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 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 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.
