Children of all ages had the opportunity to learn some new skills this weekend in Dartmouth.
“What we’re trying to do is get kids of all ages, doesn’t matter, male, female, skill level, doesn’t matter, anything, out there with a glove in their hand throwing the baseball,” said Robert Keough, of Dartmouth Minor Baseball.
Try Baseball Days are free and open to everyone. The idea is to get boys and girls interested in a new sport and out of the house.
“We’re trying to get the kids into baseball and get them away from video games, ipods and stuff,” said Keough.
Parents say the event is a chance to let their kids have fun while still being active.
“Nowadays, they turn to electronics, so anytime you can get them outside and have fun with other kids and try new sports, it’s great,” said Julie Gallant, whose 8-year-old son was taking part in the baseball clinic.
Brooke MacDonald hasn’t played baseball since she was 8-years-old. This weekend, she fell back in love with the game.
“It’s a team spirit. It’s a team game and it’s just really fun and good exercise,” said the 15-year-old.
Officials say baseball is one of the most affordable sports for kids to get involved in. It also teaches valuable life lessons.
“You teach kids at an early age that failure is ok, That hard work is very important because if you don’t have hard work you’re not going to really get anything in life or out of life and success. The joy of winning, the joy of helping teammates,” said Keough.
Registration for baseball this year is already up over previous seasons.
One reason the game is becoming more popular may have to do with the success of the Toronto Blue Jays.
“Opening day, our registration went a little high,” said Keough. “With the Blue Jays playing ball, the kids are all watching baseball and wanting to play baseball because everybody wants to be Donaldson, everyone wants to be Bautista.”
Leagues around the Halifax-are will continue to host Try Baseball events in the coming months.
You can find a schedule of the free events here.
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