Young athletes get hands‑on coaching from MLB All‑Star.
A group of young baseball players in St. Thomas got a once-in-a-lifetime experience Wednesday night, as Toronto Blue Jays legend Jesse Barfield stopped by the Power Alley for a special youth baseball clinic.
Barfield, a former MLB All-Star and Toronto Blue Jays legend, spent the evening working hands-on with players from the St. Thomas Minor Baseball Association, offering tips, encouragement, and plenty of smiles as he shared the lessons he’s learned at the highest level of the game.
Barfield says being invited to work with young athletes is what it’s all about.
The atmosphere inside the Power Alley was energetic, with kids rotating through drills, asking questions, and soaking in advice from a player many of their parents grew up watching. Parents and coaches looked on from the sidelines, capturing photos and enjoying the rare opportunity for their young athletes.
Barfield is in St. Thomas ahead of the annual St. Thomas Sports Spectacular, taking place Friday, and says returning to the community brought back good memories from a previous visit more than two decades ago.
While the conversation briefly turned to the Blue Jays and their recent playoff heartbreak, Barfield kept the focus firmly on the next generation, reminding players that the fundamentals — hard work, smart preparation, and love for the game — matter most.
As the clinic wrapped up, Barfield left the young athletes with a simple message: stay focused, keep working, and enjoy every moment on the field.
