The Dominican Fernando Tatis Jr., right fielder for the San Diego Padres, gave a clinic this Saturday to more than 200 girls and boys from children’s leagues in Tijuana, a border city of Mexico.
The activity was carried out in a sports unit in one of the most conflictive neighborhoods in the city, located just one kilometer from San Ysidro, San Diego.
Tatis Jr., the winner of two silver bats in the Major Leagues, gave the Padres boys and girls T-shirts with his name and number on them, in addition to sharing some tips.
“When we play baseball at this age, it’s just about enjoying it. To all come to train, to play with our teammates. Make beautiful baseball and just improve while we enjoy it,” said the Major League All-Star Game selector in 2021.
Given the questions from the girls and boys about techniques to be better, Tatis Jr. affirmed that the most important thing now is that they play “with love” and reiterated that they enjoy the game.
Fernando Tatis Jr. poses with children in Mexico
“Later on they are going to learn what the game consists of, but right now it’s about enjoying it, playing hard and building a team”
Nicolás, one of the children who attended this clinic, told EFE that he felt “very excited and nervous” to meet one of the idols of his sport, which he has been practicing for three years.
Carlos, another of the boys, shared that he had never had an experience with a Major League Baseball player. “I hope to learn something from him because my dream is to reach the Major Leagues,” he said.
Ariel Real, one of the coaches, recognized the importance of taking one of the most important players in world baseball, especially to the area where the event was held, because of the motivation that represents the children.
“It is very important that they get motivated with players like him, from the Major Leagues. It’s very rare that we have those kinds of players here. The kids are excited, as many of them dream of making it to the Majors.”
