Tony Varela's Dodger Stadium Blog

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.    

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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

 

 

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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 (Num8er) #4

 

 Marvel "Duke Snider" Comics Fantastic Four logo but I will say it again, he is the "Fantastic

Nubmer Four".   Me and the boys from the block love you Sir.   God Bless . . . .

 

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.

 

 

84

Philly Versus LA 2011, Mano y Mano . . .

 

 

Dodger Kuroda 7-13 (2.95) versus Philly Roy Halladay 14-4 (2.55)

 

 

This is the pitching match of the year. 

 

 

(Forget the Kershaw vs. Weaver match-up.  Inter-league doesn’t apply here) 

 

 

 

 Overcast, again?  Wow!  Maybe the weather has to do with our team’s performance. 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Drew the Usher tells me that Halladay is going to pitch “quick” and Kuroda is going to take his time,

 “Slow!” he exclaims.  Then off topic he tells me, “I can’t wait until Wednesday.” 

And I know why. 

Half price for all food- My buddy gets hungry working here. 

 

 

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

The Stadium gates just opened and there has already been a sighting of a wacked Yankee hat.   

 

QUESTION! : Why do people wear NY Yankee hats to the Dodger game?

Possible ANSWERS:

 

“The reason for a person wearing a Yankee hat at Dodger Stadium is . . .

 

-        They are not really baseball fans but they need to claim something. 

-         They are not really fans of the team but the hat looks so cool.

-         The hat is his freinds. 

-         The team wins games. (On the surface type logic) 

-         He has a man crush on Jeter.

-         She has a man crush on Jeter.

-         They are home sick and wanna be cocky about it.

-         A lack of imagination.

-         They loved Mickey Mantle (legitimate)

-         Because their Dad was a fan  (legitimate)

-         Because Black goes with everything. 

 

-     Damian says,  “ . . . because they want something better for themselves.”  HA!

 

My buddy Drew the Usher tells me that this Yankee hat wearing person should be tested.  He tells

 me, “Ask them a question that any Yankee fan would know, like: Who has the longest hit streak in

 Major League Baseball history?” 

 

Excellent point my friend!

 

On Break,

 

At the break room perch I find Jules Sanchez the Fan Photo dude of American Idol fame and  

recently this years worthy National Anthem performer, whose charm seems to intice many fans 

for   a really cool  picture and memory for a lifetime.  I salute him for his good work (Representing

all  of the Fan Fotos peeps this year).  Besides his excellent vocals, Jules can also take the coolest,

behind-the-back and over-the-shoulder, snap shot.  OG shots.

 

Walking the councourse, One Philly Fan transplant tells me, “I’m coming to all three games; every

time they come to town.” 

 

(Impresive)

 

“You fans are the real deal,” I tell him. 

 

“Dodger fans are too,” he admits.

 

(Well thank You) 

 

I see an Oswalt Jersey.

There is a Halladay jersey too.

Victorino jersey also . . .

And over there is a Rollins one.    

 

Yup, it’s a low turnout tonight but it seems that every Philadelphia fans in So Cal is here tonight. 

 

 

 

 

 The Stadium Ghetto Blaster is blasting an Amy Winehouse tune. 

 

RIP.

 

 

The new or temporary Dodger On-Field Announcer introduces, Nancy Bea, who “Brought the

soundtrack to Blue Heaven on Earth.”  

 

The Veteran of the Game is Carl Goldman KHTS.

 

  

I didn’t know this but guess what the Jumbo Tron tells us all? 

 

It’s Disability Awareness Night @ Dodger Stadium!  Sweet.  After this announcement there is a

 sudden applause from some people sitting in isle 10. They are cheerin the person on the field,

an Awesome lady named Mary Bauman PhD who is bequithed  the Maxell Foundation award.  The

 Jumbo Tron camera centers on a very humble and smiling Ms. Bauman who is being cheered on,

whistling and all, by her friends and accomplices that are here tonight to recognize her excellence

and dedication to “improving the lives of many people in the  community.”  Honestly, I would have

 really liked to hug this woman.  Great job!

 

 

Next, the business on the Field is a Baseball Tomorrow Foundation. This collective organization

has been assembled to benefit the Los Angeles City of Parks and Recreation in an effort to provide

 our city youth with the skills, tools, and discipline of baseball in their lives.  On hand is a huge

check (like the Publishers Sweepstakes check) made out to the City of Los Angeles for $39,570

dollars.  Nice!  Hopefully this money will produce the next Drysdale, or Eric Davis, or Eddie

 Murray. 

 

Time to feed the peeps.  Back to work I go.

 

On the way to the Stand I spot a guy with a UCLA Bruins t-shirt.  Just around the corner dude. 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________    

 

 

 

While flipping burgers and utilizing my mayo spreading skills, (to the delight and cheers of the P

 fans) I hear that Philadelphia has already scored in the first inning.  In the bottom of the 1^st Casey

Blake gets a single off of Halladay.  Good, a (possible) no-hitter is out the window. 

 

The Phillys score 2 more runs in the 2^nd and the Dodger fans are realy quiet  Silent.

 

 

Anyway, do you know what is lame besides Yankee hats?

 

My Stand doesn’t give BBQ sauce or Ranch Dressing on the side anymore.  When a patron asked for

 some I had to tell him, no.  He replied, “Are you serious, I’ve been coming here for 10 years.”  (Not

 anymore man, sorry)  The disappointment in his face was as real as disappointment gets. 

 I digress.

 

It near the 7^th inning and the score is 3-1, Philly’s.

