On November 14, 2019, the normally quiet community of Saugus, CA, located within the City of Santa Clarita, was rocked with gunfire. A 16-year-old student at Saugus High School pulled a .45 caliber handgun from his backpack and opened fire, killing two fellow students and wounding two others before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life. It is a tragedy of the likes never seen before in this close-knit community and one that many students, faculty and staff, neighbors, and even first responders will never forget. Not ever.

On Friday morning, the Los Angeles Dodgers concluded their weeklong “Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour” with a surprise visit to Saugus High School for a pep rally in the school’s gymnasium … and it was great!

“It was awesome to hear the kids fired up,” said Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner. “Unfortunately, this is the second year in a row we’ve done an event like this coming after a shooting. So, although the reason for being here is not something we want, it has made for a couple really good events.

“For us to get out, visit kids and families, it’s been a really good experience,” Turner added. “That’s what the community tour is for, to get out in the community, give back, create memories and experiences and take people’s minds off anything bothering them at the time.”

The Dodgers helping Saugus High School students heal their emotional wounds.

(Photo courtesy of LA Dodgers)

As you might expect, of the two dozen Dodger players in attendance, JT received the loudest welcome from the packed gymnasium crowd of over 2,500, who were entertained with games such as Finish the Lyrics, Cap Shuffle, a No-Hands Oreo Eating Contest, and a Carpet Scoot across the hardwood gymnasium floor, which Turner and his student teammate (sporting a now-autographed Justin Turner jersey) won rather handily.

Sorry, Max … not even close.

(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

“We were all talking, when we were in school we had pep rallies, cheerleaders doing a jig, maybe the mascot trying to dunk a ball, but this was cool to have almost the entire Dodgers roster out there,” said Dodgers right-hander Ross Stripling.

The event was emceed by SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo, although at times she could barely be heard over the noticeably-excited crowd. But not being one to miss an opportunity, the popular sportscaster got out amongst the crowd to take photos and videos with her cellphone.

SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo got out amongst the crowd at Friday’s pep rally.

(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Dodgers senior director of external affairs and community relations Naomi Rodriguez summed the wonderful event up best.

“The Dodgers came here today to let the kids know the Dodgers love them and we are with them and support them. These kids went through a tragedy and we want them to know they are not alone.”

In addition to a great pep rally, the Dodgers also presented Saugus High School principal Vincent Ferry with a check for $5,000. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Immediately following the pep rally, the Dodgers caravaned across town to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs Station, where they enjoyed a barbecue lunch with first responders to the horrific event that rocked the community – and nation – just two short months earlier.

“God bless these people and what they do,” Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux told reporters at the luncheon.

“We’re definitely appreciative of the Dodgers coming out to this community, which was hit pretty hard by this tragedy, it was like a punch in the gut,” said L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. “The Dodgers outreach is so nice, the events they engage in. It tells you what a class act the organization is and what it means to Los Angeles County.”

The Dodgers spent time with many of the first responders to the Saugus High School shooting to share their appreciation for those on the front line every day. (Photo courtesy of LA Dodgers)

Well done, Dodgers.

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