I am hoping that this will be the first and last 'first' post that I will ever need to make for a blog - and with saying that I am quite excited. I was first introduced to this blog-community through an ad on Craigslist, and I am excited to see where it goes. With this little bit of internet bandwidth, I plan to address everything sports about Los Angeles. This includes the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, Galaxy (?) and of course, my Los Angeles Dodgers. So please check back as often as you like, as I have been preparing for this ride for my whole life!

Continue reading "There can only be one [first post]"

Below is a paper I wrote for a course I took about Los Angeles. My paper focuses on the highly unique atmosphere of Los Angeles and more specifically how it affects LA's sports culture.  

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Over the past century Los Angeles has built a reputation for being a professional sports mecca; numerous sports franchises such as the Dodgers and Lakers have learned to thrive on the diversity Los Angeles brings to its stadiums and become as successful off the fields, as they have been on them. The focus of the paper will be on the extremely diverse and nuanced political dynamics within Los Angeles sports culture. More specifically, I will look at different aspects of the politics, including the economics behind running a team along with the politics behind the building/renovations of stadiums. This will explain the political stalemate between the NFL and the city of Los Angeles, along with the reasons behind the lack of a professional football team in LA. This includes looking into the economic advantages and disadvantages of building a new stadium within the city, and the difficult logistical decisions that must be made. I will then move on to investigate the current renovations proposed for Dodger Stadium, and how this should not have surprised anyone. The larger issue of Gentrification has become extremely common within sports politics; I wish to look at these issues regarding the renovations of Dodger Stadium, the Coliseum, and the newly proposed Rose Bowl plan, and explore possible issues of race.

Continue reading "Some easy reading..."

Whether you play in a Yahoo points league with a couple of close friends or a rotisserie league with some guys from work, fantasy baseball gives us the unique ability to become a GM and do whatever it takes to win the championship. Along with winning the respect, praise, and money of your fellow league-members, first place in a league gives you the most coveted currency in sports – bragging rights.

After participating in way too many fantasy leagues, I’ve learned a few things that can aid you in a successful season. Remember, anything that can happen will happen (and usually only to you) so not everything mentioned below will always be the best option.

1.) Know what stats are being counted. Find out sooner rather than later! You will feel like an idiot if you draft a speedy player and the league you’re in doesn’t even count stolen bases.

Continue reading "Fantasy Basebal!"