Fun in the sun at baseball camp

SHARON — The first of three summer athletic camps hosted by Sharon Parks and Recreation came to an end on a muggy afternoon Wednesday, June 19.

The program lasted three days and was open to kids ages 8 to 14, with about 30 kids in attendance, and gave players a chance to learn skills and then use them in competitive games.

The camp has been run for the past decade by James Smith, who has coached baseball for around 20 years and who teaches physical education at Sharon Center School. He was joined by two coaches from other schools in the area.

The activities occurred during last week’s heat wave. “It’s a little steamy,” remarked Smith while campers worked their way through a challenging drill, “but the heat hasn’t really affected anything.”

Smith worked to give the kids “more information than less,” knowing that most of it would stick for the older kids and hoping that the younger campers would leave with at least some of it.

The campers ended their final day with a home run derby, using many of the skills that they had focused on. Another coach, Deron Bayer, looked on at the kids and said, “We’re working hard and having fun.”

Coaches James Smith (red hat) and Deron Bayer share baseball tips with campers while cooling off in the shade.Copey Rollins