Play Ball! An Interview with the Director of Hamptons Baseball Camp

Hamptons Baseball Camp, based in Water Mill, enters its’ 11th year in business in 2014. HRES sat down with Edward (Eddie) McCarthy, the Founder and Director of the Camp, to learn more about his motivation for starting the Camp over 10 years ago, as well as his plans for the upcoming season. 

Can you tell us a little of the history behind the camp? How did you come to start a baseball camp in the Hamptons? What is your own background for doing so?
Growing up in Washington DC, teaching and baseball were both an important part of my own childhood. My father was an educator, journalist and sports enthusiast whose own passions were readily integrated into much of what he taught my brothers and me.  I won the award for 1990 Gatorade Player of the Year in Washington DC, and received a full baseball/academic scholarship to The George Washington University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Besides teaching sports and physical education in both public and private schools from the elementary school age on up, I started the Home Run Baseball Camp (with my brothers) in the DC area over 20 years ago. When I moved to Long Island, starting Hamptons Baseball Camp was a natural extension of everything I was doing before.

What brought you to Long Island?
I have been coming to the East End of Long Island to visit my grandmother since childhood. My dad is a native of Long Island who introduced us to the natural beauty here from an early age.

Can you tell us a little about the philosophy behind HBC?
Learn, Practice, Play is the guiding mantra I run my camps by. Another doctrine I live by and coach by is Safety, Player Development, Cooperation, Competition. Coming from an educational background, I believe baseball is a ‘metaphor for life’ and I look for opportunities to provide teaching points to my staff and campers for every aspect of the game. The infinite complexities surrounding team, individual and game strategies are not unlike those that are carried out in business and in life. Campers may be too young to realize that, but their parents understand that this isn’t just about having fun. It is about including others, understanding the rules, creating game strategies. It is also important for me to establish cooperation before competition to keep a perspective on what’s important.

What kind of campers does HBC attract?
For over 10 years, HBC has attracted a diversified mix of locals, seasonal homeowners and short-term visitors to the area. We have typically attracted 4-13 year olds. This year, we are creating a special League for 14-16 year olds interested in improving their game. HBC welcomes all levels of players from beginners to those advanced players who play regularly. The focus is less on ‘ability’ than a camper’s interest in learning and playing.

What do campers learn in a typical daily session?
Campers will learn how to run, stretch and throw, while building skills they will use both on the field and off. In the process, they will create bonds with other campers and staff that often last beyond the summer season. Additionally, HBC emphasizes effort over talent, team concept and core fundamentals. Also included throughout the weekly sessions are tips on: diet, fitness, and such intangibles as: hustle, sportsmanship and citizenship.

That all sounds great, Eddie! What will be different in 2014 from previous years?
In previous years we had one camp in Water Mill. This year, we are opening a second location in Montauk so campers will have the option of either location depending on which is more convenient. Also, as I mentioned earlier, we are adding an Instructional League for 14-16 years old at our Water Mill field.

Can you tell us a little about the sessions?
We offer weekly summer sessions at both locations from June through September, from 9am-1pm each day of the week. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. for batting practice and there will be Extended Day Academy sessions until 2:30 p.m. for those who want to stay.

Also, Saturday session will run from 9:30 a.m.-Noon from late April through October, with gates opening at 9 a.m. for batting practice.

Can you tell us a little about the staff?
Many of my coaches have been with me for years, and come to the camp with the same kind of experience I do: as career educators and coaches who bring with them years of experience working with youth. Some of my coaches started as campers and have grown through the years. All of my staff follows the doctrine I have been teaching for years.

Anything else we should know?
Yes, HBC also offers private parties for birthdays and other special occasions, as well as individual or group lessons at your location or ours. Additionally, I am available to speak to groups about the game or the camp.

Can you tell us a little about how you feel a campers experience here affect their lives?
Yes. As I mentioned before, we at HBC believe “Baseball is a Metaphor for Life,” and I’m proud to say that besides seeing campers come back for years to come, and/or return as staff, many of our campers have gone to receive baseball scholarships to college. Some of our alumni have gone on to become pro ball players or they have achieved other successes through their own pursuits in business and the arts.

How would interested parties learn more about Hamptons Baseball Camp?
Parents and kids may visit our website at: hamptonsbaseballcamp.com. They may also visit our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/hamptonsbaseballcamp.

For more information on Hamptons Baseball Camp, and to register your children for weekly sessions, please visit their website: hamptonsbaseballcamp.com, email Eddie at [email protected] or call 631.907.2566.