DOWNEY – Northwest Downey Little League will be holding its first ever Christmas Cares Baseball Camp this Christmas Eve.

The free camp, which will take place at Furman Park on Dec. 24, will be led by NWDLL coach and former professional baseball player Darrick Hale.

According to NWDLL President Ernesto Valle, the event is a part of his vision to have the little league impart strong character and values into its players, in addition to being a “baseball factory.”

“It’s more than just a camp… I made a promise this spring to the community that our kids, we’re going to go back and teach these kids character traits that they’ll translate to help them become better citizens as they grow up and mature, such as hard work, integrity, loyalty.”

He added that he wants to make NWDLL “a pillar in our community.”

“How can you learn great character traits if our kids don’t see what we can do beyond baseball, what baseball can do beyond the field,” said Valle.

The upcoming camp has been specifically emphasized for kids that haven’t had the opportunity to attend to camp due to cost or other circumstance.

“I want people to know this is Northwest Downey, this is what you’re getting when you come,” said Valle. “Not only are we competitive, on the field, not only are we bringing championships, not only are we top teams in tournament play, but we’re getting great coaches, great people with great hearts, and we’re doing things for the community. We’re developing kids, we’re giving them the resources…What I tell the parents is we’re going to teach you lessons through baseball that will help you beyond baseball.”

Hale, who was a NWDLL alumnus before playing through college and eventually into the Cincinnati Reds’ minor league system, says it’s about development.

“For me, it’s just about creating an environment,” said Hale. “My big thing is confidence skills and sportsmanship; that’s what I want these kids to leave with. That’s kind of my thing, my slogan, is confidence skills and sportsmanship.

“I just want them to understand that they can accomplish their dreams, as well as knowing that I was a product of Downey, not only this city, but this little league that gave me the opportunity to accomplish my dreams.”

He hopes to give students a better chance to succeed on and off the field.

“I think the game of baseball, being that it’s a game of failure, really teaches kids to understand, ‘Hey, we’re failing, but somehow we’re succeeding,’” said Hale. “I want them to apply that to life too.”

There will be three sessions: Ages 6-8, from 9 am to 10:30 am, ages 9-10 from 11 am to 12:30 pm, and ages 11-12 from 12:45pm to 2 pm. Participants are encouraged to come “ready to play.” While it is encouraged to RSVP ahead of time, Hale says he will not turn away any kids.

For more information, contact Darrick Hale at 562-644-0893 or darrickhale@icloud.com.