Tony Varela's Dodger Stadium Blog

A Stadium Blog Plug: "Los Angeles Stories" by Ry Cooder

 

 

Has any one heard of Ry Cooder? 

 

He is the guy who exposed the fabulous Cuban music of the Buena Vista Social Club some 10 or

more years back.  He also produced the multi-performer music album, “Chavez Ravine” which is

about the culture and time period of a Los Angeles Community that existed before the Dodger

 Stadium was built on top of it.  He said, "Chavez Ravine (today) is filled up with dirt."

 He also composed soundtracks for more than twenty films.

 

Well, Mr. Cooder has a new endeavor in prose with the book “Los Angeles Stories.” 

 I was able to catch his book signing and discussion at the Vroman’s Books in

Pasadena.  I bought and read the book amazingly.  I only read comics btw. 

 

Here is a glimps:

"What's that you say?

Nothing happens in Los Angeles?

Ask your downtown friends and neighbors , working folks

you pass on the street - the cross dressing piano player,

the Filopino labor agitator, the Mexican bolero singer, or the

steel string guitar-playing, dental technican- buy them a cup

of coffee and they'll tell you their stories.  Sit down, take a 

load off, try some pork fried rice.

 

Dig it and pick up on it, it happened like this." 

 

 

 

I highly recommend it.

 

Check it out.

Cooder discusses his new book with Los Angeles Times columnist Lynell George 

 

 

Aside from his book, Cooder also spoke about writer Dominic Stanzbury, artist Vincent Valdez,

musician Lalo Guererro, the inspiration of his book a 1931 City Directory, Don Normak's photo

historical book "Chavez Ravine A Los Angeles Story, his love for "golden era" Mexican films,

and his own Lowrider.

 

 

 Also check out Chávez Ravine: A Los Angeles Story circa 1949, by photographer Don Normark

 

Great stuff.

The Bikers are Back! 2nd annual Supercross @ Dodger Stadium

Happy New Year!!!!

 

 

Los Angeles, California welcomes the 2^nd Annual Monster Energy Drink Super Cross @ the

 Chavez Ravine- Dodger Stadium 2012.  

 

It’s a somber three o’clock afternoon.  The steady drizzle ended a few hours earlier. The city got a

good wash over the night and now the ocean is going to have a bad taste in its mouth.  Poor Santa

Monica.  I’m overlooking Downtown Los Angeles view from Stadium parking lot.  It’s quiet, no

sirens, the sound from the 110 freeway is soft.  The city is in chill mode.  No one moves.  I bet even

the birds in this part of town are too cold to get their flight on.   

 

This is the calm before the NOISE! . .

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

At check-in I have the thought to ask one of the Classic Dodger Vendors who have been working at

the Stadium since day 1 this exact question:

 

“Which Billionaire do you prefer to buy the Dodgers?”

 

Maybe that’s a bad way to put it. 

 

How about a comment, instead, like: “I hope a person who loves LA buys the Dodgers.”

 

Nuff said about this fiasco . . . enough damage has been done.

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

The grass is dead . . . . I’ll say it again, the grass is dead! On the baseball field once again. 

Thousands of tons of dirt have been shaped into a zigzagging, vertically challenging, maze of jumps

and quick turns that is going to kick some serious ass during tonight’s event- the track is ready to

go. 

 

No baseball, just Bikes. 

 

So Weird, but not as weird as when the Christian Harvest event comes to hold their worship

here at Dodger Stadium, last September.  Non-baseball events like these are very similar when it

comes to the participants who attend.  Bike enthusiast and the religious folk share a similar trait, devotion. 

 

 

Hold up!  I’m not knocking on the evangelical following because I call them “weird.” They love the

Dodgers, I’m sure, and they take up every seat in the Stadium.

Every seat!

 

They are powerful group, BUT, to the amazement of my Dodger co-worker Damian and me, we

are astonished that not one beer is sold during these Christian events. Now that’s just weird, to me. 

This is story I didn’t touch on last season, but I will another time, because this chilly evening, a

group of young professional dirt biker riders, straight out of hell, are about to take over Dodger

Stadium tonight.

 

It’s going to be the Night of the Living Biker Fans.  The Supercross fans, straight out of Valencia,

out of San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside, Los Angeles County, Ventura,

Azusa, Glendora, the people who my buddy J.C the Fry Guy calls the “METAL MULISHA” are in

the house. 

 

 

 

Before the races start, fans were allowed to walk the track.

 

 

 

 

An hour or so later, Bike Riders to their practice runs. 

 

 

While flipping some burgers with the regular Burger Crew, it was impossible to not want to see the

Bike Riders make their practice runs, so when the moment was right I made it a out of the Stand to

check out the revving engines that are so loud that the noise is literally bouncing of the quarter

dome that is Dodger Stadium.  Near isle 14 (Reserve Level of course) I find Dodger Vendor

Extraordinaire Ronald Nelson checking out the view for himself. 

 

Ron then asks me, “Why did Evil Knievel need a parachute?” as he marveled at the highflying

Bikers soar through the air where shallow center field should be.  I agree.

 

For second I scrutinized the passing patrons.  There is an older bearded fellow wearing a stonewash

jean jacket with a sewed on patch that actually reads “Metal Mulisha.”  Where is that gang from? 

Next, a lady passes us, who I believe is about the age of my mom, and she is wearing a black hat

with a design of flaming fire on the bill of the cap.  A kid crossing her path I notice has a nylon key

chain that is hanging from his pocket with the printed word “Derelli.”  Nope, these peeps ain’t no

Dodger fans.  Very, interesting.

 

Back in the Stand the Crew is in full effect.  The Ladies of the Stand are back, J.C. the Fry Guy too,

 Eric the scrub made a visit, and strangely Anna(banana) returned with really positive spirits.  I

think it’s because she is now a married woman.  Anyway, we need to find our rhythm again.  The

menu has changed so we need to focus.  The Dodger season is just few months away.  Monster

Truck at the Stadium is just around the corner.

We whistle while we work: Pickles, Lettuce, Onions, Tomato- Pickles, Lettuce, Onions, Tomato,

over and over again. 

 

Meanwhile, the Supercross organizers are having a good time.  While me and the crew are in full

effect making Double Western Bacon Cheeseburgers, I noticed that a kid is getting the chance to

operate his remote control car on the dirt race track at the urging of the Supercross race

announcer who is narrating every turn of the tiny car.  The crowd seems to be amused at the fun

the kid is having.  The way the announcer talks, he almost sounds like Jimmy Hart the eccentric

manager of the Hart Foundation from the 80’s World Wrestling Federation, wa-back-when that

medium of entertainment was real. ;  )   

 Jimmy Hart, not the actual Supercross Announcer who is actually an Awesome Stadium Host!

 http://www.allwrestlingsuperstars.com/wrestling/jimmy-hart/

 

Back in the Burger Stand where I rule with the mighty Spoon, the biker enthusiasts are a starting to

snatch up all our delightful Dodger Dogs, Burgers, and fries.  These hungry people are a sight to see

looking out of the windows of our fast food box.  Before the races begin we get slammed by the

rough and tough people who wear black attire, beanies, and ball caps with flat bills, flannels, and

goatees. (Five o’clock shadows are in full effect.)  Lots of families too, mothers and father, sons and

daughters. 

 

 

As they line up in our a la cart line, J.C. the Fry Guy says to me, “Wow, so many heavenly souls.” 

