Tony Varela's Dodger Stadium Blog

Hit Streak! The story continues . . .

4/29/11

 Dodgers Lilly vs. Padres Clayton Richards

 I was curious about the Padres batting average so I checked it out in the LA Times.  To my surprise the team average looks like it averages about 2 bucks and a quarter.  We have a chance to sweep this series hopefully. 

 

I check-in to the Stand after racing across the Valley to Echo Park in about 25 minutes, thank goodness the drive is against the grain of traffic.  The air is cool in L.A..  The sound of batting practice is already in play.

 

 I take a glance down below to the Dodger batting cage and there he is in plain sight. The man of the hour, NO!  I mean the man of month, the MAN, Andre Ethier.  He wasn’t taking hacks in the batting cage but rather swinging the bat back and forth from left to right, in a rapid motion, as if to warm up for his larger swings to come when he was ready to hit in the cage.   A 24 game hitting streak to preserve is getting Los Angeles real excited. 

 

Then some one taps me on the shoulder.  It’s Bobby of Wetzel Pretzels, looking a tad bit older these days but so full of spunk and enthusiasm. 

 

“Oh Tony, Do you think they are going to make play offs?” he asks.

 

“Yes, Bobby, if (long pause) we put in Padilla over Broxton.”

 

“Padilla? Oh good, Tony!  I’ve got Padilla’s card then . . .” 

 

I asked him if the Pretzels were done yet.

 

He replied, “At five o’clock me make them.  I got to get the yeast ready, then I need 100° to raise the dough, and then we roll, and twist.” 

 

I told him that it sounds like their Pretzels are going to be delicious before we made our way.

 

_______________________________________________________________________  

 

A few minutes later I run into Rod the Vendor.  He has been breezing through our Stand to get ice for his drink container for the last two seasons.  We were shooting the breeze for a bit when Rod brought up the fact that last season the Dodger organization failed to recognize our 4 Amazing Vendors who have worked over 51 years for the Dodgers since the team moved from Brooklyn to play baseball at the Los Angeles Coliseum.  Employed 51 years and still they hustle for their hard earned dollar this very day with out recognition?  Not one game.  Instead, they were overlooked while the Dodgers organization chose to honor Stadium employees from other departments that have been working for the last 40 to 30 years.  Apparently they don’t fit a certain standard.   

 

I don’t understand this? We need to recognize these guys who have dedicated more then half of their lives to our Los Angeles baseball team.  They are the quintessential symbol of our Stadium environment for Pete’s sake. 

 

Anyway.

 

Rod then mentioned Roger Owens’ book “The Perfect Pitch” which is about his life and the 50 years he has served at Stadium.  I have to get me a copy! 

 

 

 

The crowd is decent come game time.

 

The boisterous Neyshia Go, who gets a pretty rad applause, performs the National Anthem.  The Ladies of the stand meanwhile are stuffing the slots with burgers and Dodger Dogs.  J.C the Fry Guy is dropping baskets of fries into the deep fryer. And Bossy Lady is being, well, Bossy.  She tells us that she won’t be selling her delicious cookies anymore.  Now I regret denying them last home stand. Dang it!

 

I thought that is would be nice to get to know my co-workers better.  They prefer top 10 hits and/or the Spanish music radio stations to Jack FM, they love to eat, and they are all in relationships, this I know for sure, but I wanted to dig deeper.  There is not need to get in to touchy (and ridiculous) subjects like, President Obama’s birth certificate, that’s something I talk about with my buddy and loyal FOX News viewer, Damian.  Then it came to me: Comics! 

 

I’m interested in the artistic taste of my co-workers so I ask my Hamburger Helper if she likes the fine medium of comic books.  Then she surprises me.  “I like Naruto, Full Metal Alchemist, and stuff like that,” Hamburger Helper tells me.  Wow!  Anime isn’t my cup of tea, but still, she is a nerd to a degree.  Nice.  Then Jazzy Poo tells me that she likes the comic book store in Monrovia.  Not bad.  Mari, who is working the soda machine once, burnt me a copy of the “Scott Pilgrim versus the World” sound track so I already know she is a part of the elite of Nerd fandom.  The conversation stopped there because if like the food service moniker always goes: “if you got time to lean, you got time to clean.”  These girls are Awesome though.

 

 

On my break  . . .

 

While I posted at my break room perch, a Bicycle Police Officer says to me in passing, “Its dead out here man, what’s wrong?”  Lots of things, I thought, but the crowds could be worse.

 

I took a walk to the break room were I could watch a bit of the game on a television monitor.  I notice the MIX IT UP self serve slushy bar on the third base Reserve Level is poppin with kids who are anxiously waiting in line for their sugar fix.

 

There is a significant Police presence. Some stand at the entrance of the Sections leading to the seats, others make a stoic walk along the concourse. 

 

It’s the 4^th inning, so I’m on my break much later in the game than usual. 

 

Ted Lilly gets out of a small jam with a one out and a Padre on third base without giving up a run.  His last out is a fat “K”. 

 

Out of the Stadium Ghetto Blaster is James Brown singing, “Get up off of that thing,” as the horns from his band punch thirty feet holes into the night sky.  The people in their seats must be getting their serious groove on.  So Awesome.

 

Then I hear a Dodger homerun.  Juan Uribe is trotting around the base paths.  The crowd it’s poppin! the Dodgers are up 2-1.  Wait a second.  I haven’t seen one Padre fan so far.  Not one!  Where did all of those fans go with their brand new brown Padre gear that I saw at the end of last season?  It was during the time that they were on top of the Western Division. 

 

OH YEAH!!

 

They got knocked out by the San Francisco Pumpkin heads-That’s right!

