Salisbury Mayor to host free baseball and softball youth camp

Salisbury Mayor Al Heggins will host a free baseball and softball camp for local youth at Catawba College, Saturday, Sept. 8, as part of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) support of Major League Baseball's (MLB) "PLAY BALL SUMMER” initiative. The program focuses on the fun nature of baseball and encourages widespread participation in related activities.

“I’m happy to join with Major League Baseball and the U.S. Conference of Mayors for the annual PLAY BALL initiative,” said Mayor Heggins. “I think hosting the event in our city is very important. It is a great way to get our youth outdoors and introduce them to the game of baseball, in addition to emphasizing character development and teaching them active and healthy lifestyles. This event is possible because of Catawba College’s baseball and softball coaches, team members and the city’s parks and recreation department.”

“This is the third year we have hosted PLAY BALL in the City of Salisbury,” said Nick Aceves, Salisbury parks and recreation director. “The collaboration between the city departments and Catawba College is an example of the partnerships that are needed to increase healthy lifestyles and sports participation in Salisbury. We look forward to continuing the event and partnering with Catawba College’s baseball and softball coaches and team members for future events.” 

Salisbury boys and girls, ages seven to 15, will receive instruction from the Catawba College baseball and softball teams at the campus’ Newman Park baseball field located at 598 Summit Ave., from 9 a.m. until noon. Free transportation will be provided from Hall Gym and the Civic Center, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration is recommended by calling (704) 638-5286.

Information is available at PlayBall.org, which provides parents, coaches and children with information about baseball skills, links to youth-related news and events, searchable maps with links to community baseball leagues, health and safety information.