He jests because he is a thrill seeking biker himself.  J.C. often describes his street bike experience

on the freeways as “Flying.”  So, we try to keep up with the demand on the burger line but the

people are eating our burgers like skittles.

 

I spy a LA hat but it’s not Dodger Blue, but Dodger Black.

 

“There are so many cute white guys,” Jasmine the Assistant to the Assistant says but I think she

just wanted me to write that. 

 

Ha! One dude is rocking a black poncho!

 

One sweater reads: Mayhem Street Riders.  Another reads OBEY.  Anther reads FOX, with a cool

icon of a fox face.  One lady who looks like a college professor is wearing a pink colored “Beautiful

Disaster” mesh trucker hat.  How cute! 

 

The races are about to go down.

 

On the Dodger Jumbo Tron, one of the featured biker rides says: “This is my time!”

The lights in the Stadium go out and the next thing I know a huge flame blasts out of a machine

located on the middle of the track (or second base).  A light show of green lasers criss-cross above

the race track like in the cartoon battles between G.I. Joe and Cobra.  So AWESOME!

 

 

The competition begins at 7:00pm.

 

1^st, there is the Supercross Lite Heat #2, consisting of 20 riders, 6 laps, top 9 riders advance to the

main event.  All others go to the Supercross Lite last chance qualifier.  Next is the Supercross Lite

Heat #1 , consisting of 20 riders, 6 laps, top 9 riders advance to the main event. By the time these

heats are over, it’s 9:23 pm and there is the impending Last Chance Qualifier, that consists of 22

riders, 6 laps, and the top 2 riders advance to the main event. 

 

The crowds were awed, thrilled, aghast, hanging by their seats, as the bikers ripped through the

 track.  The smell of fumes smoked out the entire Stadium.  Totally Awesome experience for all.

In the end, the winner of the 2012 Supercross is Eli Tomac. 

The Supercross Main Event of 20 riders, 20 laps, I believe this event is won by a kid with the last

name of Grant, who seemed to have a comfortable lead ahead of the 2^nd place rider.

 

 

 

Btw, here is last years Supercross Blog, check out my culture clash with the Biker fans:

http://tonyvarela.typepad.com/blog/2011/02/index.html

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

After the races . . .

 

Damian tells me, “All I did was wrap Dodger Dogs, take out the mats, sweep and mop the floor and I

was out of there.”  I kind of envy the guy.  At least he still makes D Dogs.   I mean, that is legit,

compared to making Burgers.  Phaa!  My friend has also been consistent with his chiding me about

my failure to post the last 8 blogs of the 2010 season.  What can I say but that the wheels fell off.  I

did write them so expect the completed posts this week or I have to hear more crap from my

buddy. 

 

On a final note, I really wish the Dodgers would give Clayton Kershaw the duckets (money) he asks.

 

Shall I say it?  Awww why not? 

GO DODGERS!!

 

84ever. 

A Sweep? & a Courageous Night

 

(Apology: Late Blog to the extreme, more will follow, regardless)

 

 

Clayton Kershaw 16-5 (3.74) versus Matt Latos 6-12 (2.51)

 

 

When Kershaw is on the mound we expect nothing more than excellence.  This is going to be a good

game, Latos seems like he is dealing with the weak run support that our Hiroki Kuroda had to deal

 with this season.  If Latos really has a 2.51 ERA then you have to feel sorry for homeboy.  Then

 again the statistics that tell of Lato’s statistics I see on the Dodger scoreboard might be an error by

 the scoreboard guy.  That ERA is way to sweet for a 6-12 record.

 

 

(5 minutes till the Stadium gates open)

 

Time to Flip some Burgers with the Crew . . . .

 

The fingers dance to the tune:

 

Pickles Lettuce Onions Tomato,

 

Pickles Onions Lettuce Tomato,

 

Pickles Onions Lettuce Tomato,

 

Pickles Lettuce Onions Tomato,

 

the fingers dance.

 

With the wave of the mayo Spoon, like conducting an orchestra with the conducting baton, to my

ingredients on the silver counter, to the beautiful and fresh ingredients produced from the fields of

 this beautiful land, for you to enjoy.  I spread the mayo, with the glide of the wrist.  The Broiler

 radiates, tasty bbq sauce, ranch dressing, tomato base sweet sauce, wax paper wrap . . .

 

Hamburger Helper by my side,

 

her fingers,

 

to the song,

 

flip,

 

fold,

 

wrap,

 

the burgers away.

 

Over and over and over and over and over again

 

To you.

 

   

“A Sweep,” I say to myself. 

 

(Thought Cloud)

 

A sweep.

 

“What’s a sweep?” 

 

HA!  . . . ha

 

That depends on who you ask around this Stand.

 

Everybody knows that in the game of baseball, “a Sweep” is defined for example, if the Dodgers

 win all three games of a three game series against the San Diego Padres this weekend (hopefully) -

 But there is another connotation to this word. 

 

Consequently, “A sweep,” is also a superstitious-marital thing to the Spanish speaking Ladies of this

 Stand.  It’s the same story to La Salvadorena, La Mexicana, La Nicaraguensa, and even the La

 Chicana.  They all agree on this one. 

 

I’m talking about the actual act of Sweeping with for crap’s sake!

 

I didn’t know this.  I didn’t know that I have to be very careful with a broom around my co-

workers.

 

 

“Don’t sweep my feet Tony,” Bossy Lady tells me one game day while I’m in the act, “If you do I

 won’t get married.” 

 

(Huh?)

 

At that time I wasn’t really concerned with what she said.  I just kept on sweeping.  Like an

 obsessive compulsive fool, I continued to rapidly sweep up all the tiny bits of lettuce that escaped

 my creation; Sweep up the sesame seeds that jumped the buns; Sweep up the slippery sliced pickles

 that look so sad on the floor; and Sweep up, lastly, the lonely French fries into the plastic dust pan. 

 I do my job indiscriminately, because, when I’m done I usually go to my break.  Bossy said, “Don’t

 sweep my feet” but I took no heed.    

 

Then it happened.

 

While cleaning up around my silver prep counter where I rest my Spoon after making a round of

 burgers I accidentally swipe some broom bristles over Ms. Jazzy’s fake black Vans and all of the

 sudden she screeches out loud like she just saw a mouse: “EEEEEKKKK!” 

 

(It was unintentional!) Overtly negligent and careless, but it was an accident.  It took only a second

but I then realized I just cursed her with the sweep of her feet.  Marriage is out the window for her! 

 Yikes!  In the glare of her beautiful black eyes I can see her grab the broomstick from my hands

and break it over my head.  Suddenly, three tiny chirping birds circle over and around my head.

  XX’s appear over my eyes before I spin to the floor unconscious. 

 

(Thought Cloud)

 

I would later become notorious for squashing any sign of matrimony. 

 

Again, another day, another game, while cleaning up around my silver prep counter where I rest

 my Spoon after making a round of burgers, I accidentally swipe with the bristles of my greasy

 broom Boss Ladies oil slip resistant shoes and all of the sudden she cries out, “TONY!!!!” 

 

(It was an accident!!) 

 

In the glare of her glare eyes I can see her clench her fist, wind-up like Popeye on Spinach where

 then Boss Lady punches me right in the gut.  I keel over and then with her other hand she smashes

a bag of fresh cut lettuce, over my head.  Then she walks away nonchalantly. 

