ONEONTA _ "Yeah! Get some!"
That was the reaction catcher Billy Nowlin of the Oneonta Tigers had to 7-year-old Travis French's swing of the bat Thursday during the annual Meet the Tigers Baseball Clinic. The ball hit by Travis flew into the backstop at Damaschke Field in Neahwa Park.
The Oneonta boy was one of about 300 children learning fundamentals on batting, bunting and pitching at the clinic sponsored by the city Recreation Department and the Oneonta Tigers.
Bob Zeh, Oneonta Tigers director of operations, said it was the largest crowd he's ever seen at the clinic.
"I was here in '73 and they were doing it then," Zeh said.
Nancy Masucci of Treadwell was watching her son, Nicholas, 12, get instruction from the minor leaguers, who set up several teaching stations around Damaschke Field.
"It's just nice that they give back," Masucci said.
Steven Andrews said those who participated in the clinic would get free tickets to Thursday night's Tigers game against the Brooklyn Cyclones.
"We're coming tonight," Masucci said. "We like to come as much as we can."
Wade Lamont, a 6-foot 2-inch, 230-pound first baseman for the Tigers, towered over the children, some of whom appeared as young as 4 and 5.
Lamont said some of the younger kids barely knew which way to swing the bat, but others were more advanced. He said the players could adjust their tips to the age levels of the youngsters.
"It's pretty good," Lamont said of the clinic and the chance to meet area children.
George Foti, 11, of Oneonta, plays third base and first base for Northern Eagle, his youth baseball team. He said it was great to have a chance to learn from professional baseball players.
"I think it's kind of cool," he said.
Some of the players coaching the children Thursday could one day make it big in the major leagues.
"You never know," said Tigers co-owner Sam Nader, who noted he has a picture from the 1980s of two-time All-Star pitcher Al Leiter throwing a ball with a child.
Nader said the event is a great chance for kids to get learn about baseball and get autographs, but it's also an opportunity for the players to meet community members.
"I think it's a great thing for our players," Nader said.
Dave Lapinel of Gilboa walked from station to station toting a video camera to film his sons Caleb, 10, and Cole, 6.
"This is great. This is awesome," Lapinel said.
Lapinel said that last year at the clinic, he thanked a Tigers player as he and his children left Damaschke Field.
"He said, No, no, thank you,'" Lapinel recalled. "That really explains what this game is all about."
Last month, Nader announced the Oneonta Tigers will be sold pending approval from league officials. He said he hopes the youth baseball clinic will be supported by the new owners.
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