The last home stand is just around the corner.
Tonight’s game against the Padres is a weak turnout. Last years month of September and the overwhelming Dodger crowds are but a memory, the Hungary Beast is dormant, and our Boys in Blue are out of contention.
Dennis McNeil sang the National Anthem and couple of Red Moon sponsored snow boarders, one of them name Eddie Long threw the ceremonial first pitch of the game.
After prepping the food in the Stand I was caught in the moment thinking: How did San Diego hold on to 1st place in the West practically all summer long? ESPN magazine claims it’s their relief pitching. I think we had that last year.
Anyway . . . Later, I ran into Drew the Usher just before the game started.
“On my way out (last night) I ran into Tommy (Lasorda), Drew claimed.
“It’s nice to meet you, sir,” Drew told him.
“Calling me ‘Sir’ is as good as an elevator in an outhouse,” Lasorda replied.
Drew then inquired, “Did you get that from the Patrick Swayze movie Roadhouse?” .
Lasorda smiled
“Roadhouse!” I exclaimed, “Are you serious Drew?”
Sometimes my Dodger Usher/Jedi/Fan of Phantom of the Opera friend, who knows lines from Patrick Swayze movies trips me out. I handed him a Dodger Dog I couldn’t think of eating (I was full) and took a few minutes to look at the Dodger-Padre game that was in play. Kuroda makes about 15 pitches to many and the Padres manage to score a run complements of the pesky David Eckstein. Dodger catcher Rod Barajas goes to the mound to have a word with Kuroda. They make an interesting combo.
During the game I wasn’t thinking too much. Teaching during the day and flipping burgers is taking it toll on me. The great news is the dude Jameson, who performs the “Don’t Stop Believing” act during the 8th inning is reprising his performances. So entertaining, so hilarious, so much heart.
By the time of the 9th inning, J.C the Fry guy and I have put away all of the food in our work stations. J.C. dumps a bucket of water and floor detergent onto the Stand floor, “SUNAMI!” he yells out, followed with a “YEEHAW!” We scrub the heck out of the floors, mop the joint, and clean the floor drains. The Ladies of the Stand do the entire math count for the evening. They count the inventory, they count the money, they count the left over food, and of course, they count on J.C. and I to have completed our duties for the evening. Damian walks into the Stand just as I’m about to sign out.
“Are you done? Come check out Kuo close it!” he insisted.
We walk out to see what is going on. Kuo is on the mound, facing Miguel Tejada. It takes a while but a Strike Three call is made. Kuo gets the save. Kuroda the win. Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.” cuts through the Stadium air. A tall, slender girl walking with her short boyfriend jumps up in the air and screams, “I Love it!” , echoing the lyrics.
Thank you for wearing our heart on your sleave the whole time Kuroda.
I hope you come back to LA.
We loved it.
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