|
|
|
 Rocket Winter Pitching Clinic |
|
Winter Pitching Clinic
Coach Ralph Halbach of the Vermont Rockets conducts a weekly winter pitching clinic (which has been featured in the The Burlington Free Press).
Pitchers typically range from 4th grade to 12th grade. The pitchers cycle through in groups on an hourly basis each Sunday from January to mid-March. The clinic typically runs at full capacity. A typical clinic session is a blend of fundamental drills, small group instruction, individual attention for the refinement of the grip, the motion, and spins -- and even fielding practice.
After years of generous support from the St. Albans Rec Dept. and the City of St. Albans, for 2011 the clinic moves to a new location at the St. Albans Town Educational Center. Charges for the clinic are just enough to cover our expenses for the facilities, insurance and specific supplies for the clinic, so donations to the Rocket program are sincerely appreciated (and encouraged). The less time Coach Halbach has to spend fundraising for the Rockets, the more time he has to devote to the instruction of pitchers.Clinic Instructor
Rocket Founder and current 18u Coach Ralph Halbach is the Assistant Coach of the St. Michael's College Varsity Softball team. He also appears as an instructor at the clinic for Essex pitchers and occassionally at other clinics in the State.
In 2005, Ralph was elected as a member of the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame. He was only the 7th member selected, earning this honor in recognition to his contributions to the development of the game statewide and his excellence as a teacher and a coach. See coverage of Ralph's induction here. Ralph played fastpitch softball competitively in his younger days and can still break out a pinpoint blazing fastball, an unhitable riseball, a nasty drop, and a plethora of other pitches when a moment in instruction calls for a demonstration.
Through the years, Ralph has developed some of the most successful pitchers in Vermont through these winter clinics. Some have gone on to pitch for the Rockets -- others have become respected rivals enjoying success in other summer programs as the reach of fastpitch softball has expanded, nurtured in part by Ralph's teaching.
A Tradition of Involvement
Clinic veterans Anna Mayotte, Megan Roberge, Mo McGinn, Shila Wells, and Katelyn Billings share a love of giving back though teaching young pitchers. Thanks to that spirit, you never quite know who you'll find visiting the gym!
Winter Pitching Clinic Sign Ups
In October (or early November), after a well-deserved break following the conclusion of the SMC Fall Ball season, Coach Halbach will confirm who is returning and how many openings he has for the clinic. For more information or to be placed on the list for consideration for an opening, please contact Coach Halbach, or check out the Rockets News page for information on this year's clinic.
|
|
