Extra Innings to begin holding pitching clinics

Extra Innings will be offering two pitching clinics, headed by former local Major League Baseball player Troy Mattes, beginning Dec. 18.

Pitching 101 for ages 12 and under will be held Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. The clinic will be four sessions long and will focus on the basics of pitching. Players will be evaluated and instructed on the fundamentals that lead to a well-rounded pitcher. Areas of focus include: grips, footwork, balance, leg drive, release point, control, warm-up, stretching and arm maintenance, among others.

Pitching 102 for ages 13 and up will be held Thursdays from 6-7:15 p.m., beginning Dec. 20.

This four-session clinic for more advanced pitchers will focus on the basics of various pitch grips and delivery along with throwing mechanics, bullpen routines, arm maintenance, commanding pitches and the mental aspects of pitching.

All athletes in the advanced sessions will receive before and after written evaluations and a video analysis will be done at the beginning and end of the sessions.

Both clinics will be held to a maximum of 10 participants. The cost is $109 for members and $139 for non-members.