 

 “I’m so sorry,” boss I  think, while laid out on the floor. 

 

Again, another day, another game, while cleaning up around my silver prep counter where I rest

my Spoon after making a round of burgers, (let me catch my breath) I accidentally swipe the black

swimming pool slipper  shoes of my very own Hamburger Helper.  She freezes in her tracks, stares

at me, her teeth cringed, and like out of a scene from the game Mortal Combat, black daggers shoot

out of her pupils that shank me in the heart!  Hamburger Helper walks away:  Game Over.

 

AGAIN!!!!!, while cleaning up around my silver prep counter where I rest my Spoon after making

a round of burgers I automatically realized that I am sweeping way to close to Anna Bananna's feet,

 who, is the Lady of the Stand that is about to get married this November. 

 

 “Anna, are you worried  that I sweep your feet,” I ask her. 

 

“I don’t care,” she replied as if to criss cross me with a bit of attitude and independence. 

At that moment, I began to think to myself that I have the answer to my past anti-

matrimonial transgressions.  I can reverse all of the damage I have done this past season! 

 

“Anna, look.” I tell her.  I grab my broom and sweep my own feet for a whole minute.  “Look!” I

 exclaim. “I’m reversing the curse, I’m reversing the curse!”  She shakes her head and carries on

about doing nothing. 

 

The marriages are on man!

 

(Pop goes the thought balloon)

 

“The Burgers are Dun Man!” 

 

The Boss Lady sends me on my break. 

 

And I am off . . .

 

Walking to the break room perch I see a fellow walking the Reserve Concourse is wearing a Sandy

Kofax #32 jersey, sweet.

 

Another fellow is wearing a T with an image of Mr. T that reads “Shut up foo!”

 

No way! On the Dodger Jumbo Tron it says that you can text a certain # for a chance to win free

burritos for a year a Chipotle Grill!  This is definitely the best promotion of the year. 

 

 I go to find Drew the Usher who at his usual spot directing fans to their seats and I invite him to eat

my extra Dodger Dog.  He is more than happy to oblige, of course.  After he chomps on his first bite

he expresses, “This is good.”  I had added a slice of cheese, tomato, and a bit of mayo.  Drew then

brings up the comedian Gabriel Iglesias again, because the dude was doing his comedy bit here at

the Stadium last weekend. 

 

“Did I ever tell you I met Gabriel Iglesias”

 

“No.”

 

“Yeah, I met him because me and my mom were going to buy his condo in Whiter.”

 

“No kidding.”

 

“Yeah, I asked him what level he thought I was, but (Iglesias) didn’t know what I meant, so I asked

him what level of “fatness” he thought I was.”

 

“Oh, are you fluffy or not,” I questioned.

 

Drew is still not finished with his Dodger Dog because he is talking- other wise it would be long

gone.

 

“Yeah, Gabriel Iglesias told me that I wasn’t even close to fluffy,” Drew shrugged of the notion as if

he knew he has the potential anyway.

 

Next thing, Drew does is wipe his mouth with a napkin after his last bite. 

 

 

 

 

 

The music of De La Soul’s “Me, Myself, and I” is funking out of the Stadium Ghetto Blasters when

we exit the break room and Drew begins to reminisce of the movie “Good Burger” where there is a

scene in the film that features this jam. 

 

I see a dude wearing a James Loney #7 jersey.  That’s the first one I’ve seen all season long.  Then

another True Blue fans appears his #34 Valenzuela jersey, like true brother of the Blue

Brotherhood.  Nice!

 

Next, the Stadium Field Announcer introduces the a woman by the name of Martha, who is on hand

to throw a “1^st pitch” off the mound in representation of the USC Cancer Hospital and USC Norris

Hospital.  The Dodgers have done such a good job bringing the people who are behind Cancer

research and Cancer treatment this season, like a constant reminder that our friends and family

must never underestimate the likelihood of this enigmatic disease.  I have a friend in mind right

now who is slowly succumbing to Cancer right now.  I think if my friend Jamal Navarro everyday.

 

The Veteran of the Game, according to the Dodger Field Announcer is a “Long time Dodger Fan”, a

member of the Marine Corps who fought the war during the Invasion of Baghdad in Iraq.  States

Marine Corps Veteran David Franco who was awarded the Purple Heart after surviving a missile

attack which “flipped his tank” while on patrol, is on hand to    

 

The National Anthem is performed by Drew Drysdale, daughter of former Dodger pitcher great

Don Drysdale.  She stands tall like her father, beautiful blond hair, the sound of her voice has a

touch of Country but not really.  The Dodger Vision camera features her proud mother near the

Dodger Dugout and Marine David Franco saluting the Flag during her performance.  When Drew D.

is done with her last note, the fans in attendance respond with a hearty applause.  Sweet. 

 

Next,   

 

On the field there are three Seeing Eye Guide Dog handlers just before home plate.  Eric, the

Rookie from my Stand mentioned a woman who is blind was going to the throw the actual

ceremonial fist pitch for today’s game.  Low and behold a woman named Lorrie Bernson, who had

lost her sight at a younger age, according to the Field Announcer, has been given the honors.  A

dozen or so Guide Dog handlers with their beautiful Golden Retrievers and Black Labradors are

present as Ms. Bernson takes the mound.  Just a few feet before the mound she gets in her wind-up,

recoils with ball in hand, and launches a straight on pitch that bounces just twice before reaching

the Dodger catchers mitt.  The hairs on my arms come alive with excitement.  The applause from

the crowd is huge. 

So AWESOME!

 

pic courtesy of inflexwetrust.com

 

The starting line-up of the Dodgers is about to be announced and I’m on my way back to the Burger

Stand to join my Crew.

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

I’m too busy to know what is going on in the game but I’m positive Loney hit another homer with a

man on base.   Kershaw cruises to his 17^th win and the Dodgers take game one of three against San

Diego. 

 

For Jamal.

 

Go Dodgers

 

84          

  

9/11/11-Los Angeles Fire Department Training Center parking lot near Dodger Stadium ... A man visits a piece of the World Trade Center to take a moment to remember the lost lives on 9/11 and the brave Men and Women who made the ultimate sacrifice to save them.

Peace and Love to everyone.

Dodger v. Rockies: Little Jack Sparrows @ the Ravine?

And the BEST News  . . .

Vin Sculley and staff will return for 2012!!!  I didn’t mention this last post . . . my bad, but what a

wonderful thing to know.  This is definitely the most satisfying Dodger fact of the season, thus far. 

Now all we need to hear is a Cy Young and an MVP award for, You-know-who.    

_____________________________________________________________________

 

Chad Billingsley 10-10 (4.07) versus Kevin Millwood 1-1 (4.50)

 

 

Today’s Sunday game, Last Comedian Standing standout Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias performs some

 of his shits and giggles at the Viva Los Dodgers stage in the Dodger parking lot.  When Iglesias

came up my crew members in the Stand kept talking about his stand-up comedy videos and quoting

some of his hilarious punch lines.  I would have repeated a few if I remembered his stuff but I

couldn’t.  Maybe I should borrow my Fry Guys’ DVD.  It’s cool; I make up my own jokes anyway.

 

 

The entertainment begins with the South Gate High School Cheer Squad in the middle of Center

Field, dancing everywhere; a few girls getting lifted by the pyramid; others kicking their legs up to

the heavens in their red, black, and gold colors.  They all have Pom Poms; jumping straight up and

busting spits in the air- crazy enthusiasm. Great job!

