LOS ANGELES -- When James Loney was growing up as an aspiring baseball player in Houston, Texas, he remembers visiting Orlando, Fla., for a tournament that was part of the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program.

Now as the starting first baseman for the Dodgers, Loney wants to help RBI's efforts in Los Angeles.

Loney launched his new community initiative "Loney's Lounge" on Thursday in support of RBI. After attending the Dodgers' 2-0 loss to the White Sox on Thursday, 40 kids took part in a first-of-its-kind video game party in the 1st Baseline Box Club at Dodger Stadium, an idea thought up by Loney.

"It's just a great idea, it's kind of like, really special, because our guys identify with James being an RBI alum," said John Young, who developed the concept of RBI. "The fact that he came to us with the idea and he's already been there for us is just tremendous. I think James knows what kids like, and they're having a great time."

Loney, Juan Pierre and Clayton Kershaw interacted with the kids and played games such as Guitar Hero and Kung Fu Panda. Others played on the Nintendo Wii.

"I remembered the Wii thing was getting real popular, so we kind of combined the Wii with the Xbox 360s just to kind of give people a different feel of different things, kind of interact," Loney said.

Back when Loney took part in RBI, he said he would have enjoyed taking part in a similar video game party with his hometown Astros.

"I think it would have been kind of cool just to interact with those guys, just to see like a normal lifestyle," Loney said.

Young said that while clinics and autograph sessions are great, they cannot compare to a video game event where the players are giving quality time and interacting with the kids.

"You always hear about these millionaire ballplayers are spoiled, and these three guys come out after a very tough loss -- I mean, Kershaw pitched good enough to win the game, James Loney had his [12-game] hitting streak snapped -- you lose a tough one and they're just out having a great time with the kids," Young said.

"It's just unbelievable. It shows that they care. Everyone likes attention, but when big league ballplayers come out, it just shows they care."

Said Pierre, "This is what it's all about, kids. I wish I had something like this growing up. They don't care if you went 0-for-4, lost, whatever. Just to interact with them and show them that you're just a normal person and care about them, it's a great cause."

Pierre took pictures and signed autographs while mingling with the participants, but chose not to play any games. Kershaw, on the other hand, took on kids in Wii Baseball, the only question being who had more fun, the Dodgers rookie or his opposition.

"It's close," Kershaw said. "I had a bunch of fun. I had a good time."

"Loney's Lounge" will continue with four more dates this season, in which seven kids from RBI Los Angeles will receive game tickets, a "Loney's Lounge" T-shirt and an opportunity to meet and take photos with Loney during batting practice.

RBI Los Angeles gives local kids the chance to play in an organized league while fostering a love of baseball. It's fully supported by Major League Baseball and the Dodgers.