Community – Dodger Thoughts

Adrian González nominated again for Clemente Award

On September 6, 2016

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

Adrian González is the Dodgers’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which honors the player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

This is the third time in the past four seasons that González has been the Dodgers’ nominee. In 2012 and 2014, Clayton Kershaw was the Dodger representative, and he went on to become the youngest ever to win the prestigious prize in 2012.

“The Adrian and Betsy González Foundation empowers underprivileged youth in many ways, from the awarding of college scholarships to pediatric cancer support to ballpark access to low-income families and field renovations in his native Tijuana,” MLB says in its official description.

Fans can vote for the overall winner on social media using hashtags beginning on Wednesday’s Roberto Clemente Day through October 2 — for Gonzalez, the hashtag is “#VoteAdrian.” More information will be available at mlb.com/clemente.

The full list of nominees follows:

Stars (and stripes) for Kershaw at Ping Pong 4 Purpose

By Jon Weisman

On August 12, 2016

In Celebrities, Community

[mlbvideo id=”1041072283″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Thursday’s fourth annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose proved once again to be a happy and fun fundraiser for Kershaw’s Challenge. Here are some photo highlights on a night when Will Ferrell (wearing a Vic Davalillo jersey) was the emcee, Susan Sarandon was a special guest, Dennis Gilbert was the honoree, but Clayton Kershaw’s outfit was the star.

— Jon Weisman

ThinkCure! Weekend 2016 arrives Saturday-Sunday

By Jon Weisman

On August 9, 2016

In Community

ThinkCure! Weekend 2016 takes place this Saturday and Sunday, August 13-14, at Dodger Stadium, when the Dodgers host the Pirates. All support from ThinkCure! Weekend goes to City of Hope, a world leader in cancer and diabetes research and treatment.

Ping Pong 4 Purpose returns August 11 to aid Kershaw’s Challenge

By Jon Weisman

On August 2, 2016

In Community

Audrey Van Slyke, Eric Stonestreet, Scott Van Slyke and Clayton Kershaw at the 2015 Ping Pong 4 Purpose event at Dodger Stadium (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

By Jon Weisman

Clayton Kershaw’s back isn’t back, but his service for the community remains front and center.

The fourth annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose event, benefiting Kershaw’s Challenge, will take place August 11 at Dodger Stadium.

Will Ferrell will co-host the celebrity ping-pong tournament with Kershaw and his wife Ellen. The night will feature past and present Dodger players, as well celebrity guests scheduled to include Susan Sarandon, Eric Stonestreet, George Lopez, Anthony Anderson, Mike Epps, Rob Riggle, Omar Miller, Claire Holt, Troy Garity, Mario Lopez, Emily Osment, Becca Tilley, Ben Lyons, Diplo, Tyler Toffoli and Anze Kopitar.

The evening’s top honoree will be Dennis Gilbert, the former agent and founder of the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation.

A landslide of emotion for Vin Scully at LADF gala

By Jon Weisman

On July 29, 2016

In Community, Dodger Stadium

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIbqZZ-Dpy7/

By Jon Weisman

Stevie Nicks said she was backstage Thursday during the Los Angeles Dodger Foundation’s Blue Diamond Gala when she began to think about time. Nicks started performing with Mick Fleetwood nearly 50 years ago, and the years were something to contemplate.

And then her thoughts turned to Vin Scully, the night’s honoree whom the members of Fleetwood Mac met before their performance began, and his 67 seasons of service to the Dodgers, and she was blown away.

Nicks then dedicated the ballad “Landslide” to the Dodgers’ Hall of Fame announcer.

Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’
‘Cause I built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I’m getting older too

Dodger family serves at Downtown Women’s Center

By Jon Weisman

On July 28, 2016

In Community

Dodger wives/girlfriends prepared & served lunch for homeless and low-income women at Downtown Women's Center today. pic.twitter.com/rhniIRZS8R

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 27, 2016

Dodger significant others volunteered for a day of service Wednesday at the Downtown Women’s Center, which aims to combat homelessness with living arrangements, food and job connections. Read more about it in Jack Baer’s story for MLB.com.

