For the third straight year the Cayman Islands little leaguers have come out on top at a training camp held in Chicago.
Dalton Watler was one of the big winners at the recent camp. Walton came second overall.
Also Krystal Arch became the first Caymanian female at the camp to compete in the fastball skills competition.
In addition other members of the group came away with trophies as they have done every year.
The Cayman contingent competed amongst little leaguers from around Chicago at US Cellular Field, home of Major League Baseball’s 2005 World Series champion and 2008 AL Central division champion Chicago White Sox.
The Chicago-based players came from camps held by the White Sox.
The players were spread across four age categories with each age group sporting 20 competitors.
The camp ran for three days and the campers participated in a skills competition. Among the areas of interest were running 90 feet from base to base, throwing from all parts of the field and bat speed.
For Cayman Islands Little League President Stuart Knox those areas of the skills competition test the ability to be an outstanding player.
‘Those are the three skills required to be a great baseball player.’
Since 2006 four Cayman-based little leaguers have had strong showings at the camp.
Justin Wight won first place overall while Kyle Fraser was third place overall in 2006. In 2007 Tyler Lee came second place overall and finally Dalton Watler grabbed second place this year.
According to Knox, who has had a major role in the trip since its inception, the camp was an enjoyable one.
‘This is our ‘spring training’ here for our little leaguers. For three years we have been to White Sox spring training camps.
‘We have had Don Cooper, the team’s pitching coach, as well as many other great coaches and baseball names.’
Knox went on to say that next year’s camp promises to be just as good.
‘This year’s competition saw a female athlete going to represent Cayman in the fastball skills competition for the first time. Congratulations to Krystal Arch for her accomplishment.
‘We are very proud of all our young athletes and encourage them to continue their winning ways.
‘Keep your eyes open for the 2009 camp as it’s anyone’s guess who might be the next players to represent Cayman.’
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