by Erin Edwards

Some of Julian Iniguez’s childhood coaches remain part of his life today. Growing up playing baseball, Iniguez remembers the volunteers who arrived at the field season after season simply so kids like him could play.

Years later, he understands just how meaningful that was.

“I’ve created so many memories each season and met many of my friends all because of a coach that was willing to pull up every other day to the field just so we could play some baseball,” Iniguez said.

Now Iniguez is the one showing up.

For three years, he has coached through the Dodgers Dreamteam, representing the City of Inglewood and carrying forward a tradition of mentorship that helped shape his own childhood.

His approach combines fun with a commitment to making sure players leave the field having learned something new. Iniguez sees much of his younger self in the kids he coaches, making their accomplishments often mean something deeper.

“My favorite memory is realizing that some of these kids attend the same elementary and middle school as I did,” he said. “I realized I was in their exact same position and seeing them hit a home run or make a good play meant everything.”

One player in particular showed Iniguez what can happen when a coach sees potential before a young person sees it in themselves.

Michael, a left-handed player, had never really pitched before. Iniguez saw the player’s potential, however, and began giving him opportunities to throw during practice.

Little by little, Michael improved.

Eventually, he took the mound in games. Seeing him record multiple strikeouts meant more than the stat line itself. Iniguez was watching confidence develop alongside the skill.

That belief in players is rooted in Iniguez’s own experiences. After recently learning that one of his former coaches had passed away, Iniguez found himself reflecting even more on the lasting influence a coach can have.

He hopes his own players remember him in the same way: As someone who showed up, cared and helped them grow.

That commitment led to Iniguez being named a 2026 Dodgers Dreamteam Coach of the Year in partnership with Nike. For him, the recognition represents a much bigger community tradition.

“Coach of the Year, to me, means that I’ve played my role in helping out the community, bringing a role model to the table and enlightening them in the possibilities a sport can bring to them — both on and off the field,” Iniguez said.

His advice for others considering coaching is simple: You don’t have to know everything.

You do have to be willing to be there. Because years from now, players may not remember every score or every practice. But as Iniguez’s own story demonstrates, they will always remember the coach who showed up for them.

To learn more about the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Dodgers Dreamteam, visit Dodgers.com/LADF.

The power of showing up: coach Julian Iniguez carries on a community tradition was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

by Erin Edwards

Before Keyli Ferrera stood on the field as a Dodgers Dreamteam coach, she stood there as a player.

Ferrera grew up playing softball at nearby Lennox Park, alongside her younger sister. Years later, now a college student who works and volunteers in the same community, Ferrera returned to the program — this time ready to create that experience for a new generation.

“I grew up at Lennox Park, and being able to work and volunteer in the community I grew up in fills a certain joy in my life,” Ferrera said.

In her first season as a Dodgers Dreamteam coach, Ferrera brought something especially valuable to her players: she understood what it felt like to be in their shoes.

She remembers the coaches who made an impact on her when she was younger. That experience shaped the kind of environment she wanted to build for her own team — one where young people could be themselves, learn without judgment and understand the power of using their voices.

One of the season’s simplest moments showed her that the team had become more than a group of players.

During practice on one player’s birthday, the player’s mother brought cupcakes for the team. Watching the excitement among kids who had known one another for less than a month, Ferrera could already see a community forming.

She saw that connection translate to the field, too.

After a losing streak marked by challenges with communication and team spirit, Ferrera called a timeout during a close game. In the huddle, something clicked. Her players began speaking openly to one another and sharing what they were thinking.

“As a coach, I view speaking up as a sign of confidence in one another,” she said. It’s why communication is one of the biggest lessons Ferrera hopes her players carry beyond softball.

“Using your voice is powerful,” she added.

For a former participant to return to the same community they grew up in and be recognized as a 2026 Dodgers Dreamteam Coach of the Year in partnership with Nike during her first year of coaching made it especially meaningful.

“This recognition strengthens the visibility and importance of coaches within the community,” Ferrera said. “Despite this being my first-year coaching, there are no limitations to who can be a coach. Coaches change lives and leave lasting impacts.”

