By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – St. John the Baptist Parish children who are either registered or are interested in registering for the parish’s summer baseball league are invited to attend a clinic this morning at Regala Park in Reserve sponsored by the parish Recreation Department.

The free clinic, which will focus on basic skills and rules for the league, will be for children ages 5-13. The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon, and food and drinks will be provided to all who attend.

St. John Parks and Recreation Director Terrance Jones said although the last day to register for summer baseball was April 13, the parks department will have registration applications available at the clinic. New applicants will be allowed to participate in the clinic once they have registered. Jones said more than 130 children have registered to play in the league, which consists of multiple teams for various age levels.

“The baseball season will kick-off on April 28, and we want to provide our players with the opportunity to learn basic baseball techniques,” Jones said. “We want to get the season started on the right foot.”

Jones said players will learn fielding and hitting techniques, proper batting stance, base running and sliding tips.

Former Major League Baseball player Lenney Webster, who played with the Minnesota Twins, the Montreal Expos and the Baltimore Orioles, will lead the activities. Parish coaches and some members of the St. John Fire Department will also work with children at the clinic.

“This is a special experience for our players to learn from a professional baseball player and prepare for the season,” said Parish President Natalie Robottom. “We anticipate a good turnout for the clinic and we look forward to a successful season.”

Jones said the Parks and Recreation Department will also hold a rules and regulations meeting with NCAA and College World Series umpire Mark Chapman for St. John the Baptist Parish coaches and umpires on Wednesday, April 25, at Regala Park starting at 6 p.m.

“I want everyone to be educated on the rules in preparation for the upcoming season,” Jones said.

“Having a professional umpire will bring a wealth of knowledge to our program and will be instrumental in providing the correct information to the leaders of our program.” �