As a school board member, CUSD Board President Satra Zurita, is often called upon to demonstrate her negotiating skills around complex issues of education policy.
But last week Board President Zurita demonstrated she’s just as comfortable negotiating her way around a baseball pitcher’s mound, even when pitching to a former major league baseball star.
Zurita, and former California Angels catcher/outfielder Darrell Miller, were on hand to kick off the Compton baseball season at a Compton College baseball game – with Zurita throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Miller.
Also attending the game were all of CUSD’s high school baseball and softball teams representing Compton, Dominguez and Centennial High Schools.
“I’ve been practicing that pitch and am confident that Darrell will report to the Dodgers and Angels that he found a pitcher who can really bring it,” said Zurita.
Miller, who is now Major League Baseball’s vice president of youth and facility development, caught Zurita’s pitch and along with the Board President, took a few moments to address the students prior to the game.
“Education is the only way we’re going to make a difference in anyone’s life,” said Miller. “Our MLB urban youth academy provides baseball and softball structure as well as educational support. This is why our relationship with the City of Compton and the Compton Unified SD is so important.”
“The opening game is a great opportunity for our Compton Unified student-athletes to learn about the athletic programs offered at the community college,” said Zurita. “The importance of athletics and other extracurricular activities in achieving student success cannot be understated.”
CUSD’s baseball and softball season kicks off the first week of March.
