The exchange was just one of the fun interactions the children had as part of the sixth annual Angels Baseball Foundation Children's Holiday Party at Angel Stadium.

Scioscia and Reagins were joined at the event by current Angels Jered Weaver and John Lackey, former Angels Matt Luke and Bobby Grich as well as Angels Minor Leaguers Mark Trumbo, Eddie McKiernan, Chris Pettit and Ryan Mount.

The current and former players had the chance to talk and sign autographs for the children from organizations such as Canyon Acres, the Los Angeles County Probation Department, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and Inland Empire, Eli Home, Latino Family Institute, Orangewood, Wishland and local Boys & Girls Clubs.

"It's great to see the smiles," Scioscia said. "I think it humanizes not only what we do but what's important to us, such as family and the spirit of Christmas."

The event began with the Angels taking turns reading the book "Merry Christmas, Curious George!" to all the children. Then it became a question-and-answer session for the young children, which of course was highlighted by the question about Teixeira.

The children asked questions about things such as a favorite Christmas memory or what it's like to play in the Major Leagues.

"It was fun answering questions," Weaver said. "Obviously the holiday season is about cheer and joy, so if we can bring a smile to these kids' faces, then that's what where looking for."
The children then were treated to dinner at the Home Plate Club, complete with cookie decorating for dessert.

Santa Claus also made an appearance, and all of the Angels signed the hats and shirts that were given to the children as part of the event. Getting autographs from the players was hit for the children.
"I liked meeting all the players and all the other people who signed our hats and shirts," said 9-year-old Gladys Diaz. "I just think it's great being here."

But some other children were just as happy eating cookies and meeting Santa Claus.
"I really liked making the cookies," said 8-year-old Irene Trijalda. "And I liked seeing Santa, too."
Diaz and Trijalda are part of Operation Read, which helps children raise their reading levels as part of a program sponsored by the Los Angeles County Probation Department.

"My kids love coming here," said Art Valenzuela, who helps with the children as part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. "It's so special. They love the hats and the shirts and wear them all week long. It encourages our kids to do well in our program."

One of the reasons the holiday party is so fun is because it allows the children to realize that they can dream big and accomplish their goals.

"The thing about these kids is that they're at-risk and from low-income areas, so coming here is a real treat for them," said Ken Kondo of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. "I want them to see that there's more to life than what they see in their neighborhoods."

After dinner, the children were given a real treat, as they lined up and were allowed to choose one new toy to take home with them. The toys were donated by Angels employees and Aramark chefs during recent toy-collection drives.

Popular toys included many team-themed items, such as an Angels baseball set, an Angels basketball set and, of course, the Rally Monkey stuffed animal.

It was a fun way for the children to gear up for the holidays, as well as a great way for the players to give back to the community.

"It's totally cool," Lackey said. "It's great to give back to these fans. We've got great fans and a great community around here."

Rhett Bollinger is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.