Fort Pierce resident Keenan Jabeth at bat. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

As was the case during its earliest spring training days as Dodgertown, the renamed Jackie Robinson Training Complex is continuing the tradition as Vero’s own ‘Field of Dreams.’

This past summer, 200 hopefuls attended the Hank Aaron Invitational baseball camp here, coached by the likes of former Major League Baseball players including pitcher Pat Mahomes Sr. and two-time World Series Champion outfielder Ken Griffey Sr., as well as other coaches and executives.

The Hank Aaron Invitational is continuing the message that the American pastime of baseball continues to inspire. The goal is to infuse the youthful and diverse skills of these players into professional baseball talent.

Mahomes, who has coached at the Hank Aaron Invitational for seven years, said the coaches showed the young athletes the mechanics of the game and the techniques needed to improve their physical skills.

“When we came through, we always had someone to mentor us. We’re trying to show them the correct way to play the game and how to be better men,” said Mahomes. “It’s only right to give back and show players the knowledge we’ve obtained.”

Mahomes said another mission of the Invitational is to recruit more minorities to play baseball.

“We’re trying to get more people of color back into the game,” he explained. “We want to develop the baseball players and put them around other Black players, so they don’t feel like an outsider. This will let them know they’re not a rarity.”

Fort Pierce resident Keenan Jabeth is among those student-players focused on a dream of becoming a professional baseball player and slamming hits into the outfield.

“It’s my third year here. It’s a blessing to be in front of bright players. They have so much wisdom and knowledge,” said Jabeth, who has already committed to Florida International University in Miami, having obtained a scholarship to play his favorite sport.

At 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 183 pounds, the 17-year-old Jabeth displayed an upbeat personality, confidence and humility that caught Mahomes’ attention.

“He was coachable. That was one of the first things that stood out to me. Anytime you have talent, ability and make yourself coachable – coaches love that,” Mahomes said. “(Jabeth) was a joy to work with. He has a chance to do special things.”

The unique opportunity to be mentored and coached by former MLB players is something Jabeth said he will never forget.

“(The coaches) help us work on our weaknesses and strengths. Every coach knows my name and nickname. They want the best for every player here,” he added.

Likewise, another Fort Pierce player, Bryce Braswell, 16, said his experience at the baseball camp was amazing.

“The best part was seeing players that looked like me,” Braswell said. “It feels good to receive mentorship from Mahomes.”

Mahomes said players, who stayed in dorms at the complex and were provided meals, started their days at 7:30 a.m. for morning sessions, competed in games during the afternoon and finished near 5:30 p.m.

Mahomes, who plans to coach again next summer, said the Hank Aaron Invitational is one of his most favorite events of the year. He feels it’s important to mentor the youth early to help them make their dreams become a reality.

“Go back and teach the kids at an early age so they don’t make the same mistakes we did,” he added.

Photos by Joshua Kodis