Lake Erie Crushers Visit Avon Lake Tennis Program

AVON LAKE, OH — Kids at the Avon Lake tennis program got a fun surprise over the weekend. Stomper, the mascot for the Lake Erie Crushers, and two players for the minor league baseball team spent time swinging rackets and batting tennis balls around. They were joined by Lake Erie Crushers Promotions Manager Kelly Scott.

Derek Shoman, infielder, and Connor Sullivan, catcher, spent time at the tennis program. Shoman said he and Sullivan had not previously taken part in a player appearance. (To stay up to date on local stories, subscribe to the Patch Avon-Avon Lake newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.

"Tom (president and CEO) and Jacqueline (co-owner) feel strongly about the involvement players have in the community and want to see everyone make an appearance at one point or another," Shoman said.

During the visit, the Crushers took part in the camp run by the U.S. Tennis Association. The courts were set up with different challenges. Groups were then divided by age and assigned different challenges, with older campers facing more difficult tasks. Prizes were given out after a challenge was complete.

Neither Shoman or Sullivan had any prior tennis experience beyond high school PE.

"Working with the kids was awesome! It was a great opportunity to ask them questions about tennis, especially in regards to technique, and Connor and myself needed the help," Shoman said.

Check out photos from the event below.

Photos from Lake Erie Crushers