The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC) presented the third annual “Dodgers All-Access” at Dodger Stadium last week.
Attendees were treated to a dinner and given the opportunity to go behind scenes, enjoying experiences as if they were on the Dodgers roster. Included in that was throwing in the bullpen as famed scout Mike Brito clocked pitches, and taking batting practice from a Dodgers alumni.
The LADF also hosted a silent auction with various autographed memorabilia up for bidding. Time Warner Cable SportsNet LA anchor John Hartung and analyst Orel Hershiser emceed the event.
Even with the club having completed a split doubleheader at Coors Field the day prior, Joc Pederson, Justin Turner and Chase Utley were on hand for the unique event.
The trio discussed how impressed they are with Corey Seager, Chase Utley’s importance and contributions, and the loss of A.J. Ellis, among other topics.
Hartung asked Pederson for details on living with Seager, Trayce Thompson and Alex Wood. The roommates became the stuff of legend when Pederson, Seager and Thompson combined to carry the offense for a prolonged stretch.
Dodgers veterans joked they were going to have a sleepover in hopes some of the success would rub off on them.
“It’s fun. Last year I didn’t live with another baseball player or anything, and it kind of gets a little boring,” Pederson said. The group lives in a sprawling house with amenities that include a pool, elevator and game room.
“This year to have some rookies on the team that are around my age, it’s cool. All four of us after the game can go home, hang out and play video games. Trayce Thompson is probably the best FIFA player on the team. Every time I get a win it’s like a big upset,” Pederson said.
“We watch New Girl, the show. Silicone Valley, The Bachelor was big at our house,” he said. “Trayce Thompson could make his way (on The Bachelor). Good-looking guy, single, you never know. It’s fun.”
But it was Pederson’s answer when asked who from the roommates is the most responsible, that became the highlight of his comments. “Most responsible is Alex Wood. He cooks, cleans, kind of does it all,” Pederson said, which drew plenty of laughs from those in attendance.
Hershiser was quick to switch gears at that point and thanked the Dodgers’ trio for their attendance before the conversation could continue spiraling, albeit humorously, out of control.
