SCHERERVILLE | Like a hitter patiently waiting for his pitch, the White Sox had their eyes on Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection for some time.
Now it's time to swing away.
"I'm excited about it," said Bobby Morris, academy director for the Northwest Indiana White Sox Training Academy, which is in the process of moving from its Griffith location to set up shop inside the Schererville health club.
"We've been talking with (Omni) about coming over here for some time. We thought it was going to happen sooner, but we had to make sure that everything was right."
The grand opening for the academy's new home is Nov. 14 and 15. That Saturday will include youth baseball and softball clinics throughout the day. The following Sunday will feature an open house with raffles to win autographed White Sox memorabilia, and an opportunity to have a photo taken with the 2005 World Series trophy.
The open house will provide an opportunity to meet the NWI Academy coaching staff, which includes Morris, who hit .290 in nine minor league seasons after being drafted by Cubs in 1993.
Other staff members include former RailCats star and Toronto Blue Jays hitting coordinator Anthony Iapoce, Florida Marlins hitting coordinator John Mallee, former major league pitcher Jim Crowell, RailCats coach Mick Curran, former academy director and longtime baseball and softball instructor Jay Jones, and veteran pitching instructor and major league scout Bill Bryk.
"Here, we have a lot more room to work with," said Morris, whose academy will take up space amid Omni's basketball and volleyball court area. "We can set up an astroturf infield. We can have players run 90 feet."
The academy also is in partnership with Omni's Parisi Speed School, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Saturday and Sunday.
"Speed is part of the game," Morris said.
The Northwest Indiana White Sox Academy is holding its grand opening on Nov. 14-15 at its newest location, Omni 41 Health and Fitness Connection, 221 S. Rte. 41, Schererville. On Nov. 14, there will be a softball clinic for ages 9-18 from 8:30 a.m.-noon, and a baseball clinic for ages 9-18 from 1-4:30 p.m. Cost is $40. On Nov. 15, there will be an open house from 1-5 p.m. that will feature a chance to win a Mark Buerhle autographed jersey and/or a Paul Konerko autographed bat. Also, the 2005 World Series trophy will be on display.
