Spectrum SportsNet LA continued their efforts to provide a unique experience for a deserving group by hosting members from the Business of Success beyond Sports (BOSS) program.
They were treated to a meet and greet with SportsNet LA personalities Kelli Tennant and Nomar Garciaparra, and watched the Los Angeles Dodgers sweep the Kansas City Royals from the comfort of a suite off just off home plate.
“It’s been a wonderful experience for the kids,” said BOSS president Evertt Glenn. “Most of them have never been to a Dodger game.”
“They got a chance to meet Nomar Garciaparra, sit on the set he does for pregame, and they went into the booth with Orel (Hershiser) and got to ask questions and take pictures. This has been amazing.”
On top of the once-in-a-lifetime experience, the 11 youngsters had the added bonus of being on hand for a Clayton Kershaw start. All the three-time Cy Young Award winner did was throw his first complete game of the season.
Prior to that, Kershaw provided the BOSS group with the thrill of a lifetime when he took the field for his pregame warmup routine. “It was really cool,” Tavin Spurling said.
He also enjoyed visiting the SportsNet LA booth and speaking with Orel Hershiser and former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. “If we excel at something to keep doing it,” Spurling said they were told by Hershiser and Lasorda.
In addition to sharing the viewpoint he has for Dodgers home games, Hershiser discussed the importance of having a career that extends beyond being an athlete. For Hershiser, that meant transitioning into broadcasting so that he could remain close to the sport he loves.
The BOSS program is a multi-year, year-round effort for student-athletes who are in sixth, seventh or eighth grade. Glenn said the goal is to “transfer their passion” into other professions, such as accounting, baking, architecture and technology, among others.
While Sunday was the group’s first Dodgers game, they’ve attended Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Rams games in the past. “We reward them for a job well done,” Glenn said.
He was also sure to highlight the measures SportsNet LA went to in order ensure the BOSS children had a memorable day. “We’ve never received this kind of treatment,” Glenn said.
In May, SportsNet LA similarly rolled out the blue carpet for the Special Olympics Southern California softball team.
