ABK Baseball/Softball Clinics

The purpose of our clinics is to teach the proper fundamentals of pitching, hitting, catching, throwing and infield play. Our camps stress the importance of attitude, confidence and dedication in order to give all youngsters an opportunity to succeed in baseball and life.

Jeff will use his experience with the some best players and coaches in baseball to train each player in a way that will get the most out of potential and increase performance on the field. Each clinic will focus on the mental aspect of baseball, work ethic, and practice strategies to improve performance in and out of baseball season.

**Dates and times are subject to change - check our website calendar for upcoming clinics!!

Hitting Clinic - 1st Saturday of each month

At The Athletic Edge Baseball and Softball Academy, we know that good, solid fundamentals are a necessity to succeed at any level of the game. During this clinic, players will learn about balance, hand position, footwork, & striking the ball properly. Due to the fact that hitting is very mental, we also explain how to improve your mental approach when you are in the batter's box. Be sure to bring your bat, helmet, & batting gloves as you will be swinging the bat the entire time !

Fielding Clinic - 2nd Saturday of each month

Fielding portion of the program students will learn and sharpen basic fielding fundamentals and then move onto more intermediate and advanced skill-work, including backhand drills, forehand drills, short hops, long hops, making tags, and learn how to consistently field “thru the ball” which is vital to being a solid infielder. Outfield ground balls, fly balls, and getting the proper approach to the ball will also be covered. All students will make numerous throws from basic fielding positions and off-balance. Our step-by-step approach will have your child ready to play with confidence at the next level. Don't forget your glove - you are going to need it!

Throwing and Accuracy Clinic - 3rd Saturday of each month

When kids are taught to throw, often the instruction is watered down into just a couple of steps. The act of throwing a baseball is not that simple. Throwing requires the entire body to work together in order to throw the ball accurately and to put something on it. All positions on the field require the ability to throw the ball accurately. Good throwing mechanics will enable you to make plays. This clinic will prepare you to strive to improve your accuracy.

Clinic Cost: Member or Non-Member $25

Release of Liability must be signed by a parent or guardian for child to participate

Pre- registration required - Clinics are limited to small groups so each player will get specific individual instruction throughout the clinics to help improve their mechanics and know how to make corrections outside of the clinic setting.

Supplied equipment:

Bat

Batting Helmet

Equipment you should bring:

Clothes suited for baseball play

Glove

Protective Cup

Batting Gloves (optional but recommended!)

Gym Shoes (no cleats)

Your Own Batting Helmet (optional)

Your Favorite Bat (optional)

Fitness:

Baseball and softball for children is a great way for them to stay healthy and fit. Our goal for each student is to help them in their Long Term Athletic Development. Incorporating a lot of hitting, pitching, and other moves, baseball is a great way for children to get a fun work out. Along with our certified fitness specialists and nutritional analysis and consultation, students are sure to enjoy the benefits of a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Concentration and focus enhancement

Relaxation and mental clarity

In-game mental tools for peak performance

Primary modality testing

Pitch recognition and tracking

Dynamic acuity and binocular vision

Visual adjustments for hitters

Biomechanical and kinetic applications of throwing and hitting

Specific body movement and physical skills needed for fielding, running, throwing and hitting

Sport-specific strength training and injury prevention for baseball and softball available in our Athletic Edge Sports Performance program - Click here for more information

Meet your coach: Jeff Barry

BASEBALL BACKGROUND: I grew up in Medford and played Little League at Medford National Little League. I then played Babe Ruth in Medford until I started Freshman ball at the Old Medford Mid High. I was a Junior the last year Medford was one high school. We lost in the State Championship game that year. Next year I attended South Medford and graduated as a Panther. I received a Full Scholarship to go play at San Diego State University. At San Diego, I was a Freshman All-American and a second team All-American my Sophomore and Junior years. We lost to Stanford my Junior year in the Regional Final to go to the College World Series. That summer (1990) I was drafted in the 4th round by the Montreal Expos. I played two years in the minors with them until I got traded to the Mets in 1992. 92-94 were played in the Florida State League and Eastern League for the Mets Minor League system. Finally in 1995 I achieved my dream of becoming a Big Leaguer. The Mets called me up for a couple months that summer and it ended up being my last as a Met as I was traded to the San Diego Padres that winter. 1996 was split between AAA and AA for the Padres. I signed a free agent contract with Colorado Rockies in 1997. I played in AA and AAA that year and had the most home runs in a season (18) that I had ever had. The next two year were spent in the Big Leagues with the Colorado Rockies. That propelled me to a nice contract in Japan in 2000. After only one year in Japan, I came back and played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox and Florida Marlins. I retired in 2002 and have been coaching local baseball teams and my 13 year old son in baseball ever since.

WORKING WITH YOUTH: I love to work with kids so I can give back to this valley for what my mentors gave me when I was younger. I love to watch the improvement in kids abilities and the smiles on their faces when they realize they are making progress. I also just like being around kids and talking to them about baseball and life when it comes up.

Sierra Berryessa: Softball Coach. Years of experience and loves working with children and teens of all ages. Currently with the NMHS Softball Team.