Today is a big day out at HODGETOWN, and it's something you'll want to be a part of.

It's Grassroots Baseball Day, and there are some very special guests that will be in Amarillo for it.

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Grassroots Baseball co-founders Jeff Idelson and Jean Fruth are making stops in select cities to promote their program. So what is Grassroots Baseball? I'm glad you asked.

It's something that means a lot to me with both of my kids playing baseball. Baseball has seen a bit of a downturn in participation as the popularity of football has grown in the US, and a lot of kids are putting their time and effort into that rather than baseball.

The Grassroots Baseball program has taken the lead in trying to promote the game to the younger generation and get them interested in playing the game. They provide all sorts of things such as instruction, equipment, and the inspiration needed to pick up a bat and glove.

To help their mission, acclaimed baseball photographer Jean Fruth, who I met at a Soddies game last season, was taking pictures at various parks around the country and put together a book with those photographs. She got some great shots of Sod Poodles players such as Alek Thomas (now playing with the Diamondbacks) and fan-favorite Stone Garrett that made it into the book.

With the book complete, Fruth is out signing copies of it and bringing along baseball Hall of Famer Goose Gossage with her. Gossage will be throwing out the first pitch tonight at the Sod Poodles game, and nine lucky fans will have the opportunity to win a signed baseball from him and take a photo. Gossage is a character and extremely recognizable for his famous mustache. The first pitch will happen around 6:45pm this evening.

From 7-8pm, the book signing will be taking place. You will need to purchase the book in order to get it signed, but believe me when I say it'll be worth it. A great conversation piece for the coffee table and you'll be helping support the Grassroots Baseball program.

So get on out to HODGETOWN tonight and get in on the fun!

Josh Jung and the Frisco RoughRiders play in Amarillo at HODGETOWN

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