Ferrera is proof of that impact coming full circle.

Once, Dodgers Dreamteam gave a young girl from Lennox Park a place to play, meet new people and learn from coaches who cared about her. Today, she’s the coach creating that opportunity for someone else.

To learn more about Dodgers Dreamteam visit Dodgers.com/DodgersDreamteam.

A Dodgers Dreamteam full circle: Coach of the Year gives back to the community that raised her was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

by Erin Edwards

For Nathan, a love of the Dodgers started at home.

His family has always loved baseball and rooted for the Dodgers. So when Nathan had the opportunity to step onto the field himself through Dodgers Dreamteam, his family hoped he would find his own connection to the game.

What they found was so much more.

Nathan joined Dodgers Dreamteam at Salt Lake Park in Huntington Park, ready to experience his first season of baseball. For his family, the decision came with some uncertainty. Nathan has ADHD, and his parents wondered how he would adjust to the structure and expectations that come with being a part of a team.

But with encouragement from his coaches and teammates — and the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment — Nathan began to thrive.

Practice by practice and game by game, he learned how to catch, throw and hit. He built confidence, developed new skills and became a positive role model for his younger sister.

Most importantly, he discovered how much he loved baseball.

“Being part of Dodgers Dreamteam helped him with his family, his friends and his neighbors,” Alejandra, Nathan’s mother said. “Socializing was a challenge for him, but he flourished. We saw a complete, dramatic change — he grew beyond what we imagined.”

His family watched as practices and game days became something Nathan eagerly anticipated. His teammates made him feel like he belonged, while his coach helped him understand the game and grow more confident on the field.

Then, Nathan’s Dodgers Dreamteam experience took him somewhere he never could have imagined: the mound at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium.

Through Dodgers Dreamteam’s Recycle Challenge, supported by LA County Public Works, participants learned how small actions can make a difference in their communities.

Nathan took that challenge to heart — and was selected as the Team Yamamoto representative, a group of participants that came in first place for the Dodgers Dreamteam Recycle Challenge.

His prize came with a moment he’ll likely never forget.

At UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, Nathan stepped onto the mound and threw a pitch to Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman on Sept.8, before LA’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.

For a young player whose first season began with simply learning how to catch, throw and hit, it was a full-circle moment — and another reminder of just how far his confidence had grown.

Nathan’s story reflects what Dodgers Dreamteam is designed to create: opportunities for young people to play, learn, grow and discover what they’re capable of — on the field and beyond it.

For Nathan’s family, signing him up for that first season turned into a decision they will always treasure. He found teammates who welcomed him, a coach who believed in him and a game that he now loves.

And along the way, he showed that being part of a team can mean more than learning how to play baseball. It can mean finding confidence, creating lasting memories and realizing you belong.

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation thanks LA County Public Works for its support of Dodgers Dreamteam and the Recycle Challenge, helping young people like Nathan learn how they can make an impact in their communities.

Because sometimes, a first season can be the start of something much bigger. To learn more about the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation visit, Dodgers.com/LADF.

From Dodgers Dreamteam to UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium: Nathan steps up to the mound was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

by Erin Edwards

When Gaby Zubia first enrolled her five-year-old son Matthew in Dodgers Dreamteam in Hawthorne, she hoped the program would give him a new way to connect with others. She even volunteered to coach so she could support him.

Eight seasons later, the experience has shaped not only Matthew’s life but Gaby’s role in her community.

Matthew, who is on the autism spectrum, was beginning school and participating in occupational therapy, adaptive physical education, speech counseling and a social skills club when his family decided to introduce him to baseball.

“We wanted to bring something different to him to help him with his social skills,” Gaby said.

As with most children, Matthew’s first season brought new experiences and challenges. He was unfamiliar with the game and unsure of what to expect. Sometimes, he wandered away from the activity or showed more interest in the grass and dirt than the game itself.

“But he was there,” Gaby recalled.

That willingness to show up created room for something meaningful to occur. As Matthew kept returning to the field, Gaby began to see changes in him. He formed friendships, became more comfortable around his teammates and learned how to participate in a new environment.

