There’s a new “game” in town—and according to many local parents and young ballplayers—one that was long overdue.
And for the owners of Extra Innings Sports, the proof of that has come in many forms. Crowded sessions, parents waiting outside in their cars for the complex to open up in the morning, bookings from teams, leagues and schools, are just some of the indicators of how the local community feels about the new business venture.
The facility opened its doors for the first time a little over a month ago at 86-30 103 Avenue in Ozone Park. The complex currently has five regulation batting cages, holds specialty instructional clinics in hitting and defense, as well as individual and group training, and has a private party room. One of the most exciting additions on the way to Extra Innings is a plyometric gym, which will offer training in the form of exercise specially to enhance the performance skills of athletes.
The idea to bring the training center to the area was borne out of conversations over several years between three friends, now the owners of the business, Benny, Louis and Anthony. All three men were born and raised in Howard Beach or Ozone Park and were 
actively–and still are–coaches, managers and of course baseball fathers with the Ozone Howard Little League.
“One of our main concerns was of course with our own kids and their teams,” said Louis. “It is very difficult for them to play against teams from Long Island and Staten Island, especially on traveling and tournament teams because players from there have many facilities that offer instruction and training 10-12 months throughout the year.” It is the intention of the staff here to make sure that the local talent in Queens is now prepared to take on divisions they were previously unable to play.
“We have a wealth of talent here in Queens,” said Jorge Ruiz who has been bringing his two sons, 8 and 11, several times a week since Extra Innings opened. “Before my wife and I would have a thirty minute drive; now we are in a great place in less than five minutes from our house.” And Ruiz and several other parents hanging on to chain link fencing intently watching their little baseball stars all agreed about another feature at Extra Innings. “These guys really care,” said Laurie DeMaio. “They have not only made it convenient with their location, and their pricing shows they are not looking to beat anyone over the head.” In today’s economy, she remarked, “That’s something we all have to consider.”
And so in an effort to figure out how to get local talent from Queens on the competitive baseball map and get them involved and able to train all year, the three decided to put their ideas to pen and paper, find out what people thought and see how far their idea would go.
“Reaction from the very start was positive,” said Louis’ partner Benny who runs a medical billing company, in what he jokingly refers to as “his spare time.” “This is not like work,” he told The Forum with a big grin. “Can you imagine what it feels like to come here and know how much good this work is going do for these kids? It’s just great.”
The business plan for the three partners is to focus in the immediate future on the three things that are the essential fundamentals of successful baseball training—speed, agility and strength. “Thankfully, parents around here know the importance of teaching their children how to get involved in this sport from the bottom up,” said Louis. “They are committed to offering their kids the best chance to play the sport they love. Baseball.”
And play baseball they do at Extra Innings Sports. Batting cages can be rented by the hour. After school clinics are held from 4 p.m. -6 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday offering players from advanced, intermediate and beginner categories the opportunity to work on pitching, hitting and defensive skills.
Individual and group instruction is available with seasoned professionals like Freddy Parra, a well-known instructor who was part of the Baltimore Orioles organization. Parra, like other instructors here, has been responsible for training athletes presently on the farm systems of major league teams, including the Yankees.
For adult players and leagues, the facility will open for extended hours so they can continue their practice and instruction into the later parts of the evening.
On the weekends, athletes at all levels of play have the chance to sign up for a wide range of programs. Introduction to Little League, a six-week session that runs for one hour and fifteen minutes on Saturday mornings from 10-11:15 a.m., concentrates on agility drills, baseball etiquette, mechanics and form. Classes are forming now and are considered very reasonably priced when measured against industry and competitor standards—the total for six sessions is just $120.
Upcoming programs will include a variety of targeted focus clinics and plyometric training sessions as well as girl’s softball, though of course girls are welcome to play baseball as well. The full range of instruction at Extra Innings includes hitting, pitching, throwing and fielding.
While all classes and instruction are geared toward the promotion of a healthy, in-shape athlete, there is overwhelming statistical and scientific support concerning the benefits of plyometric training courses. The focus and concentration required in the type of physical training and instruction offered at Extra Innings has clearly proven its contribution to academic improvements but also results in a great boost to self-esteem, confidence and improved overall performance in all activities.
Lucille Martin, mother of three, told The Forum she’s been enjoying the new facility. “Two of my sons have been coming for some of the other instruction for the first two weeks,” said Martin. “My husband says he sees a big difference,” she laughs. “You know that means our boys will keep coming back.”
By Patricia Adams
Forum Newsgroup Photo by Patricia Adams
