Baseball great visits Pony players

DODGER BLUE- Former LA Dodger first baseman Wes Parker, right, meets Shelley, Ethan and Graham O'Connor of Oak Park during Agoura Pony Baseball's picture day at Agoura High School.

Young baseball players from the area came in touch with some of the game's history last weekend at Agoura High School.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Wes Parker visited Agoura Pony Baseball players during picture day on March 18 at Agoura High School.

"It was so great for the kids to see him. He's a really nice man," said Shelley O'Connor of Oak Park, whose sons, Ethan and Graham, spoke with Parker.

Parker, who lives in Pacific Palisades, retired in 1973 after helping the Dodgers win the 1965 World Series. He served the team as f i r s t baseman from 1964 until 1972. His name is in the Baseball Hall of Fame, and he is a recipient of the Lou Gehrig Award, for his character and integrity on and off the field.

Parker holds the record for fielding percentage by a first baseman at .996, which has been tied by Steve Garvey and Don Mattingly.

Parker also is up for another honor. He is one of six finalists for the Rawlings Gold Glove best defensive first baseman of the last halfcentury.

Baseball fans have the opportunity to vote for him and for other players at www.rawlingsgoldglove.com. In honor of the program's 50th anniversary, voters will select their favorite players for the All-Time Rawlings Gold Glove Team, the best defensive players at each position since the award's inception in 1957.

Parker continues to be involved with the Dodgers, helping with clinics and public relations.

"Anyone can vote. It's a great way to honor some great players like Wes Parker who have given so much to the game," O'Connor said.

- Sophia Fischer