Greensboro resident and 10-year Major League Baseball player Mike Fischlin’s goal of creating a junior baseball camp for Lake Country played out Saturday at the Greene County Recreation Center.
On a warm, muggy morning, 86 boys ages 7-14 arrived to enjoy a day of camaraderie and learning from “Fisch,” with Eatonton resident Bruce Benedict working with catchers and defense, Kevin Millwood conducting pitching drills, 10-time gold glove winner Andruw Jones assisting in the outfield, and Jeff Blauser handling infield duties with Fischlin.
The day started by playing the National Anthem, followed by a ceremonial first pitch, and introducing the four former Atlanta Braves All-Stars who answered Fischlin’s call to assist with the event.
While the on-field instruction was invaluable, many boys' highlights of the day for many boys may have been the many autographs they gathered during water breaks and the Chick-fil-A lunchtime. The former Braves signed shirts, hats, balls, bats, and a poster of the five Fisch Camp pros.
Forty volunteers also assisted with the camp, including many local coaches and high school players from Greene County, Lake Oconee Academy, and Gatewood.
The County Recreation Department staff prepared the fields, coordinated the participants, and guided the camp’s volunteers.
Each participating player also received a Fisch Camp shirt, hat, and goodie bag, with the cost of the event supported by generous donations from private citizens and sponsorships.