BlueClaws players hold free clinic for local youth
Local ballclub continues to try to give back to community
By Mike White
Staff Writer

VERONICA YANKOWSKI Lakewood BlueClaws’ shortstop Danny Gonzalez beats the tag, sliding safely into second base during a game against the Kannapolis Intimidators on Sunday. The BlueClaws have won two in a row after suffering through a slow start to the second half of the season.

LAKEWOOD — Lauren Santanello had a specific reason for attending last Saturday’s second annual Lakewood BlueClaws Baseball Clinic at Ocean County Park. The 9-year-old wanted some advice on how to lay down the perfect bunt. She was hoping to learn the finer points of what many consider a lost art.

"I’m a softball player, and I was really hoping some the players at this clinic could help me with my bunting," said Santanello, who attends St. Veronica’s School in Howell. "I also wouldn’t mind getting a few autographs."

Santanello was just one of more than 250 area youths who registered for the free clinic, which was sponsored by the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation and featured four players from the Lakewood BlueClaws.

BlueClaws pitchers Gavin Floyd, the Phillies’ top draft choice in the 2001 draft, Tim Davis, Layne Dawson and Matt Squires worked with youths on different fundamentals of the game and later stuck around to answer questions and sign autographs. Even the BlueClaws’ mascot, Buster, was there to pose for photos with many area fans.

"I really enjoy working with kids," said Floyd, a 6-foot-5 right-hander, who recently pitched the first no-hitter in BlueClaws history. "I’d like to get out and do more of these clinics. I wish that we had more time to work with the kids on different areas of the game."

Members of the BlueClaws’ pitching staff opened the clinic by demonstrating the mechanics of fielding ground balls. In addition, they touched on proper pitching mechanics. Of course, they kept it simple and used terminology the kids could understand.

Lisa O’Neill, director of sports and recreation for the Ocean County Department of Recreation, praised the work of the BlueClaws players. She added that this program, now in its second season, is very popular among local kids.

"It seems the kids really like getting a chance to meet and learn from the players," O’Neill said. "The players really wanted to work with the kids hands-on. We are thrilled to have a pro team here in Lakewood. These guys are real professionals. They all volunteered to work with the kids one on one."

Ten-year-old Shawn Morales is a devout BlueClaws fan. He says he’s been to a handful of games already this season.

"I’ve been to a lot of games this year," the Goetz Middle School student said. "I wanted to come here and meet a few of the players. I think that these guys can show me how to become a better player. My favorite player on the team is Ryan Howard. He is a really good hitter."

During the question-and-answer session, Dawson, who attended the University of Tennessee, was quick to respond to questions covering everything from fundamentals to dealing with nerves.

"What is the best pitching drill?" one boy asked.

"Just throw the ball, then throw the ball again, and throw some more," Lawson answered.

"Do you ever get nervous before a game?" another child asked.

"Of course I do," Dawson replied. "If you don’t get nervous there’s something wrong with you. I’m nervous every time I go out there, but I make it work for me."

Davis, a left-handed pitcher, enjoyed working with the kids. He’s hoping to be involved in the program again.

"It was a lot of fun," he said. "It’s always great when you can get out and give something back to the community. We have a lot of fans in this area. We have a responsibility to get out and do what we can to promote the game of baseball."