Pepperdine's Youth Citizenship Seminar

Geoffrey's is always nice, and sushi at Nobu is hard to pass on, but instead I had lunch yesterday in Malibu at Pepperdine University. 

I didn't see any celebrities, but did have the pleasure of eating with Chancellor Runnels, and other distinguished speakers who were there for Pepperdine's Youth Citizenship Seminar.

This is my 14th year speaking at the seminar.  The YCS is an outstanding program where the top juniors from high schools around California come to Pepperdine for a week to learn about leadership, and character.

I told these youngsters, these future leaders of our country, what it will take for them to succeed in life.

I try to stress the importance of self confidence.  Self confidence is without a doubt the first step towards success. 

You've gotta believe!

I told them my story of when I was the third string pitcher on the Norristown High School baseball team.

Do you know what a third string pitcher is?  Worthless!

I never played.  I only carried the equipment.

I told our head coach, Coach Harvey Fishburn, I said, "See those two pitchers over there, Buddy Rider and Red Henning?"

Yeah.

"Well you and those two guys are going to buy tickets to see me play in the Major Leagues."

And he almost fell over laughing.

Ten years later, the Dodgers are in Philadelphia and I 'm playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Before the game, two guys holler at me from the stands.  I ran over and it was Buddy Rider and Red Henning.

I spoke with them for a while and then started into the dugout.  Someone hollered at me from above the dugout and it was Coach Harvey Fishburn.

"Hey coach," I said, and pointed to my chest and hollered back, "Dodgers!"

You see, I dreamt of being a Major League player.  When I would go to bed I would actually dream that I was pitching in the big leagues.

Dreams become a reality, but you've got to believe.