On August 17, 2013, the Binghamton Mets will play host to one of the real feel good baseball camps around.  D3-Disability Dream & Do baseball camps are given by the Dave Clark Foundation, which allows children with disabilities an opportunity to participate and learn many baseball skills. One of the best parts of the camp is when the professional athletes take part in the event. The players learn very quickly how special it is to be involved and most walk away with an extra appreciation for the campers.

D3 Baseball Camps have been hosted around minor league baseball by the Minnesota Twins Class A affiliate Fort Myers Miracle, AAA Rochester Red Wings, and the Milwaukee Brewers AAA affiliate Nashville Sounds. The Binghamton Mets join these organizations that are willing to take part in such a great event.

In 2012, D3 Baseball Camp along with the Fort Myers Miracle were Minor League Baseball’s Promo of the Year Runner up.

Dave Clark, a native of Corning, New York, contracted polio as an infant. The illness left him without the full use of his legs and with many questions of living a normal childhood. Because of Dave’s will to excel in sports, he didn’t allow this to be a set back; he actually put this challenge before him and excelled in more ways than one.

The Story of Dave Clark is a great American epic that not many people know about. Dave, with the use of his crutches, played over 40 years of baseball at different levels. But not just baseball with his friends in the sandlot, Dave Clark actually played professional baseball and even starred on the diamond. Dave has amazed so many people with his will to overcome so many obstacles in his life and to be successful in the sport that he loves. Dave didn’t stop at just baseball; his strive to succeed took him on many journeys that included playing ice hockey goalie, even though he could not skate, and a professional hockey announcer.

Part of the Disability Dream & Do baseball camp is the “Pulling Each Other Along Award” as stated on the Dave Clark Foundation website:

Honors notable contributions of individuals who have helped others achieve their dreams under exceptional circumstances.

The award was launched because of the kind acts received from those who provided encouragement throughout Dave Clark’s incredible life journey.

I give much credit to the Binghamton Mets for joining D3 in putting on this special event. It is a great way for the team to work with their local community and to bring these amazing children together with the athletes to create a special bond that will last a lifetime.

This is an event that should be a staple in every ballpark around baseball. It is great for the community and it truly highlights the great people that are involved.

Please click here to view the full schedule of events for the August 17th D3 Baseball Camp with the Binghamton Mets.

There is no cost to D3 participants and their families, so if you are in the Binghamton area and would like to participate, just remember that space is limited. Sign up early to insure enrollment.

Learn more about becoming a D3 Partner! You can send an email to D3@daveclarkfoundation.org

Notable Accomplishments for Dave Clark

1971 – Signed his first Pro Contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.

1972 – Graduated Corning Community College.

1974 – Ithaca College Graduate in School of Physical Education.

1975 – The Fireman of the Year as the top relief pitcher for the Indianapolis Clowns.

1977 – Inducted to the Corning-Painted Post Hall of Fame.

1981 – Selected to the Swedish Elite Baseball League All-Star Team as a pitcher.

1996 – Worked with Team USA at the Atlanta Olympics.

1996 – Founder of Swedish Little League.

1999 – Received the National Heroes of Sports Award.

2002 – Inducted into the Ithaca College Hall of Fame.

2008 – “Diamond in the Rough” The Dave Clark Story was published.

2010 – One of the “150 Heroes: People in Sports Who Make This a Better World” by Richard Lapchick.

2011 – Bo Jackson Courage award winner, presented by the Pitch & Hit Club.

Additional Comments from David Conde

In 2011, I had the privileged of meeting Dave Clark here in Florida, when I nominated my friend Jay Lawrence for the Pulling Each Other Along Award and Jay became the first recipient to be honored. Since then, Dave and I have become good friends and I am truly amazed at all that he has accomplished in baseball and life with the limitations that he has had. In my mind, he is a true ambassador of the game and also a leader for so many people facing the same challenges. Being able to witness a D3 Baseball Camp first hand, truly made a huge impact in my life. To see these professional athletes partake in such a special day and to see how the children are changed by the event is truly priceless.