“On Monday November 17, the University of Akron baseball team and the Sandlot Society came together at the Field House to help get children more interested in baseball. The Sandlot Society took over the City of Akron’s little league in order to promote and help gain interest.”
“

On Monday November 17, the University of Akron baseball team and the Sandlot Society came together at the Field House to help get children more interested in baseball.

The Sandlot Society took over the City of Akron’s little league in order to promote and help gain interest.

The Sandlot Society was formed for a couple of reasons: to bring good people together, and to prepare our children for the future, Sandlot Society president Jason Woodruff said. Of course we want to make them the best ballplayers they can be, but more importantly, we want to teach them – challenge them – to be the best people they can be. 

We’re entering our second year now, and we’ve grown from an organization that offers only special events, to one that also offers its own youth baseball league.  Starting in the spring 2009, we’ll be fielding teams for children ages 6-14 to play a full season, which is very exciting for us.

The university and the Sandlot Society are offering five more baseball clinics throughout the winter to get kids ready for the season by learning techniques and having fun.

At the first clinic, Trent Luyster, a UA volunteer assistant coach helped guide the attendees in learning mechanics and how to have fun while doing it. Trent pitched in the College World Series and was drafted by Chicago Cubs in 2004 and the Toronto Blue Jays in 2005 after a standout-pitching career at Ohio State.

Jerry Williams, a long time little league coach from the Sandlot Society was there as well.

Both hope to hope to instill the love of baseball to novices.

During the clinics the kids learn fielding, pitching, and hitting. Sekai Thornburg, a nine-year-old from Akron said: I’m glad I came, it was fun.

Johnathon Williams, a ten-year-old from Medina said: It was fun being at college. The next clinic is offered on December 16th. The Sandlot Society can be reached on line at www.sandlotsociety.com.

“