High School Baseball Team at Palisades High Amid Fire's Devastation Finds Support from Dave Roberts
A Breath of Fresh Hope: Dave Roberts Steps Up for Wildfire-Stricken Palisades High Baseball Team
When it comes to recognizing a Dodgers' legend, a bobblehead ceremony is par for the course. But Dave Roberts, the Dodgers' manager, decided to do things differently during a recent bobblehead night commemorating his team's World Series win. Instead of having a family member throw out the ceremonial first pitch, he welcomed players from Pacific Palisades Charter High School's resilient baseball program to attend.
Four months earlier, in the wake of the devastating wildfires that engulfed Pacific Palisades, Roberts had been invited to speak at one of the school's preseason practices. This marked the beginning of a heartfelt bond between Roberts and the team, who found solace and support in the World Series-winning manager during their turbulent circumstances.
"Dave has stood by our side, and I don’t think they've invented an adjective yet to describe how appreciative and how thankful we are," Mike Voelkel, the school's baseball coach, expressed his gratitude.
As part of Roberts' special night at Dodger Stadium, the athletes were invited to watch batting practice from behind home plate. The experience left 17-year-old senior pitcher Ian Sullivan speechless: "This has been the coolest thing ever... I don't have words."
During the game, 16-year-old junior infielder Jett Teegardin delivered the ceremonial first pitch, an honor made even more memorable by Roberts being the catcher behind the plate. The experience left Jett in awe: "I just spoke with Dave Roberts! How many people can say they’ve had a full conversation with him? It's so cool."
The evening also included the traditional "It's Time for Dodger Baseball" announcement, recited by a group of players whose lives had been touched by the wildfires.
Roberts spoke about his personal connection with the team: "I just kept in touch with them... I wanted to make this a special night for them." In the aftermath of the disaster, Roberts was a beacon of hope for the team, offering support during a dark time.
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Following the January wildfires that swept through Pacific Palisades, the future of the baseball program was uncertain. The destruction had left many doubting if the team could continue. "When this happened, people were telling our kids we're not going to have a team, and to transfer to other schools, and stuff like that," Voelkel recalled. But the team refused to give up, withstanding the adversity to continue their season.
The baseball community quickly rallied to offer assistance. Football Hall of Famer Joe Torre and entertainer Billy Crystal made an impromptu visit to one of the team's early practices, while Texas-based baseball equipment company Bruce Bolt provided each player with new gear. But Roberts' presence, especially during their practice at a park near Century City, had a lasting impact.
"It was brutal, but they were having fun. And I was so excited," Roberts expressed. The message he conveyed to the team that day was clear: "Don't make excuses."
Voelkel felt Roberts' words were "a different kind of communication" that brought a sense of normalcy and hope to the players.Shortly before the game, the entire Palisades program gathered to be addressed by Roberts, who emphasized his continued support and admiration for their perseverance through challenging circumstances.
"He truly has been priceless," Voelkel acknowledged.
Baseball has served as a powerful distraction for the athletes, offering something familiar in an otherwise confusing and demanding situation. "It's like a normalcy in my life... Something that hasn't changed," senior pitcher Sullivan shared.
As they look towards the future, the players have their sights set on making it to the City Section finals next month – with Dodger Stadium, where Roberts' special ceremony took place, as their ultimate destination. And, if they get there, they know that Roberts will be among the first to cheer for them.
- The future of the Pacific Palisades Charter High School baseball team seemed uncertain after the wildfires, prompting some to question if they could continue the season.
- Despite the adversity, the team refused to give up, finding motivation in manager Dave Roberts' words during a practice at a park near Century City: "Don't make excuses."
- With Roberts' encouragement, the team was able to find a sense of normalcy through baseball, which offered a familiar distraction in an otherwise chaotic situation.
- The players now aspire to make it to the City Section finals next month and even have Dodger Stadium, where Roberts honored them, as their ultimate destination.
- Football Hall of Famer Joe Torre, entertainer Billy Crystal, and baseball equipment company Bruce Bolt rallied to provide support for the team, but Roberts' presence was particularly impactful.
- Roberts, a soccer-turned-baseball player and manager, has been a beacon of hope and motivation for the Palisades baseball team, successfully leading them through difficult times and reaffirming the resiliency of the sports community.
