Each fall, the Oberlin baseball team hosts a youth skills day that brings together K-12-aged players on Dill Field and in the baseball facilities for a morning of baseball, mentorship, and community. What began three years ago as a simple outreach effort has expanded into a tradition that aims to grow the game of baseball and give back to the community.

Assistant Coach Ty Schuch explained that the event was born out of a desire to strengthen ties between the College and the town. 

“We just wanted to be able to give back to the community of Oberlin,” he said. “That’s really the whole meaning of it.” 

The camp, which serves kids ages 5—18, is led by volunteers from Oberlin’s baseball team and offers instruction in base running, hitting, fielding, and pitching.

The structure is simple but effective. After introductions, where each Oberlin player shares their major, hometown, and position, the group warms up together before splitting up by age. Schuch said the younger kids especially love learning on the same field the college team uses. 

“They got to be able to use a college baseball facility, which is pretty neat for them,” he said. “Every kid had one or two coaches for each of them.”

For Head Coach Johnathan Ray, the day is as meaningful for his players as it is for the kids. 

“It gives our guys a chance to give back and reconnect with why they love the game,” Ray said. He also noted that in college, baseball often becomes about goals and hard work for his players. Spending time with kids is a reminder of the pure joy of just playing the game.

The camp also serves as a leadership opportunity for the college team. Older players are excited to take on teaching roles, Ray noted, and younger athletes have the chance to learn how to communicate across age groups. 

“I’m a big believer that if you have to teach something to someone, it’s going to help you grasp the knowledge just as much as you actually doing the activity,” Ray said. 

That leadership extends beyond the field. Many local families have returned all three years to the event, and some even pay it forward by filling the stands during home games. 

“It’s really brought the community and the College together,” Schuch noted. “We’ve had kids attend all three years, and seeing how they’ve improved every time is pretty neat.”