Baseball Academy a Hit With Young Players

With the studied look of a physics professor, Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Bill Russell eyed Juan Rojas, 9, as he hit baseball after baseball into the dew-coated turf.

Quietly stepping forward from beside the backstop, Russell whispered to Juan, who examined his hands as if seeing them for the very first time.

At the next pitch, Juan kept the bat up as the Dodger manager had instructed and launched the ball into the depths of left field.

The Los Angeles youngster was one of nearly 80 children, ages 6-18, who turned out at the Encino Little League fields on a chilly Thursday morning to participate in the opening session of the Reggie Smith Baseball Academy.

The school, run by the former Dodger standout player and current batting and fielding coach, has attracted kids from as far away as Japan.

Some players, like Alexandra Wiley, 9, of Altadena were focused on modest aims.

“My mom says if I play Little League again, I’ll be able to play softball,” Alexandra said. “It’s hard being the only girl.”