— Jon Weisman

In case you missed it: A moment of reflection

By Jon Weisman

On July 10, 2016

In Community, Dodger Stadium, In case you missed it, Off the field, Pregame

"The Los Angeles Dodgers will continue to stand firm against all forms of hatred, violence and discrimination."https://t.co/Z2iwBALGma

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 9, 2016

Padres at Dodgers, 1:10 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Trayce Thompson, CF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Scott Van Slyke, LF
Kenta Maeda, P

By Jon Weisman

I didn’t want to let the weekend go by without passing along the words Vin Scully recited to the Dodger Stadium crowd before Friday’s game, near the end of an incredibly difficult week in this country.

Ladies and gentlemen. At this time, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the tragic events that have occurred across our country over the past few days. As a community and a nation, we mourn the tragic loss of lives and injuries, and our deepest sympathies go out to all who have been directly impacted by those events and to their families and friends. As United States attorney general Loretta Lynch said today, “This has been a week of profound grief and heartbreaking loss, but as she also reminded us, “Today and every day we are one nation, we are one people and we stand together.

Therefore, we commend the heroic actions and courage of our first responders, volunteers, citizens and government officials, and we gratefully acknowledge the sacrifice that so many have made on behalf of those people. And as the organization that took a historic stance against racism, the Los Angeles Dodgers will continue to stand firm against all forms of hatred, violence and discrimination. At this time, we ask that you please stand silently for a moment of reflection and respect.

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

A few other items from recent days …

Dodgers activate McCarthy, option Stewart

By Jon Weisman

On July 3, 2016

In Community, Off the field, Pregame, Transactions

Brock Stewart took in his first home game as a Dodger on Friday. (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers).

Rockies at Dodgers, 1:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Trayce Thompson, CF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Yasiel Puig, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Brandon McCarthy, P

By Jon Weisman

Brandon McCarthy has officially been activated from the disabled list by the Dodgers, 14 months and three days after he had Tommy John surgery.

Brock Stewart, who struck out seven while allowing five runs over five innings in a spot start for Los Angeles on June 29, has been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

In other business, the Dodgers outrighted minor-league pitcher Yaisel Sierra to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. Sierra, a right-hander from Cuba, has been pitching for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Additionally, Layne Somsen has been outrighted, while Ian Thomas was released. Both pitchers had been designated for assignment.

Rod Carew hopes everybody’s got a healthy heart

By Jon Weisman

On May 17, 2016

In Community

By Jon Weisman

Hall of Famer Rod Carew was at Dodger Stadium on Monday to talk about his Heart of 29 campaign, whose purpose is to raise funds for the American Heart Association and awareness of cardiovascular disease. His visit included a stop to say hello to Vin Scully.

Learn more in this story and in the video below …

In case you missed it: Organizational news and notes

By Jon Weisman

On May 16, 2016

In Community, Health/injuries, In case you missed it, Minor leagues, Transactions

[mlbvideo id=”701809583″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

By Jon Weisman

There have been several bits of business that I’ve been meaning to get to, so I figured the best solution was to bring back the reliable “In case you missed it” feature from Spring Training to capture them all.

LADF 50/50 Raffle debuts tonight at Dodger Stadium

By Jon Weisman

On May 12, 2016

In Community, Dodger Stadium

By Erin Edwards

Dodger fans now have the chance to win big by participating in the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s inaugural 50/50 Raffle.

This charitable in-game raffle will be launched at Dodger Stadium tonight, continuing here all season, and the proceeds will benefit LADF’s programs and giving to local youth organizations.

During every Dodger home game, tickets will be sold by staff in gold shirts throughout Dodger Stadium. The winning raffle number will be selected during the seventh inning to determine the 50/50 Raffle jackpot winner. The winning raffle number will be displayed in stadium during the eighth inning.

For each and every raffle, half of the 50/50 Raffle jackpot will go to the selected winner, and the other half will go to LADF for its programs and to support youth organizations across Los Angeles.

