St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center will host a “Field of Dreams” Youth Baseball Clinic on August 26th from 12:00-1:30 at the Smithtown High School East Baseball Field. This clinic will feature professional Major League baseball players, including some from Long Island, such as MLB player and Smithtown native, Frank Catalanotto. The purpose of the free clinic is to get the children and families of Smithtown outside and spending time together, while also learning more about the sport.
“I am truly looking forward to being a part of this wonderful annual event wherein generations of successful ball players pass on knowledge and inspiration to our youth, promoting health and fitness, safe practices, and a bond with our community.” – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
This is the second year that the clinic will be held. Those in attendance last year were able to experience live instruction on several important baseball skills. They were also given information about baseball injury prevention by staff doctors and physicians from major sports organizations. This year’s event will be open to children aged 6-14 in the Smithtown area. Members of the Smithtown Fire Department will be barbecuing and serving food for lunch.
“Last year’s event drew over 425 local residents. All year long, citizens in the Town of Smithtown support St. Catherine through donations, volunteer work, fundraisers, and by choosing both the Medical Center and our Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center for their healthcare needs. I know our CAO, Jim O’Connor, and our medical staff are grateful, and sought once again to host an event for the community we humbly serve in order to show our appreciation, and to give back.” – Executive Director of the St. Catherine of Siena Foundation Tom Mclaughlin
The instructors for the upcoming clinic include former New York Mets first baseman Ed Kranepool, outfielder Art Shamsky, and pitcher Bill Pulsipher, as well as former New York Yankees first baseman Frank Tepedino. In addition, the Long Island scout for the New York Mets, Larry Izzo, will be on hand to coach and answer questions with Jon Mauchan, Minnesota Twins scout. The Long Island Ducks will be represented by manager and former Met, Kevin Baez, and the team’s mascot, Quackerjack. Smithtown’s own Frank Catalanotto will also be present at the event. Catalanotto played in the MLB from 1997-2010 for the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, and the New York Mets, and is now looking forward to giving back to the children and families of his hometown of Smithtown at the clinic.