The Wareham Gatemen Youth Clinic gives young ballplayers the chance to learn the game from some of the best players in college ball.

Members of the Gatemen spend the sweltering summer mornings teaching kids how to hit, field balls, and catch better. The program kicked off on Monday.

"It's great. These kids come out and they're ready to work," said Pitcher Dillon Ortman of Huntsville, Alabama.

In addition to teaching the younger kids how to hit a ball off a tee, the Gatemen teach older players about the finer points of the game, including taking care of one's throwing arm.

"We're going to teach them about arm care," said Ortman. "Not wearing their arm out, or rehabbing after they throw."

Boys and girls from beginner to advanced levels gather at the softball field at Wareham High School to work on their skills and have some fun with players they can watch in action at the Gatemen games, and may even watch on TV playing in the big leagues one day.

Marti Horwitz brought her grandson Ben Tobin to the clinic and says it's his second year with the program.

"He loved it last year and he's enjoying it," said Horwitz. She added that she admired the way the Gatemen players coached the kids.  "They're just very patient with them and they're supportive."

Greta Plante, whose 6-year-old son was participating in the clinic, agreed.

"Our son absolutely loves it," said Plante. "They make it fun."

Gatemen pitcher Trey Killiam said that the players get as much out of it as the kids do.

"It's fun," said Killiam. "Especially the little kids because they don't take the game serious yet."

For more information about the Gatemen, visit www.gatemen.org.