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The Turn 2 Foundation, in partnership with the New York City Parks and Recreation Department, hosted the 8th Annual Turn 2 Foundation New York City Baseball Clinic across greater New York City this summer. These are free, two-day clinics set up in each borough for boys and girls ages 7 to 13, focusing on baseball fundamentals, as well as important life skills and lessons.

This year's program had an amazing turn-out that totaled over 500 participants throughout all five boroughs! A group of 13 local hand-picked coaches instructed the youngsters in baseball skills over a two-day period in each borough. Days were organized with 12 different stations, 6 per day, each dedicated to one particular skill.

The clinics kicked off in the Bronx at St. Mary's Park on Saturday, April 28th and continued on Saturday, May 5th 2007. Participants were amazed by a surprise guest appearance by Jim Leyritz, former New York Yankee World Series hero, personal friend to Derek Jeter and currently a radio co-host for MLB Radio Daily on MLB Radio. Leyritz spoke for 40 minutes highlighting hitting fundamentals, the importance of being a role model, as well as other life lessons. He closed the session by signing autographs and allowing the children to ask questions regarding any of his experiences in the big leagues. At the end of each day, the children enjoyed a free-healthy lunch supplied by the Turn 2 Foundation and a copy of Derek Jeter's All-Star Manual: 10 Life Lessons workbook.

On Saturday, May 12th and May 19th, the Foundation packed its gear and headed to Staten Island and Brooklyn, and then on June 2nd and 9th went to Queens and Manhattan. Again, the clinics focused on teaching and reinforcing the fundamentals of hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching and base running, as well as another overview of Derek's 10 Life Lessons. Jim Leyritz made yet another surprise visit to Brooklyn on May 12th and Manhattan on June 9th. Queens native Allen Watson, another former Yankee and teammate of Derek, stopped by the Queens clinic on June 2nd to offer more expert advice to the participants. Weather difficulties did not allow for a guest speaker in Staten Island. Free nutritional lunches and Derek's All Star Manual were once again distributed.

This year in Queens, a very special event took place. The Turn 2 Foundation and the New York City Parks and Recreation, partnered with the United Spinal Association Yankees to introduce its first ever Wheelchair Softball Clinic for children who've endured spinal cord injuries as well as disorders.

"United Spinal hopes this first collaboration with Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation will be the first of many such events," said Bill Hannigan, United Spinal Association's Sports and Recreation Director. "Sports help kids with disabilities and without disabilities build self-esteem and confidence, and teach them to relate appropriately with their peers."

The Turn 2 Foundation plans on working with United Spinal in future events to build on the success of this program.

The clinics were a huge success. It was a very special event for each participant and coach involved. The Turn 2 Foundation looks forward to the 9th Annual New York City Baseball Clinic starting late April 2008.