Close to 120 kids had a chance to learn baseball from some pros, as part of Verizon Day at Citi Field on Saturday, August 15.
The children took the field at 9 a.m. to learn batting, fielding and pitching from Mets bullpen coach Randy Niemann and pitchers Nelson Figueroa and Brian Stokes.
“It’s a great opportunity to have,” said Eva Lebron, who had three children participating in the clinics. “Not a lot of kids get to come and play on the field and play with the players and coaches.”
Verizon Telecom and Verizon Wireless were responsible for bringing the children. Two of the groups represented were the South Queens Boys and Girls Club in Richmond Hill and the Corona-based Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities.
“Verizon has been an integral part in the communities where we work and where we serve,” said June Jee, Verizon’s Director of Government & External Affairs. “This is a very special opportunity.”
Tiana Lebron, a 7-year-old from the Bronx, said that the morning was “fabulous” and that the best part was when she was at bat. Her 4-year-old sister Aniya thought throwing the ball was fun.
Jonathan Lebron, their 5-year-old brother, said that he learned some important things about holding and throwing the ball, such as how to hold the ball properly and pull up his knee when throwing. He said they are things he’ll use when playing baseball in the future.
“It’s awesome for us to have a chance to give back to the community and have some fun with kids early in the morning and try to teach them the game of baseball,” Figueroa said.
Stokes added, “It’s all about the kids. We were kids and know how it feels to come out to the field and just enjoy ourselves.”
Bayside resident Jeremy Shui, 16, was able to attend the clinic after winning a Verizon Studio contest where he had to name songs. Having already done a clinic at Shea Stadium, he said that it was a good experience to also do one at the new home of the Mets.
“Nelson Figueroa, Brian Stokes and Niemann were all friendly and taught [me] how to play better,” Shui said, adding that he will continue to use what he learned. “They went over the basic fundamentals so I had to make sure I do them. It’s good so I don’t many any mistakes.”
Shui, a Mets fan, said that he will definitely use what he learned at the clinics in the future.
Verizon Marketing Manager for Sponsorships Michael McAndrew said that Verizon hopes to do Verizon Day not only again next year but for many years to come.
Stokes said that he hoped the child took home smiles from the day. Figueroa said that he wanted the children learned that they can have fun through sports and playing outsider rather than being inside playing video games.
Following the clinics, the children each got their photo taken with Niemann, Figueria and Stokes and also had lunch at the stadium. They also received tickets to attend the game later that afternoon.
