It has been a 67-year love affair. I was 5 when baseball first entered my life. I was not very good at it back then. I threw right-handed until I shattered my wrist on a teeter-totter in my aunt’s backyard. After that throwing with the right hand was odd to me, so I became a lefty. Hitting lefty came naturally too. \I went to a few Angel games at old Wrigley in LA, but do not remember who they were playing. I do remember that first ballpark hot dog. Nothing tasted better.
Then we left the state for a while and I did not return until I was 8. Me and my mom lived in Hawthorne on 132nd Avenue. I went to Jane Adams Elementary. We played some softball there and the guys introduced me to over the line and 3 flies up. If you caught 3 fly balls, you got to hit. If I remember right, one of the kids showed me that I was hitting cross-handed. Once I figured out that my right hand belonged on the bottom of the bat, I started to hit a lot better.
In 58, the Dodgers came to town, and I was sent to live in a home for kids in Highland Park. One thing about living there, you always had plenty of kids to play with, and playing baseball on our little dirt field was an everyday thing most of the time. The home got free tickets in the knothole section at the coliseum to see Dodger games.
My first Dodger game was sometime in July 1958. All I remember was the players looked like ants because they were so far away, and I met John Russell, who played the lead role in the Lawman series. I also remember hearing Vin’s voice echo through the stadium blaring from thousands of transistor radios. I guess they could not see the action either. We went to 3 games that year.
In 59 I remember going to at least 5 games. But we had a lot of other activities. Sunday was movie day and they would load us into the station wagons and we would go see some movie that was more of a kids movie. I remember us going to see the Alamo when it opened in 1960, and also going to see The Magnificent 7. Then they covered the baseball field with a new building in 1961.
Larry and Norm Sherry and Tommy Davis came to the opening. Heady stuff for a kid who loved the game and the team. I have told the story before that we kids used to shag balls for the Sherry brothers before they would head to Vero. I really wish I would have had a chance to go see spring training there. We also would go to special events they would have for us underprivileged kids.
We once went to the Moulin Rouge in Hollywood for a Christmas show starring Soupy Sales. What a whack job he was. We would go to the coliseum every 4th of July for the circus and the fireworks. And we would go to about 4 Dodger games a year, Once we went to see the Angels play the Tigers at Wrigley their first season in existence. I remember Daddy Wags and Albie Pearson. Vic Wertz hit one over the right-field fence and Detroit won 9-3.
The first game I went to at Dodger Stadium was the last game I went to with the home and it was an Angel game in April of 62. In May I was placed in a foster home in Redondo Beach. And while there, we did not attend a single game. My foster father was not a baseball fan. So I followed them on the radio and watched when they played the Giants on KTTV. I remember the heartbreak while listening to the 3rd game of the playoffs and them losing by giving up 4 runs in the 9th. I still dislike the decision Alston made to use Williams instead of Drysdale to close it out. And he left Roebuck in too long.
After I went into the Army, it was hard to follow the team other than in the paper and the Sporting News. And especially when I went to Korea. Stars and Stripes was usually a couple of days or more behind in the scores. When I came home, and later got married, we would go to games whenever I came back to Cali on leave. Or we would go to the AA games in El Paso.
Today it is so much easier to follow the blue. I have the internet and MLB.TV. Once in a while, I can go up to Denver to see them play the Rockies. So far my record is untarnished. I have been to 5 Dodger-Rockie games at Coors and they have not lost one yet. So, on Tuesday, I will be heading back to Cali until the end of May. One big difference from other trips is that I will not be going to Dodger Stadium. The cost of going is way above my pay grade. We might head out to Rancho Cucamonga and see the kids play once their season starts.
