Dave Winfield, a 2001 inductee of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., will join Little Leaguers at the Southern California Little League Urban Initiative Jamboree on April 27, 2013. The Jamboree, hosted by Las Palmas Little League, runs from April 26-28 in National City.
Mr. Winfield, a long-time supporter of the Little League Urban Initiative and Little League volunteer, will attend the Jamboree to help celebrate the achievement of all the players and foster their enthusiasm for baseball and softball. There is no admission fee for any of the Jamboree events.
“I’m honored to be asked to come out and support Little League in this great effort,” Mr. Winfield, Vice President and Senior Advisor of the San Diego Padres, said. “It is inspiring what Little League is doing to encourage all children to play baseball. These Jamborees are examples of how we can instill the values of sportsmanship and teamwork while getting kids outside and playing.”
The Southern California Little League Urban Initiative Jamboree is the first of nine Jamborees taking place throughout the United States this spring. At each Jamboree event, participating teams will take part in a weekend of games, instruction, and other special events, at no cost to their local league. At the end of the weekend, all the participants will leave with a lifetime of memories, and one team will own the championship banner.
Learn more about this year’s Urban Initiative Jamborees.
Participants and coaches in the Southern California Little League Urban Initiative Jamboree will attend the Padres game that Saturday night, April 27, as guests of the club. Earlier in the day, Mr. Winfield will be joined by Ron Morrison, Mayor of National City, and Tony the Tiger at the Jamboree Awards Presentation. Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes® is the “Official Breakfast Food of Little League,” and a proud sponsor of the Little League Urban Initiative.
“We are thrilled that Mr. Winfield continues to show such a high level of support for this program,” Demiko Ervin, Director of the Little League Urban Initiative, said. “Since attending his first Jamboree in 2005, Mr. Winfield has been a great advocate for the Urban Initiative helping to ensure that all children get a chance to play Little League baseball and softball.”
In his professional career, Mr. Winfield played 22 years for the Padres and five other Major League Baseball clubs, amassing a career batting average of .283, hit 465 home runs, collecting 3,110 hits, driving in 1,833 runs, earning seven Gold Gloves, and making 12 all-star appearances. Mr. Winfield also appeared in two World Series.
“The Jamboree gives kids a chance to feel like they’re playing in a Little League World Series, even if it’s just for a weekend,” Mr. Winfield said. “It’s an experience that every child should have, and thanks to the Urban Initiative, many who may never have that chance, get one.”