May 30th, 2014 at 11:20 am 
by Ron Cervenka Anyone who has ever watched a Dodgers home game on television has seen Dennis Gilbert. He is arguably the most recognizable man behind home plate since famed Dodgers scout Mike Brito and his signature Panama hat. He sits in what is unarguably the best seat in the house in the front row directly behind home plate and he rarely (if ever) misses a Dodgers home game. But what you can’t see on television is the incredible generosity in the heart of Dennis Gilbert.
Much like Mike Brito was back in the ’80s, Dennis Gilbert is the most recognizable man behind home plate. He is seen here (in the black suit) watching Yasiel Puig’s first inning double on Thursday night. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
Due to Gilbert’s never-ending generosity, some 650 high school baseball players and their coaches will attend the Sunday, June 1 Dodgers-Pirates game at Dodger Stadium. The players from 24 Los Angeles area schools participated in the 5th annual Dennis Gilbert Spring Baseball Classic, April 5-19, at the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton. Hamilton edged Verdugo Hills, 5-4, in nine innings in the tournament championship game. Gilbert, MLB UYA Director Don Buford, Hamilton head coach David Uyeshima and Verdugo Hills head coach Angel Espindola will be introduced on the field prior to the June 1 game and one person will be designated to throw a ceremonial first pitch.
Gilbert played baseball at Gardena High School, Los Angeles City College and for four years in the minor leagues before launching a highly-successful career in the insurance business and as a sports agent. He is chairman and founder of the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation, which provides financial assistance to former baseball scouts in need. Gilbert also personally funded the baseball diamond at Los Angeles Southwest Community College, which has been used by the local program of Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities (RBI). He serves on Major League Baseball’s Salary Arbitration and Player Development committees, is special assistant to Chicago White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, and is an active board member and supporter of the MLB Urban Youth Academy.
Buford, the director of the MLB UYA, is a former MLB All-Star second baseman and World Series champion with the Baltimore Orioles. Buford attended Dorsey High School and played on USC’s 1958 College World Series championship team.
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Thank you Dennis Gilbert!!!! Go Dodgers!!!!… http://t.co/6pTS0gNEG6
RT @VHDonsBaseball: Thank you Dennis Gilbert!!!! Go Dodgers!!!!… http://t.co/6pTS0gNEG6
Thank you Dennis Gilbert for your kindness
Thanks for your support and generosity Dennis Gilbert. Watch every night on MLB Extra Innings. Let’s go Blue!
My family been Dodger fans over 40 years. My daughter works for ESPN, thanks for Dodger Blue.
I finally google to fine out who the gentleman wearing dark glasses is. Thanks Mr. G.
My boys played agains Mr. Burford in Encino Little League, good man.
Dennis Gilbert has not been at the games lately. Is he okay?
Not sure. I also have not seen him at The Ravine much this season. I certainly hope he is ok.
I love watching Dodgers games the whole family all dodger fans. The first think i check to see if my friend is at the game Gilbert Dennis, i call him my friend i might not be able to afford those seats but i love watching my friend there. but i haven’t seen him watching the games ain’t the same. 🙁 praying for him his ok.
I was wondering the same thing. Does anybody know where he has been?
I exchanged emails with former Dodgers PR director Steve Brener, who said that Dennis is well and still attends many games. My guess is that perhaps he sits somewhere other than his previous seats behind home plate.
His wife hasn’t been to a game for a while. Maybe she is I’ll and he’s been with her. I saw him at the game today but by the 7th inning he was gone. Usually he stays the whole game. Hope all is well with his family.
I watch the Dodgers almost every game and always look for Dennis and Mary behind home plate. Many thanks to Dennis for his work with young ball players. I know the feeling of managing little league teams teaching them that being one of fifteen players makes for a team that will win together, but not as individuals.
You the Man Go Go
I suggest the Dodgers have a Mr.Dennis Gilbert Bobble head day…for his generosity and loyalty to the Dodger organization. ..Do you suppose?