LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers didn't wait for Thanksgiving to begin their "Season of Giving."
Two weeks before the holiday, the National League champions held their annual Veterans Day Batting Practice at Dodger Stadium, with 300 active and veteran service members from all military branches and their families participating in various Dodgers-related activities.
The ceremony commenced with the singing of the national anthem led by Staff Sergeant Michael Polmanteer. Participants engaged in various activities, including batting and pitching stations, lunch in the Lexus Dugout Club, photo ops with the NL Championship trophy and an exclusive stadium tour. Dodgers alumni, including Billy Ashley, Dennis Powell, Manny Mota and Ron Cey, provided batting and pitching tips throughout the day.
• Dodgers in the community
"My wife served 18 months in harsh combat in Iraq," said First Sergeant Weston Sanchez. "Because of all of you and the Los Angeles Dodgers, today I got to see her playing with our son, smiling, laughing and enjoying herself like a kid out on the field where our Dodgers play."
This past Thursday, the club held its 13th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, distributing meals to the local community. Manager Dave Roberts and outfielder Joc Pederson were joined by Dodgers alumni, staff and volunteers to distribute more than 1,300 Thanksgiving meals in partnership with Ralphs/Food 4 Less.
"This program provides us with a unique opportunity to interact with our fans beyond the stadium," said Dodgers vice president of external affairs and community relations Naomi Rodriguez. "We're able to kick off the giving season by providing those who need it most with a Thanksgiving meal as we continue to give back and thank our community."
Local government officials, including mayor Eric Garcetti, senator Kevin de León, councilmember Gil Cedillo, councilmember Mitch O'Farrell, congressman Jimmy Gomez and supervisor Hilda Solis, partnered with the Dodgers to distribute meals to individuals in their districts who would benefit most.
Next on the calendar is the annual Children's Holiday Party in December. Several hundred underserved students from local area schools will be invited to Dodger Stadium to participate in a day that includes a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, sleigh rides down a snow-covered hill and carnival activities.
Last year, the snow hill took center stage as Dodgers players, alumni and participants slid to the bottom, many having never seen snow before. After engaging in a snowball fight, interacting with players and taking holiday-themed pictures in the photo booth, each child was given a gift to close out the celebration.