“The kids really enjoyed having him around,” she said. “They would talk to him and invite him to come and play with them. I definitely saw tremendous growth.”

Those relationships kept the family coming back. Matthew played from T-ball through the youth levels, while Gaby continued coaching and building connections with families throughout Hawthorne.

Over time, the confidence Matthew developed through Dodgers Dreamteam extended beyond the baseball field. Today, he is better able to connect with classmates at school and has discovered another sport he enjoys: Golf.

Although he no longer plays in the Dodgers Dreamteam program, he remains part of the experience. Matthew still accompanies his mother to practices and games.

“His social skills grew tremendously,” she said. “Even though he’s not playing anymore, he still comes with me. He encourages our players to go out there and play and give it their best.”

As Matthew grew, so did Gaby.

By her second season, other parents of children with autism began finding reassurance in having her as their coach. They knew she understood that every child might experience the game differently — and that she would be there to support both the players and their families.

Gaby’s experience as a mother helped shape the kind of coach she has become — patient, observant and committed to creating an environment where every child could participate.

The Dodgers Dreamteam Coaches Training program further strengthened her ability to recognize when a player might be having a difficult day and respond with understanding.

“The training has helped me support them on the field and away from the field,” she said.

Now in her eighth season, Gaby serves as a Field Champion for the City of Hawthorne and coaches some of the program’s youngest participants. She introduces five-year-olds to the fundamentals of the game and helps establish the sense of belonging that first made such a difference for Matthew.

“I love my city. I love giving back to my community,” she said. “Seeing the growth of the players, their confidence and everything they learn and take with them — it’s so rewarding.”

One of Gaby’s favorite memories is of a young soccer player who was convinced that baseball was not for him. He did not know how to hold a bat when he joined Dodgers Dreamteam, and initially only attended because his mother made him.

Gaby encouraged him to come to one practice and give the sport a chance. During his first game, he hit the ball and his enthusiasm took off with it. By the end of the season, he had become one of the team’s strongest players.

“He said, ‘I can play now. I know how to play now,’” Gaby remembered. “Within one practice and one game, his confidence just went through the roof.”

Gaby has also witnessed Dodgers Dreamteam strengthen the broader Hawthorne community. Families return season after season. Parents form relationships on the sidelines, children make new friends and the community comes together around a shared experience.

That pride grew when local parks were renovated as Dodgers Dreamfields.

“They feel a sense of, ‘We matter. Our parks matter. Our city matters,’” she said.

The fields have become places where children feel proud to play and families feel connected to their neighborhood. They are cared for and respected by the community. Most importantly, they provide a welcoming setting where young people can learn, build confidence and feel supported.

Gaby landed on “unity” when asked to describe Dodgers Dreamteam in one word. It’s embodied in the friendships created, the families connected and the children brought together through the game.

Her other word for Dodgers Dreamfields was equally meaningful — safe.

For Gaby and Matthew, those two ideas — unity and safety — have made growth possible. What began as a mother’s effort to help her son feel comfortable became an eight-year commitment to ensuring more children in Hawthorne have a place where they belong.

“I have seen tremendous growth. Not only in myself and my son, but in my city and in our players,” Gaby said. “Our kiddos deserve a safe place where they can come and play, learn the fundamentals of baseball and connect with others. It’s really important for our communities to have that for our children.”

To learn more about Dodgers Dreamteam and Dodgers Dreamfields, visit Dodgers.com/LADF.

Hawthorne mother-son duo find purpose and growth in Dodgers Dreamteam was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

by Erin Edwards

Eight years ago, Sofia joined Dodgers Dreamteam with a love for softball — and plenty of nerves.

“I was definitely very shy,” Sofia recalled. “But little did I know, the community that would welcome me would be very welcoming and comfortable.”

Dodgers Dreamteam was Sofia’s first experience participating in an organized sport. Although stepping onto the field initially felt intimidating, her coaches and teammates quickly and created an environment where she felt supported and understood.

“We all felt like we were in the same boat,” she said.

