‘Lessons From Prison’ is surprising tale from ex-high school player

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1993 was probably the greatest season for high school baseball in the history of the baseball-rich San Fernando Valley area, with the likes of future major leaguers Jeff Suppan, Randy Wolf, Brad Fullmer and Jim Parque competing. Sherman Oaks Notre Dame and Encino Crespi made it to the Southern Section Division I semifinals, and Woodland Hills El Camino Real won a City title.

Justin Paperny grew up in Encino and was a good infielder for Van Nuys Montclair Prep who played with Fullmer and ended up going to USC to play for Mike Gillespie. After his sports days were over, he became a stockbroker who managed millions of dollars for clients.

But something happened. He forgot all that he had learned from his quality coaches and loyal teammates during his baseball days. Ethics went out the door because his focus turned to making money and greed took over. He got caught committing fraud and lied to federal prosecutors. He was sentenced to 18 months at the Taft Prison Camp.

That’s when his life began to change. He wrote a book, ‘Lessons From Prison,’ that makes it clear at 33, he learned what he did wrong and wants to make right. He was released in May after serving 12 months. He’s hoping to help others not choose the path he went down through speeches and his book.

Let’s hope others learn from his mistakes.

-- Eric Sondheimer