The start of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ homestand coincided with the franchise again partnering with Fanatics and Make-A-Wish to create a unique experience for seven children and their families at Dodger Stadium.
It was the second year in a row the Dodgers, Fanatics and Make-A-Wish joined together to bring joy into the lives of kids facing challenges.
The off day allowed for the Make-A-Wish kids to receive a tour of the ballpark and surprise visit inside the remodeled Dodgers clubhouse. Each of the children had a locker with their name across the top and a customized Dodgers jersey in addition to more team merchandise that was supplied by Fanatics.
Now playing catch with Tony Gonsolin, Anthony Banda and Jack Dreyer. pic.twitter.com/nbOSXAjMqg
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) May 13, 2025
Tuesday then brought about more fun for the kids, including speaking with Joe Davis, Eric Karros and Kirsten Watson.
“They got to meet with the Dodger broadcasting team and did a really great Q&A with those guys. Now they’re out here having an on-field experience with some of these wonderful players,” Fanatics Foundation executive director Grace Farraj told DodgerBlue.com.
Among the highlights from going inside the clubhouse was marveling at seeing Shohei Ohtani’s locker and how many gloves Kiké Hernández has.
And now the @MakeAWish kids got to throw out the first pitch.
Kiké Hernández, Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts, Michael Conforto, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Miguel Rojas did the catching. pic.twitter.com/WzlriJWyuw
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) May 14, 2025
After watching batting practice and playing catch with the likes of Anthony Banda, Tony Gonsolin, Jack Dreyer and Matt Sauer, among others, the Make-A-Wish kids joined manager Dave Roberts’ press conference to sign one-day contracts with the Dodgers.
The interaction was particularly impactful for Dreyer, whose brother once was a Make-A-Wish kid.
Just when the group thought becoming “Dodgers for the Day” was the peak of their experience, Roberts announced each of the kids would take the field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Dodgers players participate in Make-A-Wish
With seven kids throwing out the first pitch, Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Hernández, Michael Conforto, Clayton Kershaw and Miguel Rojas did the catching honors.
Kershaw also signed autographs and showed the grip for his patented curveball.
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