My choice for an ethnography involved observing the subculture of baseball and all of the remarkable rituals which the players are known for displaying during a game, and which are also seen even during the off- season. In this instance, I was able to tag along with my brother to watch a few sessions of an indoor batting clinic to find out if practice makes perfect.

This clinic took place on three consecutive weekends from 6:30 to 8:30 on Sunday nights. The location of this hitting clinic was in an old mill in Fall River at a place called In The Park. This facility provides players with an indoor area to practice their batting skills when the weather outside is not yet suitable for baseball. Individual players or entire teams can use the batting cages, pitching areas, and even rent equipment if needed. In this case, instead of renting the cages for an hour or so, they were partnering with a local team from the New England Collegiate Baseball League to offer instruction to players from ages seven through eighteen years old.

Just like in many other sports, those players who believe that practice makes perfect are the ones who will do everything they can to improve their skills. So, it was not surprising at all to see such an impressive number of players who showed up to participate. Having to climb up four flights of stairs a worn out staircase to the third floor of a really old, abandoned mill, while carrying all of their equipment and paying a $99.00 fee just to register to be there, might keep most people away, but not this group, The players ranged in age from young eight year olds who seemed eager to try out some new equipment before the season starts to older, high school players trying to reach their full potential.

It seemed quite natural for these players to assemble in front of the coaches eager to listen to instructions and hopeful to see something that they need to bring them success during the season. The instructors were players and coaches from the New Bedford Bay Sox, which is a team of college players from around the country who play in the summer league. The college players seemed very willing to show their skills and give tips to the young players. Without the pressure of a game situation, it was great to witness players of all abilities working toward a common goal.

Once inside the batting cages, the players were given the chance to hit off the tees, have someone throw soft- toss to them, and then finally to have live pitching. While the general atmosphere was work- like, with the players trying to get the most out of this special experience, there were opportunities for them to interact with their peers and maybe to find out what teams they had played on.

Throughout these batting sessions it was clear to see that the players did not just show up to this clinic, they came to focus on what the coachers were saying to them and judging from the sounds of the balls that were being hit, they were giving it all that they could. When the time comes for opening day of the baseball season, these players can step onto the batters box and hit it out just like they practiced it while at this clinic. They should have full confidence in their abilities since they know that they climbed those fifty steps and put in extra work to practice the skills needed to be successful. Those who believe that practice makes perfect and commit to putting in the effort can reach their goals and live their dreams.