The multi-platform event included radio flagship KABC 790 AM, cable partner PRIME TICKET, over the air television partner KCAL 9, 95.5 KLOS FM Radio,
and web partners dodgers.com and thinkcure.org. Contributions included $25,000 by Japanese-born pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, who lost both of his parents to cancer. It also included a donation by Commissioner Allan H. “Bud” Selig of $25,000 on behalf of Major League Baseball. The first-day total represented an increase of more than 78% (more than $70,000) over the $90,000 raised on the first day during the inaugural event, which took place August 15-16, 2008, and included KABC 790 AM, 95.5 KLOS FM, and KCAL TV. This year’s event introduced a PRIME TICKET telethon from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. that featured Larry King, Vin Scully, Rick Monday, Charley Steiner, singer and producer Steve Tyrell, Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt, General Manager Ned Colletti, Manager Joe Torre, First Base Coach Mariano Duncan, Dodgers players Matt Kemp, Mark Loretta, Casey Blake, Andre Ethier, Doug Mientkiewicz, and Kuroda. Dodgers wives who participated included Ali Torre, Monique Duncan, Hilary Loretta, Abby Blake, Maggie Ethier, Jodi Mientkiewicz, Elizabeth Broxton, Tiffany Billingsley, and Russell Martin’s girlfriend, Marikym Hervieux. PRIME TICKET anchors included Bill MacDonald, Michael Eaves, Patrick O’Neal, and Steve Lyons. PRIME TICKET joined at 11 a.m. as a host of former Dodgers players answered phones, called to thank generous donors, and appeared on radio and television. Among the stars were Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda, Ken Landreaux, Bobby Castillo, Rudy Law, Derrel Thomas, Chuck Essegian, and Jim Campanis. Tyrell, who lost his wife, Michelle, to cancer five years ago, performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” He has offered his recording of “What the World Needs Now,” which includes performances by James Taylor, Rod Stewart, Dionne Warwick, and Martina McBride, to benefit ThinkCure!.
Children battling the disease took the field with the Dodgers, two more served as Honorary Batboys and Batgirls, and one more proclaimed the start of the game by announcing, “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball.”