2002 Power Hitter Champions Acknowledged On-field at Dodger Stadium; Young Ball Players Recognized for Achievement in Los Angeles DWP/Dodger Program.

City Desks & News Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2002

Taking the field where so many baseball legends have come before them, three young baseball champions were tonight acknowledged for their achievement in the 2002 Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) "Power Hitter" community program during a pre-game ceremony at Dodger Stadium.

The three youngsters won their respective age group in a championship batting contest held earlier in the season that earned them the opportunity to join an LADWP representative on-field at Dodger Stadium. They were introduced over the Dodger public address system and DodgerVision in front of thousands of Dodger fans.

"This year's Power Hitter champions represent hundreds of young, talented baseball players from throughout the city of Los Angeles," said David Wiggs, LADWP general manager. "LADWP is proud of all of the boys and girls who participated in this year's Power Hitter program, and we congratulate the champions for their extraordinary effort."

The three young batting champs, Yvette Perez of Los Angeles (8 and under age group), Aaron Anderson of Covina (9-11 age group), and Tomas Varela of Los Angeles (12-14 age group) were among more than 500 children from throughout the city of Los Angeles who participated in six LADWP-sponsored community clinics and competitions held earlier this year. Winners from the three age categories at each clinic advanced to a championship baseball hitting competition that was held on September 14 at Dodger Stadium.

During the community events, the young baseball fans received first-hand instruction in batting, catching, and throwing from current and former Dodger players and coaches. Former manager and Hall of Fame Dodger legend Tommy Lasorda, infielders Alex Cora and Cesar Izturis, outfielder Dave Roberts, pitchers Giovanni Carrara and Kazuhisa Ishii, coaches Manny Mota, Glenn Hoffman, and Jim Colborn, and former Dodger Bobby Castillo, were among the Dodger players and coaches who participated in this year's clinics.

LADWP representatives were on-hand at each community event to distribute information and goodies that educated community members about the utility and the services it provides. This year's "LADWP Power Hitter Clinics and Competitions" took place at: Dodger Stadium (all-girls softball event); Boyle Heights Sports Center; Ardmore Recreation Center; Ladera Little League Field at the Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area; Algin Sutton Recreation Center; and the Northeast Los Angeles Little League Field.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, established 100 years ago to provide water and electric needs to the city's residents and businesses, serves more than 3.8 million people in Los Angeles. The LADWP is a recognized leader in sponsoring programs to enhance the success of the youth of Los Angeles. For more information about the LADWP, log on to www.ladwp.com.