That sense of belonging kept Sofia returning season after season. Over time, the once-shy player began stepping outside of her comfort zone, connecting with teammates from different backgrounds and helping new players acclimate on the team.

“When I first joined, I was definitely very shy and kept to myself,” Sofia said. “Then I realized the people around me were probably thinking the same thing. I felt like I had to be the teammate who put herself out there and made the team feel more relaxed and comfortable.”

This unifying role naturally translated into one of leadership for the young player. She credits Dodgers Dreamteam with helping her learn to encourage her teammates and confidently take initiative.

Those skills followed her beyond the softball field and into high school, where she served as vice president of her school’s Associated Student Body and captain of her softball team.

“A lot of the leadership skills that I learned in Dodgers Dreamteam were reflected in my new experiences,” she said.

Sofia saw that growth especially clearly when she entered high school and joined student government. Upon encountering similar social awkwardness, she found herself tapping into her Dodgers Dreamteam skills, welcoming others and helping them feel comfortable.

Coach David was among the mentors who helped shape her approach. Sofia remembers him consistently challenging the team to play the right way, encourage one another and give their best effort — regardless of the score.

For Sofia, wearing “Dodgers” across her jersey also carries personal meaning.

She grew up in a Dodgers household where baseball brought everyone together. Her family gathered for games and would barbecue during the postseason. Playing softball in a Dodgers Dreamteam jersey allowed Sofia to combine two things she loved: The Dodgers and the game itself.

Dodgers Dreamteam also created new memories for Sofia’s family, from games to special events. Sofia especially remembers competing with her sister at activity booths during Dodger Day.

“Since she played softball and I played softball, we were always competitive,” Sofia said. “Whether it was a throwing game or a catching game, we would always get competitive, and it really grew our bond closer.”

Years after first finding the courage to step onto the softball field, Sofia took another chance when she applied to the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Legacy Scholarship.

After waiting and wondering whether she had been selected, Sofia finally received the email announcing that she had earned a $10,000 scholarship. She began jumping for joy and immediately ran to share the news with her grandfather.

“To be selected as an LADF Legacy Scholar means a lot to me because it not only shows that I can achieve anything, but it also shows that I have people around me who believe I can do anything,” Sofia said. “It gave me a lot of confidence.”

For Sofia, the scholarship represents an investment in her future, as she plans to major in kinesiology at California State University, Long Beach. After that, she wants to pursue a career as a physical therapist or athletic trainer.

It is also the continuation of a relationship that has supported her for eight years.

Sofia entered Dodgers Dreamteam hoping to play softball. She leaves the program with much more: Lasting memories, stronger family bonds, trusted mentors, a belief in her own leadership and a community invested in her future.

Her advice to another young person considering the program is simple — join.

Whether participants are picking up a glove for the first time or already have experience, Sofia believes Dodgers Dreamteam offers a place to learn, connect and grow alongside others.

“Because of Dodgers Dreamteam, I now have a community that supports me and encourages me to accomplish my dreams.”

To learn more about Dodgers Dreamteam, visit Dodgers.com/DodgersDreamteam.

How Dodgers Dreamteam helped a local student realize a new path was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

by Erin Edwards

Long before Victor Sanchez-Hernandez became a staff member at Seoul International Park, he was a shy five-year-old living in the apartment building next to its playground.

His earliest memory of the park is a simple one: Stopping for a free summer lunch while running errands with his mother. Sanchez-Hernandez hesitated when he saw all the other children, but his mother encouraged him to join them and try something new.

“That’s where my whole adventure at the park started,” Sanchez-Hernandez said.

From then on, the park became an extension of home. It was where Sanchez-Hernandez made friends, discovered new activities and learned about the world of possibilities that a neighborhood gathering place offers.

At the center of those memories was the Dodgers Dreamfield.

“It was always a Dodgers Dreamfield in my head as a kid,” he recalled. “I was like, ‘What does that mean? Does that mean we’re going to become Dodger players?’”

Visits and events from the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation made the connection feel real. Sanchez-Hernandez still remembers having a baseball and hat signed at an LADF event, an excitement he may not otherwise have encountered as a child growing up in Koreatown.

