The Los Angeles Dodgers in recent years have taken to social media to raise awareness for a number of worthwhile causes. This has often been accomplished with various players participating in fun, viral challenges to help spread the word.
Last year, a few members of the Dodgers took part in the Lemon Face challenge to show their support for Aubreigh Nicholas, an 11-year-old who was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (a rare and inoperable brain tumor).
Later in the 2018 season, a handful of Dodgers teammates participated in the NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) challenge to stand with the Jessie Rees Foundation in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
This season, a new challenge has emerged. With May being recognized as Brain Cancer Awareness Month, a large contingent from the Dodgers have focused their efforts toward supporting the Willie Strong Foundation and raising funds for pediatric brain cancer.
Led by third baseman Justin Turner, the club is taking part in the Crack Cancer challenge. The 34-year-old shared the hilarious results on Twitter and nominated former Dodgers teammate Manny Machado and his current San Diego Padres team to follow suit:
Hey @Dodgers fans. My teammates & I are taking part in the #CrackCancer challenge to raise awareness for pediatric brain cancer.
I nominate @machados13 & the @padres, & all of you! Please consider donating to fight pediatric brain cancer & support the #WillieStrongFoundation. pic.twitter.com/MVvlGMB6IW
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) May 23, 2019
Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler, who cracked an egg over Turner’s head, nominated former Vanderbilt teammate and current Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson to participate in the Crack Cancer challenge.
Turner was able to avenge himself by cracking an egg over outfielder Cody Bellinger’s head. The early favorite for National League MVP honors then promptly issued the challenge to his younger brother Cole — a prospect in the Padres’ farm system.
Other Dodgers players to take part in the Crack Cancer challenge include Kiké Hernandez, who nominated former teammate and now-Cincinnati Reds infielder Kyle Farmer.
Dodgers catcher Russell Martin additionally challenged former Toronto Blue Jays teammate Marcus Stroman. Joc Pederson, following suit, nominated San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford.
Dodgers left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu issued a challenge to Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang while Rich Hill kept with the theme of nominating former teammates, extending a challenge to Washington Nationals second baseman Brian Dozier.
If you’d like to support the cause and donate to the Willie Strong Foundation then you can do so by clicking HERE.
