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Former Angels infielder Adam Kennedy heads toward home plate after throwing out the first pitch Thursday at Harvard Park. (Photos: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).
Former Major League second baseman Adam Kennedy, who helped the Angels win the World Series in 2002, threw out the first pitch at opening ceremonies Thursday evening at the Irvine Pony Memorial Day Tournament at Harvard Park.
In the World Series against the Giants, Kennedy batted .357 with three home runs and five RBI to earn a World Series ring and he was named the MVP of the AL championship series. Kennedy batted .280 in 992 games, with 51 home runs and 353 RBI in the seven seasons with the Angels.
The former Cal State Northridge standout also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Oakland A’s, the Washington Nationals and ended his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Irvine Pony officials surprised the hundreds of youngster and their families when they announced Kennedy would be throwing out the first ball. Kennedy then stayed around to sign many autographs from the youngsters.
“Stacie (Sloniger, tournament director) asked if I could come on out and throw out the first pitch and of course, I love youth sports, I’m in youth sports a lot with my boys, so any time I can do anything to help out,” Kennedy said in an interview with OC Sports Zone after signing numerous autographs and posing with teams for pictures.
Young players were informed by Sloniger during his introduction what he had accomplished.
“They don’t really know who I am but they see a jersey and they hear the story, so its fun,” he said.
Kennedy, who was raised in Riverside and attended JW North High School, said the World Series title meant a lot.
“It was definitely a great experience, great for the city, being that I’m from Riverside and being so close to home was great for my family. It was a really good time in everyone’s lives,” he said.
Kennedy’s time now includes time coaching with his son’s Pony baseball team in Costa Mesa.
“It couldn’t be any more fun, it’s a blast,” he said.
Kennedy also still follows the Angels.
“It’s looking good, keep it up, find a way to keep (Shoehi) Ohtani and be a fun year,” said Kennedy, who tries to get to as many Angels games with his family as he can.
Then, Kennedy walked off the Harvard Park field, surrounded by more autograph-seekers and made their day by signing autographs or the back of their jerseys.
The Irvine Pony Tournament, which has more than 200 teams, begins Friday and runs through Monday at Harvard Park and other fields in Irvine.
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—-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