“I’ve been blessed here at this park through many different resources, like the Dodgers Foundation coming here and meeting me — a kid who was in Koreatown all the time who probably would never run into them unless this event happened,” Sanchez-Hernandez said.

But the field represented more than baseball. During the summer, it became an outdoor classroom, a place for inflatables and water-filled activities. Whatever form it took, the space gave Sanchez-Hernandez and other neighborhood children somewhere they could feel safe, belong and simply be a kid.

“You have a place where you can go and be yourself and just play,” he said. “Forget about everything else you’ve got going on. Just go play.”

As Sanchez-Hernandez grew older, he kept showing up. He became the young person who was always nearby, asking staff members, “Do you need help? I’m here. I have hands. How can I help?”

At times, he was unsure whether there was a place for him. Soon enough, however, adults noticed him. They pulled up a chair and gave him something meaningful to do, inviting him to help with activities and showing him how his time and energy could contribute to the park community.

Those seemingly small acts had a lasting impact. They showed him the power of caring adults who choose to welcome a young person, teach them something new and help them recognize their own potential.

Now, Sanchez-Hernandez is one of those caring adults.

As a staff member at the park where he grew up, Sanchez-Hernandez helps create the same kinds of experiences that shaped him. He watches kids arrive as five-year-olds and grow into teenagers who can still recall a favorite baseball clinic, summer camp activity or a moment even Sanchez-Hernandez may have forgotten.

Parents remember, too.

“I have parents who come up to me and say, ‘You don’t know me, but I’m so proud of you. I saw you grow up here at the park,’” he said. “That’s so fulfilling for me.”

For Sanchez-Hernandez, these interactions are powerful full-circle moments. The child who once needed someone to make room for him is now making room for others, who are helped to see beyond their circumstances and imagine what they can build for their own futures.

“You’re not what’s around you,” Sanchez-Hernandez said. “You’re what you’re able to create for yourself.”

That belief is central to the purpose of Dodgers Dreamfields. LADF builds and refurbishes baseball and softball fields to provide safe havens and points of pride in neighborhoods across greater Los Angeles. The fields expand opportunities for play and serve as outdoor learning spaces for education, health and community activities.

To date, LADF has invested more than $21.3 million to build 68 Dodgers Dreamfields, giving 1.8 million youth and families access to a field in their neighborhood. Sixty percent of Dodgers Dreamfields also serve as Dodgers Dreamteam locations, creating an ongoing connection to free youth baseball and softball programming.

That access matters in a region where only 63% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park with public access — and where residents in Dodgers Dreamfield neighborhoods have 73% less park space available than residents of high-income neighborhoods.

Yet the impact of a field cannot be measured by access alone. It lives in the friendships formed, the mentors discovered and the young people who grow up knowing they have a place in their community.

For Sanchez-Hernandez, giving back is his way of “closing the loop” — returning the care, encouragement and opportunity once extended to him. Growing up, his mother affectionately called him her Dodger, a reflection of the love and pride she had for her son and the connection their family felt to the team.

Every child Sanchez-Hernandez welcomes and every memory created on the field adds another chapter to the story that began when his mother encouraged a shy five-year-old to step forward and join the other children.

Years later, Victor Sanchez-Hernandez is still there — helping the next generation step forward too.

To learn more visit Dodgers.com/Dreamfields.

Koreatown Dodgers Dreamfield offers full-circle moments for local community leader was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

by Erin Edwards

For Giovanni Garcia, coaching Dodgers Dreamteam in the City of La Puente is about much more than teaching young athletes how to hit, field and run the bases. It is also about creating an environment where every child feels supported, connected and part of a team.

From leading warmups to offering encouragement after a hard-fought game, Coach Giovanni brings energy and care to every moment of the season.

After his team battled back during its final regular-season game, he made sure the players understood what they had accomplished. His message was clear: celebrate the progress, keep working and continue showing up for one another.

“I’m really proud of you guys,” he told the team before turning their attention to the upcoming playoffs.

