Sandlot baseball takes to Marion fields

Jul 17, 2012

Just like the movie that shares its name, Sandlot Baseball is for kids who just want to play ball - no strings attached.

The structure of the summer program is simple - less about instruction and more about playing baseball all day, said Cape Cod Baseball Club coaches David Rogers and Steve Almonte.

After seven years of coaching in Yarmouth and Mashpee, the two will be bringing the game to Marion with the help of the town’s Recreation Department for a five-day session starting August 6.

“Our mantra is: ‘No big names, no big speeches, just bring your lunch and play baseball all day,” Almonte said. “The kids absolutely love it.“

The program is for kids age seven to twelve, all of whom play together.

The coaches handle the pitching and manage to squeeze in two games everyday. This allows for each kid to get at least four chances up at bat each game, Almonte said.

“This is more than they would get in a week at a regular camp,” Almonte said. “They’re actually improving just from playing.”

Rogers, a Marion resident, agreed.

In between games, the kids take part in activities that can range from trivia contests to capture the flag to a home run derby.

The coaches step in when needed for instruction, but for the most part, the kids learn more by remaining active.

“They’re just into it,” Rogers said. “Things that will help their skill a little bit, we try to make fun. We try to think of a lot of different things to mix it up. No one is sitting around being bored.”

For more information about Sandlot Baseball or to register, visit www.capecodbaseballclub.com.