 

I learned that TODAY is actually the 45^th anniversary that the Beatles rocked the sock off the

crazy teens back in 1968.  The Stadium Ghetto blasters are still pumping their jams. 

 

I’m still trying to find out what this “Muscle Milk” drink is about that is being peddled at the

Stadium  . . . And I’m wondering if James Loney drinking it?

 

A vendor rolls up to me and days: “No esta bueno, no hay gente.”  (This isn’t good, there are no

people)  I think he is over exaggerating a bit. Maybe he is just tired of walking up and down the isles

and not selling enough popcorn.

 

 

The Veteran of the Game is a Senior Citizen and prolific citizen named James Cooper who served

with the African American Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.  According to the Dodger Field

Announcer, Mr. Cooper served for a total of 35 years and mentored many in the military air field. 

A “True Pioneer” the FA refers to him.  (This guy is super-bad-ass). Just looking at this gentleman

stand tall and proud at his age, standing just before home plate while the entire Stadium applauding

him get me really pumped up.  Awesome. 

 

The National Anthem is performed by, coincidently, Genevieve Cooper.  She is dressed in a

Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band type of get-up and she churned out a very playful

vaudevillian type, fun, rendition of the NA.  The Stadium loved it!

 

During my break I found my good buddy Drew the Jedi Dodger Usher at his usual place in isle 22

doing his fine job of directing the people to their seats.  (I wonder how many 99 Cent Store beach

balls he has confiscated this season)  He tells me that he has “Put in (his) name down” to play the

National Anthem with his trumpet.  This is great news!  “I’m going to be so jealous of you” I told

him.  Just because he is going to touch the infield grass, that’s all.  “Make it happen!” I stressed.    

 

Looking out at the Stadium attendance from the break room perch near isle 10, it looks to me, that

this day might be the weakest turn out yet.  I might have spoken too soon since the game is about to

start in 10 minutes and people have still got to get out of church so we will see.  I remember

Sundays to be THE day to come to the game not to long ago . . . I’m over it. 

 

Someone said that it is 100 degrees today with some super humidity.  My guess is that this climate

is Dodger “win” weather, so we shall see . . .

 

These fans have the best game apparel, seriously-

 

I see some fellow who is rocking a brand new Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson #42 jersey and his

 companion is wearing a Matt Kemp #42 jersey.  What a cute couple.

 

 

 

 

 

Aye!

 

Well what doYee know!

 

There is a Disney promotion going down right now featuring some cartoon pirate characters. 

(Disney @ Dodger Stadium! No way!) The characters are called the “Neverland Pirate Band- Jake

and the Neverland Pirates.”  The Dodger Jumbo Tron, features a Cartoon short of the Disney

Pirate gang in a scene where Captain Hooks pirate kids are playing a game of baseball.  The main

character, Jake, says something like “My favorite team the Los Angeles Dodgers” while his is up to

bat.  Nice! Some original animation from the Disney/Nickelodeon studios- On the phone I ask my

daughter about the cartoon and she says, “It’s for 2 year olds.”

 

While this video is playing, Nancy Bea is on the organ keys playing the defining pirate song, “Yo Ho

Ho a Pirates Life for Me!”

 

Next thing I notice are kids wearing some orange Neverland Pirate bandanas, like do-rags, which

are apparently being handed out at the Stadium gates. 

 

This is good.

 

These little scallywags are future Dodger fans after all. 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________ 

 

Anyway,

 

It’s so hot, a fan is fanning the face of the bartender at the beer portable as she pours his drink.  Ha!

 

The coolest t-shirt I’ve seen is a Mr. T “Shut up foo!” graphic. 

 

I’m a sucker for the 80’s.

 

While I’m jotting down some notes in my trusty little note pad, a Dodger vendor rolls up to me and

days: “No esta bueno, no hay gente.”  (This isn’t good, there are no people)  I think he is over

exaggerating a bit because the Stadium is still filling up, or maybe, he is just tired of walking up and

down the isles and not selling enough popcorn. 

 

We are all suffering. 

 

I’m about to go back to flipping burgers before I see a fellow with a fedora and the sweetest Sandy

Kofax #32 jersey. 

 

NO WAY! And just when I thought that the Dodgers org. was pulling all the stops in an effort to

bring in more fan attendance (Like a Dodger Hello Kitty promotion- Are you Serious!) now,

according to a Jumbo Tron promotion, if you text a # presented on the monitor, a person can win

free burritos for a year @ Chipotle Mexican Grill. 

 

Today is full of surprises.  The ceremonial 1^st pitch of the game is thrown by the CEO of the Muscle

 Milk product sold here at the Stadium and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias begins the game with a “It’s

time for Dodger baseball,” with his own guest.  Nice.

 

 

 

 

The game,

 

Billingsley is questionable.  Just when I think he is going to get a few wins in a row, he gets stuck in

the mud.  Kevin Millwood does his best and the Rockies win this one.  I remember when he was

kicking tale with the Atlanta Braves way-back-when.  He has heart, alright.

 

Dodgers are making it happen none the less.

 

Go Dodgers.

 

84

The Beatles Return to the Ravine: KEMP Powers 30th Homer! Simply Awesome . . .

 

 

 

Ted Lilly 7-13 (4.58) versus Colorado Rockie Esmil Roger 6-2 (6.00)

 

Tonight’s game commemorates the 45^th anniversary of the Beatles 1966 Concert @ Dodger Stadium. The Friday Night Firework after the game will blast off to the music of the Beatles. 

 

So cool- The wallpaper of the Dodger Jumbo Tron screen is lit up with moving kaleidoscope spirals behind the font that reads:

 

CR vs. LA

 

Totally psychedelic, a la the Revolver album by the Beatles via 1966.

 

 

In the Stand we are trying to get warmed up for another seven game homestand.  I’m a bit tired because I was teaching the school today- First week back.

 

The action on the gigantic Dodger Vision Monitor aka Jumbo Tron is already getting started and the gates don’t open for another hour and a half.

 

An older video short is playing on the Jumbo Tron that features television personality Bob Eubanks who is speaking with a person I’m not familiar with.  The two men are sitting at a table with four Beatle bobbleheads in front of them.  Ubanks who originally promoted and booked the Beatle gig at the Stadium is telling a tale about how they got the Beatles out of the Chavez Ravine after the concert.  Apparently, the Beatles were to leave the ball park via “armored car” but someone had slashed the tires, so the people that be thought of using an ambulance that was originally supposed to be used as a decoy to for the armored car.  The vehicles were parked at the 76 gas station in the Stadium parking lot due to the damage.  There, there were a bunch of young fans that was composed of about 99% of women that surrounded the ambulance and they couldn’t go anywhere until a motorcycle group of Hells Angels showed up and disbursed the crowd.  Ubanks says that the ambulance and the armored car that contained that was transporting the Beatles left Chavez Ravine following a pack of Hells Angels.  Ha!

 

 

-After flipping burgers, I get to go to break and the Dodger pre-game program is in effect.

 

The action on the infield is being entertained by the Dodger Field Announcer who says to everyone one in attendance, that tonight, is also the 11^th annual “Strike Out AIDS Night at the Stadium.  Tanya Rodriquez and other representatives of this group are introduced one-by-one by the FA.

