A native of the city, I have had a love affair with my Los Angeles Dodgers since I can remember. As a young girl some of my fondest memories are watching the game with my dad – listening to Vin Scully and Jerry Doggett on a summer afternoon. I vividly remember Fernando Valenzuela’s arrival and Fernandomania throughout the Southland. That awesome team with Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, and Ron Cey that brought us a championship all those years ago still gives me goose bumps! And Tommy! Oh yes, Tommy Lasorda – I remember being at Chávez Ravine, feeling the ground shake as he ran out to scream at the umpire. Those were the days…
More recently, I have not had so much to be excited about. However, like the rest of the Los Angeles Dodgers loyal, I put up with the high ticket prices, dubious ownership, and lack of a well-thought out plan. I’m there, every season hoping that this one will be different. When popular players like Eric Gagne and Paul LoDuca are traded away, I humbly take the ensuing punishment. When the new owner adds seats to the stadium and makes my usual lower box placement less desirable, I buy another beer and act like it never happened.
But alas, a ray of hope! Joe Torre has arrived! Of course, my first instinct was cautious elation. What good would a manager do without a team? I felt bad for poor Grady Little as well – although he did not bring us a title, he didn’t exactly run the team into the ground either. At any rate, I could only hope that Torre’s arrival did not mean that Frank McCourt had figured that he opened up his wallet enough to appease the fans for now. Luckily, we did get a few more…Jeff Kent is staying and they have signed Andruw Jones. There is even rumor that they are looking to sign Japanese pitching star Hiroki Kuroda. Great! Let’s not stop there! Keep it coming Frank!
As the Los Angeles Dodgers 50th anniversary season draws near, I grit my teeth in anticipation. I cross my fingers for a winning season. Like any love affair, this one has had its ups and downs. Mostly downs in the last decade or so but who’s counting? I can only dream that my Dodgers will bring me the season that the fans have waited so long to enjoy.
Please?
Keywords: Chavez Ravine, Davey Lopes, Eric Gagne, Fernando Valenzuela, Frank McCourt, Grady Little, Jerry Doggett, Joe Torre, Los Angeles Dodgers, Paul LoDuca, Ron Cey, Steve Garvey, Vin Scully
Comments
I couldn't agree with you more. Over the past few years my wife and I have typically gone to 5-10 games per year... last year we went to zero. And they actually had a decent team, but it's just not interesting with all these old guys who come in and collect good paychecks.
I do think McCourt is willing to spend money, which is good. In fact I think I read that the Dodgers have like the 3rd highest payroll in the MLB.
The other day when saw Lo Duco and Gagne sign one year deals, I wished the Dodgers had picked them back up.