EAST LYME’S JOHN MCDONALD AND TODD DONOVAN TO APPEAR AT WORLD BASEBALL COACHES’ CONVENTION AT THE MOHEGAN SUN
East Lyme High School graduates John McDonald, a member of the Boston Red Sox 2013 World Championship team and now a roving infield instructor with the Cleveland Indians, and Todd Donovan, a scout with the Philadelphia Phillies, will be among the presenters at the World Baseball Coaches' Convention on Jan. 18-20 at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center.
Other presenters for the event, which draws more than 1,000 coaches from all levels of play, will be former Cy Young Award winner Pat Hentgen a senior adviser for the Toronto Blue Jays; former All-Star first baseman Carlos Delgado, also with the Blue Jays organization; and current Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill.
The convention, in its 15th year, is co-directed by Waterford resident and Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker.
McDonald will head a session called "coaching keys to developing winning infield play" from 8:15-9 p.m. Thursday night, Jan. 18, and run an infield activities demonstration on Friday, Jan. 19, from 10:15-11 a.m. Other local presenters listed are Mitchell College coach Travis Beausoleil and Tim Yuhas of the locally based Yuhas Performance Training.
Coaches can register for the convention at www.baseballcoachesclinic.com for $165 through Jan. 16 or $189 at the door. Student/player registration for those 18-and-under is $79.
The World Softball Coaches' Convention will also be held at the Sun on Saturday, Jan. 18, featuring legendary UCLA coach Sue Enquist and former Olympian and UCLA All-American Natasha Watley. Coaches can pre-register at www.softballcoachesclinic.com for $115 through Jan. 16 or $130 at the door. Student/player registration is $75.