A group of Sierra School of Sacramento students were recently surprised when a cat walked into their classroom. But this wasn’t a stray – it was Dinger, the Sacramento River Cats’ mascot.

Dinger and a spokesperson for the minor league baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants visited the school to talk about the importance of attendance, attitude and academics and how it can help them in school, in real life and being a good friend.

In addition to the motivating presentation, Dinger played catch, danced with teachers, read a book, and took photos with the students.

Lisa Maher, executive director of the Sierra School of Sacramento said the visit was a homerun and that the entire school community loved it.

After the excitement of Dinger’s visit, school staff are already planning a trip for students to Sutter Health Park, the home ballpark of the Sacramento River Cats.