NIU baseball players put down their bats Friday morning to tackle a new challenge: getting the attention of a classroom of kindergartners.

The baseball players sat down with the students of Cornerstone Christian Academy, 355 N. Cross St., Sycamore, on Friday to read books, sign autographs and answer questions about baseball.

The players teamed up in groups of two, heading into several different rooms in the school to read to children ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade.

“Our guys look forward to it all year,” head coach Ed Mathey said.

Right fielder Mike Santoro and shortstop Greg Larsen sat down with 11 students in Joanne Mathis’ kindergarten class.

The children sat attentively while Santoro and Larsen took turns reading pages from “Danny the Dinosaur.”

After reading the story, some of the kids warmed up to Santoro and Larsen for hugs while others lined up for high fives.

Kindergartner Zuerek Day jumped up to Santoro after the story, calling the players heroes while reaching for a hug.

“I love the baseball players,” kindergartner Jordan Tolzin said.

Santoro and Larsen were all smiles chatting about the childrens’ reaction to their visit.

“I was really happy to see they were able to pay attention the way they did,” Santoro said.

Mathis expressed gratitude for the players’ visit to her class.

“It’s wonderful that the players take the time to do the community service,” Mathis said. “The kids, they love it.”

The baseball team typically comes out to the schools to spend time with the kids twice a year, Mathey said.