3rd Annual Clayton Kershaw Baseball Camp

Last month, we were blessed to host the 3^rd Annual Clayton Kershaw’s baseball camp at the Mercy Street Field of Dreams.  Clayton and Ellen Kershaw’s foundation, Kershaw’s Challenge is a “Christ-centered, others-focused organization that exists to encourage people to use whatever God-given passion, purpose or talent they have been given to make a difference and give back to others in need.” Kershaw’s Challenge has been a generous supporter of our baseball program by donating baseball gloves and hosting an annual baseball camp for West Dallas youth. 

This year, we had amazing weather and over 200 excited kids participate in the camp. It was an honor to once again have the 2014 National League Cy Young award winner and Most Valuable Player teaching and loving on our kids. The goal of the camp is to expose our kids to professional and collegiate baseball training as well as offer them and their families the hope of the Gospel.  

For the third year, the Dallas Baptist University (DBU) baseball team and coaching staff have offered baseball and character instruction throughout the camp. The year, we also partnered with Camp Gladiator who ran a baseball themed fitness and agility training station. Easton baseball provided several bats that our campers were able to use. Volunteers were provided by the Pro Players Foundation, Mercy Street Church, Pro Source baseball, the National Charity League Heart of Dallas Chapter and the Southern Methodist University Community Engagement & Leadership Center. Lunch for participants and their families was provided by Kiolbassa Sausage and the Pro Players Foundation. Active Faith Sports provided wrist bands for every camp participant.  We are extremely grateful for all of those who contributed to making the camp a huge success.  Versa Printing provided the signs and promotional material for the camp.

 

Clayton’s number 22 jersey was retired in honor of his character and the generous support that Kershaw’s Challenge has extended to Mercy Street over the years.  Clayton and a DBU baseball player shared how their faith in Christ has radically shaped their life.  Pastor Jerry Wagner of Mercy Street Church offered the hope of the Gospel and several kids acknowledged their acceptance of this transformative message.  Campers left the Mercy Street Field of Dreams encouraged with an autographed Clayton Kershaw baseball card. Mercy Street sports hopes to use the momentum of the camp to get coaches and players excited about the upcoming spring baseball season which gets kicked off after the first of the year. 

If you are interested in coaching with Mercy Street, please contact Lee@MercyStreetDallas.org. For more information on the Mercy Street baseball program, please visit www.MercyStreetDallas.org/baseball .