BREAKING: Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and the entire LA Dodgers baseball team donated $6.9 million after winning the award to turn a house into a shelter for homeless youth in Los Angeles — head coach Dave Roberts' in the Los Angeles area— as a heartfelt thank you for everything he's done for them.

BREAKING: Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and the Entire Dodgers Team Donate $6.9 Million to Build Homeless Youth Shelter in Los Angeles as Tribute to Manager Dave Roberts

In a stunning display of unity, compassion, and deep gratitude, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and the entire Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team have donated $6.9 million to transform a residential property in the Los Angeles area into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. The decision came after the Dodgers were awarded a major community impact prize—and the team unanimously chose to use the full amount for this heartfelt cause.

This shelter project is more than just a charitable effort. It’s a deeply personal tribute to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who has led the team with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to service both on and off the field. The house will be built in the La Cañada Flintridge area, where Roberts resides, symbolizing the manager’s lifelong connection to the Los Angeles community and his lasting influence on the players he leads.

A Thank You That Speaks Louder Than Words

Speaking at a press conference outside Dodger Stadium, team captain Freddie Freeman said:

“We owe so much of who we are—not just as players, but as men—to Dave Roberts. He teaches us how to win, how to lead, and most importantly, how to give back. This shelter is our way of saying thank you.”

Shohei Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers with great fanfare in 2024, added:

“Coach Roberts welcomed me like family. I’ve never seen a clubhouse so committed to doing things the right way. This isn’t just about baseball. This is about honoring someone who’s changed all of our lives.”

What the Shelter Will Provide

The project, officially named “Roberts House”, will be located on a 1-acre property and will be converted into a 24/7 transitional housing facility for homeless and at-risk youth, ages 15–24. The shelter will offer:

Safe and stable housing
On-site counseling and mental health services
Educational and job-readiness programs
Recreational spaces and mentorship programs
Legal and social support for teens aging out of foster care

Construction is expected to begin in Fall 2025, with a target grand opening in Summer 2026.

Dave Roberts: The Heart of the Dodgers

Known as one of the most respected managers in Major League Baseball, Dave Roberts has guided the Dodgers through highs and lows, including multiple World Series appearances and a championship in 2020. But beyond wins and losses, Roberts is admired for his moral leadership, emotional intelligence, and tireless work in the community.

He has championed causes related to youth homelessness, racial equality, and cancer research—drawing from personal experiences and his own journey as a biracial athlete growing up in California.

Upon learning about the donation, a visibly moved Roberts said:

“This is the greatest honor of my career. Not because my name is on it—but because it reflects the heart of this team. I tell the guys all the time, ‘We play for more than ourselves.’ Today, they showed the world what that means.”

Community Response

The response from city officials and community leaders in Los Angeles has been overwhelmingly positive. Mayor Karen Bass called the gesture “a beacon of hope” for the city’s youth, and praised the Dodgers for “stepping up in a way few professional teams ever have.”

Local nonprofit organizations, including My Friend’s Place and Covenant House California, are expected to partner with the project by providing staffing, programming, and long-term support for residents.

A Lasting Legacy

While professional athletes are often in the spotlight for on-field performance, the Dodgers’ $6.9 million donation showcases the power of sports to create real, lasting change. More than just a tribute, the shelter stands as a testament to the values Dave Roberts has instilled in his players—values of compassion, unity, and responsibility.

As the 2025 MLB season continues, fans will look at the Dodgers not only as contenders for another World Series title but as leaders in making a difference where it matters most: their own community.