There are already eight children who make Hope’s Home their own home. The orphans showed Ellen and Clayton their beds which are the first ones that they have ever slept on in their lives. Just a couple of weeks ago, these children were fending for themselves in the slums of Lusaka. Now they have three loving house mothers, a garden in which to plant fruits and vegetables, and access to HIV medication.

The Kershaws also visited another local orphanage, Mother Theresa’s, were they spent time with the full-time residents which included infants and toddlers.

Jan 17, 2012, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and wife Ellen Kershaw at press conference at Dodger Stadium to discuss their book. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Shawn Tolleson and his wife also made the journey to Africa with the Kershaws. One poignant photo shows the two pitchers playing catch as they squeeze in a workout as a young Zambian boy looks on in amazement.

Along with Arise Africa, the charitable foundation which the Kershaws work with, they have built this orphanage which is truly a beacon of hope within a dark and impoverished African city. It really makes me proud that Clayton and Ellen represent the Dodgers. It makes me confident that if Kershaw receives a well-deserved raise here soon, that he will be using some of his money to continue these good deeds for these beautiful children.

Kershaw Wins Cy Young (David McNew/Reuters)

Clayton Kershaw will add another award to his collection to go along with his National League Cy Young Award when he is honored with the 2011 Sportsman of the Year award during the seventh annual LA Sports Awards, presented by AT&T U-verse on March 15th at Club Nokia at L.A. Live. (more…)