Hey batter, batter… swing

Published 8:23 pm Monday, June 15, 2009

Monday was a typical mid-June summer day in Alabama, with high humidity and temperatures ranging in the low to mid 90s.

While most kids were trying to beat the heat by staying in the air conditioned indoors or taking a dip in the swimming pool, a group of around 60 young men showed up at the Athens Bible School baseball field, dedicated to improving the game they love most.

They were taking part in the annual Bobby Sprowl-Shelton State baseball camp.

“I’m really pleased with the turnout we have,” Sprowl said. “And the players are an above average group compared to what we’ve had in the past when you look at the older kids. There are some kids that are pretty good players. Each year, the kids get bigger and stronger, and you get enough of them out here you can have a solid game. We’ve always had good players here, but this year there seems to be more even level players.”

Players attending the camp this week, work out on the field in the morning session, taking part in different drills that are directed at different aspects of the game. During the practice and workout session, all players get advice and pointers from Sprowl himself. In the latter part of the day, the players get the opportunity to put what they have learned during the day into action in a live game situation. Sprowl said this is where he and his staff can read the progress of each player.

“The afternoon gives me a good chance to watch the kids,” Sprowl said. “Plus, I think players learn playing. A lot of times we practice all the time and they understand what you do until the game starts. The more you play the better you get. It’s like I tell the parents, everybody here is going to be better when they leave, and it’s not necessarily because we’re doing some work, if it’s just being out here for five hours, your going to get better. It’s no different than studying for a test. We hope that we’re able to pass some stuff on to them.”

According to Sprowl, well over half of the kids participating in the camp come back year after year.

“That means there enjoying it and learning also,” Sprowl said. “And that’s one thing. I’ve been in the game for a long time, from little league to the major league, and it’s like I told them before hand, you’ve got to have fun when you’re playing. It’s still just a game, and as long as you have fun you want to be out there. The day you quit having fun is the day you don’t want to be around it.”

Sprowl and campers will be back in action again at 9 a.m. today. The camp concludes Thursday.