(AUDACY) Former Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, who now plays for the Cubs, returned to Los Angeles with his team Thursday and received a heartfelt tribute video on the center-field jumbotron and his 2020 World Series ring from former teammates Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger, A.J. Pollock and Justin Turner. In a sweet gesture, the Dodgers also presented a second World Series ring to Pederson’s older brother, Champ, who was born with Down syndrome.
“I’m very proud of it,” Champ said during an in-game interview with Marquee Sports Network reporter Elise Menaker. “It’s definitely an awesome experience for me.”
Champ said the ring was a surprise, explaining he had no knowledge of the Dodgers’ and Pederson’s plans to honor him Thursday.
“They’re a great organization, a great team," Champ said. "The Cubs are a great organization as well but to be part of it, I’m just very happy to be Joc’s older brother.”
Throughout his career, the 29-year-old Pederson has made sure to share his success with Champ, who frequently attends his brother’s games.
“He's the smartest, funniest person you'll meet,” Pederson told Yahoo Sports in 2014. “I know things are harder for him. So I try not to take things for granted. It's a good reminder. (Professional athletes are) special. But he's special too.”
The World Series rings were only part of an exciting night for the Pedersons on Thursday. The Cubs threw a combined no-hitter in their 4-0 win against the Dodgers, with starter Zach Davies and relievers Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin and Craig Kimbrel combining to throw the 17th no-hitter in club history. The no-hitter was already MLB’s seventh of 2021, tying 2015 for the most in a single season. Ironically enough, the last time the Dodgers were no-hit prior to Thursday was also against the Cubs, with former Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta accomplishing the feat in 2015.
Pederson went hitless with a strikeout in his return to Dodger Stadium, reaching once on a hit by pitch in the seventh inning.
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