During his Monday off day, Dee Gordon came down to The Refinery in Torrance to meet with a group of about 50 kids between the ages of 5 to 12 years old to talk Baseball and the Dodgers. No doubt, this would be a thrill of a lifetime for them. After all, how often do you get a chance to meet an All-Star?
Fortunately, Blue Heaven reader Amy was kind enough to pass along some photos and some of the Q&A's from the event. Considering the ages of these hopeful burgeoning ballplayers you knew their questions would be entertaining. Check them out below:
Gordon then signed some autographs for the kids.What's your favorite position to play?
Dee: I love shortstop, but I went to the All Star's for second base, so I guess I gotta say second base!
Who is your best friend on the team?
Dee: Chone Figgins, I've looked up to him and learned a lot.
Who is faster.. you or Puig?
Dee: ME!
Why do you guys have a bubble machine in the dugout?
Dee: Well, last season Matt Kemp was supposed to throw a foam party after we won the divison and he never did, so now any time someone hits a home run we pull out the bubbles!
What's it like to be a small guy in the majors?
Dee: (Lifts up his sleeve and flexes) I'm not small!
What do you eat for breakfast?
Dee: Bacon and eggs!
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Dee: My family, My dad
Who is your biggest competition?
Dee: No one (with a big smile and a laugh)
It can't be emphasized enough how important interactions like this is. A child sees someone like Dee Gordon and immediately recognizes him as a hero and leader. So, having him spend some time with them really makes an impression. And when you consider everything Gordon's been through in his career it's even more important. He can speak about the will to succeed, the desire to get better and the perseverance to tackle all obstacles. Dee Gordon is an example of how hard work does pay off - you just have to keep going.
BTW, The Refinery is a Baseball and Softball academy that teaches kids of all ages the fundamentals. Hopefully, a visit from a star like Dee Gordon, who has seen more peaks and valleys than most, can take them to the next level. Go here to check out their website.
* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *
No comments:
Post a Comment