Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hosted the first annual ‘Bat 4 HOPE’ Celebrity Softball Game in benefit of PADRES Contra El Cáncer at Dodger Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Gonzalez was joined by Dodgers teammates Joc Pederson, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Justin Turner, with Pederson participating in the game. Ryu and Turner, both recovering from their respective surgeries, were there as supporters.
Former Dodgers Nomar Garciaparra and Brian Wilson were also among the participants, joining actresses Constance Marie and Eva Longoria. Garciaparra stole the show by hitting multiple home runs, though Ryu’s sweatshirt proved to be a strong contender.
The latest charitable act for Gonzalez falls in line with previous efforts by he and his wife Besty. In the past, they’ve provided all-inclusive tickets to games for families in the Los Angeles area, funded back-to-school shopping sprees and worked with the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital.
Last offseason Gonzalez participated in a telethon in Mexico to aid children with disabilities, cancer and autism. Clayton Kershaw (2012) and Steve Garvey (1981) are the lone Dodgers to win the Roberto Clemente Award.
Gonzalez was the Dodgers’ nominee for the 2015 Roberto Clemente Award, but he lost out to Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen.
PADRES is an organization committed to improving the quality of life for children with cancer and their families. They formed in 1985 with a goal to support the needs of the Latino community who have a higher risk of medical problems due to a series of complex factors.
NEXT PAGE: Photos Of Eva Longoria And Joc Pederson, And More From The Event
