Kids at an after school program in Mesa recently got the chance to run the bases and work on their swing at the batting tee alongside the mayor and Arizona Diamondbacks mascot.
Mayor Mark Freeman said that in addition to Mesa being a regional hub for baseball, programs like the PLAY BALL clinic provide all kids an opportunity.
“Here in our parks,” said Freeman, “this is where you go, where young residents can get engaged with their community and play ball. And we want to introduce them to outdoor activities, and our recreational programs.”
Jocelyn Bogen directs the MLB PLAY BALL program for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which collaborates with the city government.
For Mesa, she said, “It's part of your identity. So I think it's only fair that the young people – everyone gets an opportunity to experience it.”
Bogen said the Mesa clinic has grown over the 10 years it’s been around – and despite the pandemic-induced pause on youth sports, she added that interest in baseball is also on the rise.
Regardless of whether any of the 4- to 17-year-old participants eventually become a fan or a player, she said the important thing is that they’ll at least have one common experience to connect on.
“Having everyone do one kind of activity, that kind of formalized the program a little bit, and that’s really made a difference,” said Bogen, watching kids laugh, run and squeal as they ran around the diamond at Jefferson Park with a smile. “For Mesa, this is a great way for them to stay connected across all races, all economics.”
Bogen said that introducing kids to sports is hugely important while many are looking for ways to reconnect, even years after transitioning out of remote learning.
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