The Los Angeles Dodgers have been limited in carrying out community initiatives over the past year-plus due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but the organization has still done its part to give back and brighten the lives of those who are underserved.
Their latest efforts entailed a partnership with UCLA Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to visit migrant children at the Long Beach Emergency Intake Site. The Dodgers were represented by Albert Pujols, Julio Urias, Victor Gonzalez, Edwin Uceta, Jaime Jarrín, Fernando Valenzuela and Pepe Yniguez.
“It was unbelievable,” Jarrín said of the visit. “And I want to thank Albert Pujols, Julio Urias, Victor Gonzalez, Edwin Uceta. They took the time to come and be with us here. They were wonderful. They were signing autographs for the children, they had a tee ball there.
“It was really good. I enjoyed it very much because it was something that had to be done. Those kinds are alone, without any families around. The program is fantastic and what a great country it is. I saw the children excited to see the ballplayers.”
Here's a clip from the #Dodgers of that visit. pic.twitter.com/0AvjnP79wI
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) June 3, 2021
During the visit, players, broadcasters and Dodgers staff met with the children in the auditorium where they introduced themselves and watched as the group performed a special song for the team.
After introductions, children received Dodgers caps and t-shirts, learned how to play wiffle ball with one-on-one instruction from players, and ended the visit by receiving autographs.
Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour
Though not as robust or accessible to the general public as seasons past, last month the franchise launched the their 18th annual Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour.
“The Dodgers are proud to launch this year’s Dodgers Love LA Community Tour by welcoming Champions in the Community to Dodger Stadium, as we thank those Angelenos that helped our community get through these difficult times,” Dodgers vice president of external affairs and community relations Naomi Rodriguez said.
“We’re excited for a month of engagements in partnership with Bank of America – an annual supporter of the Tour – to connect our players with fans and civic groups making a difference in our community.”
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