The North Fork Ospreys, one of seven Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League teams, held a free baseball clinic this morning for local Little League aged children.
It was the second of three clinics held this season; the third one is on Wednesday in Greenport.
“It’s the players’ way of giving back to the community that hosts them throughout the baseball season,” said Lynn Nyilas, Southold Town Youth Bureau director. “They teach the kids basic skills; its’ a mentoring program. The children really look up to the players.”
North Fork Osprey Hudson LaBorde, a 19-year-old infielder from Lafayette, Louisiana who is staying with a Southold family, was one of the players on the field this morning coaching a group of enthusiastic children.
“I love the little kids coming out, enjoying their time playing some baseball,” he said. “It’s fun for all of us.”
According to Nyilas, participation in the clinics has doubled since last year with over 40 children participating this past Saturday. There were about two dozen kids at today’s program.
The Southold Town Youth Bureau is sponsoring a Youth Bureau Night on Friday, July 21 beginning at 6:45 p.m. at Jean Cochran Park in Peconic. The Ospreys will play the Riverhead Tomcats; kids will be able to run the bases and free popcorn will be provided. Local teen Shelby Dufton will sing the National Anthem.
Wednesday’s clinic starts at 2 p.m. at Greenport School’s varsity field and the Ospreys will face off against the Long Island Road Warriors at 5 p.m.
For schedules and more information visit the HCBL website.
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Katharine Schroeder
