Local Teen Throws Out First Pitch, Clayton Kershaw Retires

A Coachella Valley teenager battling cancer had the experience of a lifetime yesterday at Dodger Stadium — just hours before one of the biggest announcements in Los Angeles baseball history.

Johnny Brande, a local youth golfer who is fighting Ewing’s Sarcoma, is currently undergoing treatment at UCLA Health in Los Angeles. Through a raffle held at the hospital, Johnny was selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers game on Wednesday night.

Johnny told NBC Palm Springs that he was hopeful to meet one of his favorite players, longtime Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. Not only did that wish come true, but Kershaw signed an autograph and shared a moment with him before the game.

Less than 24 hours later, Kershaw stunned the baseball world by announcing his retirement. The three-time Cy Young Award winner revealed that Friday’s matchup at Dodger Stadium will mark his final regular-season start in front of the home crowd.

For Johnny, the timing couldn’t have been more special — a chance to meet a baseball legend in his final week wearing Dodger blue at Chavez Ravine.

Kershaw leaves behind a Hall of Fame résumé and countless memories for Dodgers fans, while Johnny carries forward a memory he’ll never forget: working to strike out cancer with strength, and sharing the field with his hero.

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