Blue Sox Partner with Mercy to Host Free Community Clinic June 25

SPRINGFIELD — The Valley Blue Sox announced their makeup date from the previously scheduled Mercy kickoff clinic. The Sox will be hosting a free pre-game clinic for players age 8-12, presented by Mercy Medical Center and the Transforming Communities Initiative, at Mackenzie Stadium in Holyoke on Sunday, June 25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Attendees will learn the basics of fielding, throwing, and hitting from Blue Sox coaches and players prior to Sunday night’s 5:05 p.m. game against the Mystic Schooners. They will also get to hang around for Blue Sox pre-game batting practice and warmups, as well as receiving a free ticket to that evening’s Military Appreciation Night.

Players are required to wear activewear and sneakers or cleats, and bring their own hat, glove, and bat. The camp is open to the entire region.

“It’s a great opportunity early in the year for some kids to come out, get some work in, meet the new players, and have some fun learning the game,” said Blue Sox General Manager Hunter Golden. “Our community clinics are always a hit, and we’re very thankful that both Mercy Medical Center and Live Well Springfield have stepped up to make this possible.”

The Blue Sox will begin their pre-game routine at 2:30 p.m., and the stadium gates will be open, allowing campers to come in early and watch the Blue Sox take infield, outfield, and batting practice, as well as see some bullpen sessions up close. Campers will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the players at various stations throughout the night, which will cover all the basics of baseball, including hitting, fielding, throwing, and pitching.

One station in particular will be presented by the Transforming Communities Initiative and feature healthy snacks for the players to grab for a break, and a prize wheel from Fruits & Veggies (FNV).

Mercy and Live Well Springfield have partnered for the Transforming Communities Initiative to improve health by making healthier choices more accessible for all Springfield residents. The Blue Sox baseball clinic gives kids an opportunity to enjoy physical activity and healthy eating, while inspired by local heroes and national FNV celebrities.

“This collaboration provides an opportunity to promote healthy eating and active living while we work to increase access to healthy options for all Springfield residents,” said Doreen Fadus, vice president of Mission Integration and Community Health and Well Being, Mercy Medical Center. “Together with Live Well Springfield, we are making structural changes to the places where we live, work, play, and learn in an effort to support the healthier choices advocated by FNV.”