LA Dodgers: Joc Pederson shares his savory steak and wings grill secrets

oc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers - (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
oc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers - (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

LA Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson not only crushes baseballs, but he’s also a dedicated grillmaster!

Everyone knows Joc Pederson can knock baseballs out of the old ballpark but how many people realize the LA Dodgers outfielder is handy around a grill, too?

In his five full seasons with the Dodgers, Pederson has averaged 24.6 home runs a year. That includes 2017 when he only hit 11 in 102 games. He also averages 57.4 runs batted in per season. The dude knows what to do with a bat.

The question on everyone’s lips, however, is what he can do with a grill.

Joc Pederson is as interested in improving his grillwork as his play as an outfielder for the LA Dodgers

If you grow up with a father whose nickname is “Beef Stu,” you are probably going to know something about food! In a story on The Players’ Tribune, Pederson remembers how his dad would coach Little League games then fire up his grill afterward.

After seeking cooking advice from “Beef Stu,” Pederson decided he wanted to get better on the grill as well as on the field.

"I treat grilling a lot like I treat baseball, or anything I do, really: Every time I do it, I’m trying to be better than I was the last time. Most of the time it’s pretty killer. But sometimes it’s not as good That’s just a part of the fun, though, you know? Testing new things out and trying to get it right."

Pederson obviously likes the sense of improvement and the spirit of competition, even if it involves trying to beat his dad at cooking meat.

Can Joc Pederson and the LA Dodgers win the National League East?

The Dodgers seem to be the consensus favorites to win the NL West in 2020, whether in 60 games or 162. According to FanDuel, projections, experts, and oddsmakers alike love the Dodgers.

With the likes of Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Corey Seager, AJ Pollock, and others joining Joc Pederson in a dominant offensive lineup, the Dodgers are sure to score some runs.

Combine that with a stellar pitching staff that includes Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, and Kenley Jansen, and it is understandable why it will be hard for other NL West teams to compete.

Maybe Pederson will roll his grill out to the parking lot after a game and show tailgaters what he can do!

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