 

We are also told that this evening also marks the 18^th Episcopalian Church Night.  The reps from the Church are also introduced by the FA.  They look like wonderful caring people to me.   

 

The “sponsored” 1^st pitch of the night is thrown by a man named Terry Lee, who is the president of the company that produces the Nongshim the Noodle Bowl, a new feature on the menu at Dodger Stadium “Where you can sample it on the Reserve Level.”  It’s kind of like a cup-o-noodles without the chicken and shrimp flavors. 

 

The Veteran of the Game is a LA native, with a 21 year career in the military, which started when he was 18 years old.  He served on the U.S.S Missouri his first year and since then he has spent many years over seas transporting land use vehicles around the globe.  He is a 2009 UCLA graduate with a major in telecommunication, Petty Officer 1^st Class Robert Palma. Robert got a really nice applause from the Stadium crowd.  

 

The National Anthem is performed by Tony Award winner Michael Miguire of “Le Miserables.”  This gentleman is the real deal tenor.  As Mr. Miguire performs it’s cool to see Justin Sellers, Jaime Carroll, and Aaron Miles stand together with there hands and caps over their hearts as they listen to the song- Our mighty Dodger infielders, 2011.

 

 

It time for the introduction of the Dodger starting line-up. 

 

Dodger Manager, Don Mattingly is the first to be introduced.   Comic book thought bubble over my head reads: I like our skipper.  He has done his best to manage the cards he was dealt with.  Let’s see if we can get to .500 at least.

 

The first player introduced is Justin Sellers, who is batting lead-off.  Bubble over the head reads I like our new short stop too.  (Better than Dee, for now)

 

While writing down my notes in my trusty pocket note pad I spot American Idol alum and Fan Photo guy Jules Sanchez and tell him that I really liked his performance of “God Bless America,” last home stand.  He tells me that he got a call around 6:45 pm that day and was asked to sing.  So he went home to take a shower instead of working the camera at the Stadium.  Jules tells me that the girl who was scheduled to sing the song in the 7^th inning “didn’t know the words.”  Ha! Next thing he knows, Jules is impressing thousands of people with his vocal.  Pretty cool. 

 

 

 

 

 

So! Tonight the Dodgers organization is commemorating the 45^th anniversary of the historic arrival of the Beatles to Dodger Stadium.  Sweet.  The Dodger Jumbo Tron features a sweet montage of Beatle pic from there performance at the Ravine, along with other images from their storied career.  Along with this the Stadium ghetto blasters are sampling a bunch of songs.

 

♫ “She loves you, Yeah,

                              Yeah,

                              Yeah! ♫

 

♫ “I wanna hold your hand!”♫

 

A Jumbo Tron slide of the cover from the 1966 Revolver album.

 

♫The tripped out drum beat of “Tomorrow Never Knows”  is thumping out loud!

 

♫ “We all live in the Yellow Submarine!”♫

 

♫ “Cuz I’m THE Taxman!”♫

 

♫ “Paper back writer, paper back writer!”♫

 

♫ “We’re Sergeant Pepper Loney Hearts Club Band!”♫

 

♫ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds!” ♫ 

 

♫ “Hold ooooon! The Magical Mystery Tour! ♫

 

Video footage of the Beatles running onto the stage at Dodger Stadium as they briefly wave with their instruments in hand. 

 

Big fan myself.

 

 

 

I see a hard core Dodger fan is strolling the Reserve concourse rocking last years “The Rivalry Renewed LA (Dodgers) vs. NY (Yankees) T-shirt.

 

The first pitch of the game is tossed by no one other than the man responsible for landing the Stadium Beatle performance and the two night shows at Hollywood Bowl, channel 9 KTLA Emmy winner, and Pasadena Rose Parade host Bob Eubanks.  Eubanks with his son Nick walk up to below the pitchers mound and he throws a low pitch into the mitt of A.J. Ellis.  The Dodger Field Announcer says, “It’s in the glove Bob, nice job.” 

 

Looking up at the rows of the contour seats toward third base side anyone can tell that the Stadium half empty (or less). 

 

What is really hard not to notice is all of the Andre Ethier t-shirts and jerseys.  There are so many of them, it’s hard to think that we can possibly lose Andre next season.  Dang it.

 

WHAT! I see a Mexican dude wearing a “SKIN” t-shirt!  No MAMES!

 

The folks in their wheel chairs getting ready to watch the game near by are AWESOME Dodger fans!

 

The cover of the newest issue of Dodger Magazine features Matt Kemp in his National League All-Star duds. 

 

The Dodgers take the field and the meager crowd provides our players with some hearty hoots and hollers & some whistles too.

 

The Dodger Jumbo Tron tells the Stadium that Matt Kemp has played in 333 consecutive games, the longest current streak in MLB.     There is an advertisement for a new drink called “Muscle Milk”, I wonder if Kemp has been mixing that in his Wheaties . . .

 

I see a lady with a t-shirt that says, “:My heart belongs to the Dodgers”-a Pink t-shirt?

 

Got to go back to flippin patties

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

I have a ten minute break so I’m heading back to the break room perch to catch the action.

 

It’s the top of the 6^th inning, not a single run from the Dodgers for Lilly.  Rockies 1- Dodgers.  I go out of the Stand to take a look at the game in play and I see Ted Lilly Strike Out Rockies short stop Troy Tulowiski looking, to end the 6th.

 

 Heck YEAH.  The crowd goes nuts. 

 

A Los Angeles Police Officer standing next to isle 6 tells me, “How’s it going sir?”  Cool!

 

Comic book thought bubble: “How many times have I seen Todd Helton take the field for Colorado?  The guy is Awesome, I have to admit.”

 

I think it’s the first time all season that I have heard (notice) a person listing to his iphone (?) for play by play radio action on KABC, or some other network.  I’d do it too if I was an “Apple guy”.

 

Bottom of the 7^th I hear the excitement.  It sounds like the Boys are breaking open the game!  Matt Kemp just hit a three run homer, his 30^th of the year!  Looking out side of the I can see a boy no older than 13 years old boy with a #15 Furcal jersey, pick up his little brother and celebrate with the rambunctious Stadium fans. 

 

My buddy Damian tells me that the sound of the fans was the loudest he had ever heard from this type of attendance.  “MVP! MVP! MVP!” was being hollered like I remember when Adrian Betre was on top of his game here.  SO AWESOME!

 

Lilly did great.  That’s 4 in a row.

 

Dodgers win.

 

I’m out of air.

 

84

 

 

 

 

 

(Warning! Late Blog!) Dodger Back Pack Give Away Day @ Dodger Stadium

Hiroki Kuroda 7-14 (3.01)

 

Versus

 

Houston Astros Jordan Lyles 1-6 (4.87)

 

 

The National Anthem is performed by the long winded vocal of Loretta Divine. 

 

Wowsers!

 

It’s the longest version of the NA that I have ever heard  . . . and I mean every note, was held to the

 full extent of each vowel and consonant. 

 

An excellent job, I wonder what church Loretta sing in every Sunday. 

 

 

(A Digression)

 

 

All Season long I couldn’t help but notice the recurrent practice of,

 

The Art of Thee Rolling of the Eyes

 

(All though not excessive)

 

“Why is it an art?” you might entertain . . . 

 

Well, I believe, that the Ladies of my/our Burger Stand do it like champs quite frankly. 

