Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani Wanted To Avoid ‘Distractions’ With Marriage Announcement

Shohei Ohtani, 2024 Spring Training

As the Los Angeles Dodgers were going through their final stretch of Spring Training, Shohei Ohtani announced on Instagram that he is married.

The news caught the Dodgers organization by surprise and led to an increase of media attention at Camelback Ranch. Ohtani initially shared few details as to who his wife is but explained why he made the announcement in the middle of Spring Training.

“I felt like it was good timing because it was before the season,” Ohtani said through then-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “I didn’t want any distractions when the season started.

“And I would have liked to announce it earlier, but there was some paperwork issues that lagged the whole process. So that was the whole deal.”

It later became known that Ohtani got married to Mamiko Tanaka, a former Japanese basketball player. Her identity was revealed when Ohtani shared a photo of the couple boarding the Dodgers’ flight to South Korea.

While Ohtani had good intentions with revealing his marriage during the spring, he nevertheless has become part of off-the-field headlines.

That began due to Mizuhara’s illegal gambling activity and purportedly using a bank account under Ohtani’s name to pay off Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who is under federal investigation.

The Dodgers immediately fired Mizuhara once his sports betting came to light, and this week Ohtani accused his former interpreter of lying and stealing.

Ohtani emphatically stated he has never bet on baseball or any other sports, and that Mizuhara’s gambling was unknown to him until after the interpreter addressed the Dodgers clubhouse on Opening Day.

Ohtani’s press conference was attended by Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten, chief marketing officer Lon Rosen, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, general manager Brandon Gomes, manager Dave Roberts, and teammates Kiké Hernández and Joe Kelly.

Shohei Ohtani focused on Dodgers

As part of his prepared statement when addressing the situation with Mizuhara, Ohtani said he hoped his comments would help answer questions and that he was looking forward to the Dodgers resuming their schedule with the Dodger Stadium opener.

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Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman & Gavin Lux Downplay Criticism Of Dodgers Payroll

Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Gavin Lux, Dodgers walk-off win, Dodgers City Connect

The Los Angeles Dodgers went on a historic spending spree during the offseason that saw them commit nearly $1.2 billion to bring in the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow, among others.

The Dodgers have been accused for attempting to buy a World Series title, but Mookie Betts believes it is just sour grapes. “I mean, yeah, but if you got it, then you can,” Betts answered when asked if the critics have a point.

“You do things that other people can’t do, that’s what makes you good, right? That’s what makes people better than the next guy. Because he can hit for more power than the next guy, or he can do this better than the next guy.

“Somebody’s bankroll might be a little bit longer. There’s nothing you can do about it, and it is what it is when they use it. Sorry.”

Freddie Freeman praised the Dodgers ownership group and front office for going above and beyond to improve the team’s chances of winning a World Series, but noted the players still have to do their part on the field.

“Believe me, I wished ‘buying a championship’ means we’d win a championship. But I think everyone in this game knows how hard it is to win a championship,” Freeman began.

“I’m just glad our ownership gave us the best chance to do it. That’s all you can really ask for as players, to give us the best chance to win a World Series this year and many, many more beyond.

“That’s your ultimate goal. To be a fanbase that has an ownership that is going to do that, I think it’s exciting.”

Gavin Lux agreed with Betts and argued teams should do whatever it takes to win a World Series. “I think Mookie said it best. How can you not try to get the best guys possible?,” Lux asked.

“Twenty-nine other teams could’ve done it, so I don’t see how it could be bad for baseball when everyone could’ve done the same thing. Like Mookie said, what do you expect? Not try to go get the best guys to win?

“Our goal is to ultimately win a World Series, so of course we’re going to try and get the best guys out there.”

Gavin Lux: Dodgers have even bigger target

The Dodgers have made 11 consecutive trips to the postseason, but Lux thinks there will be an even bigger target on the team’s back this year. “I feel like we already did anyway, so now I think it’s even more,” Lux said.

“I think we’re used to it. It’s part of playing for the Dodgers. You always have a target on your back. We’ve got to know that stepping into a 162-game season. Every night, teams are going to run their best guys out there, everyone is going to be amped up. We’ll be ready for it.”

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Watch: Bryan Cranston Narrates MLB Opening Week Promotional Video From Dodger Stadium

Bryan Cranston, Dodger Stadium view

MLB again tapped acclaimed actor and longtime Los Angeles Dodgers fan Bryan Cranston to narrate a promotional video. Whereas Cranston focused on rule changes last year, his latest work with MLB drums up excitement for Opening Week of the 2024 season with an “Anything Can Happen” campaign.

