Ohtani’s 50/50 milestone and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s impact through the 50/50 Raffle
by Erin Edwards
Shohei Ohtani made history on Thursday as the first player in Major League Baseball history to record at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani’s historic achievement also marked him as the first Dodger to hit 50 home runs in a season, breaking the franchise’s record previously set by Shawn Green in 2001.
To honor Ohtani’s remarkable 50/50 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) dedicated the proceeds of their 50/50 Raffle on Friday to the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center (ESGVJCC). The ESGVJCC plays a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage of Japanese Americans while offering essential social services, recreational activities and educational programs to the community.
On this special night, the LADF 50/50 Raffle jackpot reached $46,690. One lucky fan took home $23,345, with the remaining half going to the ESGVJCC. Pearl Omiya, Executive Director of the ESGVJCC, expressed her gratitude, saying, “The East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center provides a plethora of services to our community, including cultural classes, youth and senior programs. To be part of this celebration, right after Ohtani made his 50/50 milestone, is amazing! We are grateful to the Dodgers Foundation…and with Shohei Ohtani becoming such a big part to our community to represent the Japanese and Japanese American community is a once in a lifetime thing for us, and we are truly grateful.”
This isn’t the first time LADF’s 50/50 Raffle has connected Ohtani’s accomplishments to support a beneficiary. In August, on Shohei Ohtani Bobblehead Night, the raffle proceeds benefitted “Reading to the Rescue.” That evening, the raffle jackpot reached a staggering $131,250, with $65,625 supporting the literacy-focused nonprofit. Pamela Brodsky, Executive Director of Reading to the Rescue, said: “This is really a life-altering gift you have given our organization.”
Also, in July, on Shohei Ohtani Hat Giveaway, the raffle proceeds benefitted YMCA Feeds LA, which provides meals, produce, and essential goods to those most in need. The raffle jackpot reached $54,060, with $27,030 benefitting the YMCA.
Through its 50/50 Raffle, LADF continues to make a lasting impact for Los Angeles by engaging the Dodger fan community. This season, the 50/50 Raffle has raised over $4 million.
LADF tackles the most pressing problems facing Los Angeles with a mission to improve education, health care, homelessness and social justice for all Angelenos. Reimagined in 2013, LADF has since raised over $154 million, including a $50 million pledge in 2024 by its Chairman Mark Walter and Dodgers Ownership, marking the largest contribution ever from an MLB ownership group to the organization’s charitable partner.
Under its new strategic plan, “Lasting Impact for Los Angeles,” LADF is amplifying best practices, scaling solutions, growing its capacity, and refining its work with investments exceeding $60 million in its programs and grants to local organizations. To date, LADF has positively impacted over 10 million youth. To learn more, visit Dodgers.com/LADF and join the conversation on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
Ohtani’s 50/50 Milestone and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s Impact Through the 50/50 Raffle was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.