Seven months after holding a groundbreaking ceremony at Edward Vincent Jr. Park in Inglewood, California, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and Kershaw’s Challenged unveiled Dodgers Dreamfields Nos. 59 and 60 on Saturday morning.
The latest project moved the foundation closer to their goal of building and refurbishing 75 fields by 2033 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles from Brooklyn.
“Today is extremely special. All of these Dreamfields unveiling are, but this year, we, the Dodgers Foundation, are celebrating 10 years reimagined,” LADF chief executive office Nichol Whiteman said.
“In the last 10 years alone we have raised $90 million, serving 9 million youth, and have invested $53 million in programs and grants into the greater Los Angeles community, including the city of Inglewood and these two Dreamfields that we’re unveiling.”
The newest Dodgers Dreamfields also share a connection to the LADF in that Whiteman is a current Inglewood resident, and Breanna Orozco, manager of grants and initiatives, is a native of the city.
Orozco called the unveiling her “favorite moment” since joining the Dodgers Foundation a year ago, and she marveled at the overall development of the space at Edward Vincent Jr. Park, the largest in Inglewood.
Like with other Dodgers Dreamfields, the renovation project brought about a new playing surface and grass, fencing, upgraded dugouts and irrigation systems, bases and LED scoreboards, among other improvements. The infield dirt being used was taken from Dodger Stadium during the offseason.
The “Kershaw’s Challenge Fields” are going to be home to children aged 5-12, and teenagers from the Dodgers Dreamteam and local high schools for both baseball and softball.
Funding for the two Dodgers Dreamfields was provided by the city of Inglewood, Kershaw’s Challenge, Security Benefit, FundPlay/League Apps, Annenberg Foundation, Nike, Delta Air Lines, LA84 Foundation, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Helen & Will Webster Foundation, and Norris Foundation.
There now are four Dodgers Dreamfields located Inglewood as the foundation looks to provide a safe space for youth in need.
Ellen Kershaw dedicates Dodgers Dreamfields
While representing Kershaw’s Challenge along with her four children, Ellen Kershaw revealed Clayton Kershaw’s mother passed away Saturday morning.
“Clayton grew up with a baseball in his hand, ready to play a game in a sandlot or on a ball field like this one, at a moment’s notice,” Ellen told the youth. “And now he’s getting to re-live that falling in love with the game feeling in the eyes of his kids and through the eyes of kids like y’all.
“One person in particular who cultivated that love in Clayton, his dear mama, Marianne, who moved mountains to get him to baseball practice and games. She sat front row, cheering him on not so subtly and would keep score to keep her nerves at bay. So today, we dedicate this field to his sweet mom, who passed away and went to be with the Lord this morning.”
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