The historic Utica Blue Sox are giving local baseball and softball players an opportunity to receive instruction from experienced coaches.

The summer collegiate baseball team opened up the Blue Sox Academy earlier this month inside Sangertown Square in New Hartford.

"It's been very good for the first week and a half, so we're very happy, we're just going to keep going with it, and do what we do," said Doug Delett.

Delett is the head coach of the Blue Sox, and off the diamond, is the lead baseball instructor at the academy. He also has minor league playing experience, even suiting up for the Blue Sox in the 1980s.

Now, he’s hoping to help local players improve their game, while also growing the sport.

"It's about the kids and it always should be about the kids. So what we're doing here is giving these kids the opportunity to develop with the correct direction, and facilitate their progress as players, for as they get older," he said.

While Delett instructed a baseball player in one cage, Bryan Ingalls coached local softball players in the other.

"I love the game so much, I want to portray that to the kids," says Ingalls.

He’s played fast pitch for 15 years and is a former assistant coach for the Syracuse University softball team.

At the academy, he teaches athletes how to improve their game, while also making sure they pick up the proper mechanics to stay healthy in the long-term. It’s the type of approach he says puts this facility apart from others.

"It's not what we did as players, it's what we can do for the players, and how we can develop them," he said.

While these types of facilities are most popular in the winter months, they’re hoping to offer opportunities throughout the year.

"We're going to run some clinics and camps with Utica Blue Sox players and coaches throughout the summer," Delett said.

There will also be opportunities to take lessons with Blue Sox players in the future.

You can find out more information about the academy, when it’s open and how to book instruction here.