Yelich reflects on youth camps run by Scioscia

ANAHEIM -- Growing up in Thousand Oaks, Calif., Christian Yelich regularly attended games at Dodger Stadium. But dating back to when the Marlins left fielder was 8-years-old, he had a connection to the other baseball team in Los Angeles.

In his early seasons playing youth baseball, Yelich attended camps run by Angels manager Mike Scioscia.

"I've got pictures with him," Yelich said. "I have a couple of signed baseballs."

Southern California is certainly an area rich in baseball talent. Yelich is now a rising star on a long list.

In the Marlins' 7-1 win over the Angels on Monday night at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Yelich had three hits, including a double that missed clearing the wall in right field by inches.

Facing the Angels is a reminder to Yelich that 14 years ago he participated in Scioscia's camps.

Yelich graduated from Westlake Village High School in 2010. Scioscia is still a Westlake resident.

The Marlins selected Yelich with the 23rd overall pick in the in 2010 First-Year Player Draft, and he reached the big leagues last July.

In May of this year, Yelich made his first big league trip to the West Coast, when the Marlins visited the Padres, Dodgers and Giants.

Dodger Stadium is closer to his home, about 40 minutes away, compared to a couple of hours drive to Anaheim.

"I've come to a few games here," Yelich said. "I went to the All-Star Game in 2010 before I signed. I went to four or five games here. But I live way closer to Dodger Stadium."