LA CRESCENTA : Dodgers Pitch Students on Work Ethic

Students at Monte Vista Elementary School in La Crescenta received a special lesson from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday on how to sow their personal fields of dreams.

Catcher Mike Piazza, first baseman Eric Karros, pitchers Todd Worrell, Rudy Seanez and Todd Williams, and longtime bullpen coach Mark Cresse visited the school to deliver a motivational message: Stay focused on goals and don’t give up.

“I’m sure all of you like to go out and play. I used to like to stay home and watch cartoons,” Piazza, sporting a half-cast on his injured left wrist, told the students. “But my dad always told me, ‘Get your homework done first, then you can play.’ When you’ve done your work, then you can go out and play knowing you’ve accomplished something.”

Worrell, a 10-year major league veteran, recalled an elbow injury that forced him to sit out two seasons. Unable to play, he often became dejected but concentrated on training for the future.

“There were times when I wanted to quit,” Worrell said. “But because of the never-quit attitude, I’m able to come back and extend my career and throw the ball harder than I ever did.”

The Dodgers’ visit was organized by the team’s community relations department as part of a weeklong series of player appearances at schools and community events across the Southland, said Dodgers spokesman Barry Stockhamer.

In addition to pep talks, the players also fielded questions from the youngsters and passed out baseball caps. Then they visited a first-grade classroom where, to emphasize good reading skills, the five players read a slightly amended version of “Casey at the Bat” that ended with Karros hitting a homer after the famed Casey strikes out.

Sixth-grader Brandon Higelin, who described himself as a big fan of the Dodgers, said he was a bit nervous about meeting Piazza face to face.

“I go to a lot of games at the stadium, and I always watch him,” Brandon said. “My stomach was gurgling, but he was really cool.”