Baseball clinic up

Children aged six to 18 from all over the country can make their summer vacation worthwhile by participating in the annual Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) Bulilit Summer Camp which is currently being held at the Bakers field of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna.

The annual baseball summer camp, now on its 15th year, teaches kids the basic techniques, from catching, throwing, base-running to pitching and batting under the supervision of veteran coaches headed by national mentors Rod Valencia and Edgardo de los Reyes.

The two will be assisted by members of the national team, which placed fourth in the last Baseball Federation of Asia (BFA) Asian Championship held in Taiwan. They are Frank Ramos, Marlon Caspillo, Christopher Jimenez, Arnel Bertuso, Wilfredo Hidalgo and Fernando Badrina.

The program, which is part of PABA’s continuous thrust to develop the youth, is free of charge, although participants from out-of-town will have to shoulder their board and lodging at the YMCA dormitory.

Aside from the clinic, the participants will be given the opportunity to watch US Major League video provided by PABA president Hector Navasero.

Navasero, who conceptualized the program, said the camp is also aimed at teaching young kids the basic play and keep them away from vices such as drug-addiction.

The camp runs up to June 6 with the participants expected to learn the modern techniques and style of play.

Free lunch will be provided by Philab Industries, the main sponsor of the annual camp. Registration is still ongoing (get in touch with Ellen Bayangos or Rica Cabahit at the Philab office at 8908277/896712).

"The best time to have this baseball clinic is during summer vacation, Christmas and semestral breaks wherein children have nothing to do and should rather spend their time in a worthy endeavor," said Navasero.

The annual camp is also sanctioned by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).