LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers catcher Will Smith and his wife Cara auctioned off the ball from the final pitch of the 2024 World Series and it sold for $414,000 Saturday to benefit those affected by the Los Angeles fires. The auction was hosted by Harlan Werner’s The Memorabilia Network.
“I was honored to play a small part in something so important and historic,” said Werner. “I am pleased with the results and grateful for the trust from all parties involved.”
Through their Catching Hope Foundation, they auctioned the historic ball that pitcher Walker Buehler fired to the Dodger catcher for strike three, sealing the Dodgers’ World Series triumph over the New York Yankees with a 7-6 Game 5 win.
THE DODGERS ARE THE 2024 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS! 👏 pic.twitter.com/kVtjJjltRb
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 31, 2024
This auction was a partnership between the Catching Hope Foundation, the Buehler Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, uniting to support fire relief efforts.
All proceeds from the auction will go to the Catching Hope Foundation to benefit Los Angeles Fire Relief Efforts. Catching Hope is a nonprofit organization working to help underprivileged children develop critical leadership and self-sufficiency skills. You can visit https://www.catching-hope.org. for more information.
WALKER BUEHLERS AUTHENTICATED WORLD SERIES WINNING GAME BALL pic.twitter.com/32yLHRDhe3
— villain mode (@daazedndodgers) October 31, 2024
"Los Angeles has not only become home to us, but it has welcomed and supported our family since 2019," said Will and Cara Smith. "Our goal here is to give back and partner with the city that means so much to us in the years of rebuilding that are to come."
“This prized baseball represents one of the most special moments in the long history of the Dodgers,” said the Los Angeles Dodgers. “We applaud and support Will and Cara for taking the initiative to help so many others through this cherished piece of sports history.”