On Monday night, in their series opener against the Chicago Cubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers paid special tribute to Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, which falls in September. Players and coaches wore unique white T-shirts, with a special design on the back created by pediatric patients at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital.
The kids also participated in an art class where they showcased their talents by drawing portraits of their favorite Dodgers players. They were then honored at Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night at Dodger Stadium.
In addition to being introduced on the field during pre-game activities and running around the bases, a group of kids was also invited to say the traditional “It’s Dodgers Baseball Time” before the first pitch was thrown.
In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Night, UCLA Health patients were invited to Dodger Stadium after attending an art class where they drew their favorite Dodger player and collaborated on a heartfelt t-shirt design. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/kZ6LyYSIAX
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 10, 2024
Their sketches even appeared on the stadium video screens as part of player introductions and walk-ups. Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and others were depicted in colored pencils and crayons, with some artists opting for realism to depict their favorite players while others chose to follow the subject.
Outfielder Andy Pages and pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Jack Flaherty are instantly recognizable, while some of the other Dodgers stars require a closer look.
The Dodgers weren’t the only team to step up to the plate for this important cause. Across the league, players and fans alike embraced the spirit of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with heartwarming gestures of support.
While the statistics on childhood cancer are sobering, events like these offer a glimmer of hope, reminding us of the incredible resilience of these young warriors and the tireless efforts of those working to find a cure.
Beyond the diamond, Major League Baseball’s commitment to raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer research continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless families.
The commemorative t-shirt, a testament to the creativity and courage of these young artists, serves as a lasting reminder of the power of hope and the importance of coming together to fight this disease.
To view additional photographs from the unique occasion at Dodger Stadium, featuring pictures of the commemorative t-shirt the children assisted in creating, please click here.