Time to “Play Ball” in Palisades

L.A. Dodgers Great Wes Parker and First Lady Maria Shriver Open PPBA’s Season

The Palisades Pony Baseball Association opened its 53rd season on Saturday with one of this town’s oldest and proudest traditions–the annual pancake breakfast at the Palisades Recreation Center. No, St. Patrick’s Day in the park has never been greener. Saving some for family members and friends who were on hand to lend their vocal support from the bleachers, budding young ballplayers chowed down on piping hot griddle cakes and sizzling sausages–instant energy to last them six innings and beyond. Just after 9 a.m., PPBA Commissioner Bob Benton introduced the participants for the first-pitch ceremony to officially set the new season in motion: California’s first lady Maria Shriver and former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Wes Parker. Each of them addressed the crowd gathered at the edge of the Field of Dreams complex with words of wisdom for everyone, young and old. “I grew up with four brothers who played baseball and my father was a huge Orioles fan–he never missed a game,” said Shriver, who was captain of her high school softball team just outside of Washington D.C. “Dad took me with him all the time, taught me how to keep score and once I got to go to the locker room where I saw Jim Palmer in his underwear–one of the great highlights of my life.” Shriver, who lives up the road in Brentwood, encouraged everyone to get involved in community activities. “You’re never too young to make a difference,” she said. “You can be a leader at any age.” Befitting the holiday, Shriver read an Irish blessing before graciously accepting a t-shirt from Benton along with an extra-extra large for, as Benton put it “that guy she lives with,” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Who could catch our first lady any better than a six-time gold glover?” Benton asked before handing the microphone to Parker, who wore his No. 28 jersey and blue Dodgers cap. “The last time I was here was 1954 so this is the first time I’ve seen these new fields and this place is spectacular,” Parker beamed. “You kids won’t have to worry about a lot of bad hops.” Parker, who retired in 1973, is one of six finalists for Rawlings’ Gold Glove award as best defensive first baseman of the last half century. Baseball fans will determine the final winner by voting online at www.Rawlingsgoldglove.com. A 35-year Palisades resident, Parker also offered sage advice to his attentive audience. “I once played little league just like these kids are today and they’ll remember this for the rest of their lives, whether they strike out with the bases loaded or hit the game-winning home run,” he said. “So dads, don’t yell at your kids. If you lose, just give the other team credit and try to beat them the next time.” Then, as her nine-year-old son Christopher watched, Shriver stepped forward and delivered a nasty sinker over the heart of the plate, the ball making a loud thump as it disappeared into Parker’s waiting glove. Once the first pitch was thrown and caught, it was time to play ball. The Pintos and Broncos took the field first for early morning. In the Pinto Division (ages 7-9), the Dodgers shut out the Cubs, 11-0, the Cardinals outslugged the Phillies 14-11, the Tigers topped the Orioles 14-8 and the Yankees edged the rival Red Sox 5-4. In the Bronco Division (ages 11-12), the Red Sox doubled up the Yankees 8-4, the Orioles got past the Tigers 7-6, the Phillies doubled up the Cardinals 8-4 and the Dodgers outscored the Cubs 12-4. At noon, it was the Mustangs’ (ages 9-10) turn to take to the diamonds. The Dodgers beat the Cubs 9-2, the Cardinals beat the Phillies 13-4, the Orioles snuck by the Tigers 10-9 and the Yankees outscored the Red Sox 7-3. In keeping with the spirit of the day, Cardinals pitcher Jasper Shorr had to ask his mom as they were walking off the field “Did we win?” Shorr’s teammate, Max Marguleas, sold the most pancake breakfast tickets ($440 worth) and won a week’s trip to the Westside Baseball camp. Evan Greene of the Bronco Cardinals ($275), Jason Starrels ($225) of the Pinto Phillies and Max’s younger brother, Sam, of the Pinto Cardinals ($190) also earned baseball camp passes for their fundraising efforts. Bronco Tigers Coach Todd Kupfer won the 50-50 raffle and generously donated his half back to the PPBA. “This is such a great day,” Bronco Orioles Coach Rob Lamb said on his way to the dugout. “This and the Fourth of July are the best!”