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December 15, 2009

TPSA camp to feature Tampa Bay’s Price

Cullman High grad Caleb Clay is also scheduled to appear

Mike Cummings The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — As a baseball fan growing up in North Alabama, Steve Woodard often dreamed of meeting professional players at offseason camps.

It didn’t happen for Woodard then, but after a seven-year Major League Baseball career, the Hartselle native is doing his part to make those dreams come true for today’s young players.

“I remember when I was a kid, I would see all the pro players, and I knew I would love to see them in person, get their autograph and see what they had to say,” said Woodard, who will host a youth baseball camp Dec. 22-23 with Triple Play Sports Academy in Cullman. “This is going to give kids a chance to do that.”

Along with Woodard, who played professionally for the Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox from 1997 to 2003, campers will have the chance to meet current Major Leaguer David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Other professionals scheduled to appear at the camp include Cullman High graduate Caleb Clay, who is a member of the Boston Red Sox organization, and former Wallace State standout Craig Kimbrel, who is a minor leaguer in the Atlanta Braves organization.

Donovan Hand, Zelous Wheeler and Del Howell — all from the Milwaukee Brewers organization — are also scheduled to appear.

According to Clay, participating in the camp is a great way to give back to the community.

“I like being out there having fun with the kids and teaching them at the same time,” he said.

After the success of last year’s camp, Woodard and TPSA director Brent Bowen said having a second edition was a no-brainer.

“It went really well last year,” said Woodard. “We really didn’t have any negative feedback. We had a lot of good instructors for each station, and this year we have even more room.”

Unlike last year, when high-school age players participated, this year’s event is for kids ages 5-14. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, with instruction in hitting, pitching, fielding, catching and baserunning.

Campers are encouraged to bring a glove, bat, tennis shoes, cleats, warm clothing and an item for autographs.

The cost is $140 if campers pre-register by Friday, and $160 the day of the camp.

For more information, or to register, contact TPSA at 736-2997 or tpsacullman@att.net.

• Mike Cummings can be reached by email at michaelc@cullmantimes.com or by phone at 734-2131, ext. 258.

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