Youth registered for the upcoming Barrington Little League spring season will have an opportunity to learn from a pro.

Major League Baseball pitcher David Robertson will lead a special skills clinic for Barrington Little League baseball and softball players on Sunday, Jan. 22, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. 

The clinic will be held at TeamWorks Seekonk (formerly Won Sports) and is open to all boys and girls who have registered for Barrington Little League’s spring 2023 season.

“We are beyond excited to be hosting this event!!!” wrote a Barrington Little League official in a recent email. 

Robertson, who lives in town, said he is looking forward to sharing some basics with the local youngsters. He said he will likely focus on proper throwing mechanics, some tips on pitching and catching, and may offer some base-running advice as well. 

“The only thing I’m nervous about is trying to ‘herd the cats,’” Robertson joked, referring to the challenge of keeping the attention of some of the younger ballplayers. 

Robertson grew up in Alabama and started playing baseball when we was five years old. He played college baseball for the University of Alabama and in 2005 appeared in a team-high 32 games and set the single-season rookie record for most strikeouts with 105. He was also a conference leader by limiting hitters to a .183 batting average. 

In the summer of 2006, Robertson played in the Cape Cod Baseball League, starring for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox and was named MVP. 

The New York Yankees drafted Robertson in 2006 and he began his professional career a year later. He excelled in the minor leagues and in 2008, the Yankees called him up. He has played for the Yankees, White Sox, Rays, Cubs, Phillies, and is taking the field for the Mets this year. 

Robertson said his older brother, Connor, also played professional baseball and they once had the opportunity to play against each other in a minor league game. 

Robertson’s son plays for Barrington Little League and has enjoyed the experience. 

“He’s had a great time,” Robertson said. “He’s definitely gotten better while playing.”

BLL coaches will be helping out during the preseason clinic. The event is open to all softball and baseball players registered with Barrington Little League. Players need to sign up for the clinic; just visit https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=508293

Reminders

• Registration will close on Wednesday, Jan. 18 to ensure proper time for the board to prepare for the clinic

• The BLL board respectfully asks that participants refrain from asking for autographs or selfies. “Dave is generously donating his time for the clinic and we will make sure to get a group photo of Dave with all the participants that we’ll share after the clinic.”