On Wednesday, more than 50 local high school and college baseball players gathered in Van Cortlandt Park for an invitation-only practice, put on by the Toronto Blue Jays. Under the watchful eyes of Van Cortlandt Baseball League president Johnny Arias, Baruch College head coach Jose Torres and Toronto Blue Jays scout and area supervisor Michael Pesce, the players sprinted, hit and pitched, showing off their skills.

Mr. Pesce said he saw some players he was interested in drafting and Mr. Torres gave the boys advice about how to improve their game and conditioning.

Mr. Arias’s organization encourages players to go to college in order to hone their skills before heading for the big time.

“I’d like to just get to college first,” Nate Irving, a catcher from Riverdale Country School who said he will attend the University of Virginia next year. “If the draft happens that would be amazing and that would fulfill a dream.”

“It’s a way to give back to the community,” Mr. Torres said. “There’s some kids here with talent that go through the cracks. I know how tough it is … I was impressed with them.”