On December 17th, a few Dodger players took some time aside to wish fans Happy Holidays and update everyone on what is going on in their lives during a special Zoom call, sponsored by the well-known California-based Union 76. Attendance was limited, but fans who were able to sign up in time and watch the Holiday Party were in for a treat.

SportsNet LA broadcaster Joe Davis and sideline reporter Alanna Rizzo hosted the event and were joined by Dodgers left-hander and three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, Gold Glover outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger, All-Star outfielder AJ Pollock, Venezuelan-born right-hander Brusdar Graterol, Dodgers recently acquired right-hander Corey Knebel and always-entertaining Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

Up first on the call was Pollock, who shared that he is getting settled into “Dad life” and shared a sweet photo of him with his precious daughter, little Maddi Mae. AJ informed Alanna that Maddi is doing awesome and getting bigger and loving life. For those who may not know or remember, Maddi Mae was born three months premature. When she was born, she weighed one pound and six ounces. AJ’s wife Kate is from Australia, and the Pollock family would typically be visiting down under for Christmas if it wasn’t for the COVID-19 pandemic. With that said, and like most of us, they will be staying home and not traveling this year.

Right-handed pitcher Brusdar Graterol was his happy self, happy to be on the call and “Chilling” at his house with his family and with his new dog in Arizona. Everything is calm around his house. Alanna did an outstanding job at making Brusdar comfortable while translating when necessary from Spanish to English. She made sure that he shared with everyone about his recent engagement with his fiance. Brusdar announced that he and his future bride are planning to get married on January 22, 2021. Brusdar will be staying in Arizona and will not be going back home to Venezuala this year for the holidays.

Former Milwaukee Brewers, now Dodger right-handed pitcher Corey Knebel joined the zoom call from his house in Austin, Texas. Knebel expressed that he was very excited to be putting on Dodger blue for the first time in 2021. Knebel has been thinking about living in Pasadena, California, even though Malibu “looks sweet.” With the uncertainty of when the 2021 season will start, Knebel didn’t seem stressed on when to start working out to start the new season, mainly due to having the same throwing partner for a couple of years now, and both know when to start getting to work for the new season. For the holidays, the Knebel family will be staying in their home state Texas, where all of the Knebel family members are just a three hours commute.

Outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger was next up on the zoom call and informed everyone that he has been going to camelback ranch Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday each week to get built up for the 2021 season. After his shoulder surgery, which took place in November after hitting a home run in the seventh inning of the Dodgers’ 4-3 Game 7 win over the Atlanta Braves. His shoulder popped out of place when he bashed his forearm a little too enthusiastically with teammate Kiké Hernández. Rehab and building up strength is going to be essential for him going into a new season. The rest of Bellinger’s time is laying low and hanging out at home. Bellinger will be going to his parent’s house for the Holidays and is looking forward to watching Basketball all day on Christmas and opening presents, along with his Mom’s special french toast.

Left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw hopped on and surprised everyone with a new hair cut. No more long hair like we saw during the World Series. Kershaw described the Holidays and his kids being excited for the festivities to come as “Magical.” The Kershaw family is close to most of their family members as is. Most members are five blocks away from the Kershaw household. Kershaw is looking forward to piling his kids into the car and take them all out to look at the Christmas lights.

To wrap up, the Holiday Zoom call manager Dave Roberts joined the call from his home. He expressed his current mood as “content.” He is ready for the next baseball season to happen whenever it is meant to happen. With a smaller gathering of family members over for Christmas at the Roberts household, it is still something Roberts is looking forward to happening.

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May you and yours have a safe Christmas, and as this year is full of uncertainty, may the year 2021 bring us all good health and great Baseball.

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