The Blue Wahoos are dropping something totally new on us this weekend, and it’s not another pitching gem or a walk-off blast. Instead, they are rolling out a fresh take on youth baseball and softball clinics with their debut “FunBall” event this Saturday, September 12. This isn’t your grandma’s clinic, folks; it’s a two-hour party for kids ages 6-12, kicking off bright and early from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. right there at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
This Is Not Your Average Clinic, And That’s The Point
Forget the intense drills and the pressure cooker vibe. Blue Wahoos team president Jonathan Griffith hit it right on the head, saying, “The whole idea of this is to really have something in the baseball and softball world that is fun for kids.” This “FunBall” concept is designed to be the exact opposite of those super serious travel-ball sessions. We’re talking walk-up songs, a photo station for those budding stars, even a media interview experience. And yeah, you read that right: a whiffle ball home run contest where kids actually get to hit the ball over the outfield wall. How cool is that? This clinic is for anyone, not just the super-skilled players, as Griffith made clear.
The Monarchs’ Secret Weapon Is Now Here
This isn’t some spur-of-the-moment idea, either. The Blue Wahoos are bringing in a concept that got its first run back in June at the Kansas City Monarchs’ Legend Field. Turns out, the Blue Wahoos owners, Quint and Rishy Studer, bought the Independent League Monarchs earlier this year. The Monarchs’ “FunBall” event was a massive hit, grabbing tons of good feedback. Now, that same energy is heading our way. For just $40 per player, kids get to experience all this plus a T-shirt and a free ticket to the Blue Wahoos game that same night, September 12, against the Biloxi Shuckers. Parents can watch the morning clinic totally free, then grab tickets for the game later if they want. And trust me, you’ll want to stay for what happens after the game: the final fireworks show of the year and the annual “Diamond Dig,” where fans literally dig for a plastic trinket that can be swapped for a real diamond ring, thanks to Bere’ Jewelers.
More Than Just Baseball, It’s About Making Memories
Griffith summed up the big picture perfectly. He said they want kids to “come to the ballpark, experience the stadium, say they hit a ball over the fence and heard their own favorite walk-up song.” This isn’t just about learning the game; it’s about creating those core memories. “We want them to enjoy this, so when they get to be say, 30-years-old, and maybe never actually have played on a travel ball team, they will still remember this,” Griffith stated. Local high school players are even stepping up to help run the event, making it a true community effort. The Blue Wahoos are hoping to make this an annual thing, maybe even earlier in the season next time. They are closing their regular season on Sunday against Biloxi, but don’t blink, because these two teams turn right around on September 15 for Game 1 of the Southern League divisional series at Blue Wahoos Stadium. So, whether you’re hitting dingers this Saturday or cheering on the Wahoos into the postseason, there’s a ton to look forward to!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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