1995 LOS ANGELES TIMES : ALL-VALLEY BASEBALL TEAM : Player & Pitcher of the Year : Kassis, Nix Made Impressions

A bulldog gripping a bat was etched on the left shoulder of Kennedy High first baseman George Kassis during an excursion to Venice Beach before the season.

But the tattoo was more than a spur-of-the-moment decision.

“It was my own design,” Kassis said. “I’ve had the idea for a while. I wanted to show baseball is my life and this season was going to be special.”

It was.

Kassis, The Times’ Valley player of the year, led the Golden Cougars to a City Section 4-A championship.

One of four team captains, Kassis played the dual role as hitting stalwart--he led area City players with 41 runs batted in--and clubhouse leader.

“There’s a lot of things I learned from all of the seniors,” said Jon Garland, a sophomore pitcher. “But George was our leader. He’s been around. He’s got the experience.”