Champ Pederson has always been a standout, whether cheering his brother Joc Pederson during his World Series runs with the Dodgers and Braves or now, taking on a brand-new role at Chase Field with the Arizona Diamondbacks. As of Tuesday, he’s part of the game day operations team for the Diamondbacks, a position tailor-made for someone who thrives on energy, enthusiasm, and passion for baseball. And let’s just say, if you’re at the ballpark, he’s pretty hard to miss—just look for “Pederson” on the back of his jersey and a huge smile on his face as he cheers on fans and interacts with the crowd.
But this job isn’t just another gig for Champ; it’s a dream come true, one that’s been years in the making. His path to Chase Field is a heartwarming journey of persistence, family support, and a love for the game that’s as deep as the Arizona summer heat. It’s also a story of how Champ has consistently inspired everyone around him, from his family to Major League Baseball teams, despite being born with Down syndrome.
An Electric Start at Chase Field
Champ hit the ground running in his new role, quite literally. If you catch him between innings, he’s likely hyping up kids dressed in hot dog costumes as they sprint in place, holding up a checkered flag at the finish line of the Legends mascot races, or launching T-shirts into the eager crowd from atop a dugout. It’s an electric atmosphere, and Champ is right at the center of it all, radiating energy and enthusiasm.
"I was born for this. Born for October," Champ said, referring to postseason baseball, an environment he knows well. His brother Joc has notched two World Series titles—one with the Los Angeles Dodgers and another with the Atlanta Braves. With the Diamondbacks making a playoff push, Champ might just have postseason games on his work schedule this October. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!
From Giants and Dodgers to the Diamondbacks
Champ’s journey to working with the Diamondbacks started long before his first day at Chase Field. He’s already made a name for himself within the baseball community, having worked with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers—two of his brother Joc’s former teams. Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall played a key role in bringing Champ to Arizona, after hearing glowing reports from the Giants and Dodgers’ leadership about Champ’s passion and dedication.
A friend of Joc’s, who works for the Dodgers, also helped pave the way, putting in a good word with the Diamondbacks. It’s a beautiful reminder that relationships in the sports world—and life in general—are built on trust, passion, and mutual respect.
A Family Legacy of Inspiration
Being Joc Pederson’s older brother certainly puts Champ in the spotlight, but he’s much more than just a sibling to an MLB slugger. Champ’s inspiring attitude and positive personality have earned him a reputation that extends far beyond his family name. From an early age, Champ has been a beacon of motivation, not just for Joc but for their entire family and everyone who knows him. His determination has led him to some incredible opportunities.
In 2018, Champ announced the starting lineup for the Golden State Warriors on Special Needs Family Appreciation Night at Oakland's Oracle Arena. He even worked part-time in the Warriors' business operations department. During one of Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s pregame media sessions, Kerr proudly introduced Champ, who was a vital part of the team’s community initiatives. His roles with teams like the Warriors and now the Diamondbacks are not just jobs—they’re an extension of his passion for sports and his innate ability to connect with people.
The Perfect Fit for Game Day Operations
Derrick Hall and the Diamondbacks leadership were determined to find the perfect fit for Champ within their organization, and they explored several possibilities, from team shop employee to clubhouse assistant. But it became clear that Champ’s vibrant personality was best suited for fan engagement. Now, as part of the in-game promotional team, Champ is thriving. He’s dancing to DJ music, waving rally towels, and high-fiving fans—essentially, he’s doing what he does best: spreading joy.
“It’s obvious he loves the game of baseball and understands it well,” Hall said. “Having him share that passion and knowledge with our fans at home games is a win for us.”
Champ’s role goes far beyond handing out T-shirts and rally towels. He’s a symbol of what it means to love the game, inspire others, and bring a community together. Joc Pederson summed it up perfectly when asked if his brother’s new role fits who he is: “I think so. Bringing a lot of energy, making people’s days, and just putting a smile on their face.”
A Family Dream Fulfilled
The Pederson family had always hoped that Champ would find a place within the Diamondbacks organization, but they never pressured Hall or the team to make it happen. Yet, once Joc signed with Arizona, Hall assured the family that it was always the Diamondbacks’ intention to bring Champ on board. “He’d be in great hands,” Hall told the Pederson family, and it’s clear that promise is being fulfilled.
Champ might have started with the Diamondbacks sooner, but he had other commitments, including a job and some travel. Now that he’s officially part of the team, he’s all in, and the fans are feeling the love.
Friday’s Game: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks
Let’s pivot to what’s happening on the field. This Friday, the Diamondbacks will host the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field in a highly anticipated matchup. The game starts at 6:40 p.m., and you can catch it on Cox Channel 34. Arizona’s lefty Eduardo Rodriguez (2-2, 5.83 ERA) will take the mound, hoping to rebound from his last two starts, where he struggled to go past four innings. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s right-hander Freddy Peralta (10-8, 3.81 ERA) is on the other side. Peralta has been solid, winning three of his last four starts. And while he’s tied for the National League lead in walks, he’s 3-0 with a 0.55 ERA against the Diamondbacks in his career. It’s shaping up to be an intense game under the Friday night lights.
What’s Next for the Diamondbacks?
Looking ahead, Saturday’s game features Diamondbacks rookie Brandon Pfaadt (9-8, 4.42 ERA) going up against Brewers’ Tobias Myers (7-5, 2.93 ERA) at 5:10 p.m. Sunday wraps up the series with a 1:10 p.m. matchup between Zac Gallen (12-6, 3.55 ERA) and Brewers’ lefty D.L. Hall (1-1, 4.01 ERA).
Eyes on the Brewers
Milwaukee is pushing hard toward clinching the National League Central Division, and despite a shaky 3-6 start to September, they remain one of baseball’s top teams. Even without star Christian Yelich, sidelined after back surgery, the Brewers have held strong. All-Star William Contreras and rookie Jackson Chourio lead their offense, while shortstop Willy Adames packs a punch with his 30 home runs and 102 RBIs.
The Diamondbacks will need to be at their best, as the Brewers' rotation—led by Freddy Peralta and Colin Rea—has been dominant. Peralta’s 179 strikeouts place him among the top pitchers in the National League.
And if you're wondering about that extra Diamondbacks-Brewers series next week? The teams will face off in Milwaukee for four games. Buckle up—it's going to be an exciting stretch as both teams look to solidify their postseason aspirations.
Conclusion: A Job Made for Champ
Champ Pederson is more than just a fixture at Chase Field—he’s a symbol of the joy, passion, and unity that sports bring to people. His journey to becoming part of the Diamondbacks’ family is not only a personal triumph but also a reminder that there’s always room for someone with heart and enthusiasm in the game of baseball. With Champ cheering from the dugout, the Diamondbacks are in great hands.
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