Pujols, Kershaw team up for Wiffle ball game
Contributions to charities will give bidders chance to play with Los Angeles stars
Their teams are crosstown rivals on the field, but away from the ballpark, Albert Pujols and Clayton Kershaw have more in common beyond their obvious baseball ability.
They are two of the most charitable players in the Major Leagues, and soon, they'll band together to raise funds for their respective foundations through a fan-friendly, interactive event.
Pujols and Kershaw are squaring off in a Wiffle ball game in September, and they are currently in the process of "recruiting" fans to round out their roster. With the assistance of Omaze.com, contest winners will join Pujols and Kershaw at Angel Stadium to play Wiffle ball, with proceeds benefiting the Pujols Family Foundation and Kershaw's Challenge.
The contest will work like a raffle. Anyone can log on to Omaze.com/wiffleball and enter to win for as little as a $10 donation to the foundations. The more money donated, the greater the chances there are to win.
For example, $10 gives the bidder 100 chances to play in the game, $25 equals 250 chances, $50 equals 500 chances, and so on.
Incentive prizes also will be issued to bidders. The prizes range from digital thank you cards and videos from the two players, to autographed items (T-shirts, baseballs and jerseys), to bigger-ticket items such as a batting practice viewing session and four home game Diamond Club seats at the players' respective ballparks.
But the grand prize is, of course, the actual Wiffle ball game, where the winner and guests will match up against Pujols and Kershaw and then meet both for lunch after. Following the lunch, the winners will take in the Freeway Series game between the Dodgers and Angels, in premium seating.
The event will take place either Sept. 8 or 9, depending on the players' schedules.
"I thought Albert approached me with a really cool idea that would benefit both foundations," Kershaw said. "All it takes is a nominal donation. And what better foundation to be associated with than Albert's, which does such great work?"
The Pujols Family Foundation aims to promote awareness, provide hope and meet needs for individuals and families who live with Down syndrome. They work to improve the standard of living and quality of life for impoverished people in the Dominican Republic through education, medical relief and tangible goods and provide extraordinary experiences for children with disabilities and/or life-threatening illnesses.
Kershaw's Challenge is committed to transforming the lives of children in America, Africa and the Dominican Republic by empowering others to give back in unique ways. They partner with similarly oriented organizations who serve the needs of at-risk and vulnerable youth.
With kids the common theme between the two charities, a Wiffle ball game to benefit both seems fitting.
"As you know, Kershaw is also doing a lot of work in the Dominican Republic, so it worked out perfect," Pujols said. "It's going to be pretty exciting. I don't know much about it, but I know everybody's pretty excited."