On a cold and damp Saturday morning at the Boys and Girls Club of Ramona Gardens, Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Noe Ramirez held center court. He addressed the kids in attendance about the importance of going to college, not because of sports, simply for the opportunities and network it will provide. Ramirez was joined by several former Cal State Fullerton baseball alumni, that helped him host the clinic. Including former American League all star and Toronto Blue Jay, Ricky Romero. The messages came from both stars who both hailed from the Eastside, Noe from Ramona Gardens and Romero from East Los Angeles (Roosevelt High School).
“Understanding I’m in a position to influence kids, and trying to reverse the norm” says Ramirez “I want to get kids thinking about college, they don’t have to play sports, they just need to go in the right direction.”
USC Civic Engagement partnered with the Boys and Girl club to provide support and provide a warm meal for all participants.
“This is a collaboration of community partners, we all came together to make this happen for the kids of Ramona Gardens.” said Dulce Acosta, USC Civic Engagement Program Manager “The goal is to impact these kids and introduce them to someone like them that made it to a big- national stage.”
