Dodgers announce returning fan favorites for NLDS first pitches vs. Braves

The Los Angeles Dodgers will open the 2026 postseason — as they aim to win a third World Series title in three years — against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday afternoon at Chavez Ravine.

It's going to be a scorcher at Dodger Stadium, with game time temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees. Thankfully, the Dodgers found a cool way to electrify the fans in attendance before the game begins.

The Dodgers revealed who received the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitches for Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS, and it's a pair of names that the LA faithful know and love.

According to Dylan Hernandez of the California Post, Adrián González, who spent six seasons manning first base for the Dodgers, will throw out the first pitch ahead of Game 1 on Saturday afternoon. Another Dodgers' great, Reggie Smith will receive the honors before the start of Game 2 on Sunday.

Dodgers greats Adrián González, Reggie Smith to throw out ceremonial first pitch in NLDS vs. Braves

González spent the majority of his big-league career in Southern California. Though his MLB debut came as a member of the Texas Rangers, he landed with the San Diego Padres prior to the start of the 2006 season.

González spent five years with the Dodgers' hated rival, and really made a name for himself in 2010 with a fourth-place finish for NL MVP. He was bested by two other slugging first basemen that season — Joey Votto and Albert Pujols — despite hitting .298/.393/.511 with 31 home runs.

He was traded to the Boston Red Sox the following offseason, and was then dealt to LA in 2012 for a bunch of also-rans and $11 million cash. González earned down-ballot MVP votes in three of his six seasons with the Dodgers, but his time in LA ended in 2017 when he was part of a trade package to the New York Mets that brought Matt Kemp to Los Angeles. He ended his time with the Dodgers hitting .280/.339/.454 with 101 home runs.

Smith was a seven-time All-Star and a member of the Dodgers' 1981 championship team. While his participation on that year's ball club was limited to just 41 games, he received two trips to the Midsummer Classic and finished fourth in the NL MVP voting twice while wearing Dodger blue.

What a fun way to kick off the Dodgers' title defense. Get there early Dodgers fans, but bring some extra water. It's going to be a hot one.

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