Los Angeles Dodgers fans typically watch Tony Gonsolin on the field throwing a baseball, but on Wednesday, some enjoyed the opportunity to see the All-Star pitcher read them a story.
Gonsolin was at the El Nido Family Center in Pacoima as part of the 2025 Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour. Gonsolin, who is often seen at Dodgers charity events, read to about 20 children and their families in attendance, and afterwards, helped distribute books to the kids.
“I try to be in the community as much as I can,” Gonsolin said. “Realizing how much of a finite time I have playing, so being able to actually use my platform and be in the community of Los Angeles. I’ve been really fortunate being able to do that.
Gonsolin’s book of choice was “The Cat Wants Cuddles,” which should come as no surprise due to his love for cats.
“Two book options and one of them being a cat, I’ve got to choose the cat book,” Gonsolin said. “Not sure if they might have liked the other one better. But you know, for me personally, I’ve got to go with the cat book.”
In addition to Gonsolin, Dodgers Spanish-language broadcaster Luis Cruz was on hand to help children pick out books. He also made his way to some of the other activities at the event, which included trying his hand at making cotton candy.
However, that did not go as well for Cruz. “At least it tastes good,” he said.
Dodgers vice president of government and community affairs Kirstin McCowan announced a $10,000 donation to the El Nido Family Center and shared their plans to bring all the children to a game this season, which will include transportation, food vouchers and a welcome message on DodgerVision during the matchup.
“Literacy is a huge piece of what our values are, and it’s a great way for us and all of our staff to give back to the community,” McCowan said. “When we started L.A. Reads back in 2017 in partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, it was truly to make a dent in the literacy crisis facing the Los Angeles region.
“And so at least once a month, or more throughout the year, but in the season especially, we get out, we do readings, we donate books, we get kids excited about reading, and we do our reading champion competition throughout the entire season. Kids have done over 5 million minutes of reading associated with that challenge.
“It’s really important to us, and so when we have an opportunity to do a bilingual, immersive reading experience with kids, we take every chance we get. Tonight was one of those nights and we’ll just keep doing it, because reading is the foundation of everything.”
Tony Gonsolin enjoyed Dodgers community event
After reading, Gonsolin also took time to speak with the children, take photos and sign autographs, many of which were on the books he helped distribute.
“Seeing the smile on these kids faces when they come up and talk to me, it’s always a blessing,” Gonsolin said.
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