Ron Darling, the former Major League Baseball All-Star starting pitcher who won a World Series Championship with the New York Mets in 1986, and John Maine, currently a starting pitcher for the Mets, will host a free youth baseball clinic on the Island this weekend.

The clinic materialised as a result of the Bermuda Department of Tourism's partnership with the New York Mets and SportsNet New York (SNY), the team's television network.

Darling said: "Bermuda has been a great partner for the Mets and SNY, and I am looking forward to visiting the Island to help expand the sport of baseball to the children."

"One of my passions is to teach kids about baseball and it will be a lot of fun working alongside John Maine, one of the best young pitchers in the game," added Darling, who is now an analyst for SNY.

Maine said: "After a long baseball season, I'm excited about the opportunity to relax and enjoy Bermuda for a few days while also working with Ronnie to help teach the kids about the sport of baseball."

The Department of Tourism are working with the Bermuda Youth Athletic Organisation (YAO) and the Bermuda Youth Sports Programme (BYSP) to recruit youngsters for the clinic which will take place on the baseball fields at Southside, St. David's from 2.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. tomorrow.

Those interested, boys and girls between the ages of eight and 15, can simply show up tomorrow, providing they have their own baseball glove.

Meanwhile, Premier Ewart Brown said yesterday: "I'm glad our Tourism partnership with the Mets can also lead to grassroots community projects like this one.

"I know Ron and John will have a great time in Bermuda because they will be spending a lot of time with Bermudians. Visitors tell us time and again that our people are our greatest asset."

Newstead Belmont Hills and Dunkley's Diary are sponsoring the clinic along with the Tourism Department, SNY and the Mets.

The event was originally scheduled for last summer during the Major League Baseball All-Star break, but was pushed back to the off season.

Darling and Maine will also participate in today's Total Group's 10th annual golf tournament at Riddell's Bay Country Club