Little guys. Big dreams. In anticipation of the City of Malibu’s youth baseball camp, Riley Banvard wanted to represent a famous major league baseball player. Despite being only 10 years old, Banvard made a less obvious choice, a face from the past. Banvard ordered a number 42 Jackie Robinson Dodgers jersey from MLB.com to wear to camp.
“I wore my Jackie Robinson jersey to camp because I wrote a report about him in third grade,” Banvard said, a reminder of how baseball’s rich history informs its present, constantly inspiring younger generations to write a new chapter.
When the first day of camp arrived last week, Banvard, smiling and excited, lined up alongside 29 other eager campers in his uniform to enjoy four days of baseball at Bluffs Park.
Boys and girls ranging in age from seven to 12 years old interacted together while gaining knowledge of the finer aspects of America’s game. Several campers had played in years past while many campers played the game of baseball for the very first time.
Harley Rader, 12, came to her fifth camp. The opportunity to meet new friends and play the game she loves brings her back each summer. She participated as a camper and as a counselor.
“It’s a great experience,” Rader said. “I get to meet new friends, new coaches and learn new drills. We do a lot of activities. I also get to help the younger kids. It’s just fun.”
Banvard was taking part in his second summer baseball camp and had an exciting time learning the fundamentals of baseball from camp director and Malibu Little League President Steve Ciniglio.
“I liked that I got to work on my hitting and my throwing,” Banvard said. “I also got better with my running and I can’t wait to play Little League next year.”
“The camp was wonderful,” Ciniglio added. “We had a lot of new kids wanting to learn baseball. When you see the little kids smile each day then you know it is all worthwhile. It was great to see them learn the game and being happy. Baseball should be fun.”
Ciniglio asked former campers such as Rader to come back and help out as counselors.
“I was really happy to see how well the counselors worked with the younger kids,” Ciniglio said. “They were kind and very helpful.”
The camp consisted of playing soft toss, skills workout, competition and games. The competition featured the campers focusing on hitting, running and fielding. Infield and outfield practice as well as the repetition of catching pop flies, fielding ground balls and hitting off a tee were an emphasis.
Afterwards, the kids would choose to play either a game of baseball or stickball (where a tennis ball is used rather than a baseball).
“We had some boys hit home runs over the fence playing stick ball,” Ciniglio said. “It made their day.”
Many of the campers use the time as preparation for little league baseball or softball during the spring.
Banvard’s mother, Rachael Vizcarra Banvard, feels her son is now ready for the next step up in competition.
“I believe he is ready to play little league with all the preparation and teaching he has received,” Banvard said. “I think it’s wonderful that Malibu offers a camp where the kids can work on their playing skills while enjoying the time with others and making new friends.”
The City of Malibu will offer one more baseball camp August 6 – 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Bluffs Park. Portions of the proceeds are donated to the Malibu Little League. Registration is available online at www.malibucity.org.