Steve Webb
HAWTHORNE, CA — On a sunny afternoon at Jim Thorpe Park in the city of Hawthorne, Dodgers’ Hall-of-Fame-bound pitcher Clayton Kershaw took part in a special ceremony marking the opening of the 64th and 65th Dreamfields, spaces designed to give children the opportunity to play baseball on high-quality fields. The event was organized by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, and Kershaw’s presence made it even more meaningful for the local community.
Clayton Kershaw, a leader on and off the field, expressed how much he values being part of these projects. “It’s really special,” Kershaw said. “The groundbreaking is fun, but seeing the kids out here smiling and playing for the first time makes it all worth it. This isn’t just about baseball. It’s about creating memories and giving kids something positive to be a part of.”
For Kershaw, the connection to these Dreamfields goes beyond the game. He reflected on his own childhood, emphasizing that while not every child might grow up to play baseball professionally, the memories they make and the friendships they build on the field are what matter most. “When I was young, it was all about playing with my friends, getting out of the house, and learning what it means to be part of a team. That’s the goal for these kids.”
The Dreamfields project is part of the Dodgers Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving access to recreational spaces in underserved areas. By providing quality fields, the foundation aims to create safe environments where kids can play, exercise, and develop important life skills.
Nicohl Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, spoke about the pride she feels in helping provide these fields. “We’ve had 300 young boys and girls playing baseball here in Hawthorne, and they deserve to have a field of this caliber. The pride we feel in breaking ground on another space for them to create and grow is immense.”
Kershaw’s involvement in the Dreamfields project has been longstanding. Since 2015, his charity, Kershaw’s Challenge, has partnered with the Dodgers Foundation to support nine Dreamfields across the Greater Los Angeles area. “It’s amazing to have someone like Clayton, who not only excels on the field but also supports the community in such a meaningful way,” Whiteman added.
Kershaw’s legacy as a Dodgers legend extends far beyond his accomplishments as one of the greatest pitchers in the game. His philanthropic efforts through Kershaw’s Challenge have touched countless lives. As he reflected on the impact of these efforts, Kershaw said, “Just wearing this blue and white jersey means something. It’s not just another team. It’s part of the fabric of this city, and I’m grateful to be able to make a difference, both on and off the field.”
The Dreamfields initiative is not just about producing the next generation of Major League Baseball stars—although, as Kershaw humorously remarked, “Maybe we’ll find the next Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman here.” It’s about creating a place where kids can have fun, build memories, and experience the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.”
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