Montverde Academy (MVA) Alumnus and MLB All-Star player Francisco Lindor '11 hosted a baseball clinic for kids in the local community ages 10-15 at the MVA Sports Complex on Saturday, January 5.

With over 130 young baseball enthusiasts at the event, Lindor was able to share his knowledge in the game of baseball and helped teach the children to value their academics as a priority.

"A kid asked me, 'what came first for you, school or baseball?'" said Lindor. "I told him, 'when you wake up in the morning do you get ready for baseball or school first?' You get ready for school so that is first. Everything in life has a step so you have to take it step by step."

Throughout the clinic, Lindor worked with the young athletes on their fielding techniques, catching, batting and throwing. At the end of the event, Lindor answered several questions that the athletes had and gave them all signed photographs (see picture below).

"Somehow some way I have to give back, helping others, because I wouldn't be where I am now without the people that supported me," said Lindor."

Lindor also had some help coaching the players from friends, Derek Dietrich of the Miami Marlins, Austin Allen of the San Diego Padres, and fellow MVA alumnus Kerry Wright ('18) who is currently playing baseball as a Cardinal at the University of Louisville. Many of the current MVA Eagles baseball players volunteered as assistant coaches at the clinic and answered questions about the baseball program at MVA.

Francisco Lindor graduated from Montverde Academy in 2011 and was drafted on June 15 of the same year. According to Montverde Academy baseball coaches, Lindor had a tremendous work ethic and he played the game with ease and passion during his time at MVA. Off the field, Lindor strived in his academics and put a lot of time in his studies just as he did with baseball practice. In 2015, Francisco Lindor made his first Major League start for the Cleveland Indians at the shortstop position. He finished the season with a .313 batting average, 12 home runs, 51 RBIs, 12 stolen bases and 22 doubles in 99 games for the Indians. Lindor was also able to place second in the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year Award voting.

In his 2016 season, Lindor had seven multi-hit games which broke the record for most ever for a player less than 23 years old. He also had 16 total postseason hits which have not been accomplished by a Cleveland batter since 1997.  Lindor is currently the youngest Cleveland batter to have six World Series hits.

In his 2017 and 2018 season, Lindor made it to the MLB All-Star Game which marked his third consecutive All-Star appearance. On July 10, Lindor broke the record for most home runs by a Puerto Rican MLB player in the history of the game.