Dodgers Hit It Out of the Park When It Comes To Charity

In honor of it being September and none other than our very own Adrian Gonzalez being nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award for the third time as a Dodger, lets talk Dodgers and their big hearts!

It seems like seeing the Dodgers on the field might be just as common as seeing them in Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles. Through The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation the baseball stars are able to share a lot of their time visiting CHLA as well as other events that help give back to those in need.

The @DodgersFdn arranged a surprise visit by #Dodgers @kikehndez & @RossStripling for 150 6th graders this morning! pic.twitter.com/UMvYsf1QaO

— Aquarium of the Pacific (@AquariumPacific) September 7, 2016

Aside from the Dodgers Foundation and the three main pillars they support under sports + recreation, education + literacy, and health + wellness, some of the players have also took upon themselves to create charity organizations of their own. The following consists of a list of some of the star players and the organizations they have started.

1. The Adrian and Betsy Gonzalez Foundation

Adrian Gonzalez and wife Betsy, started their organization with a focus on empowering under privileged youth in areas of athletics, education, and health. The star first baseman is also the ambassador for PADRES Contra El Cancer (Parents Against Cancer), which helps support Latino children with cancer. Aside from being the leading man with these two organizations and when home runs are much needed, Gonzalez also spends a lot of his time with LADF at events like the annual Children’s Holiday Party hosted by the team. It’s no wonder hes been nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award for the fifth time in total.

2. Kershaw’s Challenge

Clayton Kershaw and wife Ellen, started Kershaw’s Challenge after Ellen visited Zambia and connected with a child named Hope. The Kershaw’s developed a Christ-centered organization that would be committed to helping children in need in America, Africa, and the Dominican Republic. Kershaw’s Challenge has worked with other organizations such as Cure and Dream Center. One of the biggest and most popular events held by the organization is Ping Pong 4 Purpose where celebrities take part in a ping pong game, silent auctions are held, and much more to raise proceeds. For more updates follow @KershsChallenge on Twitter.

3. Joc Pederson “Lives Like A Champ”

In 2015, Pederson collaborated with New Era to design a hat that would be labeled “Live Like A Champ” in honor of his brother, Champ, who has down syndrome and has become an advocate to the community. Proceeds benefit the Best Buddies Organization which helps create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To buy your Live Like A Champ gear click the link.

4. Chase Utley Says “Adopt Don’t Buy”

Chase Utley has worked close with PETA in being a voice for animals that need a home. He was the face of a PETA ad that said “Adopt Don’t Buy”. He has also organized an  “Annual Utley All-Star Animals Casino Night” with the help of his wife, Jennifer Utley. Live and silent auctions are held as well as casino-type entertainment in order to help raise money for animals that need a home.

5. Justin Turner, Third Baseman or Golf Superstar?

Aside from his close work with LA Dream Center throughout the past three years, Turner decided to host his first annual golf tournament this year that was presented by the same organization. In result, the event raised $60,000 for struggling veterans.

These are just some of our favorite players and the organizations they support, but the amount of giving back is wide-spread throughout the team, which can leave us hopeful for many more Roberto Clemente awards to come!