JCC/Bexley Rec Youth Baseball Camp and League Are Success

During the week of April 28 through May 1, the JCC and the Bexley Recreation department held a youth baseball camp for children in First through Sixth Grades, with 34 boys and girls participating. The camp was instructed by Ron Golden, Vic Radcliff, and Will Rutherford. Ron has been instructing baseball from the youth to college level for more than 35 years. Vic played seven seasons in the Kansas City Royals organization and is now an Assistant Coach at Capital University. Will graduated from Capital University in 2007 and was Capital's starting Shortstop and was named to the All OAC Tournament Team for the 2007 season.

At this age it's important to make sure the players do not develop bad habits in their technique. So the camp focused on breaking down the fundamentals of the game from throwing, catching, pitching, hitting, fielding, and base running. At the end of the camp the players were divided onto teams and played games.

The camp was a lead off program into the Youth Baseball League that the JCC and the Bexley Recreation department is holding. There are divisions for all ages. There are 5 teams in the Rookies (ages 7 to 8 yrs.), 7 teams in the Minors (9 to 10 yrs.) and 3 teams for the Majors (11 to 12 yrs). Games will be played at the JCC, Maryland, Clowsen, Cassingham, and Wolfe Park. The season kicked off with Picture Day and Team Preview on Sunday, May 18 at the JCC and will end with a league tournament the week of July 7. An end of the season party will be held at the Bexley Pool on July 16.