If you walk around Stamford High School on Sunday mornings in the winter, you can see the seeds planted for the future success of Stamford's Babe Ruth team. Each week, young ballplayers ages 12-17 pitch, run, throw, hit, field and slide yes, slide under the guidance of some of the league's best baseball minds.
The league has a long history of success, including five regional championships in the past six years. Last year's 15-year-old team advanced to the World Series in Monticello, Ark. Watching the players undergo their own version of spring training, it's no secret why Stamford's teams are so successful. The work that they do in winter produces big benefits in the summer.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for the kids to work on their skills,'' said Bobby Augustyn, the former long-time baseball coach at Stamford High who now helps out at the Babe Ruth winter clinics. "It gets them some confidence in the dead months of January and February. It gives them a head start on all the things you have to practice. Plus, you're being coached by a different person who might have a new approach to things."
Steven Browning, 14, one of the players at Sunday's clinic, said it's a great idea.
"For us to get a chance to come out and work on some things, it's a great opportunity," Browning said. "I feel like I've learned a lot about hitting and fielding in these clinics."
The players worked on fielding and throwing in the Stamford High gymnasium. Using a wrestling mat and a piece of plastic to make the surface smoother, Augustyn also gave instruction on sliding. In a room above the gymnasium, players worked on hitting in cages, soft toss and hitting tees.
Rit Lacomis worked earlier with pitchers and catchers. Stamford High baseball coach Fred Kelley instructed younger players, carefully following state guidelines that prohibit him from working with his team before official practices. Mark Smith and Joe Osbourne were some of the Babe Ruth coaches on hand Sunday. The calendar said February, but the work going on inside provided promise that warmer days are ahead.
"We try to touch all the bases,'' Rit Lacomis said, using an appropriate baseball analogy. "You have to keep them moving and make it fun. There's no standing around."
Registration is open for the upcoming season. Players interested in participating can register online and find out more information on the Babe Ruth of Stamford website.
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