Baseball is alive and thriving in the Ancient County with the Guyana Baseball League (GBL) hosting a successful one day clinic at the Berbice High School ground last Saturday.The clinic featured 63 girls attending, ranging from ages 12 to 20 and according to Manager of the GBL Women’s baseball programme Onefa George, this exceeded the 55 that originally registered,

“We had catered for 55 girls, but the girls kept registering and we could not turn anyone away. Baseball is all about opportunity and I am overjoyed by the turnout,” contended George.

The day began with a short welcome address by President of the GBL Robin Singh, who thanked participants and parents for taking the important decision to play sport as part of a balanced lifestyle.

The participants were treated to a comprehensive introduction to the sport by a cadre of GBL coaches led by Marvin Mahipat, a one inning demonstration game was played between the Georgetown Bombers and the New Amsterdam Spartans.

This was followed by a series of practice drills of baseball skills, throwing, catching, fielding base running, pitching were done by all under keen direction and observation.

As the morning wore on players were selected for specialization based on ability and affinity for particular skills, “I am constantly amazed by the talent on display, the players constantly deliver surprises and the competitive spirit is fierce” said Coach Mahipat.

At the end of the day GBL’s President Robin Singh declared it a success as all the participants showed a comprehensive understanding of the game, its rules and regulations.

The girls were urged to continue playing the sport and to put their best effort into making the Kanima’s 21U team.

Try-outs for the team are scheduled for the end of March following which a team of 15 will be chosen to represent Guyana at Baseball Canada’s 21U women’s Invitational in Halifax, Canada.

A try-out day for players in Demerara will be announced shortly.