2011 ALS Batting Clinic <<< MUST READ

Whole lot of people helping out on this, Bags and Danny Hignight asked me to get the word out, So I need your help

2001 ALS BAtting Clinic

The Clinic will be held at Providence High School on December 17th 2011. The clinic is for coaches and players. Player development for each position on the field will be covered. All proceeds for the event will go to help Pat Northrup and his fight against ALS. Donations will be taken at the gate. There will also be a silent auction held at the event. The clinic will start at 10:00 am.

Clinicians

Mike Shildt: director of the World Champions St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training (hitting)
David Mailman: Boston Redsox Minor League Outfielder (outfielders)
Chris Ahearn: Former Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padre’s Shortstop (middle infield)
Richie Shaffer: Clemson Standout and Academic All-American (3rd baseman)
Alex Wood: University of Georgia Standout (pitching)
Heath Brown: All-American Peffier University (1st baseman)
JD Detwiler: Former University of West Virginia Catcher (catching)
Brett Austin: University of NC State player and 1st Round Draft Pick San Diego Padres
Jake Fincher: University of NC State player and High School All-American
Local area high school coaches
Danny Hignight of Providence High School
Hal Bagwell of Ardrey Kell High School
Mark Mennitt of Marvin Ridge High School
Travis Poole of Weddington High School


Silent Auction
- Round of golf with Bill Cowher at Longview Country Club
- Signed Daniel Bard Baseball Glove
- Carolina Panther Tickets
- Signed Steve Smith Jersey
and many more items

 

Great Cause

Pat is a great guy and we are rooting for you. Great job by Hignight and the past Providence players..

 

What age group or school level?

 

I don't believe there is an age limit because all of the instructors have experience in teaching all ages.

But this isn't a run-of-the mill clinic. This is one of the best in Charlotte and surrounding areas.

I know that Coach Hignight has made this his signature clinic and one that is very personal to him. I can guarantee you this will be one of the best run, informative clinics you have ever attended....or Coach Hignight would not be involved.

Look at the names of the instructors!!!!.....I mean these guys are icons in the Charlotte baseball community. And the master hitting instructor, Mike Shildt, will be in attendance. It just doesn't get any better than this.

Heck....even I will be in attendance. I can't miss this!!!!

 

Start at 10am - finished when?

How late do you intend to stay?

PS. I posted this to several SCAA rec & travel team contacts. Great idea! If a college player was interested in helping, who should he contact?

 

I don't know when it ends, but I'll find out. I would contact Coach Hignight at [email protected] about your son.

I hope to see you there Post15

 

It was the first time since this summer that I had an opportunity to be around the baseball guys again....and what a treat it was. Listening to Mike Shildt speak about hitting is a special treat. He has a way of keeping things simple and to be able to relate to kids of all ages....the fact is that Mike may be a pro manager for the Cardinals, but he remains a kid at heart and that's what makes him special.

The breakout clinics were informative, but I wasn't attending to learn how to be a better position player or pitcher or hitter. I attended to see the coaches and college/pro players that I have missed the last 6 months to a year. Here are a few things that I noticed in the short time I had to spend at the clinic.

David Mailman- The first person I see at the clinic and he hasn't changed a bit. One of the genuinely nicest guys you will ever meet. Classy when he was 16-18 yo and classy now as an "old" man.

Richie Shaffer- I've always been in awe of the young man's talent, but to see him grow into a mature adult is amazing. It was fun to watch him instruct the "LL kids." He was very patient and encouraging to all of them. Some of these kids will never play HS baseball, but they can always tell their friends, "I played catch with Richie Shaffer.....and one time I threw the ball so hard it burned his hand.)--I'm sure the story will grow as they get older and watch Richie on TV. Another first for me was to meet Richie's dad. Man, I wish I had met him earlier. I could spend all day listening to his stories about baseball and about being an FBI agent (listen, for me, it never hurts to have an agent as a friend. I'm sure I will need his counsel.) I'd like to say one more thing about Richie. The first time I saw him was as a freshman and he banged 3 HR's to beat AK. He and Chad Flack were the most dangerous HS hitters I have ever seen....and he's gotten better.

A few more observations

Jake Robbins- The guy is a "hot mom's magnet." He can't go anywhere without getting mobbed by mom's. I swear the guy must have a fan club on facebook started by one of them....amazing! One of my favorite guys to be around---now you know why.

Hal Bagwell- Dang, Hal lost 40 lbs and looks great!!!! I know he can't wait to get into uniform to show off his new physique

Don Hutchins- Speaking of age. Don looks exactly as he did 7 years ago--a fountain of youth! The guy never ages. Oh, by the way, his team next year is stocked and loaded!

Alex Wood- One can not talk to AWood without smiling. He has an enormous personality and just engulfs you in it. The most fun loving young man I know, but when he takes the mound he is all business.

There were other players that I wish I had time to speak to, but they were busy connecting with old teammates---Ty Zupcic and Brett Austin. I hate I didn't get a chance to speak to them.

It was great to see my long time friends, Carol and Richard Wood. How Richard got so lucky to have an amazing, beautiful wife must be an old family secret, because I don't understand.

I missed not having but a minute to speak to my favorite coach, Mark Mennitt. Someone mention this and I agree, "He's the Tim Tebow of HS coaching." With his passion he can will his team to win.

By the way, I didn't recognize Travis Poole---he has hair! Please, someone tell him to call off the bet so he can shave it (just kidding coach) You looked great!

...and Danny Hignight- There is no one with a bigger heart than Coach Hignight. If someone is in need you can count on Danny. He will always be there. When it comes to loyalty and commitment---he lives it....everyday.

The weather turned out fine. The participation was great and some money was made...and that was the real purpose! To support Pat Northrup and his battle with ALS.

 

Danny Hignight is special. I knew it the moment he met our son a year before he even got to Providence. He connects, he cares and he is always there. His teams triumph because the hidden ingredient is heart. It comes from Danny. He has been there for our son through family illness and injury. As each season has ended the boys and their families cry, not for that final loss, but because their time with Danny and each other has ended. They count down the days till Sept 1 and workouts can begin again. Every year, we as parents, are relieved because we always have that next season to look forward to. It goes so fast and as we approach that senior season, we also know Danny will still be there after that last game is played. We will never forget what he has done for our son and our family.

 

Hello, Braves.............

Braves, you posted that Coach Hutchins' team is "stocked and loaded" for next season. So...what else is new?; and which of his two teams (2013, 2014) were you referring to? Do you have some specifics and does Coach Don agree??

Thanks,

 

Time well spent

Doing good for others is a great way to start your weekend. I don't know Pat Northrup but I could feel the sense of community and well wishes and hope his friends and family felt that as well. Merry Chirstmas everyone.