Northern California Jewish Sports Hall Of Fame Inductee - Champ Pederson, Motivational Speaker
Northern California Jewish Sports Hall Of Fame Inductee - Champ Pederson, Motivational Speaker
Inducted: 2022

Champ Pederson, a native of Palo Alto born with Down syndrome, is a motivational speaker and sports fan, especially in support of his brother, Joc, who plays for his hometown San Francisco Giants. While with the Dodgers, Joc won back-to-back World Series titles with the Dodgers in 2020 and the Atlanta Braves in 2021. The Pederson family grew up in Palo Alto as Giants fans. They relish Joc getting to play for his hometown team – especially Champ, whose inspirational journey as an advocate of those with Down syndrome has made him just as big a celebrity as his big league brother. Joc was inducted into the NCJSHOF in 2019.

This past November the NCJSHOF presented the first annual “Champ of the Year” honor to baseball player and coach Will Chapman who is deaf. This new award in Champ’s name honors student athletes in Northern California who exemplify courage and leadership in overcoming physical and mental challenges.

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