The Dodgers and San Diego Padres technically already started the regular season with the Seoul Series last week, but Thursday sees 26 teams in action.

The original MLB schedule called for all 30 teams to play March 28, but Opening Day for the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets were postponed due to rain, and the same occurred with the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies.

Cranston’s newest MLB video features the “Breaking Bad” star walking the concourse at Dodger Stadium and also spending time in the dugout and on the field.

“In Major League Baseball you can dream with no limits,” Cranston begins. “You could become your hero, steal the show, or even start a new club. You can meet the moment and exceed the hype. You can write a new chapter of history and let your city dream again.

“This season, anything can happen!”

Cranston’s ad, along with additional promotional videos that feature players, will appear on MLB Network, MLB.com, MLB.TV, Fox, FS1, ESPN, TBS and Apple, among other digital media sites.

Celebrity Dodgers fan: Bryan Cranston

Cranston has previously shared memories of watching the Dodgers play at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and being wowed by
the likes of Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Don Sutton, Duke Snider, Davey Lopes, Steve Garvey, Reggie Smith, Rick Monday, Fernando Valenzuela and Kirk Gibson, among others.

Cranston has several ties to the Dodgers as he previously emceed Clayton Kershaw’s annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose celebrity tournament and participated in the 2022 Celebrity All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.

Cranston also presented Vin Scully with the Icon Award during the 25th edition of the ESPYs in 2017.

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Dave Roberts: Ippei Mizuhara Occasionally Made It ‘Difficult’ For Dodgers To Communicate With Shohei Ohtani

Dave Roberts, Shohei Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara, Dodgers workout, 2024 Spring Training

The most anticipated season in Los Angeles Dodgers franchise history has been sidetracked in the early going thanks to Shohei Ohtani being implicated by former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara in an illegal gambling scandal.

A federal investigation into Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer turned up evidence of a bank account under Ohtani’s name making wire transfers. They were first explained as Ohtani paying off gambling debt for Mizuhara, who was a close friend.

Ohtani has since claimed he was not aware of Mizuhara’s sports betting until the ex-interpreter addressed the Dodgers clubhouse on Opening Day, and that he is the victim of theft.

The scandal is all the more jarring because of the close friendship Ohtani and Mizuhara shared. Rarely were they apart, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has now remarked such an arrangement sometimes made it challenging for the team to communicate with Ohtani, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:

“It was difficult,” Roberts said bluntly when asked if his coaching staff had to relay baseball-related dialogue to Ohtani through Mizuhara. “It was difficult. Yeah.”

Mizuhara being so close to Ohtani is believed to have been a factor in the initial explanation for a bank account under Ohtani’s name paying off gambling debt.

Ohtani and his representatives have since alleged that was due to Mizuhara being at the center of translating conversations between parties. The implication being Mizuhara was misleading in those talks.

While reading a statement in Japanese for his first public comments on the matter, Ohtani said he has never bet on baseball or any other sports, and that Mizuhara accessed his bank account without permission.

Where is Ippei Mizuhara?

The Dodgers fired Mizuhara during the Seoul Series and he has not been with the club since speaking with Ohtani at the team hotel following their win on Opening Day.

When asked about Mizuhara’s whereabouts as the Dodgers finished their trip in South Korea, Roberts said he did not have that information. Roberts more recently declined to reveal if the Dodgers fired Mizuhara in person or any details related to that decision.

Mizuhara is currently under investigation by the MLB and Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Will Ireton is currently serving as Ohtani’s new interpreter. Ireton last held such a role for Kenta Maeda from 2016-2019. Ireton otherwise is the Dodgers’ manager of performance operations.

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Los Angeles Dodgers Sign Will Smith To 10-Year Contract Extension

Will Smith, Dodgers workout, 2024 Spring Training

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Will Smith to a 10-year contract extension that runs through the 2033 season. Smith’s deal is worth $140 million and reportedly includes some deferred salary.

Smith’s new contract with the Dodgers comes not only on the eve of the Dodger Stadium opener but the catcher’s 29th birthday as well.

The agreement is reminiscent of the Dodgers signing Mookie Betts to a contract extension in 2020. Smith remained under team control through next season, when he then was poised to potentially become a free agent.

During Spring Training, Smith said the Dodgers had not approached him about signing a contract extension this year.