 

I see young teens walk the Stadium concourse with no care about the game; I see the hungry Police go to eat their lunch meal with a few Doyer Dogs in hand; I see veterano Eses, posted up with a beer in hand, one fellow sips his beverage that is umbrella-d, if not obscured, by a huge bigotes (mustaches). 

 

Barajas singles, then Miles singles, a two out rally? The horns sound off: the crowd roars: “CHARGE!”  Lilly grounds out at1st base.  KAPUT! 

 I learn Andre got his hit!  Thanks Doyer Fan!

On the Dodger Jumbo Tron, I see so many beautiful children cheering, raising their hands, as the music of the Jackson 5 blasts out of the Stadium woofers.  This is what baseball is all about- Good times.  A police man chats with one of the custodial workers next to the Garlic fry stand.  This is normal, now.  This is the New Dodger Stadium.

 

Before I go back to work I get a drink of water in the break room.  I hear Vin Scully say, “That’s what I call a big league pop up” from the T.V. monitor inside.  Golden.

 

_______________________________________________________________________

 

 

The Dodgers are up 3-1 when Jonathan Broxton comes in to close in the ninth.  I hear a strike out and then another, the crowd is pumped.  Then the horror ensues. 
Padres score a run.  They manage to get a go ahead runner on third.  The fans are on edge.  I just keep washing the dishes.  I think I know the outcome.  For a moment the fans freeze and then they cheer with an astonished surprise.  “I Love L.A.” plays in the background.  We won? The monitor shows Tony Gwynn Jr. make a diving catch to same the game for the Dodgers!  I am more relieved than excited.  This type of stuff is just too much to take. Lol

 

Dodgers win.  Lilly did awesome. 

 

Go Dodgers!

 

84   

  

 

 

 

 

        

 

 

 

12 Noon, Half Off Grub-a-dub!

12:00 Noon Game and Half Price Menu @ Dodger Stadium (beers not included : ( )

 

The last game of the home stand: Kershaw vs. Braves Jerrjens.  WHAT THE!? The Dodgers scoreboard reads that Jerrjens has a 0.00 ERA? 

 

Well not for long, baby.

 

Today the Dodger, as well as the other teams in the League are wearing throwback jerseys selected by the fans over the Internet.  The Atlanta Braves are sporting their throw back Boston Braves attire, the uniform Babe Ruth once wore.  Pretty cool.

 

The Dodgers are not wearing the Brooklyn Dodger pin strip apparel we typically associated them with from way-back-when, rather they are rocking a jersey that is a solid blue-gray color, with stripes that going down the outside of their pants.  After doing some prep work in the Stand, I walked over to isle 8, Reserve Level, to get a good gander.  The Dodgers were tossing the baseball in the Left Field grass. My buddy Drew the Usher is manning his post walks up to be and says, “They look like Easter Eggs down there.”  He describes their new “old school” look to me.  The sides of their jersey shirts and pants, he says, have two-color stripe, white and blue, from sholder to ankle, the word “Brooklyn” in cursive print across the chest, and they are sporting the “B” ball cap for Brooklyn.  

 

The attendance looks weak, again.  If the beer was half off like the rest of the menu in the concession Stands, I bet the Stadium would have been half filled, at least. 

 

 

A few of my coworkers in the Stand have been asking me what it means for us workers, now that MLB took over.  I explain to them the best that I can:  Frank McCourt is no longer in charge.  I tell them that we won’t be affected and that life goes on, but we won’t be affected.  No one really knows what will happen next.

 

 It’s way to complicated.

 

 

 

A Drew the Usher Fact: 

 

When Jackie Robinson made his debut in Major League Baseball on April 15^th 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, then, the team was wearing the same uniform they are wearing today.  Hence Jackie Robinson Day on April 15^th.

 

 

 

 

The Veteran of the Game is Lt. Commander Ernest S. Cowell, a South Pacific World War II veteran, Korean War veteran, Vietnam War veteran, Awarded the Purple Heart, and Bronze Star, and still serving 16 years after the Gulf War.  Lt. Commander Cowell also had the honor of throwing the first pitch of the game.  Awesome.

 

Taylor John, out of Oregon, performed National Anthem, Drew didn’t like him but the audience seemed warn to his take. 

 

The people keep coming for food.  There is more action on the Burger line than I anticipated.  This half off on the Stadium grub is a good idea, I guess. 

 

The Cure lyric: “I’m so in love with you . . . I’m so in love with you plays in the background.  Thank you JACK FM.  We work hard to be the little hungry beast. 

 

Ethier keeps his hitting streak at 17 games straight.  

Thames rips a homer off of Jurrjens. J  Thank you Marcus.

 

Kershaw is pitching a good game.  We are up a run.  I’m washing dishes and then I hear that the bullpen messes things up and blows the Dodger lead.  The crowd is livid.  It’s unbearable. 

 

I continue to wash, block it out, block it out, and block it out . . . . . . AARRGGGG! The Dodgers go into extra innings.  The dishes are done.  Next stop, the 10^th. 

 

This is a weak blog and late, sorry. 

 

 

 84

 

 

On the radio on the way home, I hear the Dodgers win on a Kemp homer. Thank you Matt.  

A Garland Throw Down, Shut out, (and the Ultimate Dodger Hearsay)

Dodgers Garland vs. Braves Derrick Lowe

 

While waiting for the employee shuttle at the Stadium parking lot, a few of us in line watch two hawks soar in circle over head. 

An older lady with dyed reddish-orange hair says, “Look at the tail on that thing.”

“Those are some pretty long wings,” Damian adds.

“I wonder what would win, a hawk or an owl,” orange hair lady said. 

