Hundreds of children and their parents gathered on Saturday at the William S. Hart Pony baseball and softball fields to receive a pair of free spikes or cleats handed out by Cincinnati Reds hard-throwing right-handed starter Hunter. I put it in green.
Green graduated from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, but grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley and participated in the Hart Pony baseball program at an early age. He was also part of the team that won the 2008 Pinto He World He Series. .
“It’s such an honor to be here today to get back to where it all began. It’s a beautiful complex and some familiar faces. So today is going to be very special,” said Green. “I want to thank the parents for sending their kids off. I hope I can make them feel special. Get some new gear, some cool stuff, some new cleats.” I knew getting and getting was one of my favorite things to do, so it feels good and hopefully you all feel the same and hopefully in all these great fields When you’re competing and playing, you can go out and do your best.”
Event organizers said more than 500 pairs of spikes were collected for the event, but there were also official baseballs, jerseys, baseball cards and other equipment and memorabilia for Green to sign. Green also took pictures with attendees and gave advice to those who asked.
Phoenix Vanderlip, a 14-year-old second baseman and pitcher for the Ambassadors, a local youth baseball team, said he asked Green about how to gain confidence on the field.
“He told me I needed to work with confidence because when I was in the field, I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I already know what to do. and you practiced this or you really know what you’re going to do. “It makes me feel better. It makes me want to work more and work harder so that I can have more confidence and do better while playing baseball.”
Phoenix’s father, Matt Vanderlip, said it’s great that Green has given back to the community in a way that has such an impact on his children.
“It’s great, he looks up to his players and any advice they can give their kids, whether it’s confidence or guidance on and off the field, is a role model they look up to. So it’s great to see them giving back to the community as well,” said Matt.
Also in attendance was Santa Clarita City Councilman Lauren Weste, who reminisced about her green spot with Team USA.
“Hunter is an example of why I hope you all will be in the future. Nishi. “So when you’re with him, say ‘thank you.’ We know he’s a great young man, and that’s why we’re so proud.”
