On August 8th -11th, 2007, the Turn 2 Foundation partnered with the City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation Department and Scott's Collectables, to host the Fourth Annual Turn 2 Foundation Kalamazoo Baseball Clinic. The clinic is a free, four-day workshop for boys and girls ages 7 to 13, focusing on baseball fundamentals, as well as important life skills and lessons generated from Derek Jeter's inspirational book, The Life You Imagine.

This year's program, once again held at Mayor's Riverfront Park with Kingdom Indoor Center as the rain site, was a remarkable success! There were approximately 105 participants in average attendance; the largest roster to date!

Throughout the week, the participants were led through 23 different baseball skills stations by a group of 13 hand-picked local coaches. These 25-minute stations focused on teaching and reinforcing the fundamentals of hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching and base running, as well as highlighting Derek's 10 Life Lessons which include; Set Your Goals High, Don't Be Afraid to Fail, Have a Strong Supporting Cast, Be Serious But Have Fun, Think Before You Act, and Be a Leader, Follow the Leader.

Highlights of this year's clinic included a number of guest speakers that the Turn 2 Foundation was honored to have in attendance. On Wednesday, former Major League pitcher for the Florida Marlins and native to West Michigan Kirt Ojala shared pitching techniques, his stories of the big leagues, and advice on how to make smart decisions with the youngsters. Later in the week, former University of Michigan wide receiver and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard, who also became Super Bowl XXXI MVP in 1997 with the Green Bay Packers, reemphasized Derek's 10 Life Lessons as part of his presentation. He then allowed the children to ask numerous questions about his experiences as a collegiate and pro player, including decisions he made on and off the field. Each child received a maze and blue University of Michigan baseball cap at the end of Howard's presentation.

The participants' hard work throughout the week was rewarded with an awards ceremony on the last day in which all of the participants' families and friends were invited. Due to enormous request, inspirational speaker and author Kevin Carroll was once again asked to act as the special guest speaker for the awards ceremony. As always his presentation proved to be an inspiring and impactful experience. As part of his mission to have a lasting effect on the participants, Kevin presented each child a copy of his book, Rules of the Red Rubber Ball, a "DREAM Bracelet" with motivational card, and a unique baseball gift. After a delicious buffet lunch for all, the ceremony concluded with the participants being recognized for their efforts with a personalized certificate, as well as a goodie bag with gifts from the Turn 2 Foundation and supporters.

It was a very special week for all involved!