The third day of the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour closed out with a first in the event’s history as the team put together a Senior Prom event at the Carson Event Center.
Orel Hershiser emceed the Dodgers’ first Senior Prom, which was held for more than 200 senior citizens who were treated to a night of music, dancing, dinner and photo opportunities.
The Dodgers’ DJ Severe also was on hand and so too were Landon Knack, Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone and Michael Grove. Sheehan, Grove and Stone made their way down to Carson after visiting with fans and serving food at a Jack in the Box location in Northridge.
The night began with Hershiser poking some good-natured fun at the ages of those in attendance and also dressing the part with his 1988 Dodgers World Series jersey.
“It was a pretty easy choice,” Hershiser told DodgerBlue.com of his wardrobe selection. “Especially to show them I can still fit in it.”
Each year the Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour features visits to local organizations and schools, a birthday party at Dodger Stadium for underserved youth, and more.
But the addition of a Senior Prom meant an opportunity to connect with another segment of the vast Dodgers fanbase.
“We at the Dodgers and our community affairs, we want to show that we’re committed to all members of our community,” said Dodgers vice president of government and community affairs Kristin McCowan.
“This year we wanted to focus on our seniors. People say how you take care of your youth and how you take care of your seniors says a lot about who you are. We at the Dodgers care about our seniors. We had the opportunity to bring some of our youngest players out to meet with over 250 seniors for a Senior Prom.
“It was a very exciting night for seniors from Carson and the South Bay area.”
The night concluded with Stone, Grove, Sheehan and Knack taking the dance floor for a rendition of the “Cha Cha Slide.”
Orel Hershiser delivers as emcee
Hershiser, who of course is regarded for his work as a SportsNet LA analyst, often assists the Dodgers by making several appearances in the community and hosting events on the team’s behalf.
“I think it first started when I watched Tommy Lasorda do it,” Hershiser explained of his comfortability in an emcee role. “I think when you grow up and are kind of born and bred as a Dodger, you get exposed to a lot of things. Including 12 to 15 to 20 reporters around your locker, coming to events and maybe being asked to say a few words.
“You kind of grow into somebody that maybe needs to be up there and run the show.”
Hershiser’s public speaking prowess included getting to officiate the wedding of Justin and Kourtney Turner in 2017.
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