From the Sidelines

Here is a press release about a FirstSwing baseball/softball camp in Bellevue in August:

The “Funnest” Camp of ALL!!!!!!!

The FirstSwing Foundation is hosting its sixth annual Bellevue baseball/softball camp at Clyde Hill School Fields August 9-13th. The Camp will be for youngsters 5-13 years old, 9am to noon each day. Tuesday, August 10th, from 1-4pm there will be special skill sessions with games. As FirstSwing is NOT doing these with the City of Bellevue, you must register with FirstSwing directly.(See below)

The mission of these camps is to teach “life’s little lessons” and the fundamentals of baseball/softball within the baseball environment. Each day, the camp focuses on the three basic baseball/softball skills, provides drills, and practice for the skills, and then plays a game using what has been taught. There is a syllabus that accompanies the camp which empowers the parents to continue teaching and reinforcing the proper mechanics of hitting, throwing, fielding, base running, and other aspects of the game. FirstSwing stresses the importance of practice, work ethic, problem-solving, and decision-making. Moreover, the players receive “lessons” in conditioning, nutrition, baseball math, manners(yep, manners), and MORE!!

The camp includes unique learning games and a number of competitions to measure bat speed, baseball competencies, and related skills. There is a Home Run Derby, Bunt-a-thon, and Target Ball Challenge. Each ball player may request a written evaluation upon completion with recommended drills, etc to encourage the player to practice in order to “Get Good”!

Parents and coaches are encouraged to attend and take part. Phil Rognier, the Executive Director, has coached at every level of baseball(to include “Small Ball”, 2-4 year olds)), taught the game to thousands of coaches and players, and subscribes to the “children above ideology” thinking that empowers young players and does not enable them. He has a Masters Degree in Education and has an international Baseball Connect program which has camps in Portugal, Vietnam, Thailand, as well as in other states in the United States. Coach Phil conducts Coaches’ Clinics for parents and Little Leagues, and has published numerous books and articles regarding the game of baseball.

The cost of the Camp is $105(family plan: $150 for 2) for the 5-day camp and $40 for the Skills afternoon. You may register by emailing Coach Phil: phrog38@hotmail.com.(The form is below) Questions may be either emailed or call 425-451-8276.
Checks are to: FirstSwing, PO Box 497, Medina, WA 98039.

Bring glove, athletic or baseball shoes, water, and an attitude to WORK HARD!! No seeds, candy, gum, or soda pop!!

Each camper will receive daily gifts to include a MoonJar, Topps baseball cards, Wiz Kid figures, and many surprises!! Find out what the Red Hippo is!!!! It is FUN and educational and you get to PLAY BALL!!!

References on request. Thank you and GAGPTH! Coach Phil

You may visit firstswingbaseball.org to get a general overview of FirstSwing’s camps and other learning opportunities!!

REGISTRATION FORM

NAME_______________________________________________________

ADDRESS____________________________________________________

CITY____________________________________ ZIP_________________

PHONE________________________ AGE____ Date of Birth___________

E-Mail address(legible PLEASE)_______________________________________

Please fill this out and send it to: FirstSwing, PO Box 497, Medina, WA 98039