Smith was picked by the Dodgers in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft. His Major League debut came in 2019 and Smith has been the Dodgers’ everyday catcher since 2020.

Manager Dave Roberts has touted Smith among the best catchers in baseball for multiple years and grew frustrated by repeated All-Star Game snubs. That changed last year when Smith was selected to the National League team as a reserve for the All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

He finished the season batting .261/.359/.438 with 21 doubles, 19 home runs and 76 RBI. Smith has played in at least 125 games for three consecutive seasons, and was one of just nine catchers to appear in that many.

Among all Major League catchers for the 2023 season, Smith finished fourth in batting average, third in runs scored (80), fifth in home runs, tied for sixth in extra-base hits (42), seventh in total bases (203), fourth in RBI and third in slugging percentage.

Since making his MLB debut on May 28, 2019, Smith is among the Major League catcher leaders in OPS (first), homers (second), hits (fourth), runs (second), extra-base hits (third), total bases (third) and RBI (second).

Will Smith key bat in Dodgers lineup

Smith has become a key part of the Dodgers’ lineup and established himself as a middle-of-the-order presence, batting third in 119 games in 2023, and opening the 2024 season in the fourth spot.

He is expected to hit cleanup throughout the season, providing lineup protection to Freddie Freeman and ahead of Max Muncy and Teoscar Hernández.

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A Riveting Rivalry: Dodgers Open 2024 US Season Tomorrow Against Cardinals

Tyler Glasnow, 2024 Spring Training

For generations, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers have stood as pillars of excellence in baseball. With a storied history rich in championships and legendary players, these two franchises have cultivated a rivalry that transcends divisional lines.

This competition has been particularly fierce in the postseason, where they’ve clashed five times since 2004, each meeting loaded with unforgettable moments, none more so than the 2021 Wild Card Game. That game saw Chris Taylor of the Dodgers hitting a walk-off homer, a thrilling conclusion to their latest playoff battle. As both teams eye another potential postseason face-off, the focus for now is on the early season, starting with a much-anticipated game at Dodger Stadium.

Anticipation Builds: Game Details

The game starts at 1:10 p.m. PT in Los Angeles and will be available on SportsNet LA and AM 570 radio. Cardinals fans in St. Louis can tune in at 3:10 p.m. CT on Bally Sports Midwest or listen on KMOX and the Cardinals Radio Network. According to Casino Poland Online, odds have the Dodgers as heavy -240 favorites on the moneyline, with the o/u at 8.5 runs. 

DodgerBlue.com will be live Tweeting the game beginning at 1:00 p.m. PT https://twitter.com/DodgerBlue1958

Starting Line-ups: A Look at the Teams

Dodgers Projected Line-up

  1. Mookie Betts, SS
  2. Shohei Ohtani, DH
  3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
  4. Will Smith, C
  5. Max Muncy, 3B
  6. Teoscar Hernández, LF
  7. James Outman, CF
  8. Jason Heyward, RF
  9. Gavin Lux, 2B

Cardinals Projected Line-up

  1. Brendan Donovan, LF
  2. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
  3. Nolan Gorman, 2B
  4. Nolan Arenado, 3B
  5. Willson Contreras, C
  6. Matt Carpenter, DH
  7. Jordan Walker, RF
  8. Victor Scott II, CF
  9. Masyn Winn, SS

On the Mound: Starting Pitchers

Tyler Glasnow, RHP, marks his second Opening Day start (or third if you count the Seoul Series played last week in Korea) and his first at Dodger Stadium as a Dodger, embodying the team’s ambitious offseason acquisitions. For St. Louis, Miles Mikolas, RHP, steps up as the Opening Day starter, who at age 35 is the oldest Cardinal to do so consecutively since Chris Carpenter in 2010 and 2011.

The Bullpen Battle

Despite injuries to Brusdar Graterol and Blake Treinen, who were both placed on the 15-day disabled list, the Dodgers’ bullpen, featuring Joe Kelly and Daniel Hudson, remains formidable. For the Cardinals, Ryan Helsley will lead the way. St. Louis revamped its bullpen, adding Andrew Kittredge and Riley O’Brien to its lineup of relievers over this past off-season.

Both teams face challenges with key players on the injured list as the season starts, including the Dodgers’ Buehler and Sheehan and the Cardinals’ Tommy Edman and Lars Nootbaar, which affects their opening strategies.