Damian and I looked at each other.  Comic book thought balloon read: What the heck?

Anyways.

A moment to witness nature is nice.  To bad these rare moments take place while waiting in a line.  Hopefully it is a sign that this will be an interesting day.   The gloom from earlier has been chased way by the steady breeze.  Here we go. 

 

 

On the shuttle . . .

 

A co-worker is wearing a brown New Era LA Dodger hat with a pattern that I recall was printed on large leather purses from the nineties.  It was really popular style back then.  I asked a lady coworker close by if she was familiar with the design, she said it was Louie Baton.  “It’s coming back,” she claims.  Well, I’m no authority on fashion or designer taste, but that hat is one, funky, ugly ass, ball cap.

 

-Change the channel in my brain-  

 

I’ve been thinking about some Major League Baseball players who have (or at least came close to have) ended their storied careers with the Dodgers.  I’m thinking, great players.  Players that didn’t necessarily start off with the Dodgers in the first place but ones that got picked up by Los Angeles later in their years, like:  Robin Ventura, Ricky Henderson, and Greg Maddux.  These guys are more recent acquisitions, kind of.  I entertained the notion to Damian and asked if he could name any players. 

 

He drew a blank so I gave a few examples. 

 

“Like, do you remember when the Dodgers picked up Sandy Alomar Jr. or Corey Snyder,” I said. 

 

His reply came as if he was in slow motion. Damian squints his eyes, with a facial expression of sour disbelief, and a pinch of disgust he repeats: “Corey Snyder . . . What the he(ck), he’s not great!” 

Awkward silence. 

I would have brought up Eric Davis but that is a sore topic.

 

-Change the channel in head-

 

Shut down for a few minutes, close my eyes, and focus on my breathing. 

 

The shuttle comes to a stop.  It’s check-in time.

 

________________________________________________________________________

At the Stand

 

There are some new peeps in the work place tonight but they are familiar faces at the Stadium.  One particular fellow is a guy by the name of Dewy.  He was going to be the evenings Fry Guy so I gave him a few pointers about his duties.  I recognize Dewy as a regular in another part of the Reserve Level.  We have never really had a conversation to my recollection, but he was already talking a lot and game time was still an hour away.  This guy is an open book, I could tell, so I started to dig in.

My first question: when did you start?

 

Dewy tells me he has been at the Stadium since 1988. 

 

“Is that when started here, your rookie year?”

 

“Yeah, it was fun.”

 

Wow! That is so cool.  “You are so lucky,” I told him.

 

“It was a long time a go,” he went on, “When the dinosaur roamed the Earth and when the Buffalo roamed.”

 

He went on to tell me that Kirk Gibson used to run around the entire Stadium before each game.  According to Dewy, if any one would ask for an autograph Gibson would just shrug them off.  “He was a bonafide, prick.” He claimed. 

 

I said to Dewy to tell me more.

 

“Man I used to walk up to Ramon Martinez his rookie year and talk to him and get his autograph.

 

“Raul Mondesi used to fuck around way to much, sometimes he would go through the tunnel that leads from the dugout to the bull pin and Grady Little would go find him over there messing around- he got lazy and wasn’t serious. 

 

“You know Don Sutton?  He used to walk up into the Stadium and come to the Stand I work in and ask for (I forgot his name), can you believe that that’s what they used to do around here.

 

 I told him Ron Cey still walks into a Pizza stand on the Field Level to say hello to the Stand manager.  Damian is a witness to this.

 

Dewy kept talking.

 

“During batting practice (at the time of the 88’ championship playoffs) Canseco was hitting the ball out of the park.

 

I asked him what he was doing when Gibson was up to bat.

 

“I was watching the Kirk Gibson homerun; no one was ordering food, they were watching the game, I was watching the game.  And when he hit it I picked up Rose (a coworker) and carried her in my arms, it was good times.  Everyone was going: RAAH RAAHH!

 

I told him I watched the game on T.V. 

 

“It was good times,” he concluded.

 

It was another game against the Braves.  The attendance was going to be easy going but a challenge because there will be a decent showing of walk in Brave fans from what I could recall from previous years attendance.  Nothing like Cubby fans show up though. 

 

We got the Stand ready for the small masses to eat.  One of the Ladies of the Stand whom tells me what to do, told me what to do again: “Tony, go to your break.”  I was more than happy to oblige to this.

 

 

On my break I notice the Dodger manager being shown on the Stadium Jumbo Tron is the Assistant Manager to Mattingly.  He has a goat-tee that makes him look wise. 

 

A guy named Tyler Lillestol performs the National Anthem.  Not bad.  The guy who throws the first pitch looks like an actor; I think his name is Matthew Moore.  Well, who ever he is, the guy impresses the crows with a submarine pitch to start the game.  He deserves an: Awesome.  Anyway I’m sitting in the break room when I get the big news.  Major League Baseball has made a big move and took control of the Dodger “operations.”  I must have been the last to know. 

 

McCourt is out?  I guess we all should have expected it.  This is what happens when you have a dysfunctional Family.   I have to stress the fact, that to me, the divorce was in many ways affecting 98% of Dodger fans in a very negative way for way to long.  It was time for the League to take matters into their own hands and take care of Los Angeles’ favorite son (cuz' it sounds good), the Dodgers.  It’s a sad day.   Dang it! 

 

I decide to check out the scene from my break room perch.  The 80’s glam rock song “Jump Start my Heart” is playing to the movement of Dodgers pitcher Jon Garland throwing a few warm up pitches.  I approached Drew the Usher who is working the concourse to get some wisdom out of him.  How the fans are doing, I ask.

