Eighty youngsters from Hartselle and surrounding communities opted to spend the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday playing baseball at Coach William Booth’s Baseball Camp rather than to spend the time watching television at home.

Coach William Booth watches as Dakota Fromhold demonstrates his pitching. | Clif Knight

Ranging from 4 to 13 years of age, the youngsters split their time hitting, fielding and pitching baseballs in addition to base running. Younger players worked out in the Pettey Center while older and more experienced players worked in the indoor baseball and softball facility.

Assisting Booth with the clinic were assistant coaches Bryant Whitlock, Jerry Childers and John Hall. Hartselle High baseball players also assisted.

“It’s exciting to see this number of kids working to learn the basic skills and improve their game,” Booth said. “They also get to interact with other kids as well as coaches and older players. This not only is a good experience for them but for our guys as well. Teaching is something they can’t fake, so it’s a learning experience for them, too. They enjoy working with younger kids.”

Hartselle baseball player Curtis Russell teaches fielding to Grant Bosworth. | Clif Knight

The camp not only attracted kids from Hartselle. Other communities and cities represented included Decatur, Moulton, Falkville, West Morgan, Cotaco and Lacey’s Spring.

Booth said he purchased 50 pizzas to feed the campers and his players at noon.