Play Ball Weekend is a Home run
On June 9-10 , the Salt Lake Bees participated in Major League Baseball ’ s Play Ball Weekend , a global initiative encouraging participation in youth baseball and softball “ from stadiums to sandlots .”
“ Every single Major League stadium and Minor League ballpark throughout the country are doing events like this ,” noted Marc Amicone , general manager and president of the Salt Lake Bees . “ However , Salt Lake is by far the best one .” And the numbers back up Marc ’ s statement .
This year , the Bees provided an unparalleled Play Ball experience . With record-setting attendance , the Play Ball festivities were divided into two full days specific to baseball and softball . Over the two days , nearly 1,000 youth players filled Smith ’ s Ballpark for an action-packed weekend of clinics , round tables and more .
The first day , focused on baseball , and saw a capacity-reaching 500 youth players . The children participated in a clinic with engaging drills , games and competitions instructed by Bees players and members of local college baseball programs .
Afterward , the Bees hosted a coaching clinic with the Positive Coaches Alliance and a baseball roundtable . Panelists of the Q & A included Bees Manager Keith Johnson , BYU head coach Trent Pratt , Utah head coach Gary Henderson , alongside Utah natives and Major League veterans Cory Snyder and John Buck .
The next day , the Bees welcomed 350 youth softball players for a clinic and Women in Sports roundtable . Speakers included ESPN analysts and softball legends Amanda Scarborough , Jenny Dalton-Hill and Jen Schroder , as well as Weber State University head coach Mary Kay Amicone .
22 WINNING SPIRIT MAGAZINE