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August 18, 2023, Los Angeles, California, USA: Dodgers owner, Mark Walter attends the MLB, Baseball Herren, USA regular season game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Miami Marlins on Friday August 18, 2023 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Dodgers lose to Marlins, 3-11. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Los Angeles USA – ZUMAp124 20230818_zaa_p124_010 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx
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August 18, 2023, Los Angeles, California, USA: Dodgers owner, Mark Walter attends the MLB, Baseball Herren, USA regular season game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Miami Marlins on Friday August 18, 2023 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Dodgers lose to Marlins, 3-11. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Los Angeles USA – ZUMAp124 20230818_zaa_p124_010 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx
The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to scandals and rumors of scandals. We have seen that the Dodgers had to deal with the Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara case, and now they have another one hanging above their heads. But this one relates to the LA Wildfires and the donations that people promised.
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In a recent piece by Bill Shaikin, he talked about how the Dodgers pledged $100 million to the wildfire relief fund but have made only $7.8 million.
“Walter and two of his associated charities… would contribute up to $100 million as “an initial commitment” to LA Rises,” was what was told on the day of the announcement.
Shaikin wrote, “One year later, Newsom’s initiative has struggled to distinguish itself… LA Rises has delivered $20 million to date, including $7.8 million from Walter’s family foundation.”
In January 2025, devastating wildfires burned through Los Angeles communities, destroying thousands of structures and killing people.
The Palisades Fire alone destroyed 6,837 structures and killed 12 people, making it one of LA’s worst recorded wildfires. The broad disaster forced evacuations, overwhelmed responders, and left many homes and businesses in ruins.
Communities from Pacific Palisades to Altadena faced emotional and economic loss with a long recovery ahead.
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MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Los Angeles Dodgers press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz May 2, 2012 Los Angeles, CA, USA Members of the Guggenheim baseball management team pose with former Los Angeles Dodgers players at a press conference to announce their sale of the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. From left: Stan Kasten and Tommy Davis and Mark Walter and Tommy Lasorda and Magic Johnson and Bobby Patton and Steve Garvey and Todd Boehly and Ron Cey and Peter Guber and Don Newcombe. Los Angeles California United States, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLee-USAxTODAYxSportsx 6223156
To help recovery, Governor Gavin Newsom announced LA Rises, a private‑sector rebuilding initiative at Dodger Stadium on January 28, 2025.
Mark Walter, his family foundation, and the Dodgers foundation pledged up to $100 million to LA Rises for rebuilding efforts. Earvin “Magic” Johnson joined the announcement, stressing unity and aid for fire‑ravaged neighborhoods.
LA Rises aims to accelerate recovery, marshal private capital, and coordinate rebuilding with local and state plans.
Alongside LA Rises, 12 Los Angeles sports teams pledged a combined $8 million to support wildfire victims and firefighting efforts.
Teams, including the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, Chargers, and Galaxy, dedicated money to the Red Cross, LAFD Foundation, and other relief groups. In addition, teams partnered with Fanatics to distribute $3 million in merchandise and supplies to displaced residents at stadium events.
Critics on social media welcomed these funds but drew attention to their seeming smallness relative to teams’ wealth and valuations.
Almost a year after the LA Rises launch, only about $20 million has been delivered, including $7.8 million from Walter’s foundation. Critics noted slower progress considering Los Angeles’ donation capacity and the scale of wildfire damage. LA Rises leadership says funds go to impactful investments like small business grants and technical training for rebuilding.
The limited payouts and mixed reactions have made the efforts appear less effective than first announced.
Amid tensions, the Dodgers accept the invitation to go to the White House
The Dodgers are about to turn a long-standing sports tradition into a quiet political statement, whether they meant to or not. Stan Kasten and Dave Roberts are steering the ship toward Washington, proving that baseball’s rituals can still outrun controversy.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were invited to the White House to mark their 2025 World Series title, a tradition extended to every champion by the sitting U.S. president. The team won its 8th championship in franchise history, topping a long postseason run and earning that customary celebration.
Many champions before them have stood with presidents in Washington to honor their season’s work. The Dodgers formally accepted the April 7 invitation, planning a visit and celebratory moments with government officials.
That decision has stirred debate among their passionate fanbase and local voices, because some see the visit as more than just sports.
Critics argue the timing and optics of meeting the president are sensitive, especially given recent national discussions on policy and social issues. Columns and commentators say such a trip may contrast with the Dodgers’ history of standing for inclusion and progress in baseball.
Supporters of the team’s choice point to manager Dave Roberts’ view that this trip honors the players’ on‑field achievements, not a political stance.
The Dodgers’ response nods to tradition while trying to keep peace among fans and players.
They highlighted that every World Series champion receives similar invitations and described it as a “great honor” to share that moment together. Manager Roberts stated he respects the presidency and wants the team to celebrate its success, not engage in political debate.
Still, some fans and commentators have voiced disappointment on social platforms and in opinion pieces about the timing and meaning of the visit.
These reactions show that for many supporters, baseball and community values are deeply intertwined.