I have learned that it is definitely a reaction or should I say effect of a particular cause, me.  When

a pair of eyes roll, it’s translates into the response: "Whatever(s) . . .”

 

 

The Rolling of the Eyes, it may be a skill that requires lots of attitude and practice (or it maybe a

habit?) by the perpetrator. I’m not sure.  I’m certain of one thing.  It’s really annoying. 

 

Can I get scientifical about this?  Maybe not.  But I have noted a few special examples committed

against me.  First, it must be noted that the act is a physical response to an incident between two

people.  It’s easy to say that the cause of the Rolling of the Eyes occurs when a particular person,

 like me, commits an action which in turn causes the eyes of the other to flip like gold medalist

 Mary Lou Retton. To put it simple, the action is meant to undermine or discount the actions of the

former.  

 

Types of Eye Rolling: 

 

The Slot Machine, when the eyes roll straight back ward.

 

The Rainbow, when the eyes make an entire 180º loop.

 

The Check Mark, when the eyes make like a pencil and jot down before zipping up at a 45° angle.

 

The Horizontal, when the eyes shoot to the left (or right).  This may not actually count as a “roll”

but when my Boss Lady did it to me last homestand, it sure felt like the same thing.

 

Being that I am the Main Spoon on the Dodger Stadium Burger line this year and given the fact

that I am prone to saying some dorky things or committing some questionable actions that call for

 such a reaction as Eye Rolling, it should be noted that it is only due to my constant interaction with

 my fellow Stand workers that this reaction is perpetrated against me.  And as I have mentioned

before, I work with primarily women. 

 

For now on, I will always say, “There is NO eye rolling in baseball.”

 

Stop the insanity.

________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Back to the Back Pack Give Away at the Ravine.

 

Everyone.  Listen up.  This 2011 season, the ambiance of the Stadium was seriously damaged.

  Brian Stow has beaten and almost died on the pavement of the Stadium parking lot during Opening

Day.  Enter the large presence of Los Angeles Police officers at the Stadium today.  Exit, the

wandering trouble makers that look for trouble when the game got boring.  And now, today, I saw

the reemergence of the family atmosphere that is, and will always be at Dodger Stadium.  - It’s

back!

 

Bring you young ones to Dodger Stadium, say hello to your local neighborhood police officer,

catch the Dodger pitching rotation throw a heck of a game, introduce them to the voice of Vin

 Scully, teach your children the game of Baseball as the action takes place. 

 

It’s safe here.  I know because I see it.

 

Today at the Family ball park, from my break room perch,

 

I see so many babies.

 

I see so many Dads carrying them around.

 

I see grand parents in section 9, holding up their binoculars to spy on the details.

 

That lucky little boy rests his head on his mommy’s shoulder

 

I spy an entire family nucleus: Mom, Pops, Son, Daughter, and grandma trailing a few feet behind. 

 

Those kids like their Frozen Lemonade!

 

That little girl is rocking a #16 Ethier jersey. 

 

The Jumbo Tron reads: Junior Dodgers- Sign up your kids.

 

There are some emo looking teens, rocking the skinny jeans. (Stadium fashion no-no)

 

Today, Sunday, Families of All Cultures, of all Backgrounds are here!!

 

Boss Lady tells me there are 10,000 people on the Reserve Level- Fantastic!

 

In passing a father reassures his son, “I’ll get you an Icee in a couple of innings, ok?”

 

In passing I woman refers to her child as “A spoiled little brat.”  Ha!

 

Toddles on mommy’s lap watching the game.  The children, sitting in their seats, behaving, I hear

 baby crying in one of the top rows of the Reserve. 

 

Pull your kid bythe wrist if the fall behind, I hate to see it when they get lost.

 

Some one once wrote in an LA Times Editorial: “Dodger Stadium isn’t family friendly”, another

wrote that it’s “Like a Raider game.”  I have read, “I’m not taking my kids there anymore.” Well

guess what, a little bit of competitive banter is good for them.  Los Angelinos are tuff, we don’t back

down, we love our team and we do not quit on our Dodgers.  Teach them the proper etiquette of the

 Dodger game experience. 

 

Let’s take our Stadium back.

 

 

The game,

 

Dodgers get 7 shout out innings from Hiroki Kuroda. 

 

Justin Sellers hit his first Major League homerun and the crowd went crazy!

 

The kids saw a good game today, the seed is planted, watch it grow.

 

No one rolled there eyes at me today but Bossy did it last night.  Like an up hill battle, there is much

 “There is no eye rolling in baseball” to be said.   

 

Kuroda gets run support, Dodgers win 7-0.

 

Awesome.

 

84

Taiwan is in the House Tonight! And a Kershaw Delight.

 
Eric the Co-Fry Guy had to chance this Guy down for this pic : )

 

Clayton Kershaw 13-5 (3.52) versus Astros Wandy Rodriguez 8-8 (3.52)

 

 The evening started off on a humble to tone for me.  There is a party of people who are wearing t

-shirts with an image of a man named Bobby Salcedo, a teacher and school administrator (From El

 Monte I believe) who was killed by would-be Drug cartel people while he was visiting family in

Mexico.  The t-shirts read “Win for Bobby Salcedo” above his altruistic picture.  My heart goes out

to his family.  Best wishes to all the effort of his loved ones to keep his memory alive- May justice

 be served.

 

Upon entering the Stadium I notice there is a huge presence of people that I have never seen

 before.  Some of them are commercial photographers or promoters of some sort. 

 

 

Wow!

 

What’s the occasion? 

 

Aah Ha!  Guess what Folks!

 

It’s Taiwan Heritage Night @ Dodger Stadium!

 

This might be huge considering the scope of Taiwanese promotional people that are here with their

 promo games, tourism t-shirts, and well, when it really comes down to it, a serious boost to the

 Dodgers professional connection within the burgeoning homegrown Taiwanese ball players.  All in

 attendance will receive a Hong Chi Kuo poster that is a really cool action shot of him delivering a

 pitch off the mound.

 

 Man, I miss his slider!

 

 

Note to self: the Taiwanese peeps love their onion rings and Swiss Bacon Chicken Sandwiches.  The

influx of fans keeps all of us in the Burger Stand grooving . . .

 

Bossy Lady eventually sends me on my break,

 

(I might even catch the first inning!)

 

At my break room perch I find that the Taiwanese photographers and video camera men are

 crowding me out of my favorite spot.  It’s time to take a walk anyway. 

   

 

- I see a couple with matching Minnesota Twins jerseys.  They get me wondering how  

  former Dodger Jason Repko is doing over there.

 

- A kid is wearing a shirt that reads: “I took the Field at Dodger Stadium.” 

 

- I see a Steve Garvey Jersey #6, that’s the first one I’ve spotted all year long!

 

I’m thinking that Juan Rivera has kind of worked out for the Dodgers so far- except when he over

 runs first base and gets thrown out on a fielders choice after making something happen for the

 offense.  I’ve scene it already three times.

 

The 1st pitch of the game is thrown by Taiwanese pro baller, Chiu Chi Liang.  - He doesn’t bother to

 show off in with his delivery.  Nice job!  I wonder what team he plays on.

 

The Veteran of the Game, born and raised in L.A., Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Fox first served in Iraq in

 03’ and returned in 05’, in 06’ he was sent to Afghanistan.  With over a hundred patrols in Iraq, he

 has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Action Badge, among other accomplishments. 

