Kids step up to the plate with Gatemen clinic
Shea Wendt doing the sprinkler for the kids. Photo by Brandy Muz
Sam Reece practicing running.
Ashton Low runs back to the dugout.
Kyrie Santos throwing to a partner during practice.
The kids practice catching and throwing.
Michael Biffar swings with all his might.
Ashton Lowe occupies third base as Conor Tiernery eyes home plate.
Ashton Lowe readies himself for a hit.
Conor Tiernery is safe at first base as Ashton Lowe signals for the ball.
Shea Wendt doing the sprinkler for the kids. Photo by Brandy Muz
Sam Reece practicing running.
Ashton Low runs back to the dugout.
Kyrie Santos throwing to a partner during practice.
The kids practice catching and throwing.
Michael Biffar swings with all his might.
Ashton Lowe occupies third base as Conor Tiernery eyes home plate.
Ashton Lowe readies himself for a hit.
Conor Tiernery is safe at first base as Ashton Lowe signals for the ball.
While Spillane Field is usually filled with cheering fans and intense baseball games during the summer nights, the mornings look a bit different.
On Monday, July 14, small hands put on gloves and grip baseball bats as they dig their feet into the dirt to learn from Wareham Gatemen baseball players. Two groups meet Monday through Thursday for five weeks to practice skills like hitting, pitching and catching.
Chelsea Lowe brought her son, 6-year-old Ashton to the clinic for the first time, but said his love for baseball has spanned half his life.
"He's been playing since he was three and in t-ball," she said. "He was excited. We were here at a game three weeks ago and he was over talking to some of the players in the dugout."
Lowe said Ashton was inspired by his grandmother who played softball and that he used to be called "slowmoe," because he would run slow.
"Now though he's a bit quicker," she said.
Ashton showed off his fast skills during the clinic's scrimmage. Getting up to bat, Ashton managed to land a few hits during the game.
"My favorite part was almost winning," Ashton said.
Batting was 8-year-old Calvin Richmond's favorite part about baseball after playing for over three years.
"I like getting home runs," he said.
Gatemen pitcher Shea Wendt was on the field with the kids and said he loves to teach the kids the game he loves.
"I hope to pass on what I know and hope they take it," he said.
Part of the clinic included a dance battle where kids ranked their peers and Gatemen players on their moves. Wendt, although getting thumbs down from his students, said that it was fun.
"We like to keep it light and keep it happy," he said.
The kids clinics will have one more week from Monday, July 21 to Thursday, July 24 and are open for two groups.
The Fundamentals of Baseball Group is for kids 6 to 12 and is designed as an introduction to baseball for players of all skill levels with an emphasis on fun. The Advanced Skills Group is for kids 9 to 12 and is designed for players with prior experience that want to enhance their skills under the guidance of college coaches and players.
To register visit https://www.capecodleague.com/wareham/community/clinics.
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