 

Kuroda has only two earned runs, the other on an error.  We put up a fight but as always, we don’t

 get any breaks, we do not have a lick of luck, and we are not able to get a hit with men in scoring

 position. 

 

This was I good match-up.  Damian tells me that half of the fans sitting in the Field Level were

Philly fans.  Good, keep them coming, the more people coming to the game the better chances that

more people work here.

 

I’ll type it again, GO DODGERS.

 

Dodgers lose.

 

84  

 

 

The South Band Blue Jacket Band

The Navy's very own Blue Blue Jacket Band, jamming it up!

NAVY Night @ Dodger Stadium 2011

 

NAVY Night @ Dodger Stadium  and Some Navy Tunes too!

 

 
 

 

 

 

Every Saturday Dollar Dodger Dogs? 

 

Someone  is gonna get a tummy ache tonight . . .

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 

Chad Billingsley 9-8 (3.92) versus D-Backs Micah Owings 4-0 ( 2.36)

 

 

 

The drama in the Stand turns ugly.  The issue is when people take their breaks during the shift.

Bossy is complaining some of us take-off when we are just getting busy.  I disagree and I turn up the

volume a little bit and I tell my Bossy Lady that she is a “Lazy Daisy.”  Meaning she doesn’t work

 hard enough, break or now break.  (This isn’t actually true) 

This doesn’t make her happy, AT ALL.  I crossed the line.  What I said was a big mistake. 

 

She doesn’t want to talk to me the entire shift she tells me. 

OUUCHH!   

 

  

________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

When the air is cleared and the work is done I take my break,

 

 

Out on the floor of the Reserve Level concourse,

 

 

There are hundreds of Navy men and women dressed in their white sailor duds.  The patches on

 their shoulder read: U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln and the U.S.S. Princeton.  They look like kids, so

 young.  I think their ships are ported at San Pedro this week.  

 

Nice.

 

-  One guy is juggling three Dodger Dogs in the air.  Ha! Never seen anything like that     

    before. 

 

-   “Alright, good luck baby,” a man tells a Lady Sailor at the end of their short talk at the      

      condiment table. 

 

-    I keep thinking about what Eric from my Stand told me last night:  “They are making   

     a third Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure/Bogus Journey.” 

 

 

That would be Awesome!

 

 

-  There are few youngsters are representing in their U.S. Navy Cadets uniforms.

 

-  The music of Kool and the Gang is jamming out of the Stadium Ghetto Blasters.

 

Next,

 

The whole Stadium is entertained by the live music of Navy’s very own South Band, otherwise

 know as The Blue Jacket Brass Band, out of Coronado.  The musicians are dressed in their

military uniforms, jamming just before Home Plate. 

 

The band lead with his trumpet in hand sings out, “We gonna get to the Mardi Graw!”   

The saxophonist starts to tear it up with a rambunctious solo!  I can imagine my buddy Drew the

Usher playing air horn, right along with these folks. 

 

The Band Leads croons:

 

“Oh, when the Saints . . . Come marching in!

 

“Oh, when the Saints Come Marching in!   

 

 

Heck Yeah!

 

 

The Navy really knows how to party!

 

 While the music plays on, I taking a short stroll to walk off the D Dog I just swallowed.   I spot a

fellow wearing a Baltimore Black Sox #29 jersey.  I google it real quick and learn that the jersey

 number could be representative of Negro League star, Ernest Judson “Boojum” Wilson, who’s

career spanned from 1922 to 1945.  He was know to “fight” any time (with his fists) and he also had

 one of the best batting averages in his time. 

Cool!

 

 

I see two twenty something ladies who are calling out,“Dad, come over here,” requesting their

father to pose in a picture with them, with the baseball field in the background.  I realize I’m going

to be that  “father” someday.

 

Next, I see a gentleman is getting directions to his seats by a Stadium Usher.  Two young girls

follow him down the isle stairs to their destination.  “Hey Dad, we’re right here!” one of the girls

calls out to the fellow.  She points him to their seats.  I realize those are going to be my girls

someday.  

 

As I write this, I think that I better enjoy my little daughters, as they are, even more. 

 

 

 _____________________________________________________________________

 

Subject: Stadium Attire.

 

I’m not one to dole out fashion advice, but, I need to get this off my chest.  Do Not wear

Ambercrombie and Fitch apparel to a Dodger Game.  I just saw this fashion no-no and it is really

appalling, unacceptable. 

 

So, so wack!

 

 _____________________________________________________________________

 

The Veteran of the Game is Eric Powell. 

 

The National Anthem is carried out by Archie Folks who sounds like a mix of John Denver

 and Woody Guthery Jr..

 

The wickedest entrance to the Stadium this year Award is given to the “U.S. Navy Leap Frogs”, a

 group of Navy Seals actually parachute-sail onto the baseball field to the astonishment of the

 entire Stadium.  Radical!

 

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Game,

 

In the 4^th inning, Matt Kemp hits his 25 homer and second consecutive in as many nights. 

 

Dodgers are up 3-1.  Billingsley has one really bad inning and we lose our lead. 

 

 Dodgers Lose, 6-4.

 

 

 

 

Dang it!

 

Kemp can’t do it all.

 

 

Whatever.

 

Bossy Lady's silent treatment really sucked, too.

 

Anyway.

 

 

Go Dodgers!

 

Go Navy!

 

Go Blue Jacket Band!

 

 

84

 

  

 

 

 

 

Silver and Black LA King Fans in the House

This Dude is showing off the LA Silver and Black

LA Kings Fans @ the Stadium