 Comic book thought cloud over my head reads: “This guy is one tuff cookie!”  The Dodger Field

 announcer also mentions that Staff Sergeant  Fox was also recognized at 2004 Soldier of the Year! 

 

This guy is the real Captain America, in-the-flesh. 

 

AWESOME!

 

Next, the National Anthem is performed my 20 something Taiwanese crooner (of course), Vincent

 Yao.  As Mr. Yao sings, I couldn’t help but revere Staff Sergeant Jeff Fox as he stood tall, saluting

 the Flag in Center Field. That guy is the real deal, man.

 

 _____________________________________________________________________

  

The Game,

 

 

Upon the introduction of the Dodger starting line-up, our starting pitch of the evening Clayton

Kershaw was given a super-star applause.  Bout time . . .

 

Top of the 1^st inning Kershaw throws a “STRIKE!” for the first pitch of the game . . .

(He looks like he is having fun) 

 

The lead-off Astro goes down, out #1.

 

Next batter hits a bouncer to short stop Justin Sellers, he fields the play like a pro, out #2 is in the

 books.

 

Left fielder Astro Martinez hits Kershaws third pitch, deep-deep, deep, Center Field Matt Kemp is

 on the run and he makes a over-the-shoulder running catch!- (the crowed goes nuts!) Out #3!  And

we go to the bottom of the 1^st.

 

 

 

Later in the game I’m told by a fan with a mysterious Taiwan ball team jersey that the #1 team in his

country is “Chinese Taipay.”  Good to know.

 

Kershaw handles the young Houston Astro line up, and the Dodgers win 6-1.  Carlos Lee couldn’t do

 any damage this time.  He looked like a super start last time around the Ravine, annoying . . . No

 sign of Hong Chi Kuo for tonights game. 

 

Anyway, 

 

LA Loves it when Kershaw wins at Home.

 

Go Kershaw! Go Kemp! Go Gwynn!  Come on Kuo!

 

Go Dodgers!

 

84

Future Stars Shine Tonight: Rookie Nathan Eovaldi Stadium Debut 2011

 

 

Dodger Rookie Nathan Eovaldi 1-0 (3.60) vs. Houston Astros Bud Noriss 5-8 (3.73)

 

Friday Night Fireworks to follow the game. 

 

There is a steady breeze blowing Old Glory in Center Field.  The veneer of cloud is spread across

the skyline like a burger bun that is light on the mayo. 

 

I really liked Eovaldi’s performance that last game he pitched.  Looking forward to seeing more

future prospects get some playing time.  Sadly, I am still reeling over the loss of Rubby De la Rosa. 

I really liked his pitching mentality.  The dude is the real deal.  Hopefully Evaldi can pick him up.

 

If you are out there Rubby, best wishes with your surgery and recovery! 

 

 

 

After making Burgers, (and each one different from the other) the Bossy Lady sends me of to

Break.

 

Passing the Dodger Hat booth, there is a handwritten sign that reads:

 

“$5 Stadium baseballs (While they last)”.

 

That’ll make up for some lost revenue.

 

I’m on my way to have a word with Drew the Usher about a recent article.

 

It’s about an incident that involves a senseless Dodger Usher, a kid with a foul ball and a television

 cameraman.  According to Los Angeles Daily News sports writer Tom Hoffarth, a Prime Ticket

cameraman followed a foul ball hit my Shane Victorino that was the grabbed by a kid in the “high-

rent” seats area.  Surprisingly, a particular foolish Usher takes the foul ball away from the kid, only

 to playfully return it after taking a few steps.  (This “Sike!” moment is of poor taste of course). 

Well, to the surprise of the people viewing this on national television, the cameraman only captures

the moment where the kid is pleading for the ball back and then the camera suddenly cuts back to

the action on the field.  The viewing audience is annoyed if not outraged at the Usher.  What the

viewers did not see was the Usher hand back the foul ball to the child.

 

“Was that you Drew!”

 

“No!” he replied. 

 

(Thank goodness)

 

Drew has a rationale regarding this.  He tells me, “Regarding the media; No matter what move we

make- we get (dumped on)."

 

True that, Drew . . . true that.

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

I see a group of kids that might be from a Day Camp. . . I start to cringe because last Wendsdays

 “Half –Off Food Day” was a nightmare of kids, hundreds and hundreds of kids that wanted to eat

 Carl’s Jr.  And I mean ALL of Them.  I don’t think I put down my Spoon until the 9^th inning that

day.  With the easy going prices on food, combined with every hungry Day Camp mouth looming

the Reserve Level concourse, it added up to perhaps the most raging Beast I had ever face while on

 the Burger line.  I shutter to think of the demand that we had to supply in the Stand.  We were so

busy that I couldn’t jot but one thing down in my trusty little note pad.  I wrote that the National

Anthem was performed my saxophonist Elan Trotmon.  It was a fantastic listen.  Great job Elan! 

I love the Sax . . .

 

The rest of that game was a blur except the collective disappointing groan from the Dodger fans

when Philly 1^st baseman Howard ripped a two run homer (I think?) off of Dodoger reliever

 Hawksworth, to put them over the Dodgers.  That was a blow to the gut if there ever was one.  I saw

that one live, too. 

 

Howard hurts . . .

Day Camp Kids hurteded too . . .

 

 

 

In the break room the Dodger Vendors look like Bubble Bees in those yellow jerseys.  It’s not their

fault.  

 

 

 A view from the Break room perch,

 

 ♫“SHE blinded ME with Science!” ♫ is Booming out of the Stadium Ghetto Blasters.

 

Got a small gripe-

 

On the massive Dodger Vision screen, is a commercial for the Season 2 for the cable network show

“East Bound and Down.”?  It’s about a washed up MLB pitcher named Kenny Powers who goes to

the Mexican Leagues to resurrect his career.  This show better not be another vehicle of the typical

 Mexican Stereotype tomfoolery that most comedies exploit about.  Like the new El Pollo Loco

commercial voice over that claims the restaurants food is tasty in a few words: “Feel the

 Mexcellence!” 

 

Give me a break you buttheads!

 

Anyway,

 

I see a pink colored “I (heart) LA” t-shirt that a lady wears with pride.  Nice!

 

Some guy with a NY Yankee hat approaches me for directions to his seats.  He is definitely a “this is

stylish” for a Dodger game type.  And he didn’t even say thank you. 

I hope I gave him the right directions. 

 

 

The supposed day camp kids I was alluding to earlier is a mistake.  The children and their staff

present for tonight’s game are actually participants of the Boys and Girls Club.  Sweet!

The Dodger Field Announcer in on hand to introduce the very proud Boys and Girls Club

 representatives as they are introduced and presented on the Dodger Vision Tron.  As each person

 is featured, one can tell they are super popular with the type of applause they receive from their

constituency of Dodger fans sitting in the seats around section 10, Reserve.

 

 Congratulations Boys and Girls Club Whittier!

Also present is the State Farm “Go to Bat” Awardees.  I didn’t know State Farm is in a bowling

league, cool.

 

I see a sign located in the corner of the Left Field homerun wall that says “Muscle Milk.”

What’s that about?  I didn’t know we sold milk at the stadium.  We should have done that when we

were slanging Crispy Cream Donuts years back. 

 

The Veteran of the Game is Vanessa Diaz, who is dressed in her fatigues.

