Roberts on Jon Lovitz’s Dry Humor in Smith’s Comedy Shows

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is scheduled to host the third annual Dodgers Comedy Night on May 7, 2026. The event is organized as part of the Netflix is a Joke comedy festival.

The evening serves as a fundraiser for the Catching Hope foundation. The organization was launched by Smith and his wife with the goal of providing at-risk youth with essential skills in self-sufficiency and leadership.

The event places the All-Star catcher in an unconventional role, requiring the typically stoic athlete to take the stage to welcome guests and engage with the audience before professional comedians begin their sets.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has observed a specific comedic style in Smith, noting that Will has that dry humor. Roberts compared this delivery to that of professional comedian Jon Lovitz, stating, Jon Lovitz is a comedian, and he has that dry humor, so there you go.

Clubhouse Perspectives on Comedy

Within the Dodgers clubhouse, opinions vary on who possesses the best comedic timing. While the general consensus among players is that Kiké Hernández is the funniest member of the team, Miguel Rojas also receives votes for the title.

Manager Dave Roberts added that Dalton Rushing is among the funnier players on the roster, though he noted that Rushing is not trying to be funny.

When asked who would be the ideal choice to host a comedy show, Freddie Freeman indicated that while he would have chosen Hernández, Smith’s unexpected suitability for the role is a highlight.

Kiké would be the one I would choose. Will Smith is the complete opposite of who I would think, but it kind of fits perfectly.

Freddie Freeman

The Evolution of a Host

Smith has not always been comfortable in the spotlight of a comedy stage. He admitted to feeling a level of anxiety regarding the requirement to deliver a speech to the crowd.

I was definitely a little anxious because you have to get up there and give a little speech, which I enjoy now. It kind of took me back to my high school days, where you have to give a speech in front of the whole school. It was a little worrisome, but it was fine. It was fun once I got up there.

Will Smith

Teammate Miguel Rojas observed that Smith’s role in the event has expanded over the three years. Rojas noted that during the first iteration of the event, Smith’s contribution was limited to a welcome address, but by the second event, he had begun incorporating jokes into his presentation.

Despite his stoic reputation on the field, Smith maintains creative control over his stage persona. He insists that he writes his own material, although he remains modest about the volume of comedy he delivers during the fundraiser.

I’m not saying too many jokes. Maybe one.

Will Smith