I am also taking a train trip up to Oregon to see my oldest daughter, who is a loyal Dodger fan. I taught her well. Here is hoping they have continued success and win another title. That would be awesome. — Bear
Rants & Raves on Friday’s Game by MT
It was a wild and crazy game, full of errors, bad pitching, bench-clearing, and clutch hitting. Potential closers, Knebel and Jansen coughed up hairballs. although Kenley’s stuff looked pretty dang good. The Padres are a good team… make no mistake about it. However, in the 12th inning, the Dodger’s Released the Kracken started by a 2-run homer by Seager. By the time the top of the 12th inning was over, the Dodgers had scored 5 runs and the Padres were beat like rented mules! A few takeaways:
- The Price was righter! David Price closed out the game with two strong innings, showing he can pitch on back-to-back days. On Thursday, he threw 14 pitches (12 for strikes), and last night, in his 2 innings, he threw 18 pitches (16 for strikes). That’s efficiency! He could be that “Andrew Miller-Type Weapon” in the bullpen.
- Knebel really struggled. There was nothing good I saw there.
- I like Dennis Santana’s spunk and stuff. He might just be a keeper, over Scott Alexander.
- I really like Luke Raley. Matt Beaty’s job is in danger.
- This never gets old: Zach McKinstry is a ballplayer!
- Kershaw and Darvish go at it tonight. Let’s teach these boys a lesson!
I’m not worried about Beaty, his time will come, for now he hasn’t found his rhythm yet, but he will come. He is an important part of the team, he was an important part of last year and he will be this season, good that it has not yet been necessary to win, season is just beginning, there is still a long way to go. Be patient!
Hey Jorge, down in Mexicali are most people Dodgers fans or Padres? I thought most people in Mexico like the Dodgers.
Mexicali is blue territory, but Tijuana (a neighboring city) is brown and yellow, so when there is a sporting event between Tijuana and Mexicali, it is war!
That’s awesome! I totally support and further understand your disdain for the Fryers.
Joe and Orel said it best last night, is it a rivalry? No, it has been way too one sided at this point. Could it become one? Maybe, only if the Padres beat the Dodgers for the western title a few times. Right now, the Dodgers are clearly the stronger and better team. And the Pads have to feel deflated after the game last night. That was a BRUTAL loss.
Nice article, Bear. A lot of memories.
– Phillip Evans from PIT is McKinstry’s primary NL rival for ROY if they both continue to get playing time and continue to perform.
– Prediction: Acuna wins NL MVP. He looks like he’s breaking out into superstar status. The Braves are stacked offensively and their rotation is upgraded. Not sure what’s going on with them.
– Raley looked like he was barely swinging on that HR, but the exit velocity was 113. He was Rios power.
– I don’t blame Kenley so much for that performance. He was overthrowing to Manny and walked him. He would’ve been out had Seager fielded that ball.
– relief corps depth won that game. The Dodgers were able to roll out Price (who we all wanted to cut or trade last week). The Padres had to roll out Tim Hill.
– the Dodgers just need to maintain a .700 winning % the rest of the season to break the all time record for wins in a season. Easy
Z-Mac is on fire. I’ll say it again, he’s so much better than Kike. That said, I think Muncy should have bailed him out on that 2 bouncer.
That game was really freaking stressful. Lot’s of players on both sides showed their nerves with a lot of miscues in the field.
I’m really happy for Luke getting his first bomb last last night. That guy is strong.
JT is money right now. But, he’s clearly lost a step on defense.
David Price was painting those last two innings. What a heart breaking loss for the Padres. So good to see. If you’re gonna talk a bunch of smack, you have to back it up.
I still can’t tell who I dislike more, Tatis Jr. or Machado. They have a lot of swag for a couple of guys who haven’t won anything. Sorry but eye-black smeared all your face is a pet peeve for me.
Looking forward to beating Darvish like a drum tonight. Hoping for some vintage CK.
Only the Dodgers have a weapon like David Price. His willingness to pitch out of the bullpen is a difference maker.
Lots of discussion these days about the San Diego Padres willing to spend big to chase down the Dodgers and the team is at a record $176 million plus payroll. But the Dodgers are at $241 million plus, allowing them to have a Price in his current role.
