The Los Angeles Dodgers are just over two weeks into their offseason, and several players have already taken advantage of time off after a grueling season and playoff run. Ross Stripling got married and went on a honeymoon, and Yasiel Puig has attended multiple Lakers games at Staples Center.
On Saturday, Joc Pederson was on hand at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the 87th installment of the crosstown rivalry between the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins. USC, ranked No. 11 in the country, entered the matchup favored by more than two touchdowns.
As long been tradition for home Trojans football games, a special guest, often a former player, is bestowed with the honor of leading the team out of the tunnel. While Pederson neither wore pads nor is a USC alumni, he did so before kickoff against the Bruins.
After running out with the Trojans, Pederson posed with athletic director and former NFL receive Lynn Swyann.
NLCS Champion and @Dodgers outfielder @yungjoc650 leads the Trojans out of the tunnel for their last home game against UCLA! #FightOn pic.twitter.com/nUZTR866Yv
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) November 19, 2017
Welcome to the Coliseum, @yungjoc650! #FightOn pic.twitter.com/ofJc1BiN6f
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) November 19, 2017
USC AD @Lynn88Swann hanging with @Dodgers star @yungjoc650! #FightOn pic.twitter.com/wh5OBdU8Ed
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) November 19, 2017
Pederson was committed to play baseball for USC prior to being drafted by the Dodgers in the 11th round in 2010. His father, Stu, attended Southern California and was selected by the Dodgers in the ninth round of the 1981 Draft.
Coincidentally, Pederson’s sister, Jacey, attends UCLA and is a member of their women’s soccer team that’s reached the NCAA Round of 16.
USC outlasted UCLA, 28-23, and now have nearly two weeks off until playing in the Pac-12 Championship Game on Friday, Dec. 1.
