Baseball Camp

Jackson got invited to go to a two day camp at Wayne State. He was so thrilled to hear that Miguel Cabrera and Torii Hunter were going to be there. Todd was asked to coach at the camp as well. Todd was only able to go on Friday because he had another commitment on Saturday. On Friday I drove Jackson and Aidan down to Wayne State. They were a little bummed that they didn't get put in the same group, but I think their excitement of being at the camp let that go. There were about 120 kids at the camp ranging from  7-18 years old. They all met on the baseball field and listened to Jeff Jones (Tigers pitching coach) talk about what it means to work hard and how important it is to love the game. He went through the schedule of the day and sent the campers off. There were 12 different stations between the baseball field, football field and softball field. The boys had to hustle between stations to get to the next. There were coaches from all over assisting and also some of the Wayne State baseball players. Todd was working on the football field with groups. I walked around from station to station snapping pictures and watching Jackson. He was getting great instruction. He had 10 boys in his group and had three coaches. When Jackson was at the pitching station Jeff Jones came up to him to chat...Jackson could not even speak. He just stared like he could not believe he was talking to him. At the end of the camp Cabrera came and spoke to the kids. His message was to work hard and play hard. Jackson sat in the front row and could not take his eyes off of him. Then it was time for signings. Jackson had him sign a baseball.

On Saturday my dad went to camp with Jackson and I. My mom came over and watched Aubrin. It was set up the same way with stations, although they worked on different skills. My dad had a good time watching Jackson at the camp and I think Jackson was equally as thrilled to have grandpa there watching. At the end of camp Torii Hunter came. He was so awesome with the kids. His answers were honest. He really stressed to the kids that they need to love the game to play the game. He shared how he found the love in the game. He also shared how he has failed many times, but how important it is to handle that failure and learn from it. At the camp the 10 hardest working campers were told they could ask Torii Hunter a question. Jackson was very proud when he was picked to ask a question. His question was "How does

it feel to play the game on the big field?" I loved that Torii Hunter looked at him the whole time while answering- Jackson was beaming!!!!! Again we had a chance for signing at the end. When Jackson got up to the front Torii Hunter told Jackson that was a great question to ask- smiles again.
 This was such an awesome opportunity for Jackson. That night he said that he felt pretty lucky. I should say so kiddo!