Ex-braves OF’S new team finds spot for his brother in locker room

Champ Pederson was working his job at a grocery store when he got a text from his brother, Joc, then another. There was a photo and a video. When he opened them, Champ was just as gobsmacked as Joc was when he walked into the Giants’ home clubhouse at Scottsdale Stadium for the first time that morning.

Next to Joc’s new locker, was another locker with the nameplate reading Champ. Joc’s oldest brother, born with Down syndrome, had a spot reserved just for him.

“Phenomenal,” Champ said, from the family’s seats a few days later for Joc’s debut in a Giants uniform, in attendance as they have for his first games at each of his previous three major league stops. The difference this time: Champ, Joc and their two other siblings grew up in Palo Alto, attending Giants games.

An open invitation to his brother’s clubhouses is nothing new for Champ but after Joc’s tenures in Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta, the family no longer has to obscure their true allegiances.

“The Dodgers, they completely embraced Champ,” said Shelly Pederson, the boys’ mother. “The Cubs and the Braves were, you know, inclusive and welcoming, as well. But then for Joc to go to his locker and have a name plate for him and a jersey the first day, it was pretty amazing.”

While Joc played his first game as a Giant, Champ looked on.

“I know it was hard for him to transition to a Dodgers fan, but he did it anyway,”joc said.“he’s supported me all the time. To be able to come home to his favorite team he grew up watching. … He’s super excited.”