201905.01
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At-risk youth hear from law enforcement and Angels players, coaches on how to succeed in life and avoid gangs

by in News

Almost 2,000 screaming kids greeted Angels players and Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program, also known as OC GRIP, at Angel Stadium on Wednesday. Several coaches and players addressed the restless crowd before taking on the Toronto Blue Jays including locally-raised Noe Ramirez, second baseman Tommy La Stella and outfielder Brian Goodwin.

  • The Angels’ Tommy La Stella laughs as kids react to the start of batting practice with oohs and ahhs while speaking to about 2,000 at-risk youths during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Natalie Santos, 10, of Lincoln Elementary in Santa Ana, holds up a sign asking for a baseball (or a glove) during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  • Almost 2,000 at-risk youths stand and cheer during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Almost 2,000 at-risk youths stand and cheer during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • The Angels’ Noe Ramirez speaks to about 2,000 at-risk youths during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Representatives from local Orange County Schools stand on the dugout during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Two students create their own sign during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • District Attorney Todd Spitzer talks to nearly 2,000 at-risk youths during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Kids do the wave during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • The Angels’ Noe Ramirez waits to speak to about 2,000 at-risk youths during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Yatziry Rodriguez, 11, from Clinton Elementary in Garden Grove, reacts after getting a wave from Angels players during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Kids cheer during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Teachers, including Tracy McMillen from Handy Elementary, stand as they are recognized during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Kids cheer during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Angel Silva, 10, Kayla Aguilar, 10, and Juan Hernandez, 11, from left, all from Melrose Elementary School in Placentia, cheer during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies watch as kids wait to listen to Angels players during the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership program at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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“We’re here today on this field of dreams, every blade of grass is perfect,” said Spitzer. “Your field of dreams is your classroom where you get your education. Let’s hear it for you and your dreams.”

OC GRIP operates in 60 schools across Orange County to reduce gang involvement and inspire students to succeed in school and in life.