DETROIT – Clark Park in Detroit became a baseball boot camp for some lucky kids Friday.
Detroit was one of three cities chosen this summer where McDonald's is sponsoring youth baseball clinics.
Roughly 100 children, mostly Hispanic, were invited to attend and they endured a steamy day with giant smiles.
Local McDonald's owner and former professional athlete, Jim Thrower, is excited to be a part of teaching kids how to succeed.
"To be their best on and off the field. Hopefully this event will inspire them in the years to come to pursue their dreams," says Thrower.
Wayne State University's baseball team was there to teach the kids how to throw, pitch, field, and hit. The college athletes taught the students how to take their game to the next level. And although that is a huge advantage, it was not the biggest act to show up.
The Clinic is a partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame. As a special treat, the kids got to hang out with Detroit Tiger Ramon Santiago and coaches Rafael Belliard, Mike Rojas, and Javair Gillett.
"I love kids. Whatever I can do to help the kids... I will do it," says Santiago.
Santiago taught the future stars more than just baseball. The Tigers' struggles, he says, are a road block the team will plow through. When life throws you a curve ball, swing for the fences and your dreams can come true.
"We have to approach every game like it's the last. If we do that, we have a chance to win a lot of games," added Santiago.
McDonald's invited all of the kids and their families to a Tigers game this weekend. It's all part of Fiesta Tigres on Saturday.