RAWITCH PUTS DODGERS IN BEST LIGHT.

Byline: Evan Pondel Staff Writer

As a kid growing up in the San Fernando Valley, Josh Rawitch dreamed of one day playing Major League Baseball.

From T-ball to Little League to the varsity at Chatsworth High, Rawitch - the quiet one in a family where the parents were both journalists and his twin brother and older sister were far more loquacious - worked hard at the game, but found himself only a second-string second baseman. Still, he won the Chancellors' Orange Crush Award for his hustle, despite his shortage of talent.

Today, it's Rawitch, now 29, who finds himself in the big leagues. He's finishing up his rookie year as director of public relations for the Los Angeles Dodgers - no easy task when the team has wallowed in defeat and controversy all season and has seen a major management shake-up.

Sitting in the dugout near the end of the season, Rawitch looks part baseball player, part corporate executive. He knows he's fulfilling a boyhood dream, yet his voice conveys the slight edge of a hardened baseball man.

``Anyone who thinks this job is a way to be a player without being on the field is wrong. It's about respecting the position and helping the organization.''

This season has been particularly challenging for Rawitch. The news media has increasingly scrutinized the organization's new owners, and feuding between players Milton Bradley and Jeff Kent has only added to the fury.

But Rawitch walks with the authority of a veteran player even though he's the youngest public relations director in the league.

Four hours before game time, Rawitch has the focus of a starting pitcher.

He's palming a Blackberry and readying a cellular phone. His hair is delicately gelled and his face is smooth with the exception of a little pre-game stubble.

``There is certainly pressure to our job. And I'm my own biggest critic and take it personally when something is written about the Dodgers organization that isn't accurate,'' says Rawitch, who began his career at the stadium eight years ago as an intern unloading bobblehead dolls.

He's responsible for organizing a packet of digestible statistics that the media can gobble up upon their arrival at the stadium. When inundated by requests from hungry reporters, Rawitch compartmentalizes his stress.

``Handling stress is all about being able to clear your mind and focus on the job,'' says Rawitch, who jaws a piece of bubble gum. He's been at the stadium since 9 a.m., writing blurbs and updating statistics for reporters and other media outlets.

He insists it's a coincidence that his tie is blue and his shirt is accented with light-blue stripes. But as Rawitch walks toward the Dodgers manager Jim Tracy's office, everything seems planned.

He smiles and waves to stadium employees he passes in the hall. He meticulously checks his Blackberry every five minutes in an attempt to manage more than 150 e-mails a day. Tracy shows no surprise when Rawitch walks into his locker room/office to get the lineup, a recognition that they're on the same team and have jobs to do.

``I walk a fine line with these guys. I have to be close enough so they trust me, but far enough, so they respect me,'' Rawitch says.

In the hall, he is approached by Manny Mota, a coach who played for the Dodgers more than two decades ago. ``Josh is el mejor (the best),'' says Mota, slapping Rawitch on the shoulder.

So does Dodgers starting pitcher Jeff Weaver moments later. Rawitch asks the right-hander if he'd be willing to do an interview before an upcoming game.

``Me no likey,'' says Weaver, who usually doesn't like to do interviews before throwing in a game.

Rawitch notes that he acts as media counsel to players at times. ``Sometimes I even tell a player when I think they should do an interview.'' In this case, he doesn't.

There's at least an hour before game time. En route to the dugout, announcer Rick Monday makes eye contact with Rawitch. ``I don't see any blood on you guys today. Must be OK,'' says Monday.

``Yeah, it's OK,'' Rawitch replies.

The dugout is empty at this point. Batting practice is under way. Early birds are starting to filter into the stadium. Rawitch sits down on the bench and futzes with his Blackberry.

Then, former Dodger and Cy Young Award winner Fernando Valenzuela fishes Rawitch out of the dugout with a friendly smile. The famed pitcher- turned-broadcaster wants to play golf with Rawitch on Monday.

``Set up a time for me,'' Valenzuela says.

Rawitch smiles, then nods and walks toward the stands. The stadium halls soon fade. The scent of hot dogs grows faint. And Rawitch enters his windowless office.

Three bobbleheads sit on his desk. They include writer Jack Kerouac, Sen. John Kerry and shortstop Cesar Izturis.

Rawitch first met Izturis when he filed stories from Venezuela for MLB.com. ``We have a connection,'' says Rawitch, who is fluent in Spanish.

Rawitch pulls his Blackberry from his pocket. He notes the time. There's at least five minutes for dinner and then to the press box, where he tends to e-mail and chats with reporters.

``This is a perfect job right now because I have no kids. But during the season, I spend more time with the Dodgers than I do with my family. That's both scary and gives me a sense of accomplishment. I certainly love what I do for a living, that's for sure.''

At the crack of a bat, the stadium erupts in applause as the Dodgers score. A small grin cracks on Rawitch's face but that's all.

``There's no clapping in the press box,'' he says.

Evan Pondel, [phone]

evan.pondel(at)dailynews.com

behind the scenes: Josh Rawitch

Director of public relations for the Los Angeles Dodgers

Age: 29

Hometown: Northridge

Personal: Travel and reading Jack Kerouac on the beach.

Background: Rawitch earned a sports marketing degree from Indiana University.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Dodgers P.R. man Josh Rawitch, right, chats with Dodger legend, and now broadcaster, Fernando Valenzuela before a game.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer

Box:

behind the scenes: Josh Rawitch (see text)