Percival to tee off for NHBA

Angels pitcher Troy Percival and Kansas City Royals star first

baseman Mike Sweeney will be among a large gathering of current and

former major leaguers Friday in the first Wally Joyner and Friends

Golf Classic, benefiting the Newport Harbor Baseball Association, at

Talega Golf Club in San Clemente. Joyner is the event’s chairman.

“There will also be some contributions from Angel players,

including a Scott Spezio (autographed) bat and a Garrett Anderson

signed bat for auction items, so we’re getting support from other

Angels who can’t attend,” NHBA President Aaron Rios said Thursday.

Rick Aguilera, Bud Black, Bob Boone, Chuck Finley, Bobby Grich,

Jay Johnstone, Kirk McCaskill, Roger McDowell and Lance Parrish are

also expected to play.

The event is a scramble format with an 11 a.m. shotgun start. Its

aim is to help NHBA’s ability to provide baseball scholarships for

underprivileged children, improve and maintain the baseball fields,

purchase much-needed equipment, pay for professional training for the

coaches and provide player clinics.

It is the priority of NHBA and the golf tournament to make sure

every child in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, who wants to play

baseball, is not excluded for any reasons. Details: (949) 723-4110.

-by Richard Dunn