Academy Notebook: Christmas Party celebrated in Academy parking lot

Santa visited the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex, presented by Toyota, on Thursday, Dec. 17, as the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation hosted its third annual Christmas Party.

Reimagined as a drive-through celebration in the Academy parking lot this year, festivities also featured Christmas lights and stilt walkers dressed as a sugar plum fairy and toy soldier. Approximately 120 pre-registered Academy families received holiday gifts for their children and a to-go Papa John’s pizza dinner.

Texas Rangers Chief Operating Officer Neil Leibman, who also serves as the chairman of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation board, and his wife Amy, provided financial support for the Christmas party.

“The Rangers and Rangers Foundation, along with my family’s, commitment to our community has not changed. Our commitment to helping families and kids in West Dallas has grown and deepened since the start of the pandemic, and we will continue to be here where they need us. We wish all of our Academy families a safe, healthy and happy holiday season,” Leibman said.

Kershaw’s Challenge Camp

Mercy Street Dallas hosted it’s ninth annual Kershaw’s Challenge Camp on the fields at the Academy on Sunday, Dec. 13.

Academy regular Hendrix Pope was among the participants. The nine year old took home a signed baseball and special memories from meeting Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

“I had fun and I also learned about the pro hop,” Hendrix Pope said. “One thing I liked the most was talking to Mr. Kershsaw and him telling me that my bat was heavier than his. I am also very thankful of going to the camp. I want to come back next year.”

His dad, Michael Pope, was also grateful for the experience.

“I enjoyed watching so many kids from all over learning the game of baseball. This camp is a highlight for us, and we are always looking forward to attending. Dallas Jesuit and Mr. Kershaw ran an outstanding camp,” Michael Pope said. “Hendrix was able to learn from the best about baseball and the importance of perseverance in life.”

Kershaw spoke about perseverance to over 150 young athletes in attendance, noting his journey to the World Series and encouraging them to persevere through whatever they are facing.

Baseball equipment was also distributed at the event, thanks to the Rangers and Pro Players Foundation.

Registration Open for Winter Training Program

The Academy’s Winter Training Program is slated to begin Jan. 11 and run through Feb. 25. The weekly programming schedule by age group is listed below. All programming will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration is available as texasrangers.com/academy.