Players to Watch

Mookie Betts enters the game hot off a strong performance in South Korea, while Freddie Freeman and James Outman look to bounce back from tepid starts. Still, all eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani, who appears to have put controversy behind him as he plays his first home game for Los Angeles.

Due to injuries, St. Louis will be reshuffling the outfield, with rookies like Victor Scott looking to step up and the team banking on big seasons from sluggers Goldschmidt and Arenado.

Looking Ahead

The Cardinals brace for a demanding schedule against 2023 playoff teams to start the season, with a four-game set against Los Angeles and three games against the San Diego Padres.

The games against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium present an opportunity for redemption after a sweep in 2023, highlighting the ongoing saga of this storied rivalry. This series not only revisits a classic baseball rivalry but sets the stage for a season filled with high expectations, strategic depth, and the pursuit of glory, embodying the rich tradition and competitive spirit that define the Cardinals and the Dodgers.

Law Enforcement Agencies Decline To Confirm If Shohei Ohtani Reported Ippei Mizuhara

Ippei Mizuhara, Seoul Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers are awaiting their first home game of the 2024 regular season, eyeing a push through the flurry of news surrounding Shohei Ohtani and former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.

Mizuhara was fired following allegations of theft and illegal gambling activity. Ohtani is caught in the mix because his bank account is tied to a Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer, who is under federal investigation.

Ohtani and his camp have since made an effort to make clear they believe he was a clear victim of theft by Mizuhara. According to Ohtani and his representatives, they reported Mizuhara to law enforcement agencies, but would not confirm which one to Tisha Thompson and Paula Lavigne of ESPN:

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani’s representatives declined again Tuesday to answer ESPN’s questions about which authorities they have contacted to report their allegation of theft against Ohtani’s former interpreter.

Ohtani’s account of the dynamic and alleged activities were read in a prepared statement on Monday, where the MLB star provided his first public comments. ESPN reached out to multiple law enforcement agencies in an attempt to confirm Ohtani reported Mizuhara, but the agencies would not comment:

ESPN received no confirmation from any of the likely local, state or federal agencies that could investigate allegations of theft that they received a report from Ohtani’s camp.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday that it is working with the IRS to investigate Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, but would not specify whether it was looking into Ohtani’s theft allegation or if it had been contacted by Ohtani’s representatives.

It’s no surprise a law enforcement agency would not comment on an ongoing investigation or confirm why they started it in the first place. The lack of comment from the agencies was to be expected until their investigation is completed.

The situation will continue to unfold, so Ohtani doesn’t have much to gain by lying right now, and he would set himself up for legal troubles, such as defamation, if he isn’t truthful about any of his claims against Mizuhara.

Ohtani is able to remain with the Dodgers during this time, while MLB conducts their own investigation into the matter. The Dodgers open up their domestic start to the regular season on Thursday when they host the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.

Ippei Mizuhara made it ‘difficult’ to communicate with Shohei Ohtani

Recent comments made by some within the organization, including Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, noted that Mizuhara created a challenging arrangement between them and Ohtani.

The relationship between Ohtani and Mizuhara is a likely factor, Roberts explaining that baseball-related information had to be passed through Mizuhara.

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Mookie Betts Connects With Dodgers Fans At Raising Cane’s

Mookie Betts, Brianna Betts, Raising Cane's

On the eve of the Los Angeles Dodgers playing their home opener, Mookie Betts was welcomed by droves of fans as he arrived at a Raising Cane’s location in Alhambra, Calif., to work a shift at the popular chain.

Hundreds of fans chanted Betts’ name as he arrived and changed into a blue t-shirt before getting behind the counter to take orders. It was the first time Betts filled such a role, as he noted his “job” has always been playing baseball.

The 31-year-old proved adept at quickly taking orders while also interacting with fans who were thrilled to receive chicken finger meals at no cost.

“It means the world to me for the people of L.A. to come out and support myself, my family, my friends, my foundation. It means the world to me. It’s why I continue to pour back into L.A. and do things like this. It’s a really cool event my wife and my cousin put on, and it’s for a really good cause.”

Betts viewed the Raising Cane’s visit as an opportunity to connect with fans, which he appreciated doing when playing right field but now no longer has quite the same ability because of being shifted to shortstop.

“I’m the same me,” Betts said. “I still want to interact, talk and joke with people. This is a good way for me to get that out.”

Raising Cane’s donates to Mookie Betts’ Foundation

In a sign of gratitude for Betts’ working a shift, Raising Cane’s donated $100,000 to his 5050 Foundation.

