A symbol of baseball glory has now become a symbol of support. The ball thrown for the final out of the 2024 World Series, sealing the Dodgers’ dramatic Game 5 win over the Yankees, was auctioned off for $414,000. The proceeds? Every dollar is going directly to victims of the devastating wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles.
An L.A. partnership that goes beyond the field
The effort was led by the Catching Hope Foundation, started by Dodgers catcher Will Smith and his wife, Cara, in collaboration with the Buehler Family Foundation and the Dodgers organization. The Memorabilia Network, based in Burbank, hosted the auction, which helped bring fans and collectors together for a cause far bigger than baseball.
The final pitch, thrown by Walker Buehler to strike out the Yankees’ last batter, is now etched into Dodgers history. And that same ball, once cradled in a celebratory glove, is now helping rebuild lives.
Where does the money go?
Funds raised will support housing recovery, emergency relief, and mental health services for families displaced by the fires. With parts of the L.A. area still recovering, this money arrives at a critical time.
The organizations involved say it’s about more than dollars, it’s about showing up for your city, like the Rams have recently done.
This wasn’t just any memorabilia auction. This is a moment to be proud to be an Angeleno. As we can connect the city’s biggest sports moment with one of its most urgent humanitarian needs.
The World Series final ball turns victory into relief
This moment reflects a growing trend of athletes using historic achievements to make a difference off the field. In a city like L.A., where fire season affects thousands, turning a victory into relief feels right.
Dodgers fans who cheered that final strikeout can now take pride in knowing that the moment lives on. Not just in highlight reels, but in helping neighbors get back on their feet.