 

The National Anthem is performed my a young lady that had her first crack at the ceremonial

song at the age of 7.  The FA tells the crowd that our guest singer currently has a gig with the New

 Electric Company. While Nancy Bea’s fingers dance on the keys, young Carly Rose Sononder sings

with a mighty Heart, hitting the notes that would make any parent float with pride.  Awesome job!

 

The Burger line is on cruise control throughout the game tonight and not one Lady of the Stand

rolled their eyes at me.  They have practically made that into an art form.  Ha!

 

During the 7^th inning stretch I heard a familiar voice singing “God Bless America.”  It was Jules

Sanchez singing right before the visitors dug out.  I know Jules since we met here at the Stadium

this season.  He is a Fan Photo employee at the Ravine.  As he crooned it was cool to watch players

like Dodger Ted Lilly and the Astro players appreciate Jules enthusiastic performance.  Jules had

performed the National Anthem earlier this season and he sounded good then, but it’s hard to

compare his excellent vocal tonight.  I’m not just saying this but Jules was totally Awesome, the

crowd, the players, (shoot), the whole Stadium gave him a huge deserved applause.   American

Idol, eat your heart out.  This guy was the best, this 7^th inning, all season long.

 

 

 

 

The Game,

With Dee Gordon out with a “contusion” in his shoulder, the Dodgers also brought up shorts stop,

and Huntington Beach native, Justin Sellers.  Cool.

 

It’s a quick one.  The game is 0-0 up until the bottom of the 9^th inning.  With the bases loaded the

Dodgers are unable to capitalize. Thankfully Kemp knocks in Casey Blake for the win in the 10^th. 

Everyone loves a walk-off.  The fireworks will have some meaning this time.  Nathan Eovaldi and

Justin Sellers held their own tonight.  Excellent!

 

The crowd had a great time and the Dodgers put a stop on a 4 game skid.

 

I’ll take another win tonight . . .

 

84

The Fantastic # 4, Remembering Duke Snider

 

 

Duke Snider Bobblehead Night

 

  Ted Lilly 7-11 (4.86) 

 

Versus                                 

 

Cliff Lee 11-7 (2.96)

 

 

 

Drew the Jedi Usher calls tonight’s match up, “Slow pitcher versus Fast pitcher,” Part

 

Deux.

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

Speaking of Drew, while riding up to the Stadium in the employee shuttle, I couldn’t help but

 overhear my typically friendly Usher rant about who-knows-what.  He is sitting at the front of the

 shuttle, complaining out loud about some incident that happened to him last game. 

 

(Drew is suited up in a Paul Lo Duca jersey for some reason.)

 

Anyway, he is livid, outright complaining about a “Rookie Usher who was telling him what to do.”  I

 understand where he is coming from but everyone can hear him griping. 

 

From where I am sitting at the back of the Shuttle I playfully say to him, “Calm down Drew!”

 

He looks at me (at this point I’m sure his eyes are budging out of his sockets, but, he is wearing

 Dodger Sunglasses that are holding them in his skull) and then threateningly replies back,

 

“Who’s going to MAKE ME Tony!?!” 

 

Every passenger head and eyes in the shuttle turn toward my direction.

 

(Gulp!)

 

Then, I squeak out, “I’m sorry . . . Drew.” 

 

Those who are witness to this begin to laugh.

 

Comic book thought bubble floating over my head reads, “Wow, someone give my friend a Dodger

Dog quick!  That will pacify him.” 

 

Incidentally, Drew continues to complaining about this so-called “Rookie Usher” that was giving him lip service.

 

What strange behavior.  This is not the Drew the Usher I’ve know for the last two seasons.  Maybe

the Specter of the ghastly day when Dodger favorite Paul Lo Duca was traded to the Florida Marlins

back in 07’, has come back to haunt my friend in the form of a know-it-all (De Podesta like) Rookie

Usher.  Or, perhaps, what I fear most is that the “Dark Side” might be consuming my friend.   I

must report his condition to Master Yoda, ASAP. 

 

 _________________________________________________________________________________________

  

 

A Grammar Lesson-

 

While prepping burgers in the Stand, the assistant to Bossy Lady who we call Jazzy Poo bumps her

knee on the Broiler.  She yelps out loud, “OOOWEEEE!”  My hamburger helper and I approach her

 for a second to see the damage.    

 

“That hurted,” she yells.

 

(Huh?)

 

“Did you just say that hurted”? I asked her.

 

Still feeling the shot of pain in her knee she repeats, “That HURTED!”

 

“It’s hurt, Jazzy Poo! Not hurted!”

 

Lifting her knee high to absorb the lingering pang, she repeats, “That HURTED.”

 

It’s no use correcting her while she cries like a baby.

 

I might spell like crap but seriously, Nuff said.

 

 

 

 

  On my Break,

 

-         The Philly Fans are making a statement by showing up to the Stadium in huge  

           numbers. 

- While walking to the far end of the Stadium I overhear a woman alluding to the concession

 s tand that have their shutters down.  She asks her male partner, “Why is this stuff all closed?”  The

 answer to this, is- If the Dodger fans were as enthusiastic about their team as the Philly fans are, we

wouldn’t have parts of the Stadium looking like the alleys of a ghost town.  Everyone is a critic now days. 

 

-         I see a Cliff Lee jersey.  (Yikes!)

-         I see a young Lady wearing a Tee that says, “My Heart Belongs to the Dodgers.” 

          (Now that's  more like it : )

 

 ________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Duke Snider Pre-game Ceremony,

 

The shallow part of Center Field is emblazoned with a #4 in set in a circle.

 

It looks like Duke Snider is officially a member of the Fantastic Four, or should I say, He is The Fantastic #4

 

The Fantastic #4 Duke Snider is remembered by the Organization with his family present. 

The first 50,000 people attending the game will receive a DK Bobblehead, which is    awesome.  I didn’t now this but according to vinsculleyismyhomeboy.com, Snider’s Hall of Fame plaque is making a rare trip to Dodger Stadium from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York for tonight’s game. 

 

There were numerous Snider family members present representing him before next to home plate.  They were very joyous and darn proud of their big league patriarch.  It was beautiful to see his Dodger Vision video montage of a stoic and playful Duke Snider, who, to me was the living symbol who bridged the Dodgers of the Brooklyn burrow to the hills of Chavez Ravine, Los Angeles. 

His ceremony brought nothing but good feelings.

 

___________________________________________________________________________ 

 

 

The Game,

 

I hear a super loud groan from the Dodger fans, because Cliff Lee just hit a homer off of Lilly. 

 

It’s the 7^th inning and I get to take a 10-minute break from flipping patties.  The Dodger Jumbo Tron is featuring a video clip about our 1^st base coach and Dodger great Davey Lopes.  Apparently, this day in baseball (August 10, 1975), Lopes stole his 32 consecutive bases, breaking the record set by Max Carey in 1922. 

 

Next, the Dodger Jumbo Tron cameraman zooms in on Lopes who is standing outside of the 1^st base coach chalk lines.  Chewing his gum, Lopes basically pays no attention to the large screen that just pumped up his record, rather, he is busy reading signs from the Dodger Dugout.  

 

Lilly kept us in the game at least.  Let’s go to our tired and True Blue bullpen.

 

Dodger get on base but we can’t punch in a run. 

 

Phillies take this hard fought win, 2-1.

 

 

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