 

He says, “The way the season is going, I can’t wait for Halloween.”  In slow motion I squint my eyes and repeated what Drew said with a pinch of disgust and a hint of distain, “Hallooween?”  I thought for a second that Drew just wants a reason to dress up as the Phantom of the Opera, I’m not kidding. 

         

“Oh, guess what,” he tells me, “one of my season ticket holders just told me an interesting fact:  Today is Don Mattingly’s 50^th birthday.”  No way, I said.  “That means me and Don Mattingly share the same birthday.”  No way, I repeated.  On the spot I gave Drew a gangster, to-the-side, shoulder hug and told him happy birthday.

 

Garland gets hit hard in the first inning.  The Braves do not score because Kemp makes a good running catch in deep center field.  Bottom of the first, Ethier hits another double.  It seems that every time I see Ethier go to bat he cranks a double!  The scoreboard reads that Kemp is hitting almost .426.  Next thing I know, the Dodgers are putting up numbers and its time for me to go back to work.

 

 

On the Burger manufacturing line I hear my co-worker, Tina say that she was on the elevator with Rod Barajas.  She says, “He is tall and cute.”  Her smile makes her glow.  Daman mentioned to me that he was it the elevator with Tommy Lasorda the other day and that Tommy was talking to the Elevator Attendant about a car he purchase that turned out to be a lemon.  Damian says that Tommy was so dismayed over the topic that when we exited the elevator to the media level, when Dodger fans called to him for his autograph, he just rolled right passed them with out acknowledgment.  “He was too pissed off,” Damian claimed. Lol.

 

I mentioned to some of my co-workers that McCourt was “Out.” 

 

One of the Ladies of the Stand says to me, “Old news, Tony, even Anna (Banana) text me the news this morning- where have YOU been?” 

 

Out of the loop, I guess.

 

The game ends up being a gem for Garland.  To my surprise he pitches a complete game.  The Dodgers get closer to a .500 record.

 

Nice!

 

Let’s go Dodgers!

 

84

 

Fernando-mania Blanky

Fernandomania Night, 2001- About time!

Dodgers Kuroda vs. Atlanta Brave Beachy

Fernando-Mania night.

The Dodgers are giving away a colorful blanket depicting Fernando Valenzuela winding up for a pitch as his eyes look up to the sky.  The blanket is large but not thick.  It’s a cheepie made in China.  The blue colors make it cool though.

 

Blanket Night means the Beast is back.  The hungry fan equipped with a free give away means long lines.  I like that.  “Looks like you’re the only guy in the Stand,” my co-worker Mari tells me when the shift starts.  The Ladies of the Stand, my co-workers, by bosses, who will sit and talk about ordering clothing or make-up from some random catalogue one of them brings, don’t exactly work like “girls” as some might say to refer to females as softies or fearing to break a nail, type of deal.  Nope.  They kick some Burgertime ass.  “I like how the tomatoes look,” one of them said, referring to the fresh slices in a silver pan on our prep counter.  “They are fruits not vegetables,” she says. I like that.  Once we have filled the front window with Dodger Dogs, Burgers, and Fries, Assistant to Bossy, tells me to go on my break.

 

The fans were so hungry that I missed my usually National Anthem break time.  A saxophonist named Michael Lington performed the song.  It was absolutely beautiful.  I forget how awesome the sax sounds. 

 

The scoreboard shows that Matt Kemp is batting .459, WOW!

 

Seriously, how many beers does Juan Uribe pound on a Saturday night because the dude looks like he can put some down?  I’d love to take a seat with him at the Gold Room bar and shoot-the-shit over a few coldies and some tacos.  He just seems to be a real cool guy, always smiling.    

 

The Dodger Stadium music director must be a lover of 80’s glam rock because instead of Poison rocking out of the Stadium ghetto blasters, the fans are treated (I guess) to “Come on Feel the Noise” by Twisted Sister, just before Kuroda starts the second inning. 

 

In the break room, Drew the Jedi Usher and I talk about comic book movies, it’s some good down time before going back to the Stand.  When I return to the Stand I see that the Dodger patrons are in line at a stand still, waiting for Western Bacon Cheese Burgers, so, I wash-up, slip in the rubber filangies and go to town on the Silver counter to make things right.  These Ladies of the Stand need me Dang it! 

 

The night is a blur.  We get our hustle on.  I hear the crowd’s discontent: Kuroda gives up a homer apparently.  The saxophonist Lington returns during the 7^th inning stretch to perform God Bless America.  The long notes he keep on his instrument send a shiver down my spine.  Good stuff. 

 

Later, the crowds let out a huge cheer but the game isn’t in play.  I look to the Dodger Jumbo Tron and there is Fernando Valenzuela waving to the crowd from his media box.  That was awesome. 

 

The Dodgers can’t get a run in unless a rookie does if for them.  Good job Sands.      

 

After the game I learn that our pitching relief gives up 8 runs during the 9^th inning.  WTH!  Damian and I saw this on the news.  The HECK!  On anther note, Damian tells me he was wrapping D-Dogs in the Top Deck, chatting with some of the cooks.  The topic of discussion was the change of atmosphere at the Stadium.  “We were saying that we notice there are less gangsters rolling around.”  It’s true.  Although I did see some Pelones (bald heads) they weren’t rolling around with that usual intimidating stroll. 

Anyway, maybe Honeycutt should play some old Fernando footage to the boys in the bullpen.  Maybe they could pick up some technical pointers.  Tonights 9th inning is like frozen tomatoes, unaccpetable

 

ok, Lets Go Dodgers!

 

84

 

 

Lilly Finds a Groove & Jerry Sands Debut

On the mound for the Dodgers it's Lilly Time.

