The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted approximately 350 pre-selected active-duty service members from the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and veterans, along with their families, on Tuesday for their annual Veterans Day batting practice event at Dodger Stadium.
Military members and their families enjoyed a day at the ballpark with the opportunity to take batting practice, play catch on the field, and receive private tours of the stadium.
“Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the courage and selflessness shown by those who served our country,” Dodgers vice president of government and community affairs Kristin McCowan said. “At the Dodgers, we are proud to honor that service by creating meaningful memories with Veterans and their families. Partnering with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health allows us to celebrate our veterans and show our commitment to their overall well-being.”
In addition, the World Series trophy was available for fans to take photos with, and former Dodgers players Orel Hershiser, Dennis Powell, Kenny Landreaux and Billy Ashley were in attendance to sign autographs, pose for photographs and help instruct attendees with their baseball knowledge.
“My dad was a veteran, and just watching what he had to go through in his recovery as a disabled American veteran, my heart is with him and all the other veterans with the sacrifice they have to give,” Ashley said.
“They often compare baseball and sports to what the military has and what they do, and it’s just not a comparison. We might sacrifice not being at home for a while, and they’re sacrificing their lives and being away from their families, and for the job they do for this country.
“I’m just proud to have a father who was in the military. I’m proud to be out here to support the veterans that are here today. The Dodgers do a great job every year, this is like my 10th time being out here and part of this, usually my dad is with me.
“So it’s great, they deserve a whole lot more than just our support, and for the opportunity to step out onto this field and have a day swinging the bat for a World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers team, I hope they just have the most blessed and fun time today.”
Dodgers and LACDMH offer resources to veterans
The Dodgers also had a resource fair offering helpful information and support services for our military community.
“Every year, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) looks forward to partnering with the L.A. Dodgers in recognizing our nation’s veterans with a special day at the ballpark, designed to honor their selflessness and service,” LACDMH director Dr. Lisa H. Wong said.
“On Veterans Day and every day, LACDMH’s Veteran & Military Family Services (VMFS) program is committed to caring for veterans and their loved ones with mental health resources and support. Led by veterans for veterans, VMFS provides hope, wellbeing and a greater quality of life by bridging gaps and offering wrap-around care for those who served.”
For more information about VMFS, please call the 24/7 Help Line at (800) 854-7771 or visit their website at dmh.lacounty.gov.
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