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By Mila Besich-Lira
Arizona Public Service hosted a free baseball and softball clinic for Superior Little Leaguers ages nine to 14 last week. The clinic was conducted by retired Major League Baseball players who taught some new baseball skills to the 40 Superior players.
The clinic was taught by Lou Klimchock, Dave Hilton, Ron Davis and Ken Phelps, Phelps is also an employee at APS has has been instrumental in developing the Perfect Game clinics in conjunction with the Retired MLB Players Association.
In addition to hosting the clinic APS also made a $1000 donation to the field improvements and maintenance. APS only hosts six Perfect Game clinics a year and this year Superior was one of six communities to have the clinic.
The participants were divided into age appropriate groups and were taught the fundamentals of the game such as out-fielding, in-fielding, hitting and throwing. In addition to the baseball skills the players also taught valuable life skills such as respect, responsibility and sportsmanship.
Klimchock was an infielder for the Kansas City Athletics, Milwaukee Braves, Washington Senators, New York Mets and retired from the Cleveland Indians. Hilton played four seasons with the San Diego Padres and also played three seasons in Japan with the Yakult Swallows and the Hanshin Tigers. His primary position was third base but he also played at second base.
Ron Davis played in the MLB as a pitcher for the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodger and San Francisco Giants. In 1981, he was named to the American League All Star Team. Ken Phelps played several years in the MLB, and was part of the Oakland A’s World Series Team. He played for the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians as well. Phelps also played baseball for Arizona State University.
APS began coordinating the event with the Superior Little League a little over two month ago. The clinic was held at the Superior High School Baseball Field. Richard Rosales the Southeast Arizona Relationship Manager explained that APS only hosts these clinics in communities where APS provides electric service. Rosales and other members of the APS staff were present to present the check and assist with the clinic. Following the clinic the players were treated to a pizza lunch.
Martin Navarrette, Vice President of the Superior Little League, thanked APS for their contribution and hosting the clinic. “Those funds will help us pay the utilities this season” he said.
The Superior Little League season is well underway with the T-Ball season which started on Tuesday, March 19th. The rest of the season will begin in April.
See photos from Superior Little League Clinic
online at http://bit.ly/10LApLN
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