This fall, two TSI veteran coaches, Chris McKnight and Scott Berger, traveled to Northern Ireland on a special mission: to share their knowledge and passion for baseball with young athletes overseas. Representing the TSI Mid Atlantic Orioles and Emerald Diamond International, McKnight and Berger dedicated their time to teaching the fundamentals of America’s pastime to kids who may be picking up a bat and glove for the very first time.
The trip was part of a growing international effort to introduce and grow the sport of baseball in regions where it is still developing. Through drills, games, and one-on-one instruction, McKnight and Berger emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and fun while making the game accessible to new players.
For McKnight, a former NCAA head coach with decades of player development experience, and Berger, a respected coach and mentor in the Mid Atlantic Orioles program, the opportunity to expand baseball’s reach was both rewarding and inspiring.
“Baseball has the power to bring people together across cultures and communities,” said McKnight. “Seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces as they learned the game reminded us why we coach in the first place.”
Emerald Diamond International, which has been instrumental in growing the sport across Ireland, played a key role in organizing the clinics and creating opportunities for international collaboration. The Mid Atlantic Orioles’ involvement further underscores the team’s commitment to not only developing talent at home, but also helping spread the game globally.
The trip was more than just teaching skills—it was about building connections. Local players and families welcomed the coaches with open arms, and the experience left a lasting impression on both sides. Berger reflected, “It’s amazing to see how the game of baseball, even in a country where it isn’t widely played, can instantly create bonds and friendships.”
As baseball continues to grow internationally, initiatives like this represent the sport’s future. For the young athletes in Northern Ireland, the visit from McKnight and Berger may be the spark that ignites a lifelong love for the game. And for the coaches, it was a reminder that baseball is truly a global language.
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