Baseball from the final pitch of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 World Series victory will be auctioned to support ongoing fire relief efforts in LA County.
Dodgers catcher Will Smith and his wife Carla organize auctions through the Catching Hope Foundation, with all proceeds benefiting those affected by recent wildfires.
The ball was thrown by pitcher Walker Buhler and created an unusual and unexpected relief look to win the final strike in the Dodgers’ Game 5 victory over the New York Yankees.
Dodger catcher Will Smith will pose for the final out-ball from the team’s 2024 World Series victory, hosting the New York Yankees on October 30, 2024 in New York. (Commentary: Dodgers) The ball from the final pitch of the 2024 MLB World Series. (Photo by Michael Roberts, Keylime)
The final out again propelled the Dodgers to the top of the sporting landscape, the second time in four years.
“Los Angeles has not only become our home, but has also welcomed and supported our families since 2019,” Smith said in a statement. “Our goal here is to work with cities that mean so much to us over the years of future reconstruction.”
The auction is hosted by the Memorial Abilia Network and will run from March 21st to April 5th. Registration is currently open.
Pitcher Walker Bueller celebrates after the Dodgers won the Baseball World Series in New York on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, after beating the New York Yankees in Game 5. (AP Photo/godofredo A. Vasquez)
The ball will also be exhibited at Dodger Stadium at the team’s home opening series with the Detroit Tigers later this month and at the team’s home stand against the Atlanta Braves the following week.
“This precious baseball represents one of the most special moments in the Dodgers’ long history,” a team spokesman said. “We praise and support Will and Carla for taking initiatives to help many others throughout this precious sport’s history.”
Catching Hope is a nonprofit dedicated to helping underprivileged children develop leadership and self-sufficiency skills. In addition to Smith’s foundation, Buhler, who has signed with the Boston Red Sox, has joined the work with the Dodgers organization.
Bidders can find more information online or by calling 747-256-4144.
The fire that enraged throughout Los Angeles County earlier this year destroyed hundreds of homes, ousted hundreds of thousands of residents, and was responsible for the deaths of at least 28 people.
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