As temperatures soar this week, the U.S. Baseball Academy’s summer training camp at the Mercyhurst Prep softball field is staying focused on player development, while taking extra precautions to beat the heat.
Led by Mercyhurst Prep Baseball Coach Randy Durkoske, the camp is centered on fundamental skills like pitching and defense, but this year’s schedule looks a bit different due to the sweltering weather.
“It was a little hot last year, but this seems to take the cake,” said Durkoske. “We’re taking more breaks, have water coolers everywhere, and if anyone gets too hot, we pull them into the shade.”
The camp has also eliminated traditional running drills for now, replacing them with strategic base-running instruction that avoids physical exertion. “It’s more about leadoffs, rounding the bases, and mechanics. We’ll wait until it cools down to ramp up the physical parts,” Durkoske explained.
Despite the conditions, enthusiasm remains high among the young athletes. Durkoske encourages families to consider future sessions: “This really is a training camp. We break everything down fundamentally. It’s not just rolling out the balls.”
The weeklong camp wraps up on Thursday, with safety and skill-building continuing to take priority on the diamond.
