As baseball fans enjoy the start of a new season, one player’s story has captured the hearts of many.
Andrew Toles, a former player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been out of the game since 2018 due to severe mental health challenges. However, despite not playing a single game for years, the Dodgers have continued to renew his contract every year for $0, a move that has not only been heartwarming but also admirable.
Toles, who signed with the Dodgers in 2016, was placed on the restricted list indefinitely in 2018 as he struggled with his mental health. He was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder after being hospitalized for two weeks. In 2020, he was found homeless and sleeping behind a building in Key West, Florida, and was released to the care of his father, Alvin Toles, a former NFL player.
The Dodgers’ decision to renew Toles’ contract each year is not about him playing baseball again, but rather to ensure he maintains access to the team’s health insurance.
Andrew Toles speakers with a reporter during his time playing for the Dodgers. Photo from YouTube
With mental health care being expensive and often requiring multiple hospital stays and medication trials, the Dodgers’ gesture has been a lifeline for Toles and his family. Alvin Toles expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are having challenges, but nothing that God and I can’t handle. Schizophrenia, it’s just so tough.”
Despite Toles not being able to comprehend or follow baseball games anymore due to his condition, his presence is still felt within the Dodgers organization. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke about missing Toles and his fond memories of him in the clubhouse. The team remains hopeful that Toles will be well enough to attend a game when they play in Atlanta, where he currently resides with his father.
“His name will pop-up randomly in our clubhouse. He fit in with us so fondly and was so adored. It’s just sad to see what has transpired and knowing that a lot of it is out of his control,” Roberts told reporters.
Man, I would love to see him. I’d love to put my arms around him. I miss him. I really miss him.”
The Dodgers’ commitment to supporting Toles in his battle with mental illness has not gone unnoticed by the public. Many fans have praised the team for their compassionate approach and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with severe mental health issues. The Dodgers’ decision to keep Toles on their roster without him playing a single game showcases their commitment to their players beyond their on-field performance.
This marks the fifth-straight season that the team has stood by Toles, demonstrating their unwavering support for their former player. Toles, who had a promising career with the Dodgers, became a sensation during the 2016 National League playoffs with his outstanding performance on the field.
Andrew Toles/Getty Images
In a world where medical debt and lack of access to adequate health insurance are pressing issues, the Dodgers’ actions have been a glimmer of hope for Toles and his family.
As the conversation around mental health continues to get more attention, the Dodgers’ compassionate approach serves as an example for other organizations to make the well-being of their players a priority, especially in situations where mental health challenges may affect their ability to perform on the field.
Toles’ story is a testament to the Dodgers’ commitment to their players’ well-being beyond just their performance on the baseball field.
The Dodgers’ unwavering support for Toles showcases their compassion and understanding, and their hope for his recovery and eventual return to the game is something that I think we all can understand, and more so, find hope in.
