Phillies' Cole Hamels Shows Youngsters How It's Done

About 60 young pitchers got the thrill of a lifetime this morning: a pitching clinic run by Phillies' ace Cole Hamels.

KYW's Kim Glovas reports that the young players gathered at FDR Park in South Philadelphia, near the ball field.

From 7:30am until noon, the players -- ranging in age from 9 to 13 -- got professional training and tips from Cole Hamels (above) and three other professional pitchers.

Eleven-year-old Chris Hyatt of East Lansdale, Pa. explains what he learned:

"Just have a better attitude about stuff, and stay healthy and active and stuff like that."

Chris says he also got some one-on-one with Hamels on his delivery.

"He helped me with my pitching, made some adjustments."

Kim talked with Hamels about the clinic, and with Jim Brogan, a Lower Merion High School graduate, who is now a sports mental coach:

Hamels explains why he holds the clinics for young athletes:

" It was something that I never really had when I was growing up.  Ya know, to really make a difference in kids' lives, because I really think that's where you can hit 'em.

"If you can get 'em when they're young,  I think, they can make better decisions, not only in baseball but in life.  And I think that's what I really try to instill here is the proper work ethic."

Money raised by the camp benefits local Philadelphia schools.

(Photo by KYW's Kim Glovas)