Baseball
Dodgers' Foundation to Auction Baseball Judge Dropped in World Series
2024-12-12
The Dodgers' World Series victory over the New York Yankees has brought about a series of unexpected benefits to the Los Angeles community. This victory was significantly influenced by Aaron Judge's dropped fly ball in the crucial fifth inning of Game 5. The American League Most Valuable Player initially got his glove on Tommy Edman's sinking line drive, but the ball bounced off, setting off a 5-run rally that ultimately led to the Dodgers' 7-6, series-clinching win.
How the Dodgers Foundation Will Benefit
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation is set to receive a substantial financial windfall from the public auction of the baseball that Judge dropped. On Thursday, the public bidding on this baseball exceeded $25,000, and the auction is scheduled to close at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. This dropped fly ball allowed Edman to reach first base and Kiké Hernández to reach second base, initiating the Dodgers' remarkable comeback from a 5-0 deficit against Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole.The Significance of Judge's Dropped Fly Ball
The historic significance of Judge's dropped fly ball in the context of the World Series cannot be overstated. Given Judge's status as the Yankees' captain and the preeminent hitter in the American League, the ball has become a highly sought-after item for collectors. After Judge's miscue, the Dodgers were able to load the bases when shortstop Anthony Volpe made a fielding error, enabling Will Smith to reach base. Five runs then scored with two outs, starting with Mookie Betts beating Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo to the bag on a ground ball between first base and the pitcher's mound.The Dodgers Foundation's History and Impact
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation was established in 1995 by then-owner Peter O'Malley. Since 2012, when the team was purchased by Guggenheim Baseball Management, the foundation has dedicated over $60 million to various programs and grants. This shows the foundation's commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact. Through their efforts, they have been able to support a wide range of initiatives that benefit the people of Los Angeles.Other World Series Memorabilia Up for Auction
In addition to the dropped fly ball, several other World Series game balls and memorabilia items are also being sold as part of the same auction. This provides collectors with a unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball history. Each item holds its own significance and adds to the overall allure of the auction. From game balls to autographed jerseys, these memorabilia items are sure to attract the attention of baseball enthusiasts around the world.