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From Left to Right: Council Member (D5) Wes Speake, Vice Mayor Jim Steiner, Council Member (D1)Jacque Casillas,
Mayor Jason Scott, LA Dodgers Pitcher Joe Kelly, Council Member (D4)Yolanda Carrillo, City Treasurer Chad Willardson
Edited by Steven Piasecki /Krischan Piasecki

2018 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION RED SOX’S NOW LA DODGERS’ PITCHER:

JOE KELLY RECOGNIZED BY THE CITY OF CORONA

HOLLYWOOD HILLS, CALIFORNIA

“Welcome Home, Joe Kelly!” youth leagues. He toured with prominent travel with some city staff members took photos
ball teams where he gained exposure to college with him. Not all were lucky enough to have
scouts, eventually landing him a scholarship to that opportunity as Joe Kelly was hurriedly
There might have been a storm brewing that play at the University of California, Riverside. ushered inside the Chambers to commence the
Wednesday, the 16th of January 2019, but it As a freshman, he switched from an outfielder awarding ceremony. The place was packed with
didn’t discourage supporters of Joe Kelly. The to a pitcher, where he refined his raw potential his happy supporters. An inspiring short film
fans of the LA Dodgers’ new pitcher waited in into a formidable specialty. He got an All clip was shown to begin with the Recognition
a very long line and flocked outside the Council American honor that year after leading his Ceremony and Council Meeting. It was put
Chambers at the Corona City Hall that team to victory in the Big West Conference, together by Joe’s good friend Chris Bowen
afternoon. The City of Corona hosted a “Meet then into the regional round of the NCAA and his team to highlight Joe Kelly’s baseball
and Greet” reception from 5:30 pm to 6:30 tournament. His momentum continued — he
pm at 400 S. Vicentia Avenue for their popular secured a spot on team USA and two years
Corona High School alumni. Afterwards later, was drafted in 2009 by the St. Louis
was an awarding ceremony to recognize his Cardinals with the 99th pick. In 2014, he was
outstanding baseball career achievements. traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he was
Close to a thousand people showed up for the the winning pitcher in Game 4 of the 2018
chance to meet, take photos, get an autograph, World Series. After the season ended, he made
or even just have a glimpse of their local a choice to come back home — where it all
hero. There was a very festive atmosphere started — and signed a three year contract with
throughout the hallway as each fan waited for the L.A. Dodgers.
their turn to meet Joe. For the parents it was
a feeling of excitement to meet a role model Fortunately, even with all the commotion I
that grew up exactly where their own children was able to socialize and briefly talk to the
were being raised. As far as the aspiring little Corona city government officials and staff, SOARING HIGH
baseball players go, they looked at Joe with awe VIP guests, Joe’s family, friends, and Joe
and inspiration. Kelly himself during the reception. He even WITH FIDES
cheerfully signed the Manila Up! International
Before Joe was a World Series Champion, he Magazine copy I had with me. A few lucky By Mary Antoinette
sharpened his teeth on the sandlots of Corona’s people like an avid fan, Landen Spicer along Nueva Ceniza

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