In addition to being stars on the field, several Los Angeles Dodgers are actively involved in giving back to the community. Among them is Yasiel Puig, who carries out charitable efforts through his Wild Horse Foundation that was established in 2016.
In coordination with Manny Mota and his foundation, Puig and the Wild Horse Foundation carried out their first act by providing supplies and more to those in need in the Dominican Republic. In the time since, Puig has hosted a charity poker tournament and provided supplies for children within the Los Angeles School District.
Now, Puig is pledging a donation to his Wild Horse Foundation for each home run he hits throughout the remainder of the season. He made the announcement on Twitter, and invited fans to make their own donations, with some qualifying to receive an autographed cap:
Im going to push myself to try even harder for Los Angeles, my fans and my community!
This season I am pledging $1,000 for every home run I hit to benefit my @wildhorseFDN.
The first 66 pledges over $66 will get a signed Wild Horse hat. Let’s do this! #LA #goals #dodgers pic.twitter.com/Eu3GZOxEbU
— Yasiel Puig (@YasielPuig) April 21, 2018
Entering play Sunday against with the Washington Nationals, Puig has yet to hit a home run in 19 games (17 starts) this season. He was robbed of one in the series opener at Dodger Stadium by Michael A. Taylor’s leaping catch at the wall in center field.
Puig is coming off a season in which he hit a career-high 28 home runs. Not only was it the most through his first five seasons with the Dodgers, Puig hadn’t shown that kind of power since slugging 19 homers as a rookie in 2013.
After months of being without representation, Puig recently signed on with the Beverly Hills Sports Council. He and the Wild Horse Foundation are scheduled to host a second annual poker tournament at Dodger Stadium on June 14.
Earlier this month, Puig and his foundation raised $27,000 for the development of a Health and Wellness facility for children in Los Angeles county.
Fans can make their pledge to the Wild Horse Foundation here.
