Scouts Were Wrong About Saberhagen

Any San Fernando Valley Little Leaguer worth his weight in pine tar dreams of duplicating the meteoric rise to fame of Bret Saberhagen.

In 1982, Saberhagen, a skinny, 18-year-old right-hander from Reseda, pitched a no-hitter in Dodger Stadium to lead Cleveland High to a 13-0 victory over Palisades High for the City Section 4-A Division baseball championship.

But despite hurling what remains the only no-hitter ever in a city title game, Saberhagen’s future in baseball appeared to be limited. His arm considered suspect by scouts, Saberhagen was drafted in the 19th round by the Kansas City Royals.

Two years later, however, he had climbed through the minor leagues and earned a spot in the Royals’ starting rotation. The following year, Saberhagen was on top of the world . . . as in series.

In a storybook climax to the 1985 season, Saberhagen went the distance in an 11-0 Game 7 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. Saberhagen’s second complete-game victory of the series earned him most valuable player honors.

But that was only part of the celebration.

Less than 24 hours earlier, Saberhagen assisted in the delivery of his first child before rushing to the ballpark.

Saberhagen, who will turn 33 in April, has distinguished himself as one of baseball’s most formidable pitchers during his career. A veteran of four major-league clubs, he has never returned to baseball’s summit. But he has returned to his roots.

In recent years, Saberhagen has visited his alma mater to pitch batting practice and participate in fund-raising.

Plagued by a shoulder injury, Saberhagen currently is rehabilitating with the Boston Red Sox organization.