Dodgers make wish come true for 17-year-old Michael Gonzalez
by Rowan Kavner
When 17-year-old Michael Gonzalez got to Dodger Stadium before Monday’s game against the Diamondbacks, he wasn’t sure what to expect.
As he waited in the Dodger press conference room for whatever was about to happen, he recognized the man who opened the door.
“Andrew Friedman walks in, and, uh, I know who that guy is,” Gonzalez said. “That was a big surprise. He comes in with a contract and tells me they’re signing me.”
Gonzalez, who played baseball growing up, recently experienced a relapse with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare type of cancerous tumor.
He had a wish to be a Dodger player for the day. The Dodgers, partnering with Make-A-Wish, made it happen. On this day, it would be nothing but joy for Gonzalez and his family.
After signing a one-day contract, Gonzalez walked through the coaches’ offices, winding through until he reached the clubhouse, where he had his own locker and name plate, complete with a uniform ready for him to try on.
That’s where he met Clayton Kershaw and other Dodger players.
They talked about their interests, a mutual love for the Cowboys and other likes and hobbies. They got to know each other. Prom came up. They laughed about the awkwardness of having a camera constantly around.
Kershaw was awestruck by the toughness displayed by Gonzalez, who was first diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in 2015. It was in remission for a year before reappearing, but Gonzalez is fighting.
“What he’s been through, having cancer once and beating it and have it coming back, I can’t imagine it,” Kershaw said. “He’s got such a good outlook. It sounds like he believes he can beat it, and it’s awesome to hear.”
Kershaw proceeded to give Gonzalez a special 1-on-1 tour through the rest of the Dodger facilities, before taking him out to the field, where Gonzalez took part in batting practice, played catch and threw the ceremonial first pitch. Gonzalez admits he was intimidated at times, but Kershaw helped him be comfortable.
“It’s been really crazy,” Gonzalez said. “I really wasn’t expecting this.”
Kershaw said going through the experience and seeing the happiness it brought Gonzalez was a good reminder to him how special it is to be at Dodger Stadium and get to do what he does for a living.
Gonzalez’s father said he couldn’t be more appreciative, calling it a dream come true having the Dodgers’ ace take his son under his wing.
“Seeing him smile, seeing him out here — it’s just wonderful,” Gonzalez’s father said. “I’m forever grateful.”
