Diamond in the Rough

Tim Lewis grew up playing baseball in Compton. Now he lives in his car and leads a Little League revival in his old neighborhood. (LAT)

Tim Lewis coaches the Compton Braves Little League team in Los Angeles County, but his life off the ball field is an entirely different reality.

In recovery from a drug and alcohol addiction, Lewis is homeless. He sleeps in his parked car each night and spends his early mornings studying the Bible.

This LA Times audio slideshow provides glimpses into Lewis’ life working with his team -- and his other life as a homeless man in Compton.

Lewis says he loves working with the kids and coaching is good for his self-esteem and makes him feel like he’s doing something important. He hopes he can be a positive role model to his players the same way his childhood coaches were for him.

CHANNEL: Los Angeles Times

Length: 2:44

Photography and Audio by Francine Orr
Produced by Marc Martin

VIEW: http://www.latimes.com/news/la-me-compton-coach-ss,0,5298125.htmlstory

SEE ALSO:

Stepping Up to the Plate in Compton:
http://www.latimes.com/news/la-sp-compton-baseball27-2009may27,0,5859373,full.story

Gallery:
http://www.latimes.com/news/la-sp-compton-baseball27-2009may27-pictures,0,7428803.photogallery