Dodgers News: Phillips on hand for the opening of Dreamfield 68

NICKERSON GARDENS, LA — The Dodgers’ presence in the community has always extended far beyond the outfield walls at Chavez Ravine. On Saturday, that connection grew even stronger when pitcher Evan Phillips joined the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) to unveil Dodgers Dreamfield 68 at Nickerson Gardens in Watts.

The project, a $1.1 million investment made possible through a partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) and Kershaw’s Challenge, delivers a brand-new baseball and softball facility for local youth ages 5–12. It is the third Dodgers Dreamfield to be built at a public housing site and a major step toward LADF’s long-term vision of providing safe, quality play spaces across underserved neighborhoods in Los Angeles.

A Historic Location

Nickerson Gardens, constructed in 1954, holds the distinction of being the largest public housing community west of the Mississippi River. For decades, it has been both a home and a symbol of resilience in Watts, one of L.A.’s most historically underserved neighborhoods. Despite significant challenges, crime has fallen since the 1990s, and revitalization efforts are underway to improve the quality of life for its residents.

Into that context comes Dreamfield 68. For LADF CEO Nichol Whiteman, the new field represents more than a patch of grass and a scoreboard—it represents pride, belonging, and opportunity. “With the opening of Dodgers Dreamfield 68, the youth of Watts now have a point of pride to call their own,” Whiteman said during Saturday’s ceremony. “Too often, these children grow up without safe environments to play, learn and grow. Together with HACLA and Kershaw’s Challenge, we’re eliminating those barriers and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

A Celebration of Community

The unveiling ceremony brought together community leaders, sponsors, and local residents. Dodgers Spanish broadcaster José Mota emceed the program, which included the national anthem, remarks from project sponsors, and words from elected officials. Phillips, one of the Dodgers’ most reliable bullpen arms, was the guest of honor representing the team.

For the kids of Nickerson Gardens, though, the highlight came after the speeches. Following the ribbon-cutting, youth from the community took the field for a skills clinic led by the Dodgers Training Academy, experiencing firsthand the benefits of the brand-new facility.

Lourdes Castro-Ramirez, President and CEO of HACLA, emphasized the role of thoughtful design in building strong neighborhoods: “Well-designed community spaces strengthen human connections. We are thrilled to unveil this new Dodger Dreamfield at Nickerson Gardens, made possible by a strong partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Kershaw’s Challenge. Thanks for partnering with HACLA to create space for neighbors, children, and families to play, learn, interact and build connections for generations to come.”

Built for the Future

The upgrades to Dreamfield 68 are significant. Improvements include new irrigation, enhanced playing surfaces, updated fencing, and a solar-powered scoreboard reminiscent of Dodger Stadium. By eliminating common barriers to access—such as cost, safety, and upkeep—the field provides a free, high-quality space where kids can gather, play, and dream big.

The project also ties into HACLA’s broader revitalization plans for Nickerson Gardens, which include a small synthetic turf football field, enhanced green spaces, and improved recreational areas surrounding the new diamond. In other words, Dreamfield 68 is both a centerpiece and a catalyst for continued growth.

A Broader Vision

Since its launch in 2003, the Dodgers Dreamfields program has invested more than $20 million into building or refurbishing fields across Los Angeles. To date, 68 Dreamfields have been completed, serving more than 1.8 million youth and families. The goal is to reach 75 Dreamfields by 2033 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Dodgers’ move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.

Each field represents LADF’s mission of creating infrastructure for sustained impact. From Boyle Heights to Compton, Pacoima to Watts, these safe havens allow kids not just to play ball, but to build community ties, stay active, and find joy in the game.

Saturday’s celebration was also a reminder of the impact of Kershaw’s Challenge, the foundation created by longtime Dodger Clayton Kershaw and his wife Ellen. Their support, along with contributions from sponsors such as Bank of America, LA84 Foundation, Security Benefit, the Cammilleri Family Foundation, Helen and Roger Ma, the Mickey and Lee Segal Family Foundation, and the Parra-Matthews Family, made the project possible.

More Than Just a Field

For Phillips, who took the time to be present and lend his support, the event underscored how Dodgers players continue to be involved in the city they represent. While his job is usually measured by strikeouts and saves, Saturday was about something deeper: the opportunity to inspire the next generation of ballplayers in Watts.

Dreamfield 68 is not just another field on a map—it is a living example of the Dodgers’ commitment to Los Angeles. It provides a space for kids to imagine themselves on a big-league mound, for families to gather on weekends, and for a community to rally around a symbol of pride and progress.

And as LADF pushes forward with its mission to reach 75 Dreamfields, it’s clear that the legacy of the Dodgers in Los Angeles will continue to be written not only in the standings but also in the neighborhoods where baseball becomes more than a game.

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