Dodgers host 11,000 fans on first Zoom party, with another to come
by Rowan Kavner
Dodger greats past and present linked with celebrity guests for the first Dodgers Zoom Party, which was held for 11,000 Dodger fans who joined in virtual attendance Monday night.
Dodger broadcasters Joe Davis and Alanna Rizzo hosted the hour-long party, which gave fans an exclusive opportunity to hear from their favorite players as well as some surprise guest Dodger fans — including Mario Lopez, George Lopez, Brad Paisley, Jaleel White and Miles Brown — from the comfort and safety of their homes at a time when no games are taking place.
“It’s a perfect night for baseball,” Davis said. “Let’s pretend that’s what we’re doing.”
Some of those in attendance shared the steps they’re taking to help their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paisley, for instance, detailed the shopping experience he provided for people who had lost their jobs or experienced financial hardships in Tennessee. He also played a song for the fans in attendance, and George Lopez joined in to provide his own version of Paisley’s “No I in Beer.”
Justin Turner, among the current Dodger players on the Zoom call, detailed his work in helping local restaurants through his foundation and the LA Dream Center.
“We’re staying quarantined, staying home,” Turner said. “Doing as much as we can with the foundation and trying to help out in the community for people in need.”
Other current Dodgers on the call included Joe Kelly (rocking a straw hat), Kenley Jansen, Joc Pederson, Will Smith and manager Dave Roberts. Jansen talked about how playing piano has helped his mindset during the stay-at-home orders, while Turner and Pederson talked about how much they miss the team interactions in the clubhouse.
Former Dodger players on the call included Ron Cey, Steve Yeager and Eric Karros, and broadcasters included Ned Colletti and Jaime Jarrín; some bridged the two groups, such as Orel Hershiser, Nomar Garciaparra and Jerry Hairston Jr.
“Baseball has always brought us together — especially during challenging times — and these shared digital experiences are invaluable in keeping our Dodger family connected,” said Lon Rosen, Dodger executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “One of the biggest things our players miss is the daily interactions they have with fans during the course of the season, and they value these opportunities to reconnect. We can’t wait to see everyone at Dodger Stadium again, but until it’s safe to do so, we’re excited to bring together our amazing fans, players and award-winning entertainers to celebrate our shared love of Dodger baseball.”
The call was structured like a baseball game. Organist Dieter Ruehle played the national anthem, and public address announcer Todd Leitz also participated to help with introductions. The conversation covered a gamut of subjects, from baseball, to Peloton, to ESPN’s “The Last Dance” Michael Jordan documentary.
The call ended on a positive note with a message from Vin Scully — who is out of the hospital and back home recovering after taking a fall — thanking fans and healthcare workers for their support during his hospitalization.
For anyone who missed the event, the Dodgers will be hosting another next Monday night, May 4, at 6 p.m. PT. Participants and registration information will be announced at a later date.
