The Ryan Douglass Field of Dreams Baseball Clinics are for 9-12 year old children (but won’t turn older or younger children away who are there) and consists of hitting, pitching, fielding, and base running instructions. These clinics are held at various athletic associations around the Pittsburgh area.

These clinics help to encourage and increase children’s interest in baseball/softball and also give them the self esteem they need for teamwork concepts. The children that participate will learn the correct fundamentals for baseball/softball for future use and an overall knowledge of the sport.

Whenever children first arrive they will sign in and receive a shirt to wear during the clinic and also enter for a “Baseball Dream Day” give away, new this year (2009). The clinic starts out with an introduction of Ryan Douglass and his coaching staff and what will be going on during the clinic. Next, the children line up behind cones and begin jogging, high knees, butt kickers, sprints, etc. to get loose. Then they walk out in that same line to face Ryan and start their stretching (which is very important before any physical activities).

After stretching, the children gather up so Ryan can go over the proper throwing mechanics in playing catch before a game or practice. Then the children go to the foul lines of the fields or locations of the stations. They will play catch to loosen their arms for about 10 minutes. Concluding throwing the stations begin.

The 4 stations again are Hitting, Pitching, Fielding, and Base Running. Each station is roughly 15-20 minutes long. After the 15-20 minutes is up an AIR HORN will go off and that group will rotate to the next designated station. After, the 4 stations are over for each group the children once again gather around Ryan for a brief recap of the clinic and thank you’s for attending.

Leaving the field each child receives a bottle of water coupons to Dick’s Sporting Goods and a raffle ticket for prizes that are given away.

The Baseball Dream Day mentioned earlier is new this year and Ryan will be taking 4 lucky children chosen at random to Consel Energy Park, home of the Washington Wild Things, for a game. They will get to tour the locker room, meet the players, throw out a the first pitch, receive a souvenir, and enjoy the game.

Testimonials

Dear Mr. Douglass,

I just wanted to send a letter of thanks for coming to the Banksville Athletic Association and conducting your clinic for our youth. The coaches of our organization take great pride in instructing our children and providing proper direction in sports, as well as life. We always appreciate a helping hand, and the tools that you provided to them in the time that you were there will hopefully stick with them for many years to come.

You and your staff possess a wealth of knowledge, and I think it is great that all of you take the time to travel to different organizations and instill your knowledge and experiences, and also the work ethic needed to succeed. Please do not ever lose sight of the fact that the services you provide are for young children, and are potential life lessons that will be remembered throughout their athletic years.

Once again, thanks for your time and good luck in your training endeavors. We wish you a ton of success in the future.

Sincerely,

Brian J. Matts

Ryan,

I would like to thank you for the clinic that you and your staff held for Dormont Athletic Boosters Association. The kids responded so well to you and all of your staff. The stations that you set up were very organized and each child walked away learning alot about each aspect of the game. The coaches clinic was wonderful too, especially the points on teaching pitching to young boys was especially helpful. You have a great program. Keep up the good work!!

Terry Halligan - Dormont Athletic Boosters Association (DABA)

Ryan,

The Field of Dreams clinics at CIT have been fabulous. Ryan and his team share a lot of excitement for the game and the kids respond. As a coach, I have always picked up some great tips, drills and strategies just by being a part of these clinics. I hope these continue for years to come. This annual clinic is enjoyed by all and greatly improves CIT baseball!

Scott Albert - CIT Parent & Coach

Ryan,

Thanks for everything you and your group of coaches have done for our Little League Baseball system. From Pitching and Fielding, talking about the importance of warming-up and the proper use of techniques has greatly improved not only the skills of the kids but the coaches as well.

The Hitting instruction has proven to be a big "HIT", our kids loved working with you. I would recommend you to everyone.

Thanks again and I'm looking forward to seeing you again this year.

Best regards,

Joe Palahunik - Sto-Rox Baseball Little League Association