Curtis Granderson hosts youth baseball camp at UIC

Curtis Granderson hosted his first youth camp last summer at UIC. Photo: Joshua Clark/UIC Photo Services

New York Mets All Star outfielder Curtis Granderson will be back at UIC July 15 to host the 2nd Annual Grand Kids Camp at Curtis Granderson Stadium.

Last year, the camp served 150 children from Chicago’s inner city but is expected to double in size this year.

The camp will begin with a youth baseball clinic where campers can learn about the infield, outfield, pitching, throwing and hitting. The clinic will be followed by a Let’s Move-inspired lunch break sponsored by Chicago’s Foodbank Lunch Bus program, where Granderson will educate campers on the importance of nutritional health and wellness. After lunch, campers can spend time with Granderson and guests and take part in a scrimmage and awards ceremony.

Grand Kids campers will participate in games, stations and skill contests during the Grand Kids Clinic. Each camper will be placed on a clinic team by age and skill level. Granderson will be joined by UIC Flames baseball coaches and staff to highlight the finer points of baseball.

In 2012 Granderson donated $5 million to UIC, his alma mater, for the development of Curtis Granderson Stadium, home to UIC Baseball and city youth organizations.