Betts’ charity has a mission of breaking the barriers that hold kids back, particularly for their medical and financial needs. The 5050 Foundation recently hosted a second annual bowling event to raise support for its ongoing

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This Day In Dodgers History: Frank McCourt Agrees To Sell Team

Magic Johnson, Frank McCourt

On March 27, 2012, embattled owner Frank McCourt agreed to sell the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise to Guggenheim Baseball Management for a record $2 billion. It ended a months-long process as it was in November of 2011 that McCourt signed off on selling the team, Dodger Stadium and the surrounding real estate.

The sale price shattered the $1.47 billion Malcolm Glazer paid for English soccer team, Manchester United, in 2005. While a deal was in place, it required final confirmation in a court hearing on April 13 of that year.

The Guggenheim group was headed by principle owner Mark Walter and included team president and CEO Stan Kasten, and part-owners Todd Boehly, Peter Guber, Magic Johnson and Bobby Patton.

McCourt purchased the Dodgers from NewsCorp in February 2004 for $420 million, though in a deal that was heavily financed.

They reached the postseason four times in McCourt’s six years as owner, in 2008 won a playoff series for the first time in 20 years and made back-to-back appearances in the National League Championship Series.

However, his tenure ultimately was marred and evaluated by multiple public relations missteps by McCourt and his wife, Jamie, instability within the organization and the couple’s eventual divorce. That came to light when news of their separation broke on the eve of the 2009 NLCS.

Then-commissioner Bud Selig announced in April 2012 that MLB was taking over operations of the Dodgers and appointing a trustee. Selig and McCourt traded public barbs as the Dodgers were dragged into bankruptcy before the two reached an agreement on terms to sell the team.

Upon officially taking control of the franchise, Guggenheim immediately moved to inspire faith from fans and get the team back on a competitive path. One of their more splashy acts was a trade with the Boston Red Sox in August 2012 that saw the Dodgers take on more than $250 million in salary.

Dodgers success under Guggenheim

The Dodgers have won the NL West in all but one of Guggenheim’s full seasons as owners (beginning in 2013). They reached the World Series in 2017 for the first time in 29 years and returned to the Fall Classic the following season. In 2019, the Dodgers set a franchise record with 106 wins, and won the 2020 World Series to end the championship drought.

The 2022 Dodgers then set a new franchise record with 111 wins.

Guggenheim has also overseen several upgrades to Dodger Stadium, including a $100 million project that was completed for the 2020 season.

Their ownership group grew to include Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss in 2018 as minority stakeholders, and in 2019 Alan Smolinisky and Robert L. Plummer joined as part owners.

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Dodgers Injury Update: Jason Heyward Will ‘Be Ready To Go’ For Opening Day

Jason Heyward, Freeway Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers concluded their exhibition schedule with a 4-3 walk-off loss to the Los Angeles Angels in the Freeway Series finale at Angel Stadium.

As was the case in the first two games, the Dodgers lineup featured several regulars, including Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. Jason Heyward had also been penciled in, but he was a late scratch and replaced by Chris Taylor.

Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Heyward strained his lower back during batting practice and will receive treatment, but he is expected to be ready for Opening Day on Thursday, as seen on SportsNet LA:

“Jason is fine. There was something during batting practice, he just kind of strained his lower back. For me, he’s taken plenty of at-bats, so to scratch him late, not a big deal. He’ll come in tomorrow to get some treatment and be ready to go Thursday.”

Assuming he responds well to the treatment, Heyward should be in the Dodgers’ lineup on Opening Day as the St. Louis Cardinals are sending right-hander Miles Mikolas to the mound.

The 34-year-old figures to receive most of his playing time in right field this season, but could occasionally get some starts at the other two outfield spots as well.

Heyward is coming off a resurgent first season with the Dodgers that saw him hit .269/.340/.473 with 23 doubles, 15 home runs and 40 RBI in 124 games.

He additionally won the 2023 Roy Campanella Award, which is given each year to one player from the team who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher.

Jason Heyward 2024 spring stats with Dodgers

Heyward batted .250/.276/.429 with one double, two triples and one RBI in 10 Cactus League games. During the two-game Seoul Series in South Korea, he went 2-for-6 with two RBI and three runs scored over seven plate appearances.

