Capuano schools 51s at Cashman

Nick Christensen

Monday, June 30, 2003 | 9:35 a.m.

Approximtely 20 local youths and coaches were at Cashman Field Sunday to learn drills and techniques from Las Vegas 51s coaches and players.

Then the real schooling began.

Tucson's Chris Capuano retired 19 consecutive batters and didn't allow a hit until the seventh inning. The Sidewinders' Bret Prinz and Brian Bruney continued the one-hitter through the rest of a 4-0 Tucson win.

Chin-Feng Chen had a pinch-hit single in the seventh to break up the no-hitter. The only other 51s batters to reach base were Chad Hermansen, who walked pinch-hitting in the ninth; and Joe Thurston, who walked in the first. Thurston was later ejected for arguing a 3-2 call.

The Pacific Coast League is a developmental league, but Las Vegas players and coaches also have a thing or two to teach. The team has in the past organized clinics for larger groups of kids, but this was the first clinic offered for all-stars and coaches. "Today, we worked on the fundamentals of infield play," said 51s manager John Shoemaker. "Once these guys get better and more skilled, they can do it any way they want. But if they learn the proper fundamentals first, they have a better chance of learning and being successful early."

51s marketing manager Dennis Ebbitt said Sports Chalet sponsors the clinics for kids. Catcher Koyie Hill, reliever Steve Colyer, Shoemaker and others volunteered their time to the clinics.

Joe Gomez was one of the coaches out for Sunday's clinic. He said the kids are excited to learn from the pros.

"When you're 12, you want to look out to be a ballplayer," Gomez said. "It's nice to listen to guys who have been there. It means a lot to the kids."

Added Shoemaker: "It's always good to get out and see the kids, because most of the kids involved in baseball have an idol in the major leagues. Some of them come out to watch the 51s play have an idol on the 51s. It's always a big deal for the kids to come out, and the more energy and patience we can show these kids, the better off we're doing for the community.

"A lot of these kids that I saw today had been coached pretty well. A little tip doesn't hurt; that's what you're hoping they get out of a clinic. If they just learn one or two things, it's a positive."