When both coaches and players are having a good time, it's usually a good sign. That was definitely the case at this year's spring baseball camp put on by Timberwolf Environmental Services and Bonnyville's Minor Baseball Association this past weekend at the Peter Kushnir ball diamonds.
It was smiles all around as about 60 players ranging from the t-ball level through to midget, received instruction from five current and former professional ball players, including former major leaguer José Morban, who said he had a blast during his first visit to Bonnyville.
“The kids are having fun, we're having fun. It's just great to be out on the field helping these kids out and giving back to the game,” he said.
Former professional ball player, camp coach and organizer Reg Rivard said as long as kids keep coming, he will continue to put on baseball camps.
“These kids come out, they show a lot of interest in the sport and they want to learn. You can't ask for a better group,” said Rivard. “If the interest is there, which I think it is, we'll keep doing these camps. They're a lot of fun for everyone involved.”
This is the second baseball camp Timberwolf co-owners Rivard and his brother Real have organized. Although the spring camp did not have as many players registered as the winter camp, Rivard was still pleased with the way things went.
“With ball season already underway, we knew we'd be missing out on a few players but I think the numbers worked out well,” he said. “With the way it's set up, we were able to give some of the kids a little more one-on-one instruction, which I think really benefits the kids.”
Nine-year-old Jordan Breen, was one of the players getting a few extra pointers from Morban, while playing first base.
“José was helping me out,” he said, smiling. “I'm learning a lot and having a lot of fun.”
Current and former professional players Rob Hogue, Dan Chappel and Greg Dumouchel rounded out the coaching staff.
“The coaches were great,” said Rivard. “We had a real dedicated group of guys that know what they are doing and know about coaching.”
Dumouchel pointed out, “There's probably over a hundred years of baseball experience here.”
Chappel, who is now a teacher, said he loves to coach ball camps. “We're lucky to have been able to play baseball for as long as we have and to be able to give back to the game like this and see these kids learning and improving, it's just awesome.”
