Members of the Westfield Starfires baseball team and the American International College baseball and softball teams joined together at Judy Groff Field on AIC’s campus to host a Youth Baseball/Softball Clinic for children at Square One on Friday, July 17.
Over 70 children ages 6-12 were invited onto the field and spent time working with the college players at a variety of stations. Each station had a drill designed to teach the basic skills of baseball and softball, such as a hitting station, a base-running station, a relay race, and more.
Many of the Square One students had never been on a softball field or played baseball before, and the chance to expand their horizons is an example of what the organization does in fulfilling its mission, noted Vice President of Development & Engagement Kristine Allard.
“For years, our friends at AIC have demonstrated what it means to be true community partners — showing up to volunteer, collecting food and other essential items to donate to our families, and of course providing our children with fun, healthy experiences like our annual baseball/softball clinic. It was awesome to be back on the AIC campus and to welcome the Westfield Starfires to our Square One family! Together, the athletes from both organizations gave our children an experience they won’t soon forget! We are so grateful!” she said.
Founded in 1883 as the Springfield Day Nursery, Square One works to support children and families with a variety of needs, including youth education services, child care, parent education, and workforce development.
The organization has held similar events in the past at AIC in conjunction with the Red Sox Foundation in each of the previous three years.
The players from the Starfires and Yellow Jackets, meanwhile, not only enjoyed the event, but gained a sense of pride in giving back to the community around them.
“Being able to share my softball and baseball knowledge with the kids through activities and drills was truly rewarding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a positive event, share a sport I love, and hopefully inspire a few future players along the way,” said AIC junior Trinity LaValley, a pitcher on the softball team.
“The camp was a great way to get the kids involved with baseball and show them the love that we have for the game, and hopefully make an impact on them for the future,” said Anthony Armenia, a senior outfielder at the University of Bridgeport playing for the Starfires.
Perhaps the most notable crossover was the presence of Josh Frometa, a Holyoke, Massachusetts native who recently wrapped up a stellar four-year playing career at AIC and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Starfires after three summers on the diamond for them. Between the two programs, he played 286 games and earned countless awards, including All-American status at AIC and a jersey number retirement in Westfield. His presence underlined the importance of community development for both of his teams.
Stanley Starfire, Westfield’s mascot, made an appearance as well, bringing even more joy onto the diamond, and after a morning filled with fun action, the students and student-athletes enjoyed a pizza lunch to wrap up the event.
