West Sacramento little leaguers pose with their baseball gear for a photo during the Nike RBI baseball camp held at Cosumnes River College on July 9.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - More than 80 West Sacramento Little Leaguers participated in a three-day baseball camp, hosted by Nike and in partnership with the Athletics baseball club at Cosumnes River College on July 8 through July 10. 

Little leaguers of all ages and divisions received free apparel such as a Nike hat and t-shirt for participating in outfield, batting, infield and pitching exercises with Nike coaches. A’s Right Fielder, Lawrence Butler, made an appearance on day two of the camp with the team’s mascot, Stomper, after the A’s nine-run victory over the Atlanta Braves on June 8, answering questions and signing autographs.

Participants from West Sacramento Little League raise their hands to ask A’s right fielder Lawrence Butler a question as the second day of the Nike RBI baseball camp at Cosumnes River College wraps up on July 9.

West Sac Little League board member, coach and father, Alex Graham, talked about the A’s impact on his organization and what having a sponsored camp means for him and the players. 

“This whole year has been fantastic having the A’s in town,” Graham said. “Just having pro-ball right down the street from us, it means a ton and just the generosity from the club, having the kids out to a lot of the games, and then this camp, I mean, it’s been tremendous.

In addition to the A’s donating $10,000 to West Sac Little League and several hundred tickets to multiple, local little league organizations, the camp’s third day featured a trip to Sutter Health Park on July 10 for Butler’s bobblehead night against the Braves. 

West Sacramento little leaguers practice drills in batting, pitching, infield and outfield at Cosumnes River College for the three-day Nike RBI camp on July 8 through July 10.

Before watching the professionals under the stadium lights, the little leaguers worked to piece their days of practice together for a more game-like experience.

With their hands raised high, little leaguers asked Butler about his gold number four chain, which he was sporting, and what it’s like to be a pro. Event organizers shared their experience of putting it all together. 

Nike Camp Director Preston Vancil said having great coaches is what makes a great camp. He said the last day of camp is all about putting it together, playing games and having fun.

Before the second day of camp is over, West Sacramento little leaguers pose for a photo as they line up to run the bases.

“It’s been quite a process.” Vancil said. “There’s been a lot of people involved to put this together. A lot of different entities, a lot of people working together. Especially in order to put a camp on for free for people, it takes a lot of hard work from a lot of dedicated people and now we’re seeing the fruits of all of our labors.”

Brian Sackinsky, the vice president of Nike US Sports Camps for baseball, softball and football, said it took three years of bringing together Nike, Major League Baseball and the Athletics to put on this free camp for West Sac little leaguers under Nike’s RBI program umbrella.

According to the MLB website, Nike’s RBI camp stands for Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities Program, the MLB’s youth initiative to provide baseball and softball playing opportunities for underserved communities.

Stomper, the A’s mascot, sits with members of West Sacramento Little League as they raise their hands to ask A’s right fielder Lawrence Butler questions during a Q&A session of the Nike RBI baseball camp at Cosumnes River College on July 9.

“Today was the culmination of the cherry on top with having Lawrence Butler come out and speak to the kids,” Sackinsky said. “So, very proud of being able to do that and pulling the community together for what I affectionately say are skills and smiles, and saw a lot of those today.”

Harvey Hargrove, a Nike camp coach and CRC Baseball coach, was coaching in the batting cages on July 9 and said his athletes were working with water bags and other tools to refine their batting technique before hitting a ball. 

A’s right fielder Lawrence Butler holds up his gold No.4 chain after West Sacramento little leaguers ask him questions about it during a Q&A session on day two of the Nike RBI camp at Cosumnes River College between July 8 and July 10.

“Day three, tomorrow, we’ll probably have a little bit more fun, making it a bit more game like, but I always like to have them move good, so they can hit good,” Hargrove said.

Parents of little leaguers said they felt privileged, grateful and excited for the opportunity for their young athlete to attend the free camp and meet a professional player from their local team.

Avila’s son, Matias Avila, said the camp has been good, getting his green Nike hat signed by both Butler and Stomper. Matias Avilia said he was excited to attend the A’s game against the Braves. 

Little league parent Monica Avila said, “Thank you to Nike and the West Sac little league for organizing this and I think it’s a great way to give back to the community.”

Watch the reporter package here:  https://youtu.be/a7C_NZ0DR74