Dodgers on Deck for Kids Clinic

Dodgers pitcher Eric Gagne and coaches Manny Mota and John Shelby will teach baseball fundamentals to youngsters Saturday at a free clinic at Hanson Dam Sports Center.

Sponsored by the Manny Mota International Foundation, the event will include an autograph session, free health screenings and a home-run contest for children 9 to 14.

“For many young people the cost of attending a professional sports academy or camp is not feasible,” Mota said. “Our goal is not only to teach these kids about baseball, but also about good sportsmanship and respect for others in a fun environment.”

Mota has been holding the clinics for nine years, and as many as 1,500 kids have attended. His foundation has raised money to build a baseball field in his homeland, the Dominican Republic, and offered scholarships to Los Angeles students.

The clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to all children. The sports center is at 11770 Foothill Blvd.

For more information, call the foundation at (323) 436-0500.