Actor Jeff Daniels strums a few cords on his guitar and sings a ragged version of the National Anthem. 

 

During my break I headed to my perch near the break room to see the action.  A Policeman walks by, a second of eye contact and I talk.

“Hi, how are you sir?”

“Good” he replied.

“Good to see you sir.”

“You too,” he returned. 

And that was it.  It was that easy to do: Say hello to your local beat Cop at Dodger Stadium.  They are Dodger fans too.

 

I say hello to the Fan Photo lady who took my picture with my former teachers the night before.  She refers to the walk off homerun Matt Kemp did on Sunday, “Yesterday, I was walking out during the last out and then WACK! Everyone went crazy and they played the song (“I Love L.A.”), and I was like, YEAH!”  I could tell she is new to the Stadium or just got hired because the way she explained this moment to me, her enthusiasm being so fresh, it tickled me to hear her.  There is nothing like a walk off hit or homer in the9th inning at Dodger Stadium.  It’s the best hang over the next day. 

 

Speaking of “NEW” and first experiences.  All of the talk about filling our left field spot might be coming to the end.  Dodger rookie call up, Jerry Sands is up to bat.  He has been ripping the cover off the ball in the minor the past year and a half.  Now he’s in LA.  Nice. 

 

The Dodger announcer tells the Stadium Sands is making his taking his first Major League at-bat.  The crowd reciprocates with a warn applause.  Sands swings and fouls off the first two pitches.  The next pitch he rips a double between the right fielder and the right field corner.  He also drives in a Dodger at second base. 

 

The crowd is delighted for Sands. 

 

A stand up double and a Ribby!  The crowd continues to cheer.  Sands’ countenance is serious; No smile.  Nice.  The Atlanta Brave outfielder relays the baseball to Dodger first base coach Davy Lopes, who then relays the ball to the Dodger Dugout- a perfect souvenir for a lifetime.  Nice.

 

The Dodger jump ahead in the game 3-0, a manager from a near by Concession stand

reads the score board and says, “3-0 Dodgers, in the first inning- are you kidding me?” 

A minute later a passing Policeman even says, “3-0, not bad.”   

 

Some guy standing in line for beers is holding his daughter and says to his friend who is behind him: “There’s more cops than fans here.”  Where have I heard that before?

 

Ted Lilly finally seems to be settling into his groove.  I love that looping curve ball.  He is pitching a shut out so far.  The crowd is a tab bit more in attendance, not bad considering it’s a Monday night game. 

 

 

In the Stand we get our hustle on during the game.  Bossy is bringing her homemade cookies around again.  Peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip, and to my surprise, peach cookies.  I’m not going to taste one because I’ll get hooked on those suckers.  It happed last year and it’ll happen again.  The vendors are already hitting her up.  Bossy is pulling the free cookie day and “that will cost you a dollar” the next.  I’m not biting on this free cookie, bit.  “Tony! You want a cookie,” she offers- I pass.  No thank you Bossy or I’ll be shelling out cash to her in no time.     

         

 

The next few at-bats for Jerry Sands and I notice the Stadium fans are already receiving him with his own chant: “JERRY! JERRY! JERRY!”  My buddy Damian says to me later, “Wait until he starts hearing the boos.”  Well let’s hope not. 

 

The same person that sings the National Anthem usually performs God Bless America, but this time it’s Howie Lavine who has the duty during the 7^th inning Stretch.  Is Jeff Daniels an atheist?  Did he leave the game early?  I wonder why he didn’t give a try, especially since he is performing in a play called “God of Carnage” locally.  I digress.

 

Lilly pitches a heck of a game.  Then Broxton enters the game in the 9^th and gives up three hits and two runs.  I wouldn’t have noticed if it weren’t for Damian calling me to check out a part of the last inning.  “Look what he just did,” Damian says as he point to the Brave players in scoring position.  We both shake our heads in disappointment. 

 

Our day is done.  Walking out of the Stadium we are able to hear the fans cheer the last out of the game.  Broxton got out of the mess he created, thankfully.  “Good, we won,” Damian says under his breath. 

 

That’s two in a row.

 

84  

A Kemp Walk Off!, 'nuff Said

Sunday Game 4 against the Dodgers

 

Viva Los Dodgers is in full effect this morning, 10:30 am. 

The Stand Crew is here in full effect, strong.

Then I run into my buddy, Drew the Jedi Usher.  “There are two reasons the (fans) aren’t coming:  #1 it’s hot and #2 Laker game.”

True.

Later in the stand, J.C. the Fry Guy says to me, “Man Tone, It was dead last night.  I’ve never seen it like this.  What’s happening?”  I didn’t have an answer.  These are some trying times for everyone.  What would really help though is if the Dodgers started to win games.   

 

 

 

I have realized that the Stadium Police Officers are very approachable, if fact I suggest fans to should take moment to say Hello to your Local Police Officer at Dodger Stadium, EVERY GAME!  They may have a stoic look but don’t let that fool you.  The Coppers are friendly; they smile and nod their heads as they pass through the Stadium concourse.  I like to wave to these dudes and dudettes. 

 

Attention all readers with tickets to the GAME!  You should know something about the new LAPD presence in the Stadium parking lot.  My co-worker Anna Banana said that she saw a KCAL channel 9 report regarding Officers running license plates and giving tickets to vehicles with late registration, unpaid parking tickets, and/or anything that might be deemed ticket-able. 

 

This is CRAZY!  To think that an automobile could be towed from the parking lot or given the iron boot while the owner is enjoying the ball game.  Patrons of the Stadium spend enough money at the game in the first place, now some of our well intended but shady fans are going to be scrutinized to this extant is going over board. 

