As the Los Angeles Dodgers get ready for their MLB season, excitement mixes with anger. The team stands with Phillips 66, an oil and gas firm. Protesters form a group and fill Dodger Stadium with voices.
The group "Dodgers Fans Against Fossil Fuels" gathers in protest. They claim Phillips 66 discharged many gallons of toxic water into county sewers. Fans worry about water safety and the health of the area.
The protest falls on the day of the home game against the Detroit Tigers. Fans sign a petition that now holds more than 27,000 names. They ask the team to cut its bond with the company, a link seen as a break with community care.
Activists point out that Phillips 66 faces legal charges. Court documents mention an event in November 2020. In that case, the company sent about 310,000 gallons of dirty water into local sewers without reporting it.
California State Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez speaks out. She asks owner Mark Walter to end ties with the firm. She says that staying with a polluter risks the team’s trust among the public.
The protest is expected to draw many people to the opening game. The event brings fans of sports and voices for change close together. Their side-by-side presence shows a moment where games meet calls for cleaner ways.
Now, the Dodgers must work to keep their sponsor ties and address fans’ strong worries. This mix of sport and sponsor links makes new demands on big teams. It shows that many look for more than the usual business deals; they look for care that fits today’s social and green needs.
As the Dodgers take the field, fans and protesters will watch how the team acts. Their response could reshape the bond with supporters and set a new path for others in similar spots.
