BY SCOTT LAUBERSo, on his first official day with the Phillies, Kelly Dugan hung around the batting cage and talked shop with Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard, an experience that would leave most 18-year-olds awestruck and speechless.
Not Dugan.
You see, Dugan has grown up on movie sets, rubbing elbows with Adam Sandler, Kevin James and other big-name actors. His father, Dennis, had a recurring role on "Hill Street Blues" before directing films like "Happy Gilmore" and "Big Daddy." In fact, after agreeing to terms on a contract with the Phillies, he celebrated with Sandler, James, David Spade and Chris Rock.
Dugan, a switch-hitter who forfeited a scholarship to Pepperdine, doesn't get starry-eyed, except maybe if he meets his idol, Chipper Jones.
"It was really cool growing up with them," Dugan said of his actor buddies. "They were like big-league actors. Their dedication to acting is similar to whatever dedication to baseball is. Just growing up around professionals like that shows the work ethic that they had and the dedication to their field. They're all really supportive."
Dugan signed his contract last night after travel problems delayed his arrival. He's expected to report to the Phillies' facility in Clearwater, Fla., on Wednesday and will begin his professional career in the entry-level Gulf Coast League. Asked what he knows about the GCL, Dugan flashed his father's quick wit and sense of humor.
"I know it's hot," he said with a smile.
More in tomorrow's News Journal.
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