Baseball to hold first-ever Big League Experience Camp, Dec. 28

ADA —  The Ohio Northern University baseball team will be hosting its first Big League Experience Baseball Camp for individuals ages 8 to 18 on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at the ONU Sports Center. The clinic will begin at 10 a.m.

Former major league baseball player and manager, Jerry Royster will be joined by two former major league coaches, Glenn Gregsonand Jon Debus as guest instructors.  The guest instructors and the ONU baseball staff will conduct the day-long camp which focuses on teaching young baseball players the fundamentals of the game. Skill sessions include hitting, pitching, infield/outfield defense, catching, base running and the mental side of baseball.

Royster, who played in the major leagues from 1973-88, played in the infield for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. He managed the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002 and served as the third base coach for the Colorado Rockies. 

Gregson, with 33 years of professional coaching experience, is a former major league pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox.

Debus, the 2011 New York Mets bullpen coach,had a nine year career as a catcher in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He has 21 years of coaching experience with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets and four years minor league managing experience.

The campers will be separated into age groups and skill level to make instruction appropriate for each participant. Each camper will receive lunch courtesy of Jerry Lewis McDonald's and a camp t-shirt, courtesy of Lima Sporting Goods. Lima Sporting Goods will also operate a camp store for various baseball equipment needs.

From 5:30-7p.m., a coach's clinic will be held. This clinic is open to all youth, travel and high school coaches. Attention will be given to proper mechanics, practice planning and game management.