Found it interesting that despite the “Ban the Blue” campaign in San Diego, lots of Dodgers fans paid the inflated ticket prices and made their way down the 5 for the game.
Cory Seager’s blast reminds Dodger management of the need to re-sign him this winter. Definitely a difference maker. Apparently they tried to extend him earlier, according to reports. Not sure if they’re still engaged. Possibly.
I really believe the Dodgers will ink him to a long term deal. Seems like the Dodgers have changed their approach. No longer Stan Kasten’s Atlanta Braves mentality. Like We’re LA and You’re Not. We can do things you can’t.
Good write-up Bear.
One down and 18 to go. I predict we will go 14-5 against them for the season. They will probably make the playoffs but I doubt they face us for the pennant
We will likely face them in the NLDS – best record vs wild card
Great game.
Padres are fun and talented. Also I think their GM is much better than I initially thought.
At this point (in games played) last year we’d be > 20% done with the season.
Hey Jorge! Not so fast, I’ll say in Tijuana we are as much Dodgers fans as Padres, Just check the stands when Dodgers are Playing in San Diego
I believed that because I know a few who live in TJ and are Padres fans, and because of the proximity of Tijuana and San Diego, although I know that Mexico is Dodger territory !!
THANK GOODNESS FOR THE PAFRES! Otherwise we’d win the West in August and play 4 meaningful games all year! Price! What a teammate! With his cred and willing to go to the pen for the good of the team. And that’s definitely some good! He was on the corners all night with good 94 stuff. What a weapon! And Santana’s inning. High drama. That’s the kind of outing that could elevate him to a new level. Trust his stuff and throw more strikes. Best non pennant game ever!
Cassidy
In Yesterday’s post that is closed now, you asked me what I think about Price. Here it is:
Career OPS against RHB .681
Career OPS against LHB .610
He passes my test of being under .700 against both sides of the plate. I like him. He’s near dominate (under .600) against LHB.
Bear, how dare you call Soupy a whack job… I ran home from grade school to eat lunch and watch Soupy and White Fang…
I remember we made up a game called sock ball, so we could play in front of the the house… Just a bunch socks jammed into another and play ball…
It’s good to be back… My wife informed me while in the hospital that MT was quitting!!! I told her that all will be well… He’s created a monster blog with Bear and others at the ready and you don’t walk away from that… Just read Bear’s story and he’ll take you there…
Ha ha. Yep, Ole Soup was three bulbs short of a chandelier. White Fang and Black Tooth, I remember them well. I remember when he used to go to the door to see what was behind it. Usually it was not something good. I read a story that the crew on his show had a naked women behind the door one time. Probably the only time you ever saw him go to the door and be speechless. But I also remember practicing the Soupy shuffle just to get it right. Sort of like doing the little dance Curly used to do in some of the Three Stooges shorts.
Report this morning that the Dodgers may activate the Bazooka for tonight’s game, which starts earlier than last nights game. He traveled with the team. Old friend Scott Schebler activated by the Angels. Jon Jay DFA’d.
Can’t wait to see the Bazooka! Glad the Angels activated Schebler. I loved Price’s sac fly last night. He looked like a DH.
I still say this is the best bullpen top to bottom we’ve had maybe ever. I liked Jansen stuff last night. Great battle between him and Machado. He barely missed with that last elevated fastball. If Seager catches a perfect throw by Smith then Kenley gets the save. Knebel will be fine. That’s probably the first meaningful game he’s pitched in years. He was just a little over amped and lost location. We need Kersh to give us some innings tonight. Gonzalez, Nelson and Graterol on deck tonight!
I think this is going to be the best bullpen we’ve had in awhile (statistically last year doesn’t count to me because of the Chinavirus factor).
I just think that our offense and starting pitching is going to be better than our bullpen. I think that if Freidman is going to be looking for anything at the trade deadline it will be bullpen help, BUT he might not be looking for anything. Possibly a bench bat but I doubt it. That’s how good I think the team is.
