(AUSTIN, Texas) 10.31.2016 – This past Saturday, Huston-Tillotson University hosted its inaugural baseball/softball clinic at the historic Downs Mabson Field.
More than 50 youth ages 8-12, participated in the clinic on Oct. 29, which was run largely by the members of the University’s baseball and softball teams. As part of the three-hour clinic, participants rotated through four stations (left and right soft-toss, pitcher, outfield and infield) and focused their attention on refining their skills and techniques.
University President and CEO Colette Pierce Burnette opened the clinic by welcoming participants and thanking them for their interest in the program. Students from around the world are attracted by the University’s athletic programs, but quickly come to know the incredible history surrounding Downs Mabson Field.
Downs Mabson Field was constructed in 1954 on a site that was already home to Austin’s black athletes for almost 30 years. This field was the one-time home to Hilton Smith and Richard Lane, players who were later inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, respectively. The field represents the history of African-American baseball and athletics in the City of Austin.
Youth participants had the incredible opportunity of working with HT’s baseball Coach Mr. Alvin Moore, a 1973 Huston-College Alumnus. He played in the Negro Baseball League, and has served as the head men’s baseball coach for the past 34 years. In addition, he is ranked 16th on the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Baseball Coaches Victory List.
In addition, Mr. Jim Gideon, former Major League Baseball Player, and Mrs. Stella Wells, daughter of the late National Baseball Hall of Fame and Negro League Baseball Player Willie Wells, who is known as one of the greatest shortstops, also attended the clinic.
