Mayor Walsh and Syracuse PAL Announce Open Registration for Baseball Clinic as Part of U.S. Conference of Mayor’s #PlayBall Initiative

Local Partners Include Visit Syracuse and Syracuse Mets

Syracuse, NY—Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced that the City of Syracuse and Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League (Syracuse PAL)will host more than 100 youth for a baseball clinic as part of the United States Conference of Mayor’s #PlayBall initiative. The clinic will be held on Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Burnet Park.

The initiative’s national partners, Major League Baseball, USA Baseball, and U.S. Conference of Mayors, called on mayors nationwide to support programs engaging city youth in baseball and softball activities as a means of promoting healthy activity and activating city parks and sandlots to reignite a love for a national sport and facilitate meaningful connections for youth, families, city departments, and community leaders. Mayors across the country have hosted activities.

“We know that as we face the many challenges present in our community, getting our young people engaged in productive and positive experiences is what can help them stay on a positive path toward success. We’ve been able to do that this summer through a number of different clinics associated with our Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League. Thank you to Visit Syracuse, the Syracuse Mets, and all the volunteers helping us add one more offering to Syracuse PAL,” said Mayor Walsh.

Mayor Walsh tapped the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League to coordinate the clinic after a summer of successful athletic and enrichment clinics with youth. Syracuse PAL is partnering with Visit Syracuse and the Syracuse Mets to host the one-day baseball and softball clinic for ages 6-13. Youth will be taught baseball/softball skills, hit-pitch-run drills, and play a team game.

“Visit Syracuse is proud to partner with the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League in support of the #PlayBall initiative by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The City of Syracuse has a rich baseball history that has faded in recent years. United, we will help rekindle baseball and provide a great outlet for inner-city kids to enjoy our nation’s pastime,” said Danny Liedka, President/CEO of Visit Syracuse.

The clinic is free for families and will offer lunch, two tickets to a Syracuse Mets game, and with the help of community philanthropist Adam Weitsman, coordinators are working to provide a baseball glove for each youth to take home.

 “Baseball saved my life and kept me engaged when I was young, but equipment and gear can be a cost burden for families and prevent young people from playing and loving the game,” said Jimmy Oliver, Director of Community Engagement for the Syracuse Police. “We are appreciative to have amazing city parks teams, caring volunteers, donors and partners in our city stepping up to connect with and provide these opportunities for our kids. I’m encouraging families to register,  join us and fall in love with playing ball.”

Registration is open now at http://bit.ly/syrplayball2021.