Dodgers' Hiroki Kuroda donates $50,000 to Japan earthquake relief
Dodgers starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda on Tuesday donated $50,000 to the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan, a Dodgers spokesman said.
Speaking through an interpreter, Kuroda also addressed his teammates during their morning meeting at Camelback Ranch to talk about the devastation in his home country, spokesman Josh Rawitch said.
Kuroda “wanted to tell them what it means to him," Rawitch said. Kuroda's donation came on the same day that the Dodgers and KNBC-TV Channel 4 held a relief drive at Dodger Stadium to raise funds for the earthquake's victims. The drive was scheduled to run until 7 p.m. PDT.
Kuroda, 36, was among several Japanese players in the big leagues who were stunned by the impact of the quake and concerned about family members and friends back home. Before joining the Dodgers in 2008, Kuroda spent several years playing for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan.
-- Jim Peltz in Phoenix
Photo: Hiroki Kuroda pitches against the Angels in a spring training game in Tempe, Ariz., on Feb 26. Credit: Jake Roth / US Presswire
Dodger fans are a good lot and are certain to be active in supporting the people of Japan. Curious that KNBC chose to partner with the Dodgers for a charitable event since the Dodgers are being investigated by the California Attorney General for questionable practices regarding the team's own charity. Cash donation to the American Red Cross would probably do the most good.
Posted by: skyharbor | 03/15/2011 at 11:30 AM
The plight of Japan right now has to be daunting to players like Hiroki and others. I anticipate his teammates will be pitching in too, though it's not as much about the money as getting a strong perspective on this real-life tragedy contrasted with a game. My thoughts are with you, Hiroki, and your country.
Posted by: fuelcelljoe | 03/15/2011 at 12:12 PM
Much respect to Kuroda - he is an exemplary ambassador, terrific character, and a great pitcher who always says and does the right things. Let's follow his example and show the people of Japan our support.
Posted by: Polomoche | 03/15/2011 at 10:10 PM
$50,000 is nothing to a multi-millionaire like Kuroda. Come on Hiroki, show us how generous you really are???
Posted by: Binky | 03/17/2011 at 01:10 AM