After a successful first run, Brighton resident and NCAA/OCAA pitcher Shaine O'Keefe is bringing back Keefer Baseball Camps for local kids. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
With hopes of continuing to give back to area youth looking to improve their game on the diamond, NCAA/OCAA pitcher Shaine O’Keefe is bringing back Keefer Baseball Camp for a second year at Brighton’s King Edward Park.
The 24-year-old pitcher made his way back home after playing college ball for three years in Mississippi as of last year and started up the camps, saying he wanted to share his love for the game and learnings with local youth.
In year one, he also brought in former coach Rob Butler – a former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder and World Series Champ – to Brighton.
In year two, O’Keefe tells us he has plans to bring in more expertise as he continues to push to improve access to the sport in rural areas like Brighton.
Pitching-specific clinics hosted by O’Keefe are already underway in Brighton on Mondays and Wednesday, but O’Keefe tells us there’s more to come at King Edward Park.
This weekend’s camp – which is one of four this summer – is running Saturday and Sunday (June 7 and 8) 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days.
O’Keefe tells us what the camps are all about.
O’Keefe, who was fortunate through his playing career to have several influential coaches, says he doesn’t want kids just to have one driving voice – he wants to bring in as much expertise to share with young players as possible.
Also, he notes, you never know when that defining connection and moment may be made.
Like last year, O’Keefe has plans to bring in a “special guest” for the year-end camp, but that formal announcement is still to come.
For this weekend’s clinic and upcoming clinics, families looking to learn more and/or get their kids involved can visit the Keefer Baseball website or email Keeferbaseball23@gmail.com.
For the June 7-8 clinic, registration is required by the end of the day Thursday, June 5.
O’Keefe played college ball at Southwest Mississippi Community College, Blue Mountain College and Humber College, with these teams recording several historic wins in recent years.
He met Butler when he was just 11 years old. Butler went on to coach O’Keefe in elite travel baseball with the Ontario Prospects for seven-eight years. You can learn more about O’Keefe’s ball background in our previous coverage.
One day, O’Keefe hopes to return the favour and help some local kids go on to get scholarships and play college ball like he did – or maybe even go further. Down the line, he’s also expressed hopes to open his own indoor baseball facility locally so kids have a place to build on their passion and develop their game year-round.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
