Dodgers kick off program to bring kids to games

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Dodgers are launching Kids 4 Dodgers Baseball, a community program designed to bring low-income youth and their families to Dodgers games.

The club will host 250 youngsters at 51 Dodgers home games this season. They will be bused to Dodger Stadium and receive a game ticket, a voucher for a Dodger Dog, a beverage and a Kids 4 Dodgers T-shirt.

"It is our pleasure to launch Kids 4 Dodgers Baseball and host children at our games who otherwise may not get the opportunity to experience 'Blue Heaven on Earth'," said Dodgers owner Magic Johnson. "Our success on the field is just as important as how successful we are off the field in the L.A. community. I believe Kids 4 Dodgers Baseball is a very special addition to the Dodgers' community outreach programs."

Each Kids 4 Dodgers Baseball group is preselected and chosen through an application process. Groups interested in being considered for the Kids 4 Dodgers Baseball program can contact the Dodgers' community relations department by applying online at www.dodgers.com/K4DB starting Friday or by calling 323-224-1435.

On Friday, 250 youngsters from Catholic Charities of Los Angeles will attend the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.