Number 52
World Series Final Pitch Ball Nets $414K for LA Fire Victims
Featured Focus:
Disaster Relief, Direct Financial Support, Athlete-Driven Impact
Scope of Impact: Local
A piece of baseball history just turned into a lifeline for Los Angeles fire victims. The ball that sealed the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2024 World Series victory has been auctioned off for a staggering $414,000. Here’s the pitch:
Historic Significance: This wasn't just any baseball; it was the final pitch thrown by Walker Buehler to secure the championship against the New York Yankees, making it a highly coveted piece of sports memorabilia.
Generous Contribution: The auction, hosted by The Memorabilia Network, saw intense bidding, ultimately resulting in a substantial sum dedicated to aiding those affected by the devastating Los Angeles fires.
Community Impact: All the proceeds from the sale will go to the Catching Hope Foundation, a nonprofit run by Dodgers’ catcher Will Smith and his wife Cara. The money will go toward providing much-needed support and resources to LA wildfire victims.
This auction serves as a compelling example of how the passion and cultural significance surrounding sports can be channeled to provide meaningful support to communities in need. And — it’s a great reminder that auctions aren’t just reserved for annual galas.
We also love that this initiative was a partnership between multiple entities: the owner of the game ball, The Memorabilia Network, and the Catching Hope Foundation.
We also love how it’s shining a light on the untapped potential of sports memorabilia as a vehicle for fundraising. High-value items, particularly those with historical significance like the final World Series pitch, can be powerful tools for philanthropy. The clear communication regarding the allocation of funds – directly to fire victims – is also paramount in building trust amongst potential donors.
YOUR NEXT PLAY:
The success of this initiative suggests a promising avenue for future endeavors that leverage the unique appeal of sports to create positive social change. Do you have any opportunities to explore a similar campaign that would benefit a local nonprofit?
The team’s fan site talks to catcher Will Smith and former Dodgers ace Walker Buehler about the idea behind the auction.
More about Will and Cara Smith’s foundation, which is helping to distribute funds from the World Series ball sale to the LA community.
The original press release providing details of the auction, which took place online from March 21 through April 5, 2025.
LA County Wildfire Relief
Ways to donate to, or request support from, the LA County Relief Fund.
A roundup of the teams who stepped-up to support communities affected by the January 2025 fires.
Official team schedules, news, scores, and more on MLB.com.