That sense of belonging is central to the Dodgers Dreamteam experience. Rooted in baseball and softball, the program helps young people build social and emotional skills, develop positive relationships with peers and connect with caring adult role models.

“I think this program is amazing,” Garcia said. “I’ve seen it work for me. I’ve seen it work for other kids.”

Garcia believes the program’s impact is possible because everyone involved shares a commitment to making a difference.

“The way that this program is run, whether it’s the coaches or the organization, I really do think everybody feels like they’re part of the team,” he said. “Everybody wants to make a difference, from top to bottom. I couldn’t ask for a better organization to be a part of.”

For the young athletes, being part of Dodgers Dreamteam means learning the game while forming friendships and creating memories.

“My favorite part about being on the Dreamteam is getting to know everyone,” one participant shared.

“My favorite part is actually having fun with the other players,” another participant said. “I have tons of friends here.”

Those experiences reflect what Dodgers Dreamteam is designed to provide: a safe and welcoming place where young people can play, grow and feel connected.

All participants receive free uniforms and access to baseball and softball equipment, helping remove financial barriers to participation. Through partnerships, families are also connected with educational resources, health services and basic necessities that can contribute to healthier life outcomes.

As Coach Giovanni and his players prepared for the playoffs, the excitement surrounding a possible championship was undeniable. But regardless of the final score, the team had already achieved something meaningful: confidence, a love for the game and relationships that keep them excited to return to the field.

For this Dodgers Dreamteam, that is what being part of something bigger is all about.

Visit Dodgers.com/DodgersDreamteam for more.

Dodgers Dreamteam fosters fun and friendship in East Los Angeles was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

by Erin Edwards

Hands shot into the air when Los Angeles Dodger Tommy Edman paused during a special LA Reads Storytime and asked, “Who here is really fast?”

Nearly half the young audience was ready to claim the title.

The moment came as Edman read Who Was Jackie Robinson?, sharing the story of the baseball legend whose speed, courage and determination helped change the game — and history.

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) welcomed Edman to Lincoln Park Dodgers Dreamfields #55 and #56 for the special event. Youth from Dodgers Dreamteam, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks Summer Camp and the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles gathered on the field for a morning that connected reading, baseball and possibility.

As Edman read, participants listened, answered questions and saw how the lessons found in a book can come alive through the sport they play. By learning about Robinson’s journey, youth were reminded that qualities such as confidence, perseverance and bravery can make a difference both on and off the field.

Each participant received an LA Reads T-shirt, bookmark and book to take home, extending the experience beyond Storytime and encouraging youth to continue building their own reading habits.

The event was part of the 10th annual LA Reads program, which brings Dodger players, alumni, broadcasters and friends of LADF to libraries, schools and parks across Los Angeles. Through engaging programs and educational resources, LA Reads works to make reading fun and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Since its launch, LA Reads has recorded more than 6.8 million minutes read and distributed over 32,000 books. LADF is grateful for support from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel, which helps the program address the literacy crisis in Los Angeles and expand access to books and literacy opportunities for local youth.

Parents and educators can keep the momentum going by enrolling K–8 students in the Dodgers Reading Champions program. Participants can track their reading and earn rewards when they log more than 30 minutes per day.

To learn more and register, visit Dodgers.com/LAReads.

Tommy Edman Brings the Story of Jackie Robinson to Life at Lincoln Park Dodgers Dreamfield was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

by Erin Edwards

Thousands of Dodgers Dreamteam players, families, coaches and community partners came together at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Sunday for a day designed to celebrate baseball, community and belonging.

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s third annual City Connect Showcase presented by Fanatics took place alongside Dodgers Dreamteam Dodger Day, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that combined competitive baseball, a Dodgers watch party and access to free health, education and basic essentials.

For participating youth, the day offered the opportunity to experience what it feels like to play on one of baseball’s biggest stages — complete with Dodgers City Connect jerseys, stadium entertainment and fans cheering them on.

The City Connect Showcase featured a game between the 2025 Nike RBI Junior Baseball World Series champions and players from the 2026 Nike RBI regional teams.

