Q & A

Jesse Benson, L.A. Dodger batboy, Tustin

Five months ago, lifelong baseball fan Jesse Benson landed what he says is his dream job--a batboy for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Benson, 18, graduated last month from Foothill High School in Tustin, and plans to study graphic arts at Cal State Long Beach in the fall. He spoke with Times correspondent John Pope about his experiences in major league baseball.

Q: What is your typical workday like?

A: I work every home game, starting with batting practice from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. That’s a lot of work, and it’s how I get all my exercise now, shagging balls and playing catch with the players. Then we go in for a dinner break, and after that I have a bunch of jobs like putting towels in the locker room, organizing the training equipment. Then during the game I’ll be on the left field or right field lines or in the dugout. Most of the guys like the lines better because it’s relaxing and you play catch with the players, but the hard thing is that the fans harass you. I get a big taste of what the players receive, especially in left field. . . . People say some crazy things. The dugout is a little more work than the lines, but when the players come in from a home run and give everyone high fives, it’s really great. After the game there’s a lot of small jobs like passing out laundry. . . . It’s long hours, and I usually don’t get home until 1 a.m.

Q: What’s the best part about being a batboy?

A: I’ll get home and realize I’ve been talking to [outfielder] Raul Mondesi for a half hour, just chatting. . . . [Second baseman] Delino DeShields is one of my favorite guys on the team, he’s a down-to-earth guy. And Mondesi, even though he’s a superstar, is a really nice guy. When I’m on the right field line and there’s a break, he’ll call me over and start talking to me in front of the whole stadium. That’s really neat.

Q: How did you get the job?

A: I’ve always been a huge Dodger fan, and awhile back my dad was able to meet equipment manager David Wright. . . . We got along well, so eventually he offered me the job.

Q: Has your impression of professional athletes changed?

A: I know so many people who boycotted baseball after the [1994] strike. They see players as superstar prima donnas. But they don’t see them in the locker room with their heads down after losing a game. Or in the clubhouse, where if a guy strikes out he’s sitting there watching videos of the game and coming in early to practice. It’s their job and their life, and there’s a lot of pressure involved. I appreciate more what they do. I think anyone in my position would see that.