-Press Release-
For Immediate Release
October 24, 2007
Contact: Sue Williams, PIO
City Manager's Office
Phone: (626) 939-8474

PROFESSIONAL BALLPLAYERS COMING TO
WEST COVINA ON SATURDAY
WEST COVINA, CA - Some professional ballplayers will be in town this weekend, to speak before those in attendance at the West Covina Big League Dreams Dedication (2100 S. Azusa Avenue) on Saturday, October 27, beginning at 1:00pm. This event is open to the public and is free! Speakers scheduled on the program will be former LA Dodger players Bill Russell and Jay Johnstone.

Jay Johnstone, a former West Covina resident, began his career in baseball with the California Angels, moving on to play with the Chicago White Sox, then the Philadelphia Phillies, before spending the bulk of his career with the LA Dodgers. During his career, he played in four World Series and three All-Star Teams. After the major's, Johnstone went on to broadcasting for the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, and currently is working for FOX TV as a Television Broadcaster. Johnstone is the only professional ballplayer, in major league history, to have played all of the California baseball teams, except one.

Bill Russell is a former shortstop, coach and manager in Major League Baseball. Russell played his entire 18-year (2,181 game) career with the Los Angeles Dodgers for four National League pennant wins and one World Series Championship. Teamed with Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, and Ron Cey for over eight years, Russell was an integral part of baseball's longest-lasting infield and a vital cog in the Dodger's annual drive for a pennant. With Russell at short, the Dodgers made it to the World Series three times, and won it all in 1981. When Tommy Lasorda retired, Russell became the team's manager, but he is most known for breaking the record of wearing the Dodger uniform in more games than anyone to this day.

In addition to Johnstone and Russell speaking at this exciting event, professional ballplayer Maury Wills, will be on hand for autograph signing. Wills in the 60's broke a major league record of 104 stolen bases, breaking Ty Cobb's prior record held for forty-seven years. Maury played on the LA Dodger team for 14 years, helping the Dodgers to three World Series victories, and to a National League Pennant.

Also on hand for autograph signing will be former California Angel Bobby Grich and former Oakland A's Jeremy Giambi.

Bobby Grich formerly played for the Baltimore Orioles and the California Angels. What separated Grich from other second basemen of his time was his ability to be a successful hitter and fielder. During his 15 year career, Grich was awarded the "Gold Glove" Award for four consecutive years. He was selected to the American League All-Star Team six times, and was the first player selected to the Angels Hall of Fame.

Jeremy Giambi was born in West Covina, and graduated from South Hills High School. He began his baseball career with the Kansas City Royals, and continued on to play for Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and the Oakland A's. During his time with the Oakland Athletics, Giambi played in the 2001 American League Divisional Series.

For more information about the West Covina Big League Dreams Dedication, open and free to the public, please call the Community Services Department at 626-939-8430 or visit the city's web site at www.westcovina.org.

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