Thomas “Tip” Fairchild, minor league baseball player for the Houston Astros, recently conducted a pitching/throwing clinic for local youth players in Raymond. The clinic was divided into two Wednesday evenings, Nov. 28 and Dec. 5. This is Fairchild’s second time teaching in Raymond.
Twenty- five Sebago Long Lake Cal Ripken players ages 9 to 13 attended the clinic. Coaches chose participants based on their ability, sportsmanship and commitment to baseball.
The program included proper techniques for safety, agility, warm-ups, pitching and throwing, all geared to their age group.
Fairchild brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that he has gained while in the minors. Earlier this year, he was one of only six minor league players invited to attend Nolan Ryan’s elite pitching camp. While there, he was coached by Ryan himself, as well as Roger Clemens and former Red Sox pitching coach Dave Wallace.
Fairchild was also selected to play in the minor league All Star game. He pitched to Red Sox rookie star, Jacoby Ellsbury and against Sox rookie pitcher Clay Bucholtz.
Fairchild wrapped up the clinic by giving each participant individual coaching on how to work on their new skills. Before they left, Fairchild personally autographed baseballs and pictures for each boy in attendance.
After being sidelined by an injury, Fairchild has been doing months of physical therapy and training to get ready for the upcoming season. He leaves for Houston in February to start training for the 2008 season. If all goes well, he may be slated to play some major league games for the Astros.
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