BREAKING: Rōki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers Pledges Entire $3.7 Million to Build Shelters for Homeless Youth
In a stunning and heartwarming gesture that transcends the game of baseball, Rōki Sasaki, the 23-year-old phenom recently signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, has announced that he will invest the entirety of his first-year Major League Baseball salary and signing bonus—approximately $3.7 million—into converting three houses into shelters for homeless youth in the Los Angeles area.
The announcement came during a press conference held earlier this morning at Dodger Stadium, where Sasaki, accompanied by team officials and representatives from local nonprofits, spoke candidly about the inspiration behind the decision.
“Growing up in Japan, I was taught that success means nothing if you don’t use it to help others,” Sasaki said through a translator. “Los Angeles has welcomed me with open arms. I want to give something meaningful back—especially to those who are young and struggling without a home.”
According to Sasaki’s representatives, the donation will be divided among three separate projects in South Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, and Inglewood. Each location will be renovated and repurposed into a safe, supportive living space for up to 15 youth between the ages of 14 and 21. The shelters will offer not only food and a roof over their heads but also educational support, career training, and mental health services.
The initiative is being launched in partnership with HopeBridge LA, a nonprofit organization that works with at-risk youth across the city. Executive Director Carla Morales called Sasaki’s donation “transformational.”
“We often hear about athletes giving back, but this is something else entirely,” Morales said. “Rōki isn’t just writing a check—he’s creating real, lasting infrastructure to support some of the most vulnerable kids in our city.”
The Dodgers organization has pledged its full support as well. Team president Stan Kasten praised Sasaki’s maturity and commitment to social responsibility.
“We knew Rōki was special on the mound, but this kind of character off the field is truly exceptional,” Kasten said. “He embodies the values we want to represent as a team—and as a city.”
Sasaki, who made headlines in Japan for his historic perfect game in 2022 and his blazing fastball clocked at over 102 mph, signed with the Dodgers earlier this year after a closely watched international bidding war. Despite the pressures of adjusting to life in the U.S. and the expectations that come with a major league debut, he has stayed grounded and focused on using his platform for good.
“I don’t want my career to be measured only in wins or strikeouts,” Sasaki said. “I want it to be measured in lives changed.”
His act of generosity comes at a critical time for Los Angeles, which is grappling with a homelessness crisis that affects tens of thousands of residents, including an estimated 4,000 unaccompanied youth. Many have fled unsafe homes, experienced trauma, or aged out of foster care systems without a safety net.
City officials were quick to praise Sasaki’s efforts. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement thanking him for “shining a light on an urgent issue and taking action in a way that sets a powerful example.”
“Rōki Sasaki’s generosity is a reminder that we all have a role to play in building a more just and compassionate city,” the statement read.
Renovation work on the three shelter properties is expected to begin in early June, with the goal of opening doors before the end of the year. Sasaki has expressed interest in visiting the sites during his off days and being actively involved in their progress.
“I want to see the kids smile. I want them to know they’re not forgotten,” he said.
As he gears up for his MLB debut this summer, Sasaki’s on-field performance is sure to draw national attention. But for many Angelenos, he has already delivered a powerful statement—one not measured by stats, but by heart.
