This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Matt Kemp Reunites With Joshua Jones
Matt Kemp was obviously touched by Joshua Jones. Earlier this month as the Dodgers were getting swept by the San Francisco Giants, Kemp heard about the Tracy, Calif. 19-year old who was sticken with inoperable tumors and given only months to live. He went over to where the family was sitting, signed a ball and in an act of spontaneity gave Jones his cap, jersey and cleats.
Kemp decided to fly Jones and his family down to Los Angeles to watch the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. "It's a dream come true for my son," Josh's father Steve said.
Josh was on the field to watch batting practice on Monday before the Dodgers interleague series against the Angels. Kemp also brought out Angels star Mike Trout to meet Josh. "This is better than San Francisco," Josh said.
Kemp is struggling at the plate. Since the last road trip on May 17, Kemp is batting .135 with 18 strikeouts in 10 games. On the season he is batting .260 with two home runs.
Despite having all of the excuses to retreat into himself, Kemp continues to reach out to the fans and to the community. As he told reporters after initially meeting Josh, "Life is so much bigger than baseball."
Indeed.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
