Patriots prep for baseball camps

The University of Texas at Tyler Patriots have announced their 2006 winter baseball clinics will take place Dec. 2. and 9 at Irwin Field on the campus of UT Tyler.

The clinics are for players from ages eight through high school, with two clinics taking place each day. Players will be instructed by Patriots head coach James Vilade, as well as the Patriots assistant coaches and players.

"We've got a real quality staff," Vilade said. "The camp is designed to give every baseball player a great head start."

That staff includes a hitting camp taught by Ronnie Ortegon, longtime hitting coordinator for the Cincinnati Reds.

"We're excited to have Ronnie back here for a second straight year," Vilade said. "It's a great opportunity for our local players to get experience with a guy who's in charge of hitting for the Cincinnati reds."

For more information, visit the UT Tyler website or call 903-565-5659.