Legends for Youth Clinic teaches the game to Solana Beach kids

World Series chatter filled the air and it wasn't restricted to those playing for the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals.

Charles Nagy, who pitched in two Fall Classics with the Cleveland Indians, was spreading the gospel to 75 youngsters, between the ages of 6-16, at the Legends for Youth Baseball Clinic on a sun-splashed Saturday morning.

"Find your balance point, step toward that catcher and throw a strike,'' Nagy told those with bright eyes in Solana Beach, Calif. "That's it and it's simple.''

The national pastime can be a complicated game but Nagy and seven other Major League Baseball Players Alumni members were breaking it down for those with grand dreams.

"I want to be a major-league player for the Dodgers,'' Grant Harrison, 14, said.

Harrison looked the part of a smooth-fielding shortstop and a pitcher with a presence. It's a long road ahead for any player seeking to be in "The Show" but it doesn't hurt showing up and getting advice from those that have been there.

"This is really cool that these guys come out here,'' Harrison said. "And it's cool for us to learn from veteran major-leaguers.''

Nagy had more than a cup of coffee in the bigs. The 14-year veteran won 129 games, was a key part of those two American League champion teams with the Tribe and he was selected to three All-Star games.

Despite those accolades, his smile was as big as those listening to him. Giving back is important to Nagy, as he recalls coaches disbursing their time and wisdom when he was a tyke.

"I just try to remember the lessons that I learned and then pass along the message,'' Nagy said.

Bobby Mitchell, a former Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins outfielder, was watching participants pass by -- but in the right position.

Mitchell was conducting base-running drills which included a bottle of water for the players to veer around coming out of the batter's box when headed for first base, and a plastic cone for them to go inside of when aiming for second base.

"If you want to go on and play ball at a higher level you can stand above everyone else if you are a complete ballplayer,'' Mitchell said. "That includes being a good base runner.

"I will guarantee you 50 percent of the players that reach the pros don't know how to run the bases the right way. If you can, you are ahead of the game.''

Cole Liniak, an ex-Chicago Cubs infielder, was preaching to the masses about staying low to field a ball, with the glove on the ground and the other hand above it.

"Then when you get it throw it by gripping the ball with four seams,'' Liniak said. "Then it will go straight. But first your have to get in an athletic position by getting your body low and bringing the ball into your belly. Stay balanced and give them a good throw.''

Liniak's pitch wasn't restricted to a baseball. He stressed that playing baseball minus stress is a skill in itself.

"Baseball is hard and it's a game of failure,'' he said. "So you have to just come back the next day with a positive attitude. Sometimes when you get past 12 and 13 years old, the fun gets taken out of it.''

Raul Gonzalez, an outfielder for four teams over five years, wasn't out of his element teaching the proper techniques.

His appearance, along with Liniak's, illustrated the bond that can develop through the great game of baseball.

Gonzalez and Liniak met in the Boston Red Sox bat room at their training facility in Fort Meyers, Fla., in 1995. All these years later, they were trading stories like kids do baseball cards.

"It's a friendship that we have that is very special,'' Liniak said.

It was special for the younger generation to learn from their elders. Their parents also appreciated the endeavor which has the full support of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni group. Other members taking part were Calvin Pickering, Jerry Turner, Kyle Phillips and Phil Ouellette.

"These guys are major-leaguers,'' said Scott Harrison, Grant's father. "They talk about the fundamentals, but they also give a great reminder to keep it fun. There's a reason why they call it a game.''