Dodger great Steve Garvey honored at Cal State LA's annual Billie Jean King gala

Dodger great Steve Garvey, a Palm Desert resident, was honored recently with the L.A. Sports Legend Award during Cal State LA’s 19th annual Billie Jean King & Friends Event.

Garvey, a National League MVP and 10 time All-Star, is one of the most successful Major League Baseball players of all time. Playing first base, Garvey was part of a stellar Dodger infield and helped lead the team to a World Series title in 1981. He was a four-time Golden Glove winner.

As he accepted his award, Garvey recalled that as a young boy he met members of the Brooklyn Dodgers, including the legendary Jackie Robinson. Little did he know, Garvey added, that one day he would be wearing the Dodger uniform.

“I’ve been blessed,” Garvey told the more than 500 people who filled the ballroom of the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena for the October 22 gala. “The greatest gift is to give back,” Garvey added.

Added Cal State LA 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.”

King is a Cal State LA alumna and played on the university’s women's tennis. A world champion athlete and champion for social justice, she has helped raise more than $3 million in scholarships for student athletes through her annual gala.

Garvey holds the record for the highest career fielding percentage by a first baseman and is the only player in the history of Major League Baseball to have an errorless season at first base. Garvey was named as the National League MVP in 1974, the All-Star Game MVP in 1974 and 1978, and Playoff MVP in 1974, 1977 and 1984.

More than decade after retiring, Garvey is still the reigning National League “Iron Man.” He played in 1,207 consecutive baseball games.

After 13 years as a Dodger, Garvey signed with the San Diego Padres. In 1984, his game-winning home run brought the Padres from the brink of elimination fin the playoffs to their first World Series. In 1988, the Padres retired Garvey's number 6.

He now utilizes the same drive and leadership he displayed on the baseball field to motivate audiences around the world to become the best and most successful people or corporations they can become.

This year’s event also included a special tribute to James M. Rosser, president emeritus of Cal State LA, and an awards presentation to George L. Pla, president and CEO of Cordoba Corporation.

###

Photo: Right to left, Steve Garvey, Billie Jean King and President William A. Covino during the Billie Jean King & Friends Event. (Credit: J. Emilio Flores/Cal State LA)