by Erin Edwards

Second graders from Gabriella Charter Schools in Echo Park and South Los Angeles got an unforgettable visit from Dodgers infielder Max Muncy on Wednesday as part of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dodgers Foundation’s LA Reads initiative.

More than 70 students gathered in their school dance room and listened intently as Muncy read a childrens books aloud, sparking smiles and curiosity in every corner of the room.

Through a generous $14,000 grant from the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), in partnership with Robin and Andrew Friedman, both Gabriella campuses will soon see their outdoor spaces transformed into Dodgers Foundation Community Reading Gardens. The schools also received 880 new books — including one for every student to take home and begin building their own library.

But the magic didn’t end with the book. The kids came prepared with questions of their own, turning the morning into a lively, heartfelt conversation.

“What’s your favorite snack after a game?” one student asked.

“Who’s the most famous person you know?” asked another.

From naming recess games he loved as a kid to sharing what it was like playing baseball in Japan, Muncy reminded everyone that big league dreams start in small classrooms just like theirs.

When one student said, “I want to be a Dodger one day — what should I do to make that dream come true?” Muncy’s answer was simple: “Work hard, have fun, and always believe in yourself.”

Fittingly, later that night, Muncy capped off the day with a moment straight out of a storybook — launching a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to help lead the Dodgers to a 9–3 victory over the Athletics.

LA Reads continues to inspire the next generation of champions — on the field and in the classroom. Learn more and sign up for Dodgers Reading Champions at Dodgers.com/LAReads.