By TONY BELLISSIMO
The program, in its eighth year of operation, offers young baseball enthusiasts the opportunity to gain the knowledge and experience of the game and sharpen their skills. And, it's done is a fun environment.
Directors Tony Lombardo and Al Marrazzo formed the program in 2002. Lombardo sees the camp as an opportunity for kids to improve every aspect of their game. "We can teach a kid more in one week than what they'll learn in a full season of little league," Lombardo said. "We have a quality coaching staff and provide a perfect mix of fun and learning."
Lombardo, Marrazzo and many of the program's instructors have served as coaches and chose a career in education. Lombardo and Marrazzo have a combined 24 years in school classrooms and nearly the same amount of time in coaching or working in various camps. Prior to starting Valbrook, the pair worked together for seven years at Buddy Harrelson's Baseball Academy. Lombardo has been an assistant varsity baseball coach at Valley Stream Central for 20 years, while Marrazzo recently completed his eighth year as varsity head coach at Lynbrook.
Kids from ages 7-14 spend six hours a day at the camp. The morning session begins at 9 a.m. with three hours of instruction, featuring work on fielding and throwing mechanics and hitting techniques. A daily skills contest and simulated games highlight the afternoon portion. "For some of the older kids we break down things to a science," Lombardo said. "One of the biggest things we emphasize is developing a quick bat. It's a key to hitting JV and varsity pitching.
"For defense, it's all repetition," he continued. "Most kids can't practice ground balls and making cutoff throws in their own backyard."
Chris Infantino, 13, is preparing to enter ninth grade at Valley Stream South in the fall and has his sights set on making the JV baseball team next spring. In his third year at Valbrook, he's noticed considerable improvement in his swing. "I'm working on hitting a lot," Infantino said. "It's a great camp and I hope to work for it one day."
Valbrook breaks groups down into age groups and has a half-day program for 5-6 year olds. "We're careful with the age groups," Lombardo said. "Safety is our main concern. We're not going to put 13-year olds with 10-year olds on the same field."
To assure every student receives hands-on attention, each group has a 6-to-1 student to instructor ratio. Another veteran coach at the camp is Bob Inzerillo, who has more than 20 years of experience.
Marrazzo has seen the program grow over time and looks forward to dedicating his July to campers. "I love it," he said. "There's nothing better. Coach Lombardo and I are passionate about this and want to see kids playing baseball the right way and having fun. We've been averaging between 60 and 70 kids."
Like most campers, baseball tops 13-year-old Hewlett resident Zachary Metz's list of favorite sports. "I learn something new every day," he said.
The camp has openings for each of the last two sessions (July 20-24 and 27-31 at Greis Park). For more information, visit the website at www.valbrook.com.
Comments about this story? TBellissimo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 204.
