When the Los Angeles Dodgers received their 2020 World Series rings, David Price revealed he would be auctioning his fine piece of jewelry to benefit The Players Alliance.
The group was formed last year to create an inclusive culture within baseball, “where differences are leveraged to elevate racial equality and provide greater opportunities for the Black community, both in our game and the places we live in, play in, and care about most.”
Price is one of several Dodgers involved with the organization, along with Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw. Since its inception, The Players Alliance has donated more than $41 million to Black communities.
In addition to helping a good cause, Price noted he auctioned his World Series ring because he didn’t believe he earned it. “I wasn’t a part of winning that ring. I made my decision and personally, I didn’t think I deserved to get one,” Price explained.
“I had talks with Andrew and a lot other people in the organization about that. They wanted me to still receive one. I talked to Lon Rosen about something we could do to raise money for a good cause.
“We talked about The Players Alliance, and I thought that was a very good idea and something that would help a lot of upcoming baseball players.”
Price was the only Dodgers player on the 40-man roster to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns with the coronavirus (COVID-19). The decision was supported by his teammates and coaching staff, and he still managed to assist the team from afar by sharing observations with manager Dave Roberts.
Dodgers didn’t consider role change with Price
Although Price spent his career working as a starter, he transitioned to a role out of the bullpen this season. And despite the Dodgers losing Dustin May to Tommy John surgery, there wasn’t any thought given to moving Price into the rotation.
“I think right now we just love where he’s at. Taking down one inning, one-plus, having him be more relevant in more games,” manager Dave Roberts recently explained.
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