Brewers host about 1,000 kids from all over Wisconsin for "Play Ball Weekend"

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- About 1,000 kids from all over Wisconsin got a special chance to learn from former Brewers players, as part of the nationwide initiative called "Play Ball Weekend".

At Baron Park on Saturday, June 14, kids of all ages and abilities learned how to run, catch, and hit, as well as get sized for the right equipment.

Former players like Tim Dillard and Vinny Rottino as well as former general manager Jerry Augustine helped coach the next generation of players. That included 7th grader Trevor, who said he really liked the program and "the coaches have helped me with my stance, my form, and my catching."

But the Brewers hope the fun from Saturday goes beyond the diamond.

"It's important for kids to recognize they deserve to have fun, first and foremost. There are healthy things to do beyond the screen; they can be outside and enjoy the grass, and there are adults who care about them," shared Cecelia Gore, Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation.

"Play Ball" is happening all across the United States this weekend, showing kids the fun that can be had outdoors and playing baseball. But the sport isn't the most accessible, admits Ellison Hanna II, Senior Director of Program Quality and Impact for the Players Alliance: "Baseball has gotten so expensive over the years. You have to have travel tournament fees, gear, bat, gloves, cleats, all these things, helmets, they can be super expensive." It's something he knows firsthand, growing up in the Bahamas without access to the best equipment growing up. He said it "means everything" to him to be able to help kids as a part of the Players Alliance. "We size and fit kids in rural areas and underserved communities to be able to create and address socioeconomic barriers that might prevent them from playing baseball and softball."

This is the 9th year the Brewers have hosted Play Ball Weekend.