The Los Angeles Dodgers responded to a mother who shared a message on social media about her son’s birthday and bullying incidents over the past year to invite them to Camelback Ranch for Spring Training and a meeting with Trevor Bauer.
Although Megan Aronson did not tag the Dodgers or Bauer, her message resonated with the 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner. Bauer has openly discussed being bullied and mocked not only as a child but even a professional.
Bauer’s analytically-driven approach to pitching has become more commonplace now, but it wasn’t long ago that his training techniques were largely dismissed by the industry.
The 30-year-old continues to face questions even with a Cy Young Award to his name. “I know what kind of pitcher I am. I know how hard I work, how much knowledge I’ve amassed and how far I’ve come. If I have something to prove, it’s to myself always,” Bauer said earlier this spring.
Today is my son's 11th birthday. He's had a REALLY hard year in this pandemic. We had to move 2X & he was bullied at both new schools. He's sweet & sensitive & doesn't understand why kids are so mean. Could you wish him happy birthday today? His name is Kanon! Pls RT! #kanonsbday pic.twitter.com/WK2slEvdz8
— Megan Aronson (@MeganAronson) March 11, 2021
That moment when the @Dodgers call & say they want to invite your son to Spring Training to meet Trevor Bauer @BauerOutage because he understands what it was like to be bullied as a kid too! 😭 Thank you Dodgers for making Kanon cry happy tears tonight. Can't wait! #kanonsbday https://t.co/QvQYvBG80W
— Megan Aronson (@MeganAronson) March 13, 2021
“I hold myself to a much higher standard than anyone else holds me to. People can say what they want to say. It doesn’t really matter. Everyone plays the same amount of games. We showed up last year upon an agreed-upon set of rules, and we crowned the best under those rules.”
It’s unclear what the young fan’s visit to Camelback Ranch will fully entail. It’s safe to presume he will be able to attend a game as the Dodgers are permitted 2,400 socially-distanced fans (18% of capacity at Camelback Ranch).
Dodgers selected for REEF x MLB collection
The Dodgers are among seven teams that were selected for the REEF x MLB collection of men’s and women’s sandals that are available now. More teams and products are expected to be added for the 2022 season.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!