Evans, Ga. - The Augusta University baseball team and D-Bat Evans have teamed up to give back to the community. Not only was there a meet and greet for the fans, but also, there were a pair of clinics to help out the youngsters interested in baseball. 

The first day consisted of fans able to take their pictures with the players and get their autographs as well as watch Augusta take batting practice. There was also a players clinic where future baseball players could work directly with the AU players. 

"To me, it's just a great thing to get with the guys and spread some knowledge with the kids and give back to the community," said  Augusta junior Jake Vachon. "I remember when I was a kid, I remember looking up to guys like us and always wish I could be like them growing up."

Bryce Massey, owner of D-Bat Evans is also an Augusta alumnus, has been a strong partner with the baseball team since D-Bat opened over three years ago. He said events like this strengthen the bonds between the two and the community since the kids really look up to the players.

"Having these guys step into the batting cage with an aspiring 12-year-old baseball player, you got to know these kids are going to be looking up to these guys," said Massey. "Just stature alone. They see these guys walking in with their uniform on, they are doing what most kids want to do." 



On the second day of the event,  younger kids were able to attend a clinic with the Jaguars in an attempt to get better before their seasons start in the spring. Massey is also starting to see full circle moments with some of the kids who've been working out  at D-Bat and are now Augusta University baseball players. 

"We've got a couple of guys who played for us at Greenbrier High School, that worked with us at D-Bat, and are now playing for AU," said Massey. "It's a lot of fun to see these kids grow into that."

Augusta University softball and D-Bat Evans will team up in the spring for a clinic for future softball players. 

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