The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically changed everyday life, with schools and non-essential businesses temporarily closing down to help stop the spread.
As a result, unemployment rates across the country have soared, and many people are struggling to get by financially.
Wanting to make a positive impact, former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and current Arizona Diamondbacks pitching coordinator Dan Haren has been busy auctioning off dozens of MLB bobbleheads on eBay to raise money for local charities.
The bobbleheads are unique in that they come with a personal message about the player. Haren recently sold his first batch of bobbleheads, and part of the group consists of three of his former Dodgers teammates.
Haren’s Clayton Kershaw bobblehead attracted the most attention, receiving 76 bids and ultimately selling for $1,000. Moreover, his Zack Greinke bobblehead netted $535 and an A.J. Ellis bobblehead additionally sold for $410.
All-in-all, Haren auctioned off 24 bobbleheads on April 1, raising over $14,000.
Thank you to all the people that bid. Gonna do my best to wrap 144 bobbleheads and ship them out. Estimated delivery 2021, just kidding……I think pic.twitter.com/zNWtPCvzGb
— dan haren (@ithrow88) April 2, 2020
While the motivation behind Haren selling off his bobblehead collection was to raise funds for worthwhile causes, he also wanted to lift people’s spirits during these unprecedented times without sports. Haren has hundreds more bobbleheads that will be auctioned.
A 13-year MLB veteran, Haren spent the 2014 season as a member of the Dodgers, going 13-11 with a 4.02 ERA, 4.09 FIP and 1.18 WHIP in 186 innings pitched (32 starts).
He isn’t the only high-profile to spur into action, particularly among those with ties to the Dodgers organization. Kershaw, along with Justin Turner, Alex Wood, Ross Stripling, Chris Taylor and Corey Seager, have each donated to The Dream Center in Los Angeles.
The L.A. Dream Center is providing free daily meals for those facing hardship created by the coronavirus pandemic, with hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner services.
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