Cincinnati Reds Coach Lee Tinsley pitches the ball to Reds Rookie Success League participants June 9 at Batavia Township Community Center. The character-building baseball camp runs from June 9-19.

Cincinnati Reds Coach Lee Tinsley pitches the ball to Reds Rookie Success League participants June 9 at Batavia Township Community Center. The character-building baseball camp runs from June 9-19.
By Kristin Rover
Sun staff

The Reds Rookie Success League in Clermont County is quickly becoming an example for the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund of how to run a character-building baseball camp the right way.

“Clermont County in a lot of ways is sort of a gold standard,” Charley Frank, executive director of the Reds Community Fund, said about the camp.

Frank said it is not just about the wonderful facilities they have for the camp at Batavia Township Community Center, but also about the leadership of those who help with the camp and the involvement of the community.

“We really have the entire community engaged,” Frank said.

Sponsors and partners that help make the camp happen were recognized on the first day of camp June 9 including Batavia Township Trustees, University of Cincinnati Clermont College, Auxier Gas, Park National Bank, Sam’s Club, Chick-fil-A, Skyline, the Clermont Chamber of Commerce, Clermont County Commissioners, the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and more.

Matt Corwell, with Park National Bank, said they enjoy supporting a great program.

“We like to be a sponsor for anything that is community involved,” Corwell said.

Eric Sears, with Auxier Gas, said it is nice to be involved in the community.

“We have been in business in Batavia for almost 70 years,” Sears said. “We feel it is good to give back to the community.”

He said they also support the camp because of what it is.

“It promotes respect, good morals and good sportsmanship,” Sears said. “All things we support.”

Reds Rookie Success League is an introductory baseball program for boys and girls that focuses on baseball instruction with character-building curriculum, according to the organization.

The program incorporates the “six stars of success,” which are cooperation, integrity, respect, education, determination, and spirit.

Volunteers from the community help run the camp including members of the UC Clermont softball and baseball teams.

Alex Taylor, a UC Clermont softball player from Loveland, said she is already enjoying her first year as a volunteer.

“I really find it a lot of fun,” Taylor said. “Just teaching them is a lot of fun. It is a great program.”

This year the Reds Rookie Success League will run from June 9-19 on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Frank said the camp has changed a little this year.

“The biggest change is going from the four week model to the two week model,” Frank said. “We are hoping the new format encourages kids to stick with us through the entire format.”

For more information about the Reds Rookie Success League, visit http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/community/rcf_rookie_success.jsp.