CRESTVIEW — Every summer, about 75 young baseball hopefuls descend upon the Crestview High School baseball complex for the Crestview High School Baseball Camp.
This year's camp, open to boys and girls ages 4-13, is 9 a.m. to noon June 10-12.
The cost of the camp is $75 per child and includes a camp T-shirt, pizza on Wednesday and admission to the Justin Richards Tournament June 13-15.
The Crestview baseball team also will hold a two-day hitting camp 9-11 a.m. June 17 and 18. Cost of the camp is $50 and includes a T-shirt. The camp is for players 4-13.
The baseball camp has run at least 15 years; this will be the second year for the hitting camp, Bulldog head baseball coach Tim Gillis said.
Through the years, several campers have grown up to start and star for the Crestview High baseball team; many players return year after year.
"We had a bunch of guys on the team that came to camp when they were younger this year, so it's fun," Gillis said.
"I see them up at Little League Park and they will keep asking me when the camp is. They have a good time with it and we enjoy it. And that's what it's all about: enjoying the game."
The camp serves as a platform for young players to learn and an avenue that allows Gillis to identify leaders on his team as the Bulldog players work with the youngsters, he said.
"It kind of shows me the leadership out there and who can kind of problem solve with a group,” Gillis said. “And maybe they can take the bull by the horns a little bit and lead a group."
The main camp will focus on the basics of fielding, throwing and hitting, along with some base running and pitching.
"You have got to set up a solid foundation to throw so you can be injury free,” Gillis said. “Obviously, if you can get it at an early age, you will save a lot of problems later on."
Gillis said ideally the hitting camp will only have about 20 participants so the players can get more individual time with coaches.
The hitting camp will allow players to work on their swing, ensuring the mechanics line up with a good base to their stance, proper hand position in the swing and developing consistency in putting the bat’s barrel on the ball.
The main thing he stresses at both camps is for the kids to enjoy the game.
"I really enjoy teaching the game, but I really enjoy watching people enjoy the game," he said. "I enjoy the young kids and watching them learn and have fun with the game. This game is supposed to be fun."
What: Crestview Bulldog Baseball Camp
When: June 10-12, 9 a.m.-noon
Ages: 4-13
Where: Crestview High School baseball complex
Cost: $75
Registration: June 10, 8-9 a.m. at Crestview baseball complex.
Contact: Coach Tim Gillis, 689-7177, ext. 7090
What: Crestview Bulldog Hitting Camp
When: June 17-18, 9-11 a.m.
Ages: 4-13
Where: Crestview High School baseball complex
Cost: $50
Registration: June 17, 8:30 a.m. at Crestview baseball complex.
Contact: Coach Tim Gillis, 902-3103
Randy Dickson is the Crestview News Bulletin’s sports editor. Email him at randyd@crestviewbulletin.com, tweet him @BigRandle, or call 682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Bulldogs Baseball Camp starts June 10