City Connect Showcase at John Muir High School in Pasadena (Photos – LosAngelesDodgersFoundation)
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) continued its mission to empower youth and uplift local communities by hosting its second annual City Connect Showcase, presented by Fanatics and Nike, at John Muir High School in Pasadena.
By News Desk
The event put a spotlight on girls in sports, featuring a softball game for the first time, while also providing essential support to families recovering from the recent Eaton Fire.
This year’s showcase brought together the energy of Dodger Stadium and the spirit of community. The featured game saw last year’s Dodgers Dreamteam Nike RBI Regionals softball team take on the John Muir High School varsity softball team. Adding to the excitement, Dodgers announcer Todd Leitz, team reporter Kirsten Watson, and DJ Severe brought signature Dodger flair to the high school field. Players wore official City Connect jerseys, while Dodgers catcher Will Smith and pitcher Blake Snell joined as assistant coaches in the dugouts.
“This year’s showcase is more than a celebration of girls in sports, it’s a powerful reminder of how community, compassion, and opportunity come together in times of need,” said Nichol Whiteman, CEO of the LADF.
Coinciding with the game was one of the season’s five scheduled Dodger Days, which offered critical services to families in the Pasadena and Altadena areas impacted by the Eaton Fire. Youth from schools and Little Leagues across the region, including Pasadena High School, Central Altadena Little League, and West Pasadena Little League, participated in the day’s events.
Dodger Day resources included health screenings, educational workshops, and essential items such as food from LA Regional Food Bank, Dodger Dogs from Papa Cantella’s, water from Dasani, and hygiene kits from Baby2Baby. Additional activities included free eye exams, baseball and softball instruction, and recruitment for youth coaching programs. Kids and families were also treated to photo ops with the 2024 World Series trophy and appearances by Dodger alumni and Olympic Gold Medalist Jenny Topping of USA Softball.
As part of ongoing fire relief efforts, LADF and Bank of America presented $10,000 checks to two local small businesses severely impacted by the fires, The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop and Niecy’s Delights.
“Supporting girls in sports, and in this case softball, means championing confidence, teamwork, and opportunity both on and off the field,” said Steve Eaves, vice president at Fanatics.
The LADF continues to expand its impact through its Dodgers Dreamteam program, a barrier-free, sports-based youth development initiative that provides underserved communities with free access to baseball and softball, coaching education, and emotional learning environments. All participants receive uniforms and equipment free of charge.
For more information on the Dodgers Dreamteam program or to register a child, visit Dodgers.com/DodgersDreamteam.
Second annual City Connect Showcase, June 21, 2025 (Photos – LosAngelesDodgersFoundation)
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