Dodger ace Ross Stripling and his wife Shelby will read to 80 elementary school students on Friday, July 13, 11:00 a.m. at Edendale Branch Library located at 2011 Sunset Bl. in Echo Park, as part of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s Summer Library Reading Series. The Striplings will join Diane Olivo-Posner, Principal Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library and Chaitali Gala Mehta of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation.

With Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw spending much of the first half on the disabled list, right-hander Ross Stripling has stepped up as the staff ace. Through his 24 appearances thus far this season (13 starts), ‘Chicken Strip’ (as he is affectionately known) is 7-2 with an All-Star-worthy 2.22 ERA. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

This marks the third year of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s Summer Library Reading Series in partnership with the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. LADF granted $75,000 to the Library Foundation to support the Summer at the Library program as the single largest institutional donor for this program.

In addition to providing grants to local organizations with literacy based programming, LADF conducts year-round reading events at local schools, libraries, and non-profit organizations with Dodger players, wives, alumni, broadcasters and executives. Additionally, LADF builds literacy corners and host literacy events at Dodger Stadium.

Stripling is – hands down – the nicest guy in a Dodgers clubhouse that is chock-full of nice guys.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Friday’s program is part of LA Reads, a literacy campaign designed to help improve the reading skills of Los Angeles County students, and encourages participation in the Dodgers’ Reading Champions, a challenge for 1st through 8th graders to increase their reading by tracking their reading minutes online with a goal to read at least 30 minutes per day (900 minutes a month).  The Dodgers’ Reading Champions will earn chances to win special Dodger prizes, including an on-field recognition before a 2018 Dodger game.  Learn more at www.dodgersreadingchampions.com.

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(Article courtesy of LA Dodgers)