ROCKINGHAM — Local baseball players looking to develop their on-field skills will get an opportunity this summer through the All-S.T.A.R. Academy baseball training camp.
Hosted by former Richmond Senior High School and college baseball player Anthony Hailey, the third annual camp will be held Saturday, June 22, at Rockingham Middle School. The one-day camp is open to players ages six to 14 and will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hailey played third base as a sophomore and junior at Richmond, before becoming a full-time pitcher during his senior season in 2005. He went on to attend and play baseball at Rockingham Community College in Wentworth, N.C., before transferring and finishing his career at Elizabeth City State University.
Aside from his experience as a collegiate player, Hailey brings a wealth of coaching experience to his camp. Over the past couple of years, he’s helped coach teams with both the Hamlet and Rockingham Parks and Recreation departments, and has been an assistant coach at Hamlet Middle School the last four seasons.
The pre-registration date for this year’s camp has already passed, but there is no limit of how many players can attend. Hailey is encouraging as many players as possible sign up. Currently, there are 25 kids penciled in and Hailey added that walk-ups are also welcomed the day of the event.
During last summer’s camp, a total of 27 ball players attended.
“The participants will be doing a variety of drills such as fielding, proper throwing form and catching pop flies,” Hailey explained. “They’ll also work on proper positioning when receiving throws to each base, how to relay throws from the outfield, hitting techniques, how to bunt, sliding drills and pitching and catching drills.”
While the camp is aimed at developing baseball players, Hailey’s All-S.T.A.R. program extends off the playing field and into the classroom. From the first camp held two summers ago, Hailey saw his working with local youth develop into an after-school program which helps student-athletes be successful in school while balancing playing sports.
Students meet weekly in the evenings and receive help with math and reading homework, and the first hour includes “academic enrichment.” Each session is concluded by 30 minutes of on-field workouts where Hailey helps with agility and development drills.
The S.T.A.R. in the program’s name stands for “sportsmanship,” “training,” “academics” and “respect.” Hailey also placed a strong emphasis on the primary objective being helping kids excel in the classroom while incorporating some fun through the physical activity.
“The All S.T.A.R. after-school program went well with several of the kids being able to come before they went to practice, which ensured that their homework was completed before participating in their after-school activities,” Hailey commented of this year’s group.
“I had my fraternity brother Michael McRae, who is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., begin coming to the after-school program to assist some of the kids with their homework and preparing them for testing,” he added.
Camp costs $35 per player, and all funds will be used to give back to the All-S.T.A.R. Academy. Hailey explained he will use the money to purchase notebooks, paper, pencils and book bags for students who attend his program. Funds will also be used for “sporting events and educational outings.”
He added that he will have “several parents, parks and rec coaches, family members and close friends” he grew up with playing baseball helping out with instruction.
For more information, or to sign campers up, Hailey can be reached at allstaracademyleaveitall@gmail.com or by cell at 910-461-5342. He also coaches personal sessions for players.
