Registration for the Jerry Clark Foundation’s 6th annual winter baseball camp will start Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, and close promptly on Jan. 14, 2016.
This season’s special guest instructors include former MLB players Brian Jordan and Daryl Boston along with current MLB player Edwin Jackson. The Clark Atlanta University baseball team will be on hand to assist with the campers. Fitness guru John Lewis of Energy Fitness of America will be on-site providing strength and conditioning.
Other MLB players to be announced. The Atlanta Braves will provide free promo for giveaways to the Jerry Clark Foundation, which was founded to give back to the community and create individuals that will be assets to society via academics and athletics. The organization stresses high academic achievement to help youth avoid potential pitfalls such as dropping out of school and substance abuse. The Jerry Clark Foundation will host several events throughout the year. For more info, visit JerryClarkfoundation.org.
Read what foundation officials have to say about the 6th annual winter baseball camp.
What is the mission of your baseball camp?
The mission of the camp is to provide the youth of metro Atlanta the opportunity to learn hands on baseball and life lessons from current and former professional players. Particularly the youth from the circles of the underprivileged. The camp is always free.
Why is it important for players to attend?
It is important for young players to attend because the camp is focused on improving fundamentals. Whether this is your first experience in baseball or you’re a seasoned travel ball player, fundamentals don’t change. The camp puts an emphasis on reinforcing skills.
When children participate in sports, what skills are learned?
The children that participate in sports, whether baseball or another sport, learn lessons that they can carry with them the rest of their lives. Dedication, discipline, hard work, patience and the ability to deal with failure. Baseball skills learned at the camp include proper fielding techniques, hitting and batting tips, proper pitching techniques and the importance of using intellect while participating in the game
What is the state of urban baseball?
The state of urban baseball has dropped off significantly over the last 20-plus years but I’m proud to see the increase of Black youth getting back to playing the sport. With the help of MLB urban youth academies and the RBI — Reviving Baseball In the Inner Cities. I see a growth that is making baseball relevant again in the Black community. There’s still a lot of work to do!
What professional players have visited the camp?
Players that have visited previous camps have included: Marquis Grissom, Dee Gordon, Mike Cameron, Tom Gordon, Dexter Fowler, Terry Pendleton and Jair Jurrjens. this years camp features current MLB player Edwin Jackson and former MLB players Brian Jordan and Daryl Boston. The CAU baseball team will assist the campers with drills.
What keeps you motivated to produce a camp?
I’m motivated to continue to do the camp [because of] the ability to expose the youth to positive influences. At the camp, we not only teach baseball lessons, but life lessons too. I always think back to when me and my older brother played baseball in Chicago as kids. Our parents couldn’t afford to send us to a camp, therefore all my camps and events are free. It’s my godly duty to give back as much as possible
What coaching tips do you share with each of your children?
Some coaching tips I use at home and on the field include: “Always outwork the next person;” “Respect the game!” At home, it’s respect the house and your siblings
What are your three favorite books?
1. The Autobiography of Malcolm X
2. Deepak Chopra – The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
3. The New Jim Crow
Share three motivational quotes you use in life and the camp.
“Surround yourself with good people.”
“Life is choices, decisions and consequences.”
“You will be what you see.”
D-Bat Atlanta 2345 Adams Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30325
Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free! Free!
Partners for the camp include rolling out, Born to Compete, Dr. Maurice Jove and Excel Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
