Former Dodger Ken Landreaux Tells SPLL Players to Work Hard
Review Editor
During the Los Angeles Dodgers’ magical run toward the 1981 World Championship, outfielder Kenny Landreaux didn’t make a single error.
Landreaux, who caught the final out against the New York Yankees to give the Dodgers their first title since 1965, was in South Pasadena last Saturday morning telling Little Leaguers to avoid the error of not working hard in the classroom.
“Some of you are going to be professional baseball players, basketball players, soccer players, softball players,” he said, after being introduced during the local Little League’s 58th Opening Day ceremony in Arroyo Park. “Some of you are going to be doctors, lawyers or police officers.”
No matter what profession that is chosen, Landreaux said there’s a certain way children must go about it. “Do you know what that is Little Leaguers?” he asked. “The answer is to work hard and go to school.”
The man who concluded his 11-year Major League career in 1987 with a .268 career batting average, 91 home runs, 479 runs batted in and 145 stolen bases, told the youngsters, “You have to get good grades in order to be a professional baseball player, basketball player, football player, doctor, lawyer, fireman or police officer.”
To make that happen, Landreaux urged the young baseball and softball players tolisten to their parents, grandparents, teachers and coaches.
He also stressed the importance of abiding by the law and making right choices in life.
“Okay, now let’s play ball,” he said, before ending his brief talk as part of a well-choreographed, 50-minute program that featured local scouts leading the flag salute, a rousing National Anthem sung by South Pasadena High senior Shelby Gogrieve, the Little League pledge recited by Ella Cornwell and Louise Siskel, and the introduction of city dignitaries, including City Council members, school district, state and national elected officials.
Scott Kemper was presented with a plaque, recognizing him as Little League’s
South Pasadena Little League President Joe Payne welcomed the large turnout, explaining that the league consists of 725 players, including a Youth Division which is the largest in SPLL history with nearly 30 teams.
Area residents, Congressman Adam Schiff flew in from Washington D.C. and Anthony Portantino from Sacramento to attend Saturday’s ceremony.
“Are we going to have great time today?” Schiff asked the players. “Are you ready for a great season kids? Enjoy the fun, the competition and just have a wonderful season.”
Prior to the ceremony, Schiff said Little League provides youngsters with lifelong love athletics, the ability to stay in shape, healthy competition and a wonderful memory of childhood.
“You look around here and it’s just the most beautiful picture of family life here,” he noted. “Parents come out, the kids are in their uniforms, looking forward to their
Portantino, whose 44th district represents South Pasadena, told the crowd that his father once sold hot dogs at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ former home of Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York.
He also talked about his days in youth baseball when he lagged behind others when it came to running around the bases. “My name was ‘Quarter-Pounder,” he joked. “I had the distinction of playing Little League when the Quarter-Pounder came out at McDonald’s. That was my nickname because I was so slow.”
Making a perfect pitch to open the 2010 Little League season was City Councilman Michael Cacciotti.
“There are many benefits from having a great Little League program in our community,” said Cacciotti. “It teaches life skills and values that kids can use in life, including team work, getting along with people and the importance of trying your best and having a good time.”
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