Kershaw, Bellinger join Dodgers' 4th Zoom party
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers held their fourth Zoom party on Monday night with another star-studded lineup that included “regular” Justin Turner joined by MVPs Clayton Kershaw and Cody Bellinger.
Also on the call were new Dodger David Price, Austin Barnes, Alex Wood, manager Dave Roberts and former Dodger Andre Ethier, with a special guest appearance by comedian Jo Koy.
The Zoom Party was hosted by Dodgers broadcasters Joe Davis and Alanna Rizzo and included Dodger Stadium organist Dieter Ruehle playing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” for the seventh-inning stretch.
This edition’s format focused on questions and answers, often turning into a back-and-forth that Roberts noted pulled the curtain aside and gave fans a glimpse at the chemistry of this Dodgers team.
Davis asked the players for a “star-struck moment.”
“That’s easy. Kobe [Bryant],” said Turner. “Only once, in the clubhouse before a game in the 2018 World Series. I couldn’t find the words. That was an awe moment for me.”
Bellinger and Barnes seconded Turner’s nominee, although Bellinger added that the “coolest” person he’s seen from the on-deck circle is Jennifer Lopez.
Wood agreed on Kobe, but he added meeting both George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush at the 2017 World Series in Houston.
“First time I ever met a President,” Wood said. “A cool moment.”
Price remembers meeting Barack Obama in 2008 before he was elected President.
“I thought that was special. Didn’t know what to say to him,” he said.
Said Kershaw: “When I got to meet ‘Dre for first time. And Boy Meets World’s Cory and Topanga. Don’t know their real names [Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel]. Justin Timberlake, that was like my guy.”
Kershaw also was asked to demonstrate his curveball grip (he did) and asked when he started to throw it.
“About 11 or 12 would be my guess,” he said. “Every kid is different. I wouldn’t tell other parents, it’s an individual thing. I’d like my son to be able to learn how to throw a fastball first before he does other stuff.”
Koy said one of his highlights was taking his stepdad to a World Series game as payback for his stepdad “calling” Kirk Gibson’s 1988 World Series home run. Koy also plugged his June 12 Netflix special, which was taped in the Philippines.
Two young fans appeared with puppies they named “Cody” and “Taylor” after Bellinger and Chris. They asked what player the current Dodgers would name a dog after.
Price said “Yogi.” Wood said “Barney,” after Barnes. Kershaw said “Mo,” for Mariano Rivera. Roberts said he’s already named one of his three dogs “Maury” after mentor Maury Wills.
Turner said Dodgers bench coach Bob Geren already has the all-time best dog named after a ballplayer -- Hank Geren.