Although IF a long term injury happens to a very important player (superstar) then he’ll be looking to replace that. But that’s an IF.
Let’s see how Darvish performs in a big game tonight. If Kersh can get through the first inning and gets the slider working then we’ll be in good shape.
Cassidy, i guess Kenley was not going for the save, he was going for the win, but maybe I am wrong. Knebel blow the save, the rest was for the win
Knebel gets a blown save. Which is kind of whack since he pitched in the 8th and you cannot assume he is going for the save. But baseball has a couple of stats like that. You are right, Kenley preserved the tie and was in line to win it had he closed out the 9th. A lot of bad plays last night, and a few good ones. I do not think Turner has lost that much. A couple of those balls that got by him were scorched. On Machado’s steal in the 9th, it was a low throw by Smith that was hard for Seager to handle. Not totally Corey’s fault they did not get the out. But a lot of that is on Jansen who has a penchant for not keeping runners close. A couple of observations from the game. Padres pen is stacked, and do not doubt that. But they are going to get used a lot if their starters do not start going deeper in games. Darvish and Musgrove are the only two who have pitched well. Morejon and Lamet are both out. Lamet might be back for next weekends series with the Dodgers. Paddock and Snell have gotten knocked around. Corey Seager is going to get paid. Of all the free agent SS available this winter, he is playing better than any of them. Story will be traded at the deadline. Colorado cannot afford to let him walk and get nothing. They are skating on thin ice with the fans as it is. Buehler did not have his best stuff, but still had a chance to win the game had the pen shut it down. Kersh’s life time stats in Dago, 9-3 with a 1.83 ERA. Have to like our chances of winning the series. Bauer on the other hand has never pitched at Petco. His record against the Pads is 0-4 with a 5.00 ERA.
The “low” throw by Smith that Seager didn’t handle was all on Seager. The ball didn’t bounce in the dirt, it hit Seager’s glove first. It is exactly the kind of throw that a manager loves to see on a stolen base attempt. Even Seager’s reaction shows that he thought he should have had it. Look at the replays and it is obvious.
I know, but either way he did not make the play, and if he had caught the ball it is iffy if it was in time to get Machado, His best chance was when Machado over slid the base. We see it differently, which is your right.
Hey Bear, watching JT do his best but losing a step or 2 and occasionally throwing sinkers across the diamond, make me further long for the DH this year.
Also thanks for sharing your stories from your youth. You and I lead a very different youth. I appreciate you and thanks for the memories.
Thank you Phil. JT is not the player he was a few years ago but he lost weight this winter and has looked like an All Star so far.
You’re right JV
I don’t think Santana is someone to try and act tough with. Maybe he didn’t intend to plunck the SD player, but I’m glad he did and then stood tall and badass. Sent a good message to the Friars to start the series and the season. I like it, intimidation was and should be the part of any sport.
Totally agree. I’m glad Santana is stepping up. So many guys to love on this team. I wish Kelly was here to plant one on Machado.
“I wish Kelly was here to plant one on Machado.”
I like it!
Yep, go pull it out of your ass cupcake! Add that to his Nice swing bitch! Machado will always be a dick. He was a huge one in LA, and he is even worse now. Unfortunately it is rubbing off on the very talented Tatis. One reason I loved Uribe was because when he was in LA< he was a calming influence on Puig. After he left, Yasiel went off the rails. Sad because they guy had 5 tool ability and a ten cent head.
The game last night was one of the most fun regular season games I’ve seen in a long time. High drama. Had me hanging on the edge of my seat the last couple of innings. It is the beginning of a great rivalry. I think back to the classic Dodgers-Giants rivalries of my youth. It’s great for us as fans, great for baseball. I agree that it was our bullpen depth that ultimately made the difference. Gritty performances from Santana and Price.
Right now, 8 Dodgers have an OPS of over .900. I know it’s a small sample size early in the season, but still, can you imagine how intimidating that must be for opposing pitchers? I know it’s early to prognosticate, but this may be the best Dodgers team ever.
