Just days after their eighth grade graduation, for some Oakdale students, school was back in session.

Only this time, it was on the baseball field and not in a classroom. Oakdale High School baseball hosted a two-day clinic for the future freshman baseball players who hope to make the team in the spring of 2018. Nearly 40 players showed up for event and were also looking to make the team for the summer travel ball season. Learning from members of the Oakdale High School baseball coaching staff led by varsity head coach Nate Gregory and company, the young baseball players were eager to get started.

The two day clinic began on Thursday morning, June 1 with Coach Gregory addressing the baseball hopefuls. His speech covered topics including arriving on time, taking responsibility, Oakdale High School baseball tradition and the importance of taking care of their school work.

The large group of players then were shown the proper way to stretch led by the varsity baseball team players. Following the stretching regiment, the groups were broken down into positions and began defensive drills. Infielders were hit choppers, grounders and line drives and were throwing the ball around the diamond. Pitchers were learning the proper way to play catch and were also learning how to control their pitches. Outfielders were catching fly balls and catchers were learning the proper techniques on framing pitches and getting the ball back to the pitcher.

Day two focused on offense, from hitting to base running.

The summer travel ball season covers a four-week schedule that will see the team play at several locations around the area; Oakdale is scheduled to host a tournament June 19 through 22.