Registration is under way for the third annual Fall Baseball Camp at East Central Community College in Decatur, announced Diamond Warrior assistant coach Michael Avalon who serves as camp coordinator.

Avalon said the purpose of the camp, which is designed for high school players in grades nine through 12, “is to give participants the opportunity to enhance their skills through instruction and competition.”

Camp participation will be limited to six teams, to allow more time for instruction.

“In an effort to ensure ample instruction time for each participant,” Avalon explained, “we are striving to keep the numbers of each team to a minimum. In addition, the East Central baseball staff and players will be responsible for coaching and instruction to help each player benefit from the camp.” 

Avalon also noted the camp is provided for athletes not participating in other sports. Those involved in fall sports should receive permission from their high school coach prior to registering for the camp.

Teams will play doubleheaders each week and players are required to attend all games.

“Players will be divided equally based on their positions,” he said. “Each team will play two instructional games and participate in a one-hour skills session (hitting, pitching and defensive play) once each week according to the designated schedule.”

Avalon said each team is guaranteed eight instructional games. A two-hour time limit is set for each contest. Should game cancellations occur due to the weather, camp sessions will still be held at the indoor facilities and all teams will need to report at their required times.

Games begin Tuesday, Oct. 20 or Saturday, Oct. 24, and continue through Saturday, Nov. 14. A fifth week of competition, if needed, includes games on Thursday, Nov. 19 and Saturday, Nov. 21.

Cost is $200 per player, which includes a game shirt. Checks should be made payable to East Central Community College Baseball.

The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 9, 2009. Those planning to attend are urged to call or e-mail coaches to reserve spots, which are limited.

For more information contact Michael Avalon, assistant baseball coach, or Neal Holliman, head coach, 601-635-2111 or call toll free, 1-877-462-3222, ext. 226 or ext. 374. The e-mail addresses are mavalon@eccc.edu and nholliman@eccc.edu.