Dodgers alumni James Loney and Kenny Landreaux joined the teams as assistant coaches, offering players encouragement and guidance throughout the game.

While the game unfolded on the field, Dodgers Dreamteam families and community members had access to a community resource fair featuring food, health services and educational activities.

Free resources included food from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Dodger Dogs from Papa Cantella’s, water from Dasani, health screenings and performance challenges from UCLA Health, eye exams from Vision to Learn and hygiene kits and other essentials from Baby2Baby.

Families were also able to participate in baseball and softball instruction provided by the Dodgers Training Academy, explore activities from LADF’s Science of Baseball and LA Reads curriculum and connect with additional community organizations. Games, food, photo opportunities with the 2024 and 2025 World Series trophies and a Dodger bobblehead character all added to the celebration.

Dodgers Dreamteam is about more than learning how to play baseball and softball. Rooted in both sports, the program aims to strengthen young people’s social and emotional skills, create opportunities to build relationships with peers and positive role models, and connect families with education resources, health services and basic necessities that support healthier life outcomes.

All participants received free uniforms and access to baseball and softball equipment, helping remove financial barriers to play.

The program currently serves 17,000 young people across 156 locations throughout Los Angeles. Events like the City Connect Showcase and Dodger Day help families see firsthand the network of coaches, partners, volunteers and community organizations supporting their children.

Learn more about Dodgers Dreamteam at Dodgers.com/DodgersDreamteam.

More than a game: Dodgers Dreamteam families shine in City Connect Showcase was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

by Erin Edwards

Thousands of young people and families across Los Angeles united to celebrate community, opportunity and the power of sport on Saturday at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium.

The annual Dodgers Dreamteam PlayerFest — presented by Bank of America — is one of the most anticipated events of the summer, where families have the opportunity to experience the ballpark in a way few fans ever do. More than 3,000 Dodgers Dreamteam participants, coaches, family members, volunteers and partners were hosted by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) on Saturday.

Throughout the day, participants explored Centerfield Plaza, walked the warning track, stepped into the dugouts and bullpens and posed with the 2025 World Series Trophy. They also connected with fellow Dodgers Dreamteam families from across Los Angeles County.

But beyond the excitement of being at the ballpark, PlayerFest delivered something even more meaningful: access.

Families received free resources, health services, educational opportunities and connections to community organizations that help young people thrive both on and off the field.

Participants picked up basic essential kits from Baby2Baby, received fresh produce from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, explored educational opportunities with the Los Angeles Library Foundation and C5LA, participated in Science of Baseball STEM activities, and engaged in fitness and wellness programming led by UCLA Health Sports Performance powered by Exos.

Young athletes also sharpened their baseball and softball skills through instruction from the Los Angeles Dodgers Training Academy while families received transportation resources from Los Angeles Metro, vision screenings from Vision to Learn, as well as dental and health screenings from UCLA Health.

Throughout the ballpark, community partners created interactive experiences that kept participants moving and learning. The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Sparks and Los Angeles Kings joined the celebration, bringing additional activities and giveaways that highlighted the power of sports across Los Angeles.

PlayerFest also showcased the collective effort behind the Dodgers Dreamteam, which now serves 17,000 youth across 156 locations throughout Los Angeles County. The program continues to expand equitable access to sports and positive youth development opportunities for young people who need them most.

The event would not have been possible without the support of presenting sponsor Bank of America, the program’s first corporate sponsor and current Community Ambassador Sponsor. More than 250 Bank of America employee volunteers joined hundreds of additional volunteers and partners to help create a memorable experience for every family in attendance.

As participants left the stadium carrying giveaways, resources and memories from a day unlike any other, the impact of PlayerFest extended far beyond the stadium’s walls.

As summer begins across Los Angeles, PlayerFest served as a powerful reminder that when community partners, volunteers, families and youth come together, the result is far more than a day at the ballpark. It’s an investment in the future of Los Angeles. To learn more about Dodgers Dreamteam, visit Dodgers.com/DodgersDreamteam.

Dodgers Dreamteam PlayerFest Brings Thousands Together was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.