MIDDLETON, Mass., Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier this month, two King Philip High School seniors, who also coach young athletes part-time at Wrentham's Extra Innings baseball and softball training facility in suburban Boston, signed letters of intent to play Division I college softball next fall. The players are the most recent in a line of former Extra Innings customers who have gone on to play at elite levels.
Tori Constantin will play for Central Connecticut State University, while Anna O'Neill will play for Mercer University. Both players have been training at Wrentham's Extra Innings facility since 2005, and began working there last year. According to Jeff Barnhardt, general manager of Extra Innings Wrentham, the girls have shown promise since their first lessons.
"It's been inspiring to watch Tori and Anna grow as athletes over the years," Barnhardt said.
Constantin and O'Neill are just two of the many Extra Innings alumni who continue their careers at elite levels. Rob Nash, president and co-founder of Middleton, Mass.-based Extra Innings, estimates that thousands of former athletes have gone on to college or professional leagues. Many return to their home facilities to offer guest instruction during breaks.
"I tell former players they can come back anytime, as long as they bring me a team cap," Barnhardt joked. "It's phenomenal to have that legacy."
Whether they're seasonal instructors or year-round coaches, Extra Innings staff members at locations nationwide have one thing in common: a love of the game. Most franchises are owned by former college or pro players who want to pass their passion on to young athletes.
To compliment the already strong coaching lineup, this winter Extra Innings will team up with the National Pro Fastpitch softball association to host skills clinics at locations nationwide. At each full-day event, professional players will instruct girls ages 6 through 18 in fielding, pitching, and catching.
Extra Innings also recently released the Extra Innings Mobile Instructor App for iPhone and iPad, which allows players to have their skills analyzed by a professional instructor.
Established in 1996, Extra Innings provides state-of-the-art practice facilities, professional instruction and a Pro Shop to fulfill the needs of players of all ages and ability levels. Extra Innings has nearly 40 locations in 17 states. Projections call for close to 60 locations to be in operation by the end of 2013. For more information, visit www.extrainnings.us.
SOURCE Extra Innings
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