World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals in Mission Viejo
A surprise visit from Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker inspired young baseball players at the county's first-ever Annual Baseball Conference.
Photos
Mission Viejo sluggers hoping to make it on their high school team got some advice straight from the top. Two World Series champion Cardinals appeared at a baseball conference held in Mission Viejo sponsored by one of the major leaguers' fathers.
Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker, both Cardinals hailing from Orange County, spoke of the importance of hard work, perseverence and team work.
Nick Punto graduated from Trabuco Hills High in the late 90s, and has gone on to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, the Minnesota Twins and most recently the Cardinals. He's a free agent in 2012.
When talking to the young players, Punto stressed playing as a true sportsman and getting along with teammates.
Skip Schumaker graduated from Aliso Niguel High in Aliso Viejo. He has spent seven years with the Cardinals.
The event was put on by Cal Knights Baseball, and they estimate 300 young players attended.
In This article
-
Trabuco Hills High School
27501 Mustang Run, Mission Viejo, CA -
Capistrano Unified School District
31431 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Steve Grega
12:32 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Love the St Louis Cardinals story, came from 10 games back late in the season to make the playoffs then
How about game 6 - twice the Cards were down to their last strike and they came back!
Great example of "never give up" attitude
Greg Gantman
9:01 am on Thursday, December 1, 2011
Great story of how successful athletes come back to their community to advise the importance of hard work, perseverence and team work. Good job to those event leaders and volunteers.