The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a busy off-season. Not only did they sign the coveted Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. As you may have heard, the Dodgers caught the biggest fish in Major League Baseball when they signed former Los Angeles Angels, American League Rookie of the Year, three-time All-Star, and two-time league most valuable player, Shohei Ohtani.
However, filling out their roster and acquiring the decorated pitcher and dual-threat standout wasn’t the only thing keeping them busy this off-season. They spent the final week before pitchers and catchers reported to training camp conducting their Dodgers Love LA Tour to show love and respect to their fans all across the southland.
The pre-camp Dodgers Love LA tour featured 12 experiences over five days throughout the greater Los Angeles area, which included participation from current and former Dodger players, front office staff, and Bank of America volunteers. Through the 2024 Dodgers Love LA Community tour, they showed they’re committed to bringing that team spirit to all of Los Angeles. This tour also became a tribute to the cultural fabric of the city.
“We are proud to continue our strong partnership with Bank of America and launch the 2024 Dodgers Love LA Community Tour, the kickoff of the Dodgers’ annual community programming,” said Kristin McCowan, Vice President of Government & Community Affairs. “This year, we are producing one dozen impactful events, all intended to provide memorable experiences that showcase the diversity and uniqueness of L.A. to the greatest fans in the world.”
“Helping to bring the beloved Dodgers to neighborhoods across the Southland with the Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour is one of Bank of America’s favorite opportunities to give back while inspiring others to do the same,” said Raul A. Anaya, president of Bank of America Los Angeles. “From preparing meals for those in need, to helping kids gain basic financial education, volunteering side-by-side with Dodger players, alumni, and staff for this exciting, impactful week is a great tribute to the things that make L.A., so unique.”
They began the week with the Dodgers’ annual Employee Day of Service. Dodgers staffers and front office team members spent the day supporting the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation staff and Bank of America employee volunteers at the City of Industry at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank by providing resources to fight food insecurity. They worked collectively to prepare food packages for over 29,000 Angelenos. Meanwhile, volunteers from Bank of America will go to the Downtown Women’s Center to help prepare lunch and dinner for the women served by the center’s kitchen.
The Gabriella Charter School will host the LA Reads event with Dodger pitcher Landon Knack on Tuesday morning. LA Reads is a joint literacy program designed to motivate youth to build a lifelong love of reading. Supporting literacy and making reading fun for everyone, they provide year-round engaging programs and educational resources. Knack highlighted the day by showing up to read one of his favorite children’s books.
That afternoon, Dodger legend and current broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela attended Homeboy Industries, a non-profit gang rehabilitation organization, that provides hope, training, and support to former gang-involved and previously incarcerated people. This organization allows Homeboy employees to redirect their lives and become contributing members of our community. Valenzuela helped prepare tacos and served participants of Homeboy Industries at Home Girl Café with the harmonious sounds of a local mariachi group.
Later that evening, 500 homeless youth and their families celebrated their birthdays with Dodger players Landon Knack, and Nick Frasso, and Bank of America volunteers at Dodger Stadium to close out the day of festivities in the Worthy of Love Birthday Bash. Worthy of Love is a non-profit that produces birthday parties and experiences for children experiencing homelessness.
“We’re just having a good ole time. Dancing and having some fun. It’s an honor and a privilege. Just to get out here and make a difference in these kid’s lives,” Knack expressed. “To be able to put some joy in their hearts, to have some fun, and to be a part of the community. It’s an awesome experience.”
“It’s about 500 kids out here, the energy is insane,” said Frasso. “It’s very cool, a ton of kids here, not all of them get to celebrate their birthdays the way some of us do; so, to come out here to celebrate as a whole, it’s really cool.”
Panorama and Fremont High School students, including LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, attended a financial literacy workshop at Dodger Stadium. Hosting the Thursday morning event was seven-time all-star, former league most valuable player, six-time Golden Glove winner, and six-time Silver Slugger Mookie Betts.
“The 50/50 Foundation is a collection of things, where we are giving back to the youth in whatever way possible. Financial literacy, whether it’s medical bills or baseball fields,” says Betts. “Whatever it is. To create opportunities for these kids to grow, that’s what we do.”
Dodger pitcher Tony Gonsolin and catcher Hunter Feduccia closed out Thursday by visiting the North Central Animal Services Center to greet those considering adopting pets. Each approved adoption that afternoon included a pet family photo with Gonsolin and Feduccia.
“As you know, I’m the cat guy. Anything cats, is very important to me. I have two of my own, so this hits home a little bit harder,” Gonsolin explained after letting one of the cats at the shelter rest on his lap. “I always grew up with animals, cats, dogs, hermit crabs, or whatever. I’m just out here trying to raise awareness for the animal shelters and anything that has to do with animal safety. Putting them into caring homes is very important to me.”
The Dodgers Love LA tour was capped off at Universal Studios Hollywood with Dodger pitchers Brusdar Graterol, Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, James Outman, Ryan Yarbrough, and Tyler Glasnow as they joined 30 LAUSD students experiencing homelessness. The group enjoyed the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and Jurassic World, along with the other theme park’s rides and attractions.