Raffle tickets will be sold for cash only at three price points: three for $5, 10 for $10 and 40 for $20. Fans can visit kiosks in the Left Field Plaza, Loge Level (behind sections 103/105) and Reserve Level (section 10). Sellers will also be roving throughout the concourse and Top Deck, Reserve, Club, Loge, Field and Pavilion seating areas.

LGBT night set for June 3 at Dodger Stadium

By Jon Weisman

On May 5, 2016

In Community, Promotions, Tickets

By Jon Weisman

Dodger Stadium’s fourth annual LGBT Night will take place June 3 when the Dodgers play Atlanta.

A special event ticket package that includes a game ticket and exclusive Dodger LGBT Night tank top can be purchased only at dodgers.com/LGBT.

Los Angeles Galaxy star Robbie Rogers will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and former NFL defensive taclke Esera Tuaolo will sing the National Anthem, on a night that will also welcome former NFL player Michael Sam, former NBA player Jason Collins, University of Laverne women’s basketball coach Julie Shaw, former Chapman University defensive end Mitch Eby, TV personality E.J. Johnson, “The Real O’Neals” star Noah Galvin and international recording artist Lance Bass.

Dodgers, fans raise $10,000 for earthquake relief

By Jon Weisman

On April 27, 2016

In Community, International

[mlbvideo id=”631521683″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]
The Dodgers raised $10,000 toward the Red Cross’ relief efforts for the devastating earthquakes in Ecuador and Japan with a pregame autograph signing featuring Kenta Maeda, Jaime Jarrin, Dave Roberts and Yasiel Puig.

Proceeds from the signings raised $4,500, and the Dodgers donated the remaining funds to push the total to $10,000.

Opening Day kicks off another big season for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation

By Jon Weisman

On April 11, 2016

In Community

By Erin Edwards

For Dodger fans, 2016 is promising to be an exciting year on and off the field. While our Boys in Blue battle for a title, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation will launch and renew a number of fundraisers for the 2016 season, giving fans an opportunity to support programs that benefit children and families in Los Angeles.

There are multiple ways that you can support programs that not only help kids stay active, but aid them in being successful academically.

Take a look at what is taking place in 2016:

Support Cindy Ellis in run for pediatric cancer research

By Jon Weisman

On April 11, 2016

In Community

Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

One week from today, A.J. Ellis’ wife Cindy will run in the Boston Marathon to raise money for research into the fight against pediatric cancer. The Ellis family will match all donations up to $26,200.

They have made the effort in honor of their family friend Rhyan Loos, who has stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of pediatric cancer, but their hope is to make an impact far beyond one person.

… We are desperate for a cure and have come to find how important yet underfunded Pediatric Cancer research actually is.

Each year in the United States approximately 15,780 children between the ages of birth and 19 years of age are diagnosed with cancer.

In the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease —yet all types of childhood cancers combined receive only 4% of the U.S. federal cancer research funding – of over $5 billion. …

Learn more and offer your support at the Ellis family site, teamellisfamily.com. You can also donate directly here.

Dodger Thoughts

Jon Weisman's outlet for dealing psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball and life

Category: Community (Page 1 of 6)

Adrian González nominated again for Clemente Award

Stars (and stripes) for Kershaw at Ping Pong 4 Purpose

ThinkCure! Weekend 2016 arrives Saturday-Sunday

Ping Pong 4 Purpose returns August 11 to aid Kershaw’s Challenge

A landslide of emotion for Vin Scully at LADF gala

Dodger family serves at Downtown Women’s Center

In case you missed it: A moment of reflection

Dodgers activate McCarthy, option Stewart

Rod Carew hopes everybody’s got a healthy heart

In case you missed it: Organizational news and notes

LADF 50/50 Raffle debuts tonight at Dodger Stadium

LGBT night set for June 3 at Dodger Stadium

Dodgers, fans raise $10,000 for earthquake relief

Opening Day kicks off another big season for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation

Support Cindy Ellis in run for pediatric cancer research

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