Kids from Russia Learn Baseball

ATLANTA - There's no doubt that one of the signs of Spring is baseball.

And a group of kids from thousands of miles away is getting the chance to learn America's game from America's best.

Baseball is definitely in the air.

It's a sport that's commonly regarded as a national pastime here in America, but in some countries it's just starting to pick up steam.

Well, a group of kids are in Atlanta learning the game and they come from Russia with glove.

It looks and sounds like a typical baseball camp. But there is something a bit different about these campers.

The group of nine, ranging in age from 8-12, are from Moscow, Russia.

"This is their team doctor who travels with them. This is their head coach who is helping to translate in their language and instruct them. Cody is with ICS staff and is actually doing the manipulative skills but Pasha their coach is making sure they understand everything he's saying to them," said Ken Vanderpoel of Atlanta International Baseball

The eager little leaguers are in Atlanta to learn America's favorite pastime. Baseball is just catching on in their home country. And they're learning from the pros. Casey Smith of JCS Sports played for the San Diego Padres and spent time polishing up their batting skills.

"They don't have the baseball organizations like we do, where at 4-years-old, they start out learning the game. So, a lot of these kids, they don't have the background that the American kids do. But the good thing is they were good listeners," said Casey Smith of JCS Sports. "They picked it up really quick."

There is quite a bit of a language barrier. The kids speak little to no English. But when it comes to the love of the game, there's nothing lost in translation.

"You can see it in their faces. This is a once in a lifetime experience for them. I'm sure they have wonderful things in Russia, they're proud of all that and all, but to come to America and actually see how we do it is a big deal for them," said Vanderpoel.

Although they couldn't quite say it in English, the boys say they've enjoyed their time in Atlanta.

"He likes practice, he likes games, he found a new American friend and very good weather," said one child through a translator.

But when asked about their favorite American food, there was no translation needed.

"Hotdog!"

The kids are taking in all the sights the city has to offer including the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola and of course a Braves game.

For more information visit: http://www.jcssportstraining.com/