Local business owner Steve Garland of Big Bats Café has seen a lot of changes in baseball over the years.  Just a visit to his Kent Island café will demonstrate his passion for America’s Pastime.  Over the years the game has definitely changed and our younger generation has lost sight of how the game was once played.

On Saturday, June 12th Steve Garland will team up with local baseball fans, players, and coaches to answer the question “What Ever Happened to Baseball?”  Thanks to the opening of the Bay Bridge Batting Academy on Kent Island, baseball awareness is on the rise for the youth ball players and parents that visit Coach Gus on a regular basis. It was Gus Kaplanges (Owner/Head Coach BBBA/Youth Advocate) who brought Jeff Potter to Kent Island. Coach Gus introduced Jeff Potter (Author and Tour President), Steve Garland (Owner Big Bats Café), Coach Andy Moore (QAHS Head Coach) and Steve Hampton (President KIYBSC) to each other in order to bring the Potter East Coast Baseball Tour to Kent Island on July 16th. These gentlemen are determined to help improve youth baseball by bringing awareness to parents, coaches, players and fans about the state our precious game is in at the youth level today and how it use to be, in order to find solutions to improve it for our youth.

As is occurring in 19 other towns between Youngstown, Ohio to Stevensville, MD we are conducting a Baseball Bonanza! The day will start with local baseball authors and a book signing period.  Next, mix in a baseball panel discussion with former big leaguers and top local coaches.  Throw in a Home Run Happy Hour with baseball trivia and memorabilia while mingling with the crowd.  Bring the family and enjoy some old fashion baseball fellowship at Big Bats Café on Saturday, June 12th.

Line-up of Fun:

1:00 – 3:00 Book Signing with Local Baseball Authors
3:00 – 6:00 Panel Discussion on the topic “Whatever Happened to Baseball”
6:00 – 8:00 Homerun Happy Hour with Baseball Trivia and Silent Auction

*Specials all day long with proceeds to benefit local youth baseball programs.

If you’d like more information about the Baseball Bonanza, or would like to get involved, please call Coach Moore at 443-370-1317 or email at amoore@teacher.com.  Additional information can also be viewed at www.potterbaseballtour.com