VENUE CHANGE: Because of the number of participants expected, we have moved Saturday’s clinic to McCarthy Park at 304 E. Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14215. With McCarthy Park’s additional diamonds, this will give us room to have more instructional stations to safely accommodate all participants
SATURDAY CHECK IN TIME: Has been moved up to *9 a.m., *so that we can get everyone signed in and ready to begin the clinic at 10 a.m.
Play Ball Weekend - June 11-12
The Buffalo Bisons want to inspire everyone to 'Play Ball.' Whether it's developing the ability to drive the ball to the opposite field or just running as fast as you can around the bases, just getting on the diamond and playing our National Pastime bring out the future stars of the game while also providing healthy exercise and uniting friends and communities.
That's why the Bisons have teamed up with Major League Baseball and the Willie Hutch Jones Educational & Sports Program to be part of MLB's 'Play Ball Weekend,' June 11-12. The 2-day celebration will give kids a great chance to learn, play and just have fun with the greatest game in the world!
What is "Play Ball Weekend?'
Play Ball Weekend will comprise of two fun days of baseball in Buffalo, NY.
Saturday, June 11: The Willie Hutch Jones Educational & Sports Program will put on a special One-Day Youth Clinic from 10 am - 2 pm (check in at 9:00 am) at McCarthy Park at 304 E. Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14215 (PLEASE NOTE VENUT CHANGE). Open to all kids aged 5-12 (REGISTRATION CLOSED), the clinic will include instruction on hitting, fielding, throwing, catching and running before a complimentary lunch is served. All participants will then be able to participate in a Pinch, Hit & Run and Home Run Derby competitions. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED and all kids receive a complimentary ticket to the Bisons home game on Sunday, June 12 against the Worchester Red Sox. The first 175 kids to register will also receive a free Franklin Bat & Ball Set.
Sunday, June 12: The Bisons host the IL East Division rival Red Sox at Sahlen Field with a 1:05 p.m. first pitch. After the game, all kids will be allowed onto the field to Run the Bases as take part in a HR Challenge, taking a swing at hitting a baseball off a tee and out of the ballpark!
Saturday, June 11 | 10 AM - 2 PM
'Play Ball' Youth Clinic with Willie Hutch Jones ESP
Registration is now CLOSED!
Check in at 9:00 am
Instruction on Fundamentals 10a-12p
Complimentary Lunch 12-1p
Pinch, Hit & Run and HR Derby Challenges 1-2p
FREE Bisons Ticket -June 12 vs. Red Sox (1pm)
FREE Franklin Bat & Ball Set (First 175 registrants)
The Play Ball Youth Clinic will be held at McCarthy Park at 304 E. Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14215 (NEW VENUE)
Sunday, June 12 | 1:05 PM
Bisons 'Play Ball' Game vs. Red Sox
The Bisons will face the rival Worcester Red Sox for a special 'Play Ball' Kids Club Sunday
Postgame Kids Run the Bases
Postgame HR Challenge (1 swing off tee to try to hit a home run over the wall)
Special in-game Giveaways of Franklin Bat & Ball Sets (lucky seat/random)
SAVE $3.00 when you purchase your tickets before game day!
For 38 years The Willie Hutch Jones Educational & Sports Program has joined together with other organizations and foundations to use our respective networks and contacts to create a template that could be readily replicated to raise the waters in minority communities across this country, using sports as a vehicle to educate and save our youth.
We truly believe the discipline required to be competitive in baseball, softball and other teaching sports is readily transferrable to the classroom, thus preparing the next generations to raise the tide of all the boats on the water.