With the 2023 regular season just weeks away, all MLB franchises are securing their roster for a strong season. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers did little to strengthen their team during free agency. And now that the Dodgers have made a move, their new signing probably won’t be able to contribute much to the clubhouse.
If reports are to be believed, the Blue Crew made a kind offer for their star player despite knowing he might not play a single game this year. But why this act of kindness from the Dodgers? Well, Andrew Toles, who last played an MLB game in 2018, has mental health issues. And again, the Dodgers led by example by extending Toles’ contract so he could get the help he needed to battle his illness.
Los Angeles Dodgers renew Andrew Toles’ contract to help him recover from mental illness
For those wondering, this isn’t the first time the LA Dodgers have extended Toles’ contract, even though they know he may not be able to contribute a single game this season. As previously mentioned, Toles hasn’t played any baseball since 2018, but the Dodgers still pay him by extending his contract every year.
But the Dodgers not only acknowledged the 29-year-old’s plight and his struggle with schizophrenia, but made sure to stand behind him with one hand on his back, ready to support him if he should stumble. Their love for all of their players is evident in how they handled this situation.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have renewed Andrew Toles’ contract.
The main reason is that he can continue to purchase health insurance for mental health care. The Dodgers don’t expect him to ever return to baseball.#crooks #andrewtoles #mlb #Mental Health #base-ball #wbc pic.twitter.com/a6LGJ4cqgB
– Baseball improbable des Dodgers (@Dodgers_Podcast) 16 mars 2023
Toles’ journey has been a bumpy road. While playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in the minor leagues, he struggled with anxiety and sleep issues, which led to mental lapses on the court. However, when he arrived at the Dodgers as an MLB athlete, his performance had been out of this world grand slam-like, so much so that manager Dave Roberts called him a “dream.”
Unfortunately, his mental health issues began to consume him, leading him on a stormy journey through mental health facilities, homeless shelters, and run-ins with the law. It wasn’t until his father, Alvin Toles, took over the guardianship that he found the support he needed.
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The real dream for any parent is for their children to have a happy and fulfilled life. And Alvin has been a resilient father. He’s someone who never lets a day go by without making sure his son is cared for and safe from the demons that threaten to overwhelm him.
Baseball fans threw their support behind Andrew Toles
Andrew Toles may have had a horrible run-in with mental health issues, but the support of his team and his dad is definitely something he’s truly lucky to have. And the baseball community certainly agrees!
It’s so good. His sanity is very important, and not having the burden of knowing how he’s going to pay for it is a huge less burden on him. He can focus on getting better or on being as “normal” as possible. PRAYING FOR YA ANDREW! You were a great Dodger!
– LFG ~ DODGERS ~ 1988 ~ ???? (@ Dodgerjim2020) 16 mars 2023
This is great news.
– CJ BURNZ (@cjburnz) 16 mars 2023
He was my buddy. Stay up ‘Drew ????????
– Jiffy (@JeffMartinez24) 16 mars 2023
Ideally, everyone should have health coverage regardless of their job, but good for the organization to at least help Toles get the mental health care he needs. I wish him and his family the best.
— Cocoa????☁️ (@cacao18_) 16 mars 2023
One of the reasons the Dodgers are the classiest organization in all of sports!
– John Sadd (@saddjohnl) 16 mars 2023
As baseball’s “dream” works his way through a long, winding road to recovery where he can focus on improving himself, the world of baseball and his father’s love are like juggernauts that will help him overcome the obstacles he faces along the way. .
