Major League pitcher Al Leiter of the New York Mets came to Oyster Bay High School on Saturday, Feb. 1 to meet all of the children participating in three free baseball clinics recently held at the Oyster Bay High School gymnasium. He was invited by Doug Petersen, president of the executive board of the newly formed Al Leiter Little League (ALLL).

When Petersen spoke with Leiter about the pre-season baseball clinics, Leiter was very enthusiastic and volunteered to attend.

Al Leiter joined the children, ages 5-12, from Oyster Bay and East Norwich and the surrounding villages, to work on improving their baseball skills. Leiter first expressed how humbled he was by having the league named in his honor. He said that he felt extremely fortunate for what he had achieved during his career and believed strongly in giving back to the community. He shared his personal history, including stories about how he became a major league pitcher.

Leiter was born in New Jersey to a large family. He was drafted to play baseball for the New York Yankees right out of high school in 1984 where he remained until he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 1989. He played for the Blue Jays until 1995 when he joined the Florida Marlins. He left the Marlins in 1998 and joined the New York Mets where he has played ever since. He played in three World Series and gave an outstanding performance for the Mets during the 2000 Subway Series against the Yankees. Leiter is one of three brothers who have all pitched in the major leagues, including Mark Leiter who is currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kurt Leiter who pitched briefly for the Baltimore Orioles.

Leiter took questions from the parents and children, one of whom asked who his best friend on the team was. After a brief pause, Leiter responded that it was John Franco. He also provided insight on how it was to adjust to a new team and city saying, "it was difficult at times when I was traded to a new team, especially during the first year."

After the Q and A period, Leiter took all of the children to the other side of the gym and provided them with detailed insight on pitching and throwing techniques, which was especially appreciated by the ALLL coaches. He explained in detail who to throw a two-seam and four-seam fastball and said in the beginning, young pitchers should first focus on throwing the ball hard before trying to mix up their pitches. Leiter also stressed the importance of the mental aspect of baseball and the need to focus on what you are doing while playing the game, but highlighted, the most important part was just doing your best and enjoying the game. The parents who observed the clinic noted that Leiter was very down to earth and a generous sports star who appeared to genuinely enjoy sharing his love of baseball with the young players.

The afternoon was capped off with souvenir cups and balls from Major League Baseball for the children which were brought to the event by Leiter.

Leiter, who lives in Manhattan, was joined by his family, wife, Lori and their three children, Lindsay, 7, Carly, 6, and Jack, 2.