Ty Tubbs Speaks at Privateer Baseball Gala

The UNO Privateers baseball team, and head coach Ron Maestri, in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy hosted a gala at the UNO Lakefront Arena on Saturday, November 17, 2014. The event featured special guest speeches and highlighted the growth of baseball in the New Orleans area. Among the catalogue of speaker was Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, the only MLB player in history to win the Most Valuable Player award in both leagues.

Ty Tubbs, an 8th grade Honor Roll student at Brother Martin High School, and a player at the MLB Urban Youth Academy, shared a few of his thoughts about the MLB Urban Youth Academy with the audience. Ty also provided a brief testimonial regarding his experiences with the organization.

Here are a few excerpts from Ty’s speech:

“The New Orleans MLB Urban Youth Academy offers a positive and unique learning environment. The UYA gives players a chance to be recognized by scouts, and to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The academy allows young players, in Southern Louisiana, to improve their skills and knowledge in baseball, and in life.

In my baseball experience at UYA, I have learned a lot of new baseball techniques. The academy has helped me tremendously, not only with baseball techniques, but also in life skills. The coaches have taught me that you have to work for what you want; you don’t automatically get the position, or job.

Everyone has different teaching styles and techniques. Coach Dale has helped me with my batting, and he taught me how to properly swing down on the ball. Coach Roy works with me on my pitching mechanics, and coaches Al and Paul have both worked with me on my in fielding. Coach Pulley helps with out fielding and answers any questions players might have. Last, but not least, coach Eddie helps out with everything; such as, hitting, pitching, outfield, and infield.”

Also, offering words on the progress of baseball in New Orleans and the MLB Urban Youth Academy and its mission were former Texas Ranger Manager, Ron Washington, MLB’s Executive Darryl Miller, Privateers head coach Ron Maestri, and Eddie Davis, who is the manager of the MLB Urban Youth Academy.

Other MLB and Privateer greats attending and speaking at the event were Ron Swoboda (Emcee and member of the 1969 Miracle Mets that won the World Series in the franchise’s eighth season of existence), Jim Hendry (an executive with the New York Yankees and former Vice President/General Manager of the Chicago Cubs) Mike Quade, Randy Bush, and Brian Snitker.

Ty participated in a baseball clinic hosted by Eddie Davis and the Urban Youth Academy coaches the morning of the gala. The clinic was held at Wesley Barrow Stadium from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Players who taught at the clinic were MLB outfielder, Jeffrey Hammonds, Corey Bass (Philadelphia Phillies),and Nick Goody ( New York Yankees).