Damian said, “Well, (the Police) have to do something.”  I guess so but do our fans really need to be scared from the Stadium this way?  I like the LAPD for their protection and intimidating presence against evil-doer fans but the parking lot situation is just plane terrible for our public relations. 

 

 “That’s why people don’t come,” Banana attested.  Add a reason #3 to the facts of  Drew’s reasons for the Dodgers shotty attendance. 

 

 

 

The National Anthem is a smooth vocal by Ashley Keeting and a Lady Representative for USC University Hospital threw the first pitch.  When the kids run out to the Dodger players to get their baseball signed before game time, a good ol’ rock n’ roll song by the group Poison rocks that Stadium- don’t know the name of the song though.

 

 

 

Billingsley vs. Carpenter today.  Drew tells me that Carpenter is 5-0 against us at the Ravine.  Just great.

 

On my break, I see  . . . .

A father wearing a St. Louis jersey walking down isle steps with his little son who is wearing Dodger jersey.  Ahh!-A brewing family rivalry, just beautiful.

 

Albert Pujos is up to bat.  I hear he supported Sarah Palin’s last campaign.  Hmmm . . .

 

It’s not really hot like Drew said and there is an easy breeze going on.

 

Pujos hits a fly ball to center field.  That’s three outs.  Dodgers up.

 

A Fan Photo Lady and I have some small talk about the business of the LAPD in the Stadium parking lot.  She says, “Well, (the Dodgers) invited them to come here so they are doing their job, that’s mess up.”  There is a consensus here. 

 

The Police walk up and down the isles just like the Ushers but not as mush at the later, Ushers do it every three outs.  Try hitting a beach ball now people. 

 

HA! I noticed on the Dodger Jumbo Tron that Yadir Molina shapes his eye brows. 

These Cardinals are WACK!

 

Time to flip some burgers.

 

________________________________________________________________________ 

 

 

 

The game goes by fast.  Billingsley and Carpenter are getting their pitching dual on.  The score is 0-0.  By the 9^th inning I hear a horrendous moan from the crowd.  I went out to check the score.  Dodger closer Jonathan Broxton gave up a run.  Cardinals are up 1-0.  The fans are crushed.  It’s over, I gave up.

 

During the bottom of the ninth I witness Andre Ethier rip a standup double. 

 

The crowd is ecstatic!

 

I walk back to the Stand to count the spoilage.  I have a duty to fulfill so I just waited to hear what would happen next.  I counted ten left over burger patties with my co-worker Jazzy-poo when I heard the sound. 

 

The CRACK! of a wooden bat. 

 

The crowd went nuts!    

 

Matt Kemp hits a walk off homer run, Dodgers Win 2-1, we finally pull on out of this bag of miserable loses.  I walk to see the commotion on the field.  My buddy Damian is also watching the event unfold.  The Dodger players mob Kemp.  So Awesome, I haven’t seen something like this happen in a very long time.  The Dodger fans stand in their seats, while the Cardinal fans make their way up the isles to their cars.  “I Love LA” plays loud out of the Stadium Ghetto Blasters.  So sweet!  The Dodger fans and the Popo are all smiles.  Nice.

 

Time to go home.

 

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My grade school teachers and Dodger fans out of Sycamore Grove School

Time to Reflect- Keep it Old School

Game 3 against the St. Lois Cardinals-

 

I had the pleasure to formally shake hands with Dodger Vendor Star Roger Owens.  I had to initiate it: “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said.  He patted me on the back and told me “Well, I’m always here.”  That was awesome.  To think I have been watching batting practice next to him for the last four or five seasons and I finally have the stones to say what’ up.  So cool.   

 

The Beatles vocal: “Come together! Right now! Over me!”  Blasted out of Stadium Woofers.  Awesomeness!

 

These crowds have been sparse lately, especially with the season just starting.  Three seasons ago I was on the silver counter feeding my own ADD with the multiple demands for food from the hungry onslaught of Dodger fans.  This season the hungry Beast must be in hibernation. 

 

After prep and stocking burger with the Crew I took a stroll to a place that I believe is the most spectacular view of the Stadium.  Not counting the Top Deck, this has the same view, but, about 20 feet higher.  If you have tickets on the Reserve Level, take a walk toward the farthest end of the third base side and get a gander a few steps from the railing.  Just before a 7 o’clock game, as the sun is setting in the West, take a lOOk at the contour rows of stadium seats that arch like a rainbow toward the opposite end of the stadium.  Take in the green Elysian Park hills and its majesty.  If only the parking lot did not exist for five seconds, what would the landscape look lik, but then again some have seen it Dodger Stadium wasn't always here. 

Go before the game starts and watch the seats fill and the Dodger players prepare to take the field. 

 

SO nice!

 

My legs needed to move.  I then arrived to my break room perch and coincidently I found my former fifth and sixth grade teachers.  Mrs. Cruver and Mr. Cruver, the former being my head principle and 5^th & 6^th grade teacher at Sycamore Grove Christian school, in Highland Park (90042), the later being her devout husband and Reverend at Sycamore Grove Four Square Church.  They presided over the Christian school my parents enrolled me from the second grade to the eighth.  Mrs. Cruver tells me she recently had a stroke so her involvement with the school is minimal but that her daughter (and my fourth grade teacher) was the new principle.  Reverend Cruver is still preaching at the church now.  I was Very Very surprised to see them.  We conversed about my history with them for a bit and the people we still speak with.  I could not believe they remembered my name and family.   They are responsible for so much of my character.  The days I spent in the second grade at their school, running through what is Sycamore Park of Los Angeles, during my recess and lunch break, racing my classmates to the playground.  I was the Flash with the lightning bolt on my chest. The park, so wide, with imposing Sycamore trees all over, Sycamore Park adjacent to the Arroyo Seco river which also runs parallel to the 110 Pasadena Freeway, the vast green grass where I would run as a kid and imagine I was a “real” brown Native American boy experiencing the wilderness l.  I really reflected well about back then, about my childhood school years: my education.  Still, so fresh in my mind.  Like some sick movie, ;lol I digress.

