Dodgers News: Miguel Rojas Takes LA Rookies Shoe Shopping on His Dime
Miguel Rojas is a big leaguer that gets it. The veteran shortstop treated five rookie Dodgers teammates to a pair of new Jordan brand shoes on his dime while the club is up in San Francisco.
Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, James Outman, Michael Grove, and Emmet Sheehan all went home with a nice gift from Rojas, something Miggy says is a tradition he started during his time with the Miami Marlins.
“No price point, I let them get whatever. I think it’s something nice that I got to do for them.”
Veterans taking care of younger players has been a kind of unspoken tradition in the big leagues. Some players are open about it, others keep the gifts more between themselves and the rookies. One example that got out last season was Clayton Kershaw treating Tony Gonsolin to a custom suit for the All-Star red carpet.
Rojas explained why taking care of rookie teammates is important to him.
“Being a veteran, I always like to take care of the young players so they can have some kind of reference when they first played in the big leagues and someone took care of them. Hopefully, when they become veterans and leaders of the teams, they take care of the rookies as well.”
The veteran in his 10th year is signed with the Dodgers through next season and has a team option for the 2025 season.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
I go back to ’47 with the Dodgers as a fan starting @ age 4. Guys like Pee Wee Reese, Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Carl Erskine, Jackie & others took care of rookies & new additions to the team. I visit LA, (from Dallas now), & I see the same camaraderie. As a doc, my office was done in a Dodger motif. Hats off to Rojas & the entire organization.
I am a recent LA transplant. Look me up next year for a game. I’m in the Denton area.
Pure class and leadership from Rojas.After watching him behave and perform this season,I hope when he retires,he will become part of the coaching staff.