Saturday, March 04, 2006
Braves coaches contribute for RBI
03/03/2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Since its inception in 1995, the RBI Institute has given disadvantaged youths a chance to hone their baseball skills and possibly prove they have what it takes to be a big leaguer.
After their game at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex on Friday afternoon, four members of the Braves' coaching staff provided a clinic for the coaches who have come to Orlando to participate in this year's RBI Institute Seminar.
Former National League MVP and current Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton was joined by pitching coach Roger McDowell, third-base coach Fredi Gonzalez and bullpen coach Bobby Dews. Each provided a 15-minute discussion on hitting, infield techniques, outfield techniques and pitching.
"The opportunity to get in front of a Major League staff doesn't happen too often," said Major League Baseball vice president of community affairs Tom Brasuell. "From the feedback we've received, all of the coaches have said this is the best training they could receive."
During this year's seminar, the coaches have been given a chance to hear from medical personnel about how to prevent and treat certain injuries. The hope is that they'll be able to return to their hometowns and relay the information to other league coaches and directors.
"What they learn at these clinics allows them a better understanding of how to deal with both on-field and off-field issues," Brasuell said.
When the coaches returned to their hotel on Friday night for dinner, they were surprised with a visit from former Major Leaguer and current ESPN analyst Harold Reynolds.
Since its start in 1995, the RBI Institute has provided a chance for community leaders to teach kids baseball and lessons in life. It is currently active in 203 cities worldwide.
While 72 percent of the children participating are from less fortunate backgrounds, RBI's association with the Boys and Girls Club of America has also provided programs for children living on military bases. The influence can be found in such countries as Great Britain, Germany and Italy.
Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp and James Loney, a top Minor Leaguer in the Dodgers organization, are two of the top products to have come out of the RBI Institute.
Before the coaching seminar, the coaches watched the Braves claim an 8-7 win over the Dodgers. Jarrod Saltalamacchia ended the game with a walk-off homer, but the highlight for them might have been seeing Loney contribute two hits.
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Since its inception in 1995, the RBI Institute has given disadvantaged youths a chance to hone their baseball skills and possibly prove they have what it takes to be a big leaguer.
After their game at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex on Friday afternoon, four members of the Braves' coaching staff provided a clinic for the coaches who have come to Orlando to participate in this year's RBI Institute Seminar.
Former National League MVP and current Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton was joined by pitching coach Roger McDowell, third-base coach Fredi Gonzalez and bullpen coach Bobby Dews. Each provided a 15-minute discussion on hitting, infield techniques, outfield techniques and pitching.
"The opportunity to get in front of a Major League staff doesn't happen too often," said Major League Baseball vice president of community affairs Tom Brasuell. "From the feedback we've received, all of the coaches have said this is the best training they could receive."
During this year's seminar, the coaches have been given a chance to hear from medical personnel about how to prevent and treat certain injuries. The hope is that they'll be able to return to their hometowns and relay the information to other league coaches and directors.
"What they learn at these clinics allows them a better understanding of how to deal with both on-field and off-field issues," Brasuell said.
When the coaches returned to their hotel on Friday night for dinner, they were surprised with a visit from former Major Leaguer and current ESPN analyst Harold Reynolds.
Since its start in 1995, the RBI Institute has provided a chance for community leaders to teach kids baseball and lessons in life. It is currently active in 203 cities worldwide.
While 72 percent of the children participating are from less fortunate backgrounds, RBI's association with the Boys and Girls Club of America has also provided programs for children living on military bases. The influence can be found in such countries as Great Britain, Germany and Italy.
Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp and James Loney, a top Minor Leaguer in the Dodgers organization, are two of the top products to have come out of the RBI Institute.
Before the coaching seminar, the coaches watched the Braves claim an 8-7 win over the Dodgers. Jarrod Saltalamacchia ended the game with a walk-off homer, but the highlight for them might have been seeing Loney contribute two hits.
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
