L.A. Dodger from Sikeston calls season spectacular

SIKESTON, Mo. -- It wasn't the same type of sold-out crowd to which he is accustomed. But in front of a packed room, Blake DeWitt summarized the past year as "spectacular" for him.

The Los Angeles Dodger shared his experiences Thursday at the monthly luncheon of the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce. As he took to the podium, the crowd, which also lined up throughout the luncheon for autographs and photographs, gave him a standing ovation.

During the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday, Blake DeWitt was presented a key to the city by Mayor Mike Marshall.

DeWitt was drafted in 2004 to the Los Angeles Dodgers. When he began spring training earlier this year, he anticipated he would play in the Class AA team and possibly the Class AAA team. However, because of injuries, he began the season as the Dodger's starting third baseman.

In late July, DeWitt was optioned to the Dodgers Class AAA minor league team in Las Vegas after the team acquired a third baseman from the Cleveland Indians. About a month later, DeWitt was recalled to Los Angeles to start at second base after the regular starter was sidelined.

Along with the ride were a lot of ups and downs. "And I couldn't have gotten through it without a lot of support," said DeWitt. He commended his family, friends and other members of the Sikeston community for their unwavering backing.

He had some advice for younger players who may aspire to be "the next Blake DeWitt."

"Work hard and love what you're doing," DeWitt said. "That's something I had to learn last year."

It was quite frustrating to never know what team he would play for. "But it's not the end of the world," DeWitt said.

Others spoke well of DeWitt.

Marshall presented DeWitt with a key to the city. Also on behalf of the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce, Joe Bill Davis, vice president, presented him a plaque dubbing DeWitt as a "Sikeston Star."

The Sikeston High School baseball team and coach Kevin Self were on hand at the luncheon.

Self announced that, beginning in the spring, No. 6, which DeWitt wore, will no longer be issued. "We will have a ceremony in the spring," he said.

Later in the afternoon, Self presented DeWitt with the uniform and jacket the baseball player wore to state tournaments while in high school.