MENTOR, Ohio — Indians pitcher Corey Kluber may not be able to take the mound but on Monday he was able to step on a field for his annual baseball camp.
“It’s a lot of fun just being out and seeing the enjoyment they get out of running around,” Kluber said.
The camp hosted children in grades first through eighth at Mentor High school.
“You start with the younger kids, they are just out there running and swinging, trying to have a good time,” Kluber said. “Eventually you make your way to the older kids and they are actually out there competing against each other.”
The three-time all-star is currently recovering from an injury after he was hit in the arm by a line drive on May 1.
“I am just in that stage where I have to wait for the doctors to give me permission to do more,” Kluber said. “Whether you are a pitcher or a position player, if you miss extended time, nobody enjoys that.”
While recovering from the injury, Kluber said the campers offered him a helpful perspective.
“Baseball is our job, but in the grand scheme of things, it is a game. We are fortunate enough to play this game every day,” Kluber said. “You come out here and it is refreshing to see the kids just running around, having a good time, enjoying being outside. So I think that is the biggest thing I take from it.”
Kluber added that there is no timetable for his return but he still plans to be back this season.
So while, he may not be able to fully play baseball just yet, spending time with the next generation was a friendly reminder that he can still enjoy the game.
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