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Playing it forward
Local ballplayers learn from Turlock’s finest at first-ever Kramer baseball camp
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Over 100 local children spent their Sunday afternoons hanging out and going through drills with some of Turlock's most decorated baseball players at the first-ever Kramer Family Foundation Baseball Camp (Photo contributed).

The stars were out at the Turlock High School varsity baseball field on Sunday afternoon as Bulldog alum and former Major League Baseball player Kevin Kramer hosted the first-ever Kramer Family Foundation Baseball Camp. Over 100 local children from ages 4 to 12 were able to meet and train with a number of Turlock baseball legends who have played at the collegiate and professional levels.

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Former MLB player and Turlock High alum Kevin Kramer explained that finally being able to host a baseball camp in his hometown was everything he could have hoped for and more (CHRISTOPHER CORREA/The Journal).

“As long as we get the kids outside, get them moving and make sure they have fun, this camp will be a success,” Kramer said ahead of the camp.

It’s safe to say that his goals were met.

Kids were split up into age groups and rotated through 11 different stations, each focused on a different aspect of the game of baseball. These stations included soft toss with former Stanislaus State pitcher Nick Voumard, batting practice with former UC Santa Barbara third baseman Ryan Cumberland, pitching lessons from former San Francisco Giants pitcher Steve Soderstrom and 2016 Washington Nationals draftee Jeremy McDonald, catching and first base drills with Stanislaus State alum James Heller and current Oakland Athletics prospect Tyler Soderstrom, outfield drills with UC Berkeley alum and current Baltimore Orioles minor Brett Cumberland, with help from the winningest coach in Turlock baseball history, Mark de la Motte. The children also received special agility training from the team over at BODYBEST•FIT gym.

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Former Stan State first baseman James Heller (left) and current Oakland Athletics catching prospect Tyler Soderstrom (right) give camp participants catching tips (CHRISTOPHER CORREA/The Journal).

After working on their skills with the experts, the youngsters refueled their tanks with a hot dog lunch before testing their abilities in a friendly game of whiffle ball.

“It’s so amazing to see everyone out here,” Kramer said to his many guests. “This is everything I hoped for and more.”

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Mark de la Motte made a special appearance at Sunday's baseball camp, overseeing infield drills. He is the winningest coach in Turlock baseball history and recently witnessed the approval of having the THS varsity baseball field named after him (CHRISTOPHER CORREA/The Journal).

After the event, Kevin and his wife, Riley, hinted at running the event back next year.

“Today was so amazing,” the couple posted on social media. “This might have to turn into an every year kinda deal.”

But the fun with the Kramers won’t stop here. This Saturday, the Kramer Family Foundation will be hosting their third annual Gala fundraiser dinner. The event will be host to a beneficiary competition between local non-profit organizations in Turlock.

For the latest updates on Kramer Family Foundation events and charitable efforts, head to KramerFamilyFoundation.com

http://www.kramerfamilyfoundation.com/

or follow them on social media at @KramerFamilyFoundation on Instagram and Facebook.