Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Area youth learn the basics of playing baseball. In groups of five kids 6 through 9 practice catching pop flies using the two-hand catch method. See more photos on page 10B, and on The Journal’s CU site (cu.nujournal.com).

NEW ULM — Over a hundred area kid took part in the Twins Free Baseball Clinic in North Park on Friday.

Instructors Donnie Geng, Jay Brown and Steve Hucke from the Minnesota Twins coached the kids in the basic fundamentals of baseball, including hitting, throwing and fielding.

Around 35 Twins Baseball Clinics are held across the state each summer. Geng said New Ulm had one of the best turnouts. He credited New Ulm’s love of baseball.

“This town’s got a great reputation for baseball,” he said.

Brown said on average 30 students attend the clinics, but close to 120 participated in New Ulm Friday afternoon. The instructors offered two clinic. The first was for ages 6 through 9 with the later class for ages 10 to 13.

The instructors hope to teach the youth a few things to help them practice over the summer.

“You are the best coach you’ve got,” Geng said to the kids. “Go and play at home and teach yourself to get better.

The free event was sponsored by Twins Community Fund and Great River Energy.