Baseball is right around the corner, and Brookhaven RecreationDepartment officials are optimistic about the second annualpre-season baseball workshop at the Dr. A.L. Lott Sportsplex thisweek.

Recreation Department Director Terry Reid said the workshop thisyear, a free perk with team registration, will start on Wednesdayat 4:30 p.m. Reid said the workshop is a good precursor for theseason because children who might not be familiar with the game canlearn the basics.

“We’re going to have coaches there to evaluate the kids and towork with the kids who have never had a chance to play,” Reid said.”This gives them a chance to see what it’s all about.”

Reid said several of the volunteers that will be helping withthe baseball camp are going to be coaches in the league when theseason starts, and are looking forward to working with prospectiveplayers.

“We’re going to have people out there to teach them how to throwand catch and handle the ball,” Reid said. “We’re just going to letthem work on the basics.”

Registration for the season will be held during the camp aswell, Reid said, giving parents a chance to get their kids signedup during the spring break week.

The season begins on May 5, with registration taking placethrough March 13. Reid said parents can only benefit fromencouraging their children to take part in spring baseball.

“What they do when they’re involved with team sports is learn toplay and get along with others,” he said. “It’s good to show themwhat it’s like to be a part of a team so they’re focusing onsomething other than themselves.”

Workshop participants are asked to bring a glove with their namewritten on it and must enroll in the baseball program. When theseason starts, the games will be played at the Lott Sportsplex, andtimes will vary according to team schedules.

Reid said the camp is open to children ages 8 and up from 4:30to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Adults interested incoaching and parents or participants with questions are alsoinvited to call the Brookhaven Recreation Department at (601)833-3791.