Thanks for the big welcome, SoCal! Shortly after the plane touched down in beautiful Los Angeles, California, the Pujols Family Foundation started off on our new national adventure with a joint Suite Night event with the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County. It was a great day for baseball at Angel Stadium, and we were delighted to get to the fun in our suite, which was graciously provided by Mark Merhab of the Angels Foundation.

Before the game began, Albert met with some of the families and promised to “try“ to hit a home run for one of the kids that had Down Syndrome that bravely challenged the World Series Champ to hit a homer for him. Not one to disappoint, Albert’s second at bat was blasted to the dead center of the field, and after he points to the sky, he looked right into our suite, telling our kids with DS that were there that he did that just for them. After the game, Albert signed that special ball, and it was given to the DSAOC, forever cementing our coming out in SoCal party and the first event in our partnership with another great organization.

Watch Albert hit his three-run home run and point to the PFF suite.

Also, during this trip, Todd Perry had the chance to meet a local celebrity! Trevor Hendershot, who had been recently featured in the Orange County Register. The 21-year old, who has Down Syndrome, just got his first gig as the face of the Angels team store. Todd was blessed to get to spend some one-on-one time with him, and was happy to see how his infectious smile brightened everyone that he came into contact with.

The PFF also found out this trip that Albert was nominated for a Teen Choice Award! He was nominated in the ‘Choice Male Athlete’ category. Way to go Albert! Will every trip turn out to be this exciting? We can’t wait to find out!