The start of a six-game homestand was an eventful night as hours before the Los Angeles Dodgers lost the Chicago Cubs in a combined no-hitter, the team presented Joc Pederson with his 2020 World Series ring.
The pregame ceremony began with a video tribute that was met by loud applause from the sold-out crowd at Dodger Stadium. Pederson embraced his former teammates behind home plate as the video began to play and was handed the box with the championship ring inside by Clayton Kershaw.
Pederson put it on and raised his left hand, much to the delight of Dodgers fans. Though not during the on-field ceremony, the Dodgers also gifted a World Series ring to Champ Pederson.
Prior to signing with the Cubs this past offseason in search of an everyday role, Pederson spent parts of seven seasons with the Dodgers after being selected by the club in the 11th round of the 2010 MLB Draft.
“Joc’s meant a lot to the organization,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game. “Obviously the relationships that he’s had, the relationships that he will continue to have, playing well on the biggest of stages and helping us win a championship.
“I know that he made our ballclub better and the fans really related to Joc and the energy on the field and the things he did off the field; some were documented, a lot of it wasn’t. He was one of the really, really good Dodgers.”
Pederson was in the leadoff spot for the series opener and went 0-for-3 with one strikeout in the Cubs’ 4-0 win.
Joc thankful for time with Dodgers
Although Pederson has openly stated leaving the Dodgers stemmed from wanting a larger role, he has additionally raved about his time with the organization. Related to that was the influence Chase Utley had during their time as teammates.
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