 

What a surprise to see them- my teachers, still enjoying the game.

 

It was at Sycamore Grove School where I learned to read and write and it was at Sycamore Grove Park were I got my ass kicked by a older girl in the second grade (damn she made me cry) and then a few grades later I learned to fight with my fists against the knuckle headed bullies in the upper grades.  It started during the fourth grade and up (and that was just the way it was).  Our tiffs would make amends after early school year squabbles but when baseball season came around, the "big" kids would humiliate us on the baseball field until we learned to get better.  It takes a long time.  My classmates were talented and we played hard and harder.  God memories.  We were grouped together under the instruction of the 8^th grade teacher, Reverend Randal Crags, who called every count, every game during the last class of the day at Montecito Park across the river.  We walked the bridge every time.  P.E. every Spring just as Dodger season began.  Crags was behind the mound in Umpire gear calling outs every game.  "Crags!" my buddy Louis (one grade older) would say under his breath.  We loved playing with his name.   He taught us how to play fast pitch baseball right behind the mound. I digress.  Good memories . . .

As I spoke with the Cruvers, I noticed the Stadium soda guy Cheto,who was a few feet away.  He witnessed every second of my praise for them.  I thanked my teachers for being in my life.  It was very special and super unexpected.  I alway wanted this.  I gave tight hugs before I had to depart.  I wondered if they remembered the hyper kid that I was, who struggled in every subject, but Art class and P.E.  “You weren’t a good kid,” my mother told me after I told her about seeing them.  Yeah, I had a hard time learning, prone to distraction, but they kept me straight, sort of.         

 

As Michael Grimm sings the National Anthem, I watched Mr. and Mrs. Cruver verbalize the lyrics and then I joined them.  Just like old times.  

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

The crowd is small. 

The crowed is lethargic. 

 The LAPD seemed to fit right in the fold of the atmosphere.  I noticed that they seemed to be easing into their roles; getting more comfortable, especially with the easy attendance.  They even stopped by the Stand to say hello.  It’s a chill workload this evening. 

 

The Cardinal fans cheers on their team all game long as their team take our Dodgers down.  The only good thing I actually heard as I paced in my Stand was the fans cheer to what appeared to be a reaction to the Dodger’s Rod Barajas throwing a Card out at 2^nd base. 

 

I could be wrong. 

 

 

 

Around the 9^th inning, during clean up my Buddy Damian who walks into my Stand jests, “There’s more police then (fans) here, Huh! Huh! Huh!”  J.C. the Fry Guy turns to him and smile.  Then Damian says, “I’m gonna have a cigarette.”  The LAPD presence is everywhere.  I suggest you smile at an Officer or salute one in any way.  They are super approachable.  I think it’s because of the environment.  They appear to be into the game just like us. It’s pretty cool.       

 

I walk back out to the handicapped seating to say goodbye to my former principle Mrs. Betty Cruver and her husband Reverend Cruver.  I’m not the church going type but I promised I would go to their Easter Sunday service at the Sycamore Four Square Church in Highland Park.  The only reason I did this is because Mrs. Cruver asked if I still go to church and where I was going for Easter.  I couldn’t answer her first question because my “church” is where I watch Sunday football, all day, and during Dodger baseball starting at 1 o’clock home games.  I didn’t say I would attend Easter service for old time’s sake.  I think 1989 was that last time I attended one.    

 

 

 

I missed Friday’s opener against the Cards because I had to travel up north to bury my grandmother who lived to be 100 years old. 

 

It was a beautiful day to reflect on her life.  I love you  Grandma Lola .

 

I know I'm getting personal here but we have to respect and recognize our elders.

 

I’m going to say it again: LETs GO DODGERS!

 

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Purple and Yellow LA Cap Night

Looks like there are going to be three LA teams representing tonight! 

Your Los Angeles Dodgers,

Your Los Angeles Lakers,

“Aaannd YOOUUUR!” Los Angeles Police Deeepartment!!! 

 

Anyway.

 

It’s Thursday, 4/14/2011, After a full day at job #1, I had to rush to my house to get suited up in my Stadium game fatigues, apron included.  Incidentally, for a minute, I had a brief word or two with my buddy and co-worker Damian who was at the house passing time before his evening class.  No work tonight at the Stadium for Damian unfortunately, school comes first of course, so his personal single season record of working consecutive during the entire 2010 season has officially ended.  (I digress)  The topic was about the media syndicated hype over the new heightened security at the Stadium. 

 

“LAPD?!?” Damian entertains, “The Dodgers (organization) are just paying a lot of lip service.”  He was referring to LAPD Chief Charlie Beck’s reference to the exacerbated police presence after the horrible attack of SF Giants fan that took place in Dodger parking lot. 

 

“Yeah, although it needs to be said” I added.

 

“But come on!” Damian interjects, against the Cardinals?”  He waves his arms open and says, “There is not going to be shit happening tonigh!”  I could tell he was annoyed.  It has been a little too late but a long time coming.  A Thursday night game versus the St. Louis Cardinals is hardly a reason to conjure up worries of another violent calamity but even if the Dodgers were going to play the Pittsburgh Pirates tonight there has to be a time to take a real stand, Zero tolerance.  Between both of us, we have seen so many obnoxious fans getting thrown out of the Stadium and seen so many fights between fans that we were practically conditioned to these outbursts during the game.  We agreed that the police presence for tonight’s game would be just for show until the hype of the media passes.    We may be wrong. 

