Mud Hens host annual baseball camp

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Toledo Mud Hens players will be sharing their skills and techniques with local children at the fourth annual Gene Cook Foundation Baseball Camp for Kids on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 5:15 p.m. at Fifth Third Field.

This camp is for children ages 6-13 who normally would not have the financial means to attend a baseball camp. This year, Mud Hens players will be teaching 100 local children the fundamentals of baseball, including hitting, fielding, pitching and baserunning. In addition to staying for the game, all kids in attendance will receive a limited edition baseball and T-shirt.

The camp is in honor of former Mud Hens general manager Gene Cook, who passed away in 2002. The Gene Cook Youth Athletic Foundation was created in his name to help Toledo area children by providing them the opportunity to participate and learn through athletics.

The Cook Family enjoys sharing their father's love of baseball with local children:

"We know that Dad would be so pleased that we have organized this special baseball camp in his honor. Everyone who remembers him knows that during his 23 years leading the Mud Hens, he always went way out of his way for any child ... especially at the ballpark. So many Toledo-area children (now adults) have a fond memory of receiving their first Mud Hen baseball from dad, personally.

"It was so important to him to create an extra-special lasting memory of a night at the park with Toledo Mud Hens for as many children as he could. This camp is an extension of that spirit and we hope that this unique experience will help to inspire a true love for the sport of baseball in the hearts of the children."