Humble is not a adjective fit for many local youth but that’s what the Chicago White Sox called sluggers in the Cayman Islands.
Marty Kobernus and Sam Zagorac were in George Town during Pirates Week for a two-day mini-camp. At the Field of Dreams, the BullSox Training Academy instructors taught youngsters eight years-old and above the basics of hitting.
Kobernus, 56, states it’s great working with kids who want his instruction.
“I do 2,000 lessons a year to privileged and underprivileged kids and they take it for granted,” Kobernus said. “The kids here have the passion and the motor skills. The first year I came down the kids were raw and, to be frank, terrible. In my second year the kids improved so much and they continue to make great strides.
“I’m impressed with how they can pick up the skills. Give me a kid I can mould and I’m happy. Every mistake is an opportunity to fix it. They will get it.”
Zagorac, 37, states it is a situation where the residents here genuinely want coaching from White Sox personnel.
“The kids want the coaching and the parents look forward to it as well,” Zagorac said. “I’m married with two boys aged six and four and with them at that age it helps me to get along with the kids here.”
Zagorac and Kobernus got to work with dozens of kids. They had help from top local players Tyler Lee, 17 and Dequan Bennett, 16, plus Cayman Islands Little League president Paul Gallagher, vice president Jeff Pouchie and board member Chris McField. Food was on sale in the clubhouse and the camp took place during ideal weather conditions.
Among the youngsters that benefitted from the camp was Will Roberts, 10. A budding sportsman, Roberts is involved in squash, tennis and swimming among other disciplines. The son of swimming figure Adam Roberts states he had a good time.
“It went good and I learned new and old things,” Roberts said. “I think I got it mastered. The thing I’ll remember the most is don’t drop my glove when I throw.
“It’s always good to have these coaches down. I believe there is another one in January and I’m looking forward to that. With all of the activities I do, I got to find the time but I love the sport.”
A steady part of the Cayman sports scene the last five years, the White Sox camps have taken place at various times and attracted the likes of pitching guru Don Cooper, former pro Mike Huff and top youth coach Pete Caliendo. Both Zagorac and Kobernus, who were born and raised in Chicago, are no strangers to Cayman, having visited in the past.
Kobernus states he played a key part in the start of the camp here.
“I was here for the first camp. I was the one that started it with (former Cayman Little League president) Stuart Knox. His wife was from Chicago and she took her son to one of our skills camps. The kid showed skills quickly and she insisted on me making that first here and it has worked out ever since.
“My son Kyle Kobernus, 25, has been here. He played independent league ball with a team affiliated with the New York Yankees. Even though he threw 95 miles per hour, he quit and now he’s a strength and conditioning coach at the academy.
“I raised a son, been there done that and I love kids. I love the kids here and the culture is surprising. So many different ethnicities mix well. I love the hot weather here too. I’ll take that over 15-30 degrees outside.”
Zagorac meanwhile is happy to have enjoyed the culture and the tropical weather.
“This is my second time and I love coming here. The people are so welcoming. I went everywhere and I’m happy to have the opportunity to come here. With the weather coupled with it as well it’s a trip to look forward to.”
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