GODERICH – Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb announced last week the eighth annual Clinton Minor Baseball Camp and the fifth annual Kincardine Minor Baseball Camp are back on this summer after a two-year hiatus.
In 2011, Lobb noticed that the sport was making a comeback in Huron-Bruce and wanted to help foster that growth, so in 2012 he hosted the inaugural Clinton Minor Baseball Camp. Every year he has been able to secure sponsors to make the camp affordable so all kids have the chance to participate. Lobb grew up playing baseball in Clinton and kept playing through his time at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Returning to headline the baseball camps this year is former Kansas City Royal, Willie Wilson. Wilson is a former professional baseball player whose career spanned 19 years in Major League Baseball for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago Cubs. He was an outfielder known for his speed and ability as an effective leadoff hitter. Wilson’s career total of 668 stolen bases currently ranks him in 12th place all-time among major leaguers.
He is a two-time all-star (1982, 1983), World Series Champion (1985), Gold Glove winner (1980), two-time Silver Slugger (1980, 1982), American League batting champion (1982), American League stolen base leader in 1979, and Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame.
In 1980 he led the league in hits, runs scored, triples and singles, and finished second in steals with 79.
Wilson is involved in many charity events, does many speaking engagements, participates in the Chicago Cubs and Royals Fantasy Camps. He also hosts a radio show in Kansas City.
This year’s camp will run on July 11 and 12 at the Clinton Community Ball Park, and July 13 and 14 at Kincardine Connaught Park. It is open to boys and girls, ages 7-15.
Individuals can register online for the camps at www.clintonminorbaseballcamp.ca and www.kincardineminorbaseballcamp.ca. The cost is $60 and space is limited so register early.