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Freddie Freeman Clubhouse At El Modena High School Built With ‘Family’ In Mind

Freddie Freeman, Chelsea Freeman, Charlie Freeman, Maximus Freeman, Brandon Freeman, Freddie Freeman clubhouse, El Modena High School

Hours before the Los Angeles Dodgers wrapped up the exhibition Freeway Series, Freddie Freeman made his way down to Orange County for a special event at El Modena High School.

Freeman, his wife Chelsea, their sons Charlie, Brandon and Maximus, and his father and more family members were on hand for the unveiling of the Freddie Freeman clubhouse. In August 2022, Freddie and Chelsea made a $500,000 donation that contributed to the development of a new baseball clubhouse that includes a locker room and coach’s office.

“I’ve been coming back here for six years now during the offseason. This is where I train and get ready for the season. This whole conversation and this project started a couple years ago,” Freddie Freeman recalled.

“I had a talk with my dad and was like, ‘I really want to help and give back to El Mo because it’s been such a special place to me.’ That kind of started the conversation.

“Coach (Josh) Kliner obviously was very thrilled with it. To see it all done, this whole offseason I was hitting here and there was construction going on, so to see the excitement building up and to see it done, it’s special.”

Freeman’s emotional connection to El Modena stems from how the school supported his older brother, Andrew, when their mother passed away. Freeman at the time was just 10 years old but having witnessed how El Modena staff members and then-baseball coach Steve Bernard rallied around the family, it inspired his decision to go out of district in order to attend that high school.

That family environment resonated with Freeman and was an impetus behind helping the school build a new clubhouse.

“The same group of family members — I had about 20 here — is usually how it was when I was here in high school. My family came out and supported me every time I played,” Freeman said.

“Now having my kids here, seeing where dad went to high school and played, Charlie kind of gets it a little bit, but my 3-year-olds don’t really get what’s going on. They just see grass and want to run.

“But for Charlie to be able to potentially remember this as he gets older, that’s what it’s all about for me. As you guys know, family is everything to me. To be able to create a family environment at the high school I went to, makes everything a little better.”

Freddie Freeman trains at El Modena

Since deciding to permanently make his offseason home in Southern California, Freeman has returned to El Modena High School every year for hitting workouts.

That afforded him an opportunity to track the progress of the clubhouse construction throughout the winter, but he did not step foot inside it until Monday. The finished product quickly impressed Freeman and struck him with how far conditions have come for the team.

“It’s like a cargo shipment thing. It’s maybe 100 square feet. Or not even 100 feet, I would say,” Freeman said of the old baseball clubhouse.

“It’s small, but we thought it was amazing back then. When you see this, it’s just amazing something like this could come out of it for the kids. You never know if you’re going to play beyond high school, so to give them something like this is what it’s all about.”

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Dodgers News: James Paxton Expects Adrenaline To Provide Boost

James Paxton, Freeway Series

James Paxton and the Los Angeles Dodgers played their final exhibition game of the preseason on Tuesday, which means that it is time for the Major League Baseball regular season to make its return once again.

Paxton’s start against the Los Angeles Angels was just his second start of the spring and was a bit of a mixed bag. He battled through the first couple innings, but settled into a groove later in the game. Paxton allowed three runs in the first two innings, but shutout the Angels offense the rest of the way during his final three frames.

While the results could have been better, Paxton believes the extra adrenaline players get during the season will help him pitch more effectively, as seen on SportsNetLA:

“I’d like to have executed pitches a little better, but I feel ready for the season to start. I think the extra adrenaline you get during the season will help, for sure.”

His final line of three earned runs in five innings doesn’t stand out as overly impressive, but that is the kind of start that you expect from a back-end starter. If Paxton can go out every fifth day and give the Dodgers a quality start, six innings while allowing three runs or fewer, he would provide tons of value for the club.

In future starts, he should be able to pitch deeper into games considering that he had to work a little harder than he should have due to some poor defense behind him and the fact he was working on a pitch count.

Paxton is expected to open the year as the Dodgers’ fifth starter when the regular season re-opens, which sets him up to make his first start against the San Francisco Giants in the first game of their series.

James Paxton expected to be rotation mainstay

Paxton is going to be relied upon heavily as a rotation for the Dodgers during the 2024 season with Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Dustin May, and Emmet Sheehan all starting the season on the injured list.

Kershaw and May in particular are all rehabbing significant injuries and aren’t expected to make contributions to the Major League roster until the back half of the season.

Sheehan has been dealing with right forearm inflammation since his first bullpen of the spring. He isn’t expected to be back anytime soon, but he should be the first of many rotation reinforcements to arrive.

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