The Los Angeles Dodgers have been quietly renewing the contract of former outfielder Andrew Toles for the past six years, even though he has not played for the team since 2018. Toles, who struggled with mental health issues, was signed by the Dodgers in 2015 after being released by the Tampa Bay Rays due to erratic behavior. Despite his promising start with the Dodgers, Toles disappeared in 2019 and was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He has since been in and out of mental health facilities and was even found homeless and arrested in 2020.
The Dodgers’ decision to renew Toles’ contract each year, despite his absence from the team, is a gesture of kindness and compassion in an industry known for its competitiveness and coldness. The team places Toles on the restricted list to provide him with health insurance, even though he does not accrue any additional service time. This ensures that Toles has access to health coverage, even though he may never qualify for lifetime benefits under the MLB collective bargaining agreement.
The Baseball Assistance Team, formed in 1986 by former MLB players, provides confidential assistance to members of the baseball community in need. However, accessing this assistance can be challenging for individuals like Toles, who may not have the resources or awareness of the organization. The Dodgers’ decision to support Toles is a personal one for the team’s president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, who drafted Toles when he was with the Rays.
Toles’ situation highlights the challenges faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues, even those who have found success in professional sports. Despite his struggles, Toles has a support system in the Dodgers, who continue to renew his contract and provide him with health insurance. This act of kindness and generosity in the face of adversity is a reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy in a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving.
The story of Andrew Toles serves as a reminder that even in the competitive world of professional sports, there is room for compassion and support for those facing mental health challenges. By renewing Toles’ contract each year and providing him with health insurance, the Dodgers are ensuring that he has the resources he needs to continue his journey towards stability and recovery. This act of kindness is a testament to the human spirit and the power of empathy in the face of adversity.
