Former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Steve Garvey was presented with the L.A. Sports Legend Award during California State University, Los Angeles’ 19th annual Billie Jean King & Friends Gala on Saturday.
“I’ve been blessed,” Garvey told a filled ballroom at Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, Calif. “The greatest gift is to give back.”
Added Cal State L.A. president William A. Covino: “Steve Garvey is a model of professionalism, dedication and determination. We are proud to honor him with our L.A. Sports Legend Award.”
Among those in attendance was Los Angeles Councilman Gil Cedillo, who filed the motion to rename a portion of Elysian Park Avenue in honor Hall of Fame broadcaster and the now retired Vin Scully.
Garvey, a 10-time All-Star, spent 14 seasons with the Dodgers. He played alongside Davey Lopes, Ron Cey and Bill Russell for 8 1/2 years, which is a Major League record for the longest an infield was kept intact.
Their final time together in the lineup came in Game 6 of the 1981 World Series. Los Angeles was crowned champions after defeating the New York Yankees, and Garvey shared the World Series MVP Award with Cey and Pedro Guerrero; they’re more commonly known as “Tri-MVPs” of the 1981 World Series.
Garvey hit .301/.337/.459 during his time with the Dodgers. He was named to the All-Star Game from 1974-81, and earned MVP honors at the Midsummer Classic in ’74 and ’78. Garvey concluded his career by spending five seasons with the San Diego Padres, and he earned All-Star recognition in 1984 and ’85.
King is a Cal State L.A. alumna who played on the university’s women’s tennis team. The annual gala raises funds for scholarships for student-athletes.
This year’s event included a special tribute to James M. Rosser, president emeritus of Cal State L.A., and an awards presentation to George L. Pla, president and CEO of Cordoba Corporation.
