Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Monday was a rarity on the MLB calendar: an off-day in the middle of a homestand. But your Los Angeles Dodgers were at the stadium nevertheless, participating in the most unique of events: Clayton and Ellen Kershaw’s Ping Pong 4 Purpose.
Even while on the IL, Kershaw showed up for the event in good spirits to help raise money for underprivileged children. In fact, after two straight years with no event, everyone seemed downright giddy that the event had come back of the Covid cancellations bigger and better than ever.
“It’s just an incredible feeling to be able to help that many kids and have that many people support us. Ellen and I started this charity with one kid in mind, and it’s turned into this over the course of 10 years,” Kersh told reporters. “In our wildest dreams, we would’ve never thought about that. We’re obviously very humble that this many people have come out tonight to support us.”
Among the many people who came out in support of the cause were celebrities comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, actor Will Ferrell, and TV host Mario Lopez.
As for the tournament, which pitted Dodger players, celebrity guests, and good citizens of LA against each other in a doubles Battle Royale, the competition was fierce. No Dodger players were on the winning team, but Trea Turner and tennis star Mardy Fish came in second place. Clayton joked to them that their prize was a “thank-you for coming,” but the winning team received a nice pair of electric bikes to celebrate their triumph.
Kershaw and his wife Ellen started the annual event in 2013 to help raise money and awareness for Kershaw’s Challenge – which “seeks to serve vulnerable and at-risk children living in Los Angeles, Dallas, Zambia and the Dominican Republic,” according to his charity’s website.
Long live Ping Pong 4 Purpose! And long live Clayton Kershaw.
