Middlesex Baseball Clinic Continues to Find Success

"Our motto is to learn and have fun," Middlesex Baseball Clinic Director, Joe DiSarcina said. "We're looking to develop lifelong skills for both on and off the field."

For the 25th straight summer Joe DiSarcina held another successful clinic, for children between the ages of five and 14, at Skillings Field.

"Our focus is on the fundamentals of baseball, self confidence and self esteem development," DiSarcina said. "It's on feeling good about yourself and playing baseball."

This philosophy is ingrained in everything at the clinic. No one strikes out.  Ninety percent of the time tennis balls or softies are used during instruction. The emphasis is on fielding and hitting techniques. 

"This is not a competitive clinic," DiSarcina said.  "There's no criticism during the week for anything at all. Everything is done in a positive and constructive manner. Everyone feels good because they all hit the ball.  For more competitive play, there's plenty of time for that in high school."

To support him DiSarcina has gathered coaches who believe in the same approach. Some of them he grew up playing ball with, and two are even past attendees of the camp.

The first summer that the clinic was held it drew 30 children. Now it averages between 125-150, with the biggest turnout being 200 one year.

"Most of the success is from word of mouth," DiSarcina said. "We also put kids with kids they know, so they are more relaxed and learning is easier."

There is also concentrated one-on-one instruction as DiSarcina has a coach for every six children. And the feedback he's gotten from parents has been overwhelmingly positive.

"What makes me feel really good at the end of the week is when a parent comes by and says thanks," DiSarcina said.

Some of the skills that DiSarcina and his coaches look to instill in the children are teamwork, listening and following directions. Many of these things he believes apply in life, and none is as important to him than helping improve a child's thought process.

"Thinking skills, being where you should be on the field. When you get the ball you need to ask yourself a question to know what to do," DiSarcina said. "This is important off the field too. Be prepared for all situations."

Joe DiSarcina is currently the Principal of Matignon High School in Cambridge. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres, was an All American shortstop at the University of Massachusetts and coached the Somerville High School baseball team for 19 years.

For more information on the Middlesex Baseball Clinic go to: www.middlesexbaseballcamp.com