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Play Ball! Metro Detroit Youth Learn The Game From The Pros

[photogallerylink id=15019 align=left]Over 400 kids will have a new perpsective on baseball as part of the 9th Annual Willie Horton Batting For Kids Baseball Challenge today at Comerica Park.

Kids from city and suburban teams and community groups from ages 5 to 15 took part in skills competition along with clinics in hitting, throwing and base running on the same field where the Detroit tigers play baseball--a big thrill for the kids, some of whom have never played baseball before.

Charles Small, president of Don Bosco Hall, which serves at-risk youth in metro Detroit, also puts on the event.   "A lot of them say 'I never been in the dugout, I never been on the field, I never knew the players really cared for the kids....I'm interested in baseball, but I'm really interested now that I've had a close up look at major league baseball.'" he said.

Leon McKissic heads the Padres travel team with young players from  throughout the city, here to learn more about the game, and what it takes on and off the field.
"We try to make sure we push them toward an education first and baseball second, " he said, in preparing them for high school level play.

Players--including Justin Jackson--says playing ball on the actual diamond at Comerica Park is like nothing else. "It feels awesome...just having the stands around you. It's just a different environment that what we're used to playing on."
His teammate, Nick Sword, agreed. "I've never (done this) before. It's going to be an experience."

Tiger great Willie Horton met with kids, had photos taken, signed autographs and offered tips to budding ballplayers who showed their skills. He says the game is all about the fans. "That's what I told the (baseball) Commissioner's office. I think years ago we had a problem in baseball, we got away from the fans. We put baseball before the fans. See, baseball comes after the fans....can't have nothing without the fans," Horton said.

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