 

So here we go.

 

I get to the Stadium and settle in the Stand.      

Dodger BP is going down. 

Al Greens vocal blasts from the Stadium Speakers:

“And I’m living for the love of you

/ Yes I dooo /

Livinggg . . .

For the love of yooouuu!”

It doesn’t sound like blood pumping music but I like it. 

So fresh!

 

 The song reminds me of what I tell my Dodger Daughters.  I tell both:  When I wake up in the morning I think to myself everything I do today.  I do for you.  Cheezy.  Sounds like a Bryan Adams song from that crappy Kevin Costner Robin Hood movie from the 90’s.  Yikes!  Even more cheesy!

 

 Sneak a peek at Dodger BP for a moment.  The rookie named Miles is taking whacks.  I have my doubts about this dude.  The Dodgers haven’t had a real second baseman since Orlando Hudson left.  I walk back to my Stand to help my co-workers.   Then I wash my hands under hot water and soap. Slip on the latex gloves and go to town.  During prep the Stadium woofers blast “The Rebirth of Slick” by Digable Planets.  Good music always gets the Burger Time rhythm going.

 

 

On my break . . .

 The Dodgers announce Mike Gonzalez as the evenings Veteran of the Game.  Mr. Gonzalez receives a warn applause.  He nods his head to the crowd, chin up high, and stoic. I’m guessing he is an honorable Vietnam Vet from his appearance.  This is the first time I notice this type if recognition.  Sounds like an excellent idea.

 

The National Anthem is sung by what sounded like a rhythm and blues vocalist by the name of Jeffrey Osborne.  When Mr. Osborne hit the “Wave” and “Brave” ending of the song, his vocal held the long “–a” vowel like a champ.  The hairs on my back were in shock.  I sound like the nice guy from American Idol but it’s the truth.  

 

I saw a four year old boy (or so) wearing a tiny Russell Martin jersey skip ahead of his father before he freezes in his step to reaching for his father’s hand just as they are about to enter the flow of passing Dodger fans who are clinging on to their tickets and food and drink as they head to their specific seats. 

 

 

In the break room a few LAPD blue dressed up in their brass sit at the table in front of me.  They look like vets. 

“Are you working tomorrow,” one asks the other.

I bet they both are.  It looks like an easygoing evening.  Tonight’s attendance is not very strong but these officers have to put their boots down.    

“After the game,” the same Officer asks his partner, “Are we going to the parking lot?”

I had heard enough.  No need to listen to their business.  They are here to “Serve and Protect,” nuff said.

 

I walked out to my break room perch rear Isle 10 to see what was happening on the field. Ah! The first pitch was in full effect.  The Stadium announcer begins his introduction of our special guest: “He has won 5 NBA Championships, one with the Milwaukee Bucks and four with the Los Angeles Lakers, please welcome Kareem Abdul Jabbar.  I was a-taken back: Awesome!  There was Kareem in the flesh, the first time I have seen him in person probably since going back to the 1986 Laker NBA Championship parade.  I was there, that’s for sure. 

I know he has thrown the first pitch before but I missed it.  One of the Police Officers I mentioned before approached to my side and asked, “Who’s throwing the first pitch?”  I him. 

“He looks much smaller,” I said.

“Well, he is sick.” He replied

Comic book bubble above my head read “DOH!” as Homer Simpson would put it. 

Of course, he is sick.  Kareem is bit hunched over.  Wearing a Dodger hat, he steps into his throw and releases a rainbow toss to the catcher.  A close up shot of him exposed his smiling face.  He appears to be really happy and a true Dodger fan.  So cool!

 

Vin Scully must be saying right about now: It’s time for Dodger baseball!

With a few minutes left of break time I take a stroll to the right field side of the
Reserve Level.  I look at the people as they/I pass:

-  I see a mother lets her daughter wear way to much makeup.

-  I see a four girls, who have just entered the Stadium stop to pose for a picture taken by 

   one of their friends, they all pucker their lips at the camera rather that smile.  That was

   funny. I said in passing, “Why did you do this,” and puckered my lips, two of them did

   the same right back at me.  The was funny.

- I see a donation table with seated EMT professionals in uniform to support the Bryan    

   Stow Fund Foundation.  It’s the top the first and Kuroda sits down the side.

-   I see Diana from high school.  I went with her to her senior Prom.  She says to me,   

    “We came for these,” holding her LA purple and yellow hats that the Dodgers are g     

     giving away at the gate.  “There such good quality!” I told her. 

     Hugs and goodbye.  Then it was time to return to the Stand. 

 ________________________________________________________________

The Ladies and Gentlemen of the LAPD get real hugary.  I made a number of special orders for them tonight.  Before this the Open Day violence there was still a significant presence of police dressed in slacks and white collared shirts.  Now there are three times more in the Stadium and five times more in the parking lot.  They now wear there LAPD Brass fatiques and to tell you the truth there presence looks quite formidable. 

Still there were pockets of empty rows.  The attendance was low. The fans of tonights opponents the St. Louis Cardinals surely must have felt safe, if their was a reason to worry in the first place. 

As my Burger Buddy Mari, myself, and a fellow co-worker from another Stand walked to our cars we noticed the police cars, bikes, and even those on horses. 

We greeted them a good after noon as we passed.  The fans of the stadium of any team wins today.  Dodgers unfortunately didn't.

For the heck of it: GO DODGERS!

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