(News4usonline) – Before jumping on a plane and heading to Arizona for spring training, the Los Angeles Dodgers made one last stop at the Manhattan Beach pier for the second annual CT3 Foundation Polar Plunge. The charity event, which raised over a quarter of a million dollars last year, was once again a massive hit for the fans, the city, and the players.
About half of the Dodgers roster showed up to support the cause, including former MVP Mookie Betts, starting pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Tony Gonsolin, NLCS MVP Tommy Edman, infielder Miguel Rojas, relief pitchers Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, and Anthony Banda, and of course the hosts Chris Taylor and his wife, Mary.
“It really speaks to our team and how close-knit of a group we have. We show up for each other, and for all of them to come out here today and show up for me and get in the water means the world,” said Taylor. “It is a great way to kind of bring an end to the offseason. A lot of us are already working out every day and getting ready, so it is a good way to kick off the season.”
The CT3 Foundation was primarily created to raise money for cancer and is partnered with the Friendship Foundation. This year’s event also tackled the ongoing effort to raise funds for the recent wildfire outbreaks in the Southern California area, partnering with the LA Fire Department Foundation as well.
After a quick opening ceremony that included the Star-Spangled Banner sung by a local middle school student, a message from the Taylors, and Manhattan Beach Mayor Amy Howorth, the players and the fans took the Plunge.
“It was cold, but the weather was great, and the water was refreshing, so it was a great start to the day. The turnout was amazing, and I think everybody had a good time,” said Taylor. “The goal is for this to get bigger and better every year. I thought this year was better than last year, and hopefully, that trend continues.”
For all of the talent this team has assembled on the roster and the achievements they have accomplished on the diamond, the thing that makes this Dodgers team so special is that they are great human beings away from the field. For this many players to show up and jump in the ocean in the middle of the winter is a testament to their character and the brotherhood inside the locker room.
The journey now begins for the reigning champions to defend their World Series title, and no team has had a better offseason than Los Angeles. After already having one of the best rosters in the MLB, the Dodgers added to their team. To name a few, Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tanner Scott will provide the pitching staff with three new top-tier arms.
Lead Photo Caption: PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 11: Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at bat during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 11, 2024 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.
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