On Saturday, January 16, more than 150 Puerto Penasco little leaguers got one-on-one instruction from major league coaches during the first “Penasco in the Big Leagues” baseball clinic.
Held at the ballpark behind the Municipal Stadium, the event was organized by Rick Busa, President of the Youth Sports Foundation, Fernando Lopez Trasvina, Director of the Municipal Institute of Sports and major league player and coach Scott Steinmann, who has a home in Rocky Point.
Steinmann, of the Seattle Mariners, is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently lives in Arizona. A catcher for 2 ½ years, he has been a coach/manager for 12 years. His skill as a recruiter was evident in his ability to round up a few of his friends to help make the baseball clinic a reality.
Outfielder Henry Cotto, currently with the San Francisco Giants, spent 10 years playing with the Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins, New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners. For 15 years, Cotto has been a minor league hitting/outfield/base running coach.
Rich Dorman had a 9-year minor league pitching career and is in his second year as a pitching coach. Dorman is originally from Oregon.
Jim Horner, of Twin Falls, Idaho, has spent his entire 9-year career with the Mariners, 1 year as a hitting coach and 4 years as a manager.
Mike Hrynio is an 8-year veteran of the minors, having spent 2 years at third base and 6 as a relief pitcher. Hrynio, of Morris County, New Jersey, is looking forward to pursuing his dreams by playing ball with the independent leagues.
The five major League coaches came to give of themselves and share the fruits of their experience with local children, but there were more than a few adults among the spectators who seemed to be reminiscing about little league days gone by.
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