Dodgers: Joc Pederson donating shoes to Los Angeles healthcare workers

Dodgers slugger Joc Pederson is using his favorite hobby to donate to hospital workers in Los Angeles,

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson is donating the shoes off his feet to help frontline hospital workers in Los Angeles.

Well, maybe he isn’t literally giving up his own shoes, but the 28-year-old power hitter is stepping up to donate 5,000 sneakers to LA-area hospitals. Pederson announced the donation, in partnership with Nike, on his personal Instagram page.

According to Pederson, the shoes are specifically designed to support healthcare workers who are often on their feet. The Air Zoom Pulse shoes will be donated to doctors, nurses, and hospital workers in the area.

As the left-handed hitter was reciting his statement about the charitable act, you could hear his child in the background, a reminder of the unique times in which we all find ourselves, trying to make a difference while being stuck at home.

Pederson nearly found himself calling a different “LA” team home this season. The Dodgers were prepared to send him to the Angels for young infielder Luis Rengifo and perhaps another prospect. The deal collapsed after the Mookie Betts trade was renegotiated between the Dodgers and Red Sox.

Last season, Joc hit 36 home runs for the Dodgers, his highest total yet. He dominated right-handed pitching, against whom he hit all of his homers and batted .252/.349/.571 in over 400 at-bats. He is expected to platoon with AJ Pollock in left field whenever the 2020 season begins.

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Pederson is known for an affinity toward sneakers. He showed off his sick collection of Nikes via B/R Kicks last week.

The Dodgers hope there are no hard feelings lingering from the failed trade and Pederson can become an integral piece to a stacked roster looking to win a championship, in whatever format it will be this season.