LOS ANGELES — Father’s Day at Dodger Stadium isn’t just another game on the schedule—it’s a celebration of the men who balance big league pressure with bedtime stories, road trips with family time, and home runs with heart. As the Dodgers take the field today, we tip our caps (or, more appropriately, our bucket hats) to the Dodger dads—veteran leaders and fresh fathers alike—who carry as much pride in their parenting as they do in their performances.
Before today’s game, manager Dave Roberts reflected on the joy of watching his players grow not just as athletes, but as fathers. “It’s made life easier for me. They have much better perspective than they did before they were fathers. I’ve had a really good chance to see a lot of players grow up because they become fathers. That’s been a lot of fun. They’ve all been very good fathers.”
To bring home the point, the team released an adorable video on social media with Dodger kids imitating their big league dads.
Nowhere is that growth more evident than in Clayton Kershaw, the team’s longtime ace and three-time Cy Young Award winner. Off the mound, Kershaw is a devoted father of four. For years, he’s spoken openly about how being a dad has grounded him, providing perspective through the highs and lows of a Hall of Fame career. Whether pitching in a postseason game or coaching his son’s Little League team in the offseason, Kershaw’s steady leadership comes from the same place—love of family.
Freddie Freeman, another cornerstone of the Dodgers clubhouse, is known for his smooth swing and calming presence at first base—but equally so for the pride he takes in being a father. His young son, Charlie, has become a familiar face around the ballpark, often seen running the bases or sharing batting practice with Dad. Last year, Freddie and his wife Chelsea went through a frightening chapter when their youngest son, Max, experienced a serious health scare. Max was hospitalized and faced a life-threatening infection. Freddie stayed by his side through it all, missing a few games and reminding the baseball world that nothing comes before family. Thankfully, Max made a full recovery—and this Father’s Day, the joy is even deeper for the Freeman family.
This season, Shohei Ohtani joined the ranks of Dodger dads with the birth of his first child. For Ohtani, already a transcendent figure in the game, fatherhood has added a new dimension to his journey in Los Angeles. While his on-field heroics continue to dazzle fans worldwide, the newest chapter of his life is being written far away from the spotlight—in quiet moments with his growing family. In many ways, Ohtani’s evolution as a father mirrors his transition as a player: intentional, humble, and committed to being his best.
Other proud papas in the Dodger clubhouse include Mookie Betts, who has often credited his daughters with giving him deeper motivation to play the game the right way. Mookie’s competitive fire and family-first values have made him a role model for younger players.
Will Smith, the Dodgers’ steady and soft-spoken catcher, also brings his best self to both dugout and diaper duty, while Max Muncy continues to balance slugging power with fatherly patience, sharing glimpses of his life as a dad with fans on social media. And Teoscar Hernández, one of the team’s most consistent contributors this season, beams whenever he talks about his kids—who, like their dad, are always ready to bring the energy.
Together, these players remind us that being a great teammate starts with being a great person—and often, that journey begins at home. On this Father’s Day, we celebrate the dads of Dodger Blue for the example they set not just for their children, but for all of us watching from the stands.
To the Dodger dads: thank you for showing us that strength and softness can go hand in hand, that love can be louder than a roaring crowd, and that the most important runs scored are often the ones made back home.
Happy Father’s Day.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
