Coach urges learning as MSJC hosts youth baseball clinic

All Coach Steve Alonzo has to do is to look at a baseball player’s swing and, chances are, he’s going to know what needs fixing.

Young baseball hopefuls are taking part in a three-day winter clinic at Mt. San Jacinto College this week. (Kerri S. Mabee/SWRNN)

The former Boston Red Sox hitting coach, catching coach with the Montreal Expos and manager of Mt. San Jacinto College’s baseball program is showing what he knows to area gamers this week as part of the college’s annual winter baseball clinic.

“That is actually what I did. I was brought in just to watch the batters (with the Red Sox),” Alonzo said, adding that his 25-plus years of experience have afforded him the kind of insight to spot problems with just a glance.

Alonzo, who is leading this week’s clinic, said that roughly 80 kids ranging in age from seven to 16 are taking part in the three-day clinic that focuses on baseball fundamentals of hitting, catching, bunting, pitching and ramping up speed around the bases.

“We have good baseball here. We try to get the kids to come out and learn. It’s fun and our kids do a tremendous job with this (event),” Alonzo said, noting his own players’ roles in working with young players at the clinic.

Players moved from station to station, working on their hitting, pitching, and sliding — all part of baseball’s fundamental skills. Each received a free T-shirt and a complimentary lunch.

“Hitting and pitching really change when you move from high school to college. Players have to learn to adjust. They have to be open and try to grasp those changes,” Alonzo said, adding that developing players is what the program at Mt. San Jacinto College does best.

Alonzo said that he wants the players to take in all the lessons of the week and he advises serious gamers who want to take their game to the next level to keep an open mind.

“Try to learn as much as you can. Seek out coaches who will support you and build mechanics. Be open to learning. Don’t shun it away, especially from someone who’s been there.”

To learn more, visit msjc.edu.

Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.