to do new things in life, you want to learn from the best. Tuesday a number of young up and coming baseball players had the chance to learn the fundamentals from the best of the best.
1986 American League home run champion and silver slugger Jesse Barfield knows something about power and hitting.
Seven-time gold glover and three-time World Series champion Devon White appreciates good fielding when he sees it.
These former Toronto Blue Jays are helping youngsters perfect their swings and track down fly balls; all part of the Blue Jays Honda Super Camp.
“We have fun with them but at the same time we’re trying to instill the right mechanics and fundamentals to get better and that’s what it’s all about, that’s what we’re here for,” said Barfield.
“That’s an art, that is little by little that’s leaving the game,” White added.
While most attending the camp are too young to remember them, this is an opportunity both White and Barfield didn’t have when they were growing up.
Seventy-five kids from ages 9 to 15 are working on their game, no matter their skill level.
“The kids that are advanced I think they learn little tricks to make themselves better but you really see the difference in the kid that shows up and doesn’t really know how to throw a baseball day one, by day two, they’re throwing and it looks pretty good,” said T.J. Burton, Toronto Blue Jays amateur baseball coordinator.
Camp was an extra exciting day for a select few, who earlier this summer had the chance to represent Canada and the Toronto Blue Jays in Minneapolis at the MLB All-Star game. The Jays Care Foundation presented them with personalized jersey’s.
Saskatoon is the last stop on the Blue Jays Honda Super Camp tour.
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