SIMI VALLEY : Dodger Coach Gives Free Batting Clinics

Manny Mota, coach and former player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will hold two free batting clinics today for Simi Valley youths.

The clinics are sponsored by a local drug prevention organization called Baseballers Against Drugs (BAD).

Boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 12 are invited to participate, said Jim Dantona, founder and president of BAD. The first clinic will be held at the Batting Net, 1667 Royal Ave., from 1 to 2:30 p.m., and the second will be at the Simi Valley Batting Cages, 2019 Donville Ave., between 3 and 4:30 p.m.

Mota will be joined by two of his sons, Domingo and Jose, both minor league ballplayers, in instructing the youths on hitting and fielding techniques, Dantona said.

Mota will also pass out autographed pictures, baseball caps and other items.