New Rochelle, NY - The Monroe Mustangs baseball team took a break from preparing for the start of their season to host a free baseball clinic Saturday morning at the MAC (Monroe Athletic Complex). The Mustangs' coaches and student-athletes instructed thirty youngsters from the New Rochelle Thunder Youth Baseball program. The two-hour clinic focused on not only on the fundamentals of the game pitching, hitting, and fielding but it also demonstrated the discipline and focus that's required to be successful on the field and in life.
Watch the Mustangs coach hitting
Watch the Mustangs coach pitching
Watch the Mustangs coach pitching(2)
Watch the Mustangs coach fielding
“It's important for us to support the community,” said Mustang head coach Luis Melendez, “and we take that responsibility very seriously. Also it's excellent for our student-athletes to work with young people. It helps build character and also reinforces the baseball skills that they themselves have developed.”
The Mustangs divided the group of eager ballplayers into units of five and set up six stations spread out across the arena. Each station was devoted to a honing a specific skill of the game; pitching, infield practice, outfield practice, and three separate hitting drills in Monroe's batting cage.
"I have been involved in youth baseball in New Rochelle for many years and the clinic at Monroe was by far the best that we have been involved with," said Director of New Rochelle Thunder Baseball Anthony Failisi. "The kids had a great time and learned about many baseball fundamentals. Most of all, Coach Lou and his entire staff and players made this clinic as insightful and fun as possible," he said. "You can tell that not only do the Monroe baseball coaches and players have a passion for the game but they have a passion for trying to help the kids in our community. I can not thank Monroe enough for what they did for the kids of New Rochelle Thunder Baseball."
After the clinic, the New Rochelle squad was treated to pizza and stayed on to watch the Monroe College men's basketball team take on the Westchester Vikings.
The Mustangs are set to begin their season Saturday March 2 with a home game against Sullivan Community College. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00pm.
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