Youngsters are learning how to play the game of baseball thanks to the Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton and Jays Cares Rookie League.
Erin Roussin, Program Manager, with the local Boys and Girls Club explained nationally their organization has a partnership with Jays Care, which is part of the Toronto Blue Jays.
鈥淥ther clubs have run the program the last couple of years,鈥� she said, adding that includes Saskatoon.
The national organization suggested 鈥渨e try it here in Yorkton,鈥� said Roussin.
The Jays Cares program provides an undisclosed amount of money, as well as balls, bats, gloves (for both hands), bases, and instructional material geared to teaching the sport of baseball.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really targeted at a younger age group,鈥� said Roussin, noting typically it is for those ages five to 10.
Roussin said the program focuses on teaching baseball skills, but also takes a broader approach.
For example, one of the skills drills has the participants hitting a ball, then running to get it. Along the way they are supposed to collect a piece of garbage to help clean the park. It mixes in an environmental awareness aspect, said Roussin.
The program in Yorkton quickly attracted a full roster of 23 players up to age nine.
鈥淎 lot of them have never played baseball before, so it鈥檚 kind of nice for them to take part,鈥� said Roussin.
The program will run for eight weeks through July and August. Roussin said it was decided to do a summer program because organized ball tends to wind down by July and this offers youngsters something to do over the summer months.
Since the Boys and Girls Club gets to keep the gear which was donated through Jays Cares, the learn-to-play program will be offered again in future years.
