PlayBall! Clinic Attracts Over 200 Youth to Manthey Park in Owatonna

More than 200 boys and girls participated in the annual PlayBall! Minnesota baseball and softball clinic in Owatonna on Saturday. 

Owatonna's Youth 1st program partnered with the Minnesota Twins Community Fund, Owatonna Park and Recreation and the Huskies Bullpen Club for the sixth straight year to promote and sponsor the event. Minnesota Twins PlayBall instructors led youth ages 6-16 in the basic fundamentals of throwing, hitting and fielding through a variety of drills and stations. Parents are encouraged to assist their children.

"We love seeing the parents out on the field with their kids. We have had parents tell us that their experience at this clinic has influenced them to play catch with their kids in the back yard. That is what it is all about."

-Mark Arjes, Youth 1st Director

Youth 1st reminds parents that youth sports are games and that games are meant to be fun.

Each player received a PlayBall t-shirt. Walser Foundation, a Youth 1st funding partner, presented a free picnic lunch for players and their parents. Door prizes included Brian Dozier bats and Glen Perkins autographed posters. Youth 1st hosted its free photo booth during the event.

The PlayBall! Minnesota Twins youth clinic comes to Owatonna each year on the final Saturday in June.