Dodgers to Appear at Kids’ Skills Clinic

Players from the Los Angeles Dodgers will attend a free baseball skills clinic and “Power Hitter Competition” for children Friday at Hansen Dam Sports Center.

Planners said they hope to attract boys and girls from across the Valley and greater Los Angeles to the event, which is open to children under 14.

In the hitting contest, batters will use a tee and be judged on how far they hit the ball, said Cathy Baslow, who coordinates the L.A. Kids Sports Academy, a summer baseball camp.

Baslow organized the clinic with Dodger assistant coach Manny Mota, whose Manny Mota Foundation is a co-sponsor.

“We divide the kids into age groups to make it fair,” Baslow said. “The one in each age group who wins will be taken to Dodger Stadium Sept. 17 to hit on the field.”

Baslow said she does not know how many--or which--Dodgers will attend the clinic and contest.

“We never know until a day or so before,” she said.

Starting at 10 a.m., participants will be instructed in batting, fielding and pitching. At 11 a.m., an autograph session will start and participants will receive Dodgers hats from the Department of Water and Power. At noon, the batting competition will start, Baslow said.

Preregistration is not necessary. Planners said they require a parent or legal guardian’s signature for children to participate in the batting contest.

The sports center is at 11770 Foothill Blvd. For more information, call (818) 899-6016.