I’m very high on our offense. An all time record or 2 might be broken by this Dodgers offense. Depends on health Though.
Big Blue Wrecking Crew. Kinda like the Big Red Machine of the 70s Reds.
Big Blue Wrecking Crew has already been used. Something new is needed. Any idea’s? I like Big Blue Steamroller.
I agree, Eric. And I think that our pitching is better than that of the Big Red Machine.
Well it wasn’t the Mona Lisa last night but it was certainly exciting. It’s great to see butts in the seats and all the enthusiasm and the crowd noise again. While only 15K it was loud and they seem to put more folks behind home plate at Petco.
* Striker competed hard despite not having his best stuff.
* McKinstry is a gamer and can hit. Defensively, he’s a work in progress. We are spoiled with CT3 and Kike defensively in the utility role. McKinstry didn’t need to hurry on the double play he threw away for a big error. But he made up for it with a double the next inning.
* V-Gone needs to watch out that he doesn’t eat his way off the mound
* Treinen’s pitch mix interesting. His Turbo sinker is amazing but he seems to prefer to live on the hitter’s trademark. Sinkers to righties and cutters to lefties. I’m not sure of the reluctance to pitch lefties down and away with that turbo. I’d like to see him work faster too. He puts the infield to sleep.
* KJ blew away Cronenworth on overpowering stuff that was great to see. And then allowed a run after a typical walk the next inning. His curse. He just has to make it interesting. Nice to see his increased velo but he now lives at the top 1/3 of the zone. It’s only an occasion breaking ball in the dirt. It’s a steady diet of high stuff where there’s not much room for error .He now live in the upper 1/3 of the zone. Live and die up there especially after a walk or two.
* The Padres are lippy SOB’s but Santana was the problem in the little altercation in, my view. Shut up and pitch. Don’t give them reasons to get fired up.
* I like the extra-inning rule for the exact reasons we saw last night. The Padres were out of pitchers and the Dodgers were too. What do you get if it goes 15? I’m not interested in seeing non-pitchers, pitch. Plus the game is instantly exciting and strategic. There are so many options both offensively and defensively. Doc played match ups more than a set strategy. When the home team gets the runner to 3rd with one out the wheels really turn. I would choose to walk at least one guy and play at double play depth hoping one ground ball gets you out of the inning. But if you don’t turn it, you lose. Playing the infield IN with first and third makes me nervous especially with someone like Hosmer at the plate. But Doc’s strategy and some great pitching came through in the 10th and 11th, when the Padres looked to have it.
* I was wondering where Price was much earlier, especially before Santana. Nice to see him pitch well as a late reliever.
18 more times with these hot-dogs, Go Dodgers.
New report on Twitter says Vesia is being activate. Not confirmed anywhere else I have looked.
Being on the east coast (South Carolina) these late games are difficult for someone my age (78)! That being the case, I am looking forward to tonight’s game. Go Dodgers!
I too live on the East Coast(SW Florida) and I watched the game on MLB. After two outs in the top of the 1st inning they broke away from the game and went to action in other games and directly after that they went to commercials. Man was I pissed. They didn’t go back to the LA-SD game until the bottom of the 2nd inning.
I can’t understand for the life of me why, in the hell, they did that. I’m 78 and don’t need stress like that.
Try volokit.com. That is where I have watched the last few games. It is free
Thanks Bear for the info. Idf it wasn’t for you I never would’ve seen Turners HR nor Mookies fantastic catch to end the game.
Actually all of the credit goes to Campy who turned me on to it. When I figure out a way to get the feed from my laptop or my computer to my big screen, it will be pretty cool.
Yes, SCD, it can be tough on us older fans living in the east. I packed it in at about 2 a.m. Things weren’t looking to good for the Dodgers at that point. But I must say it was a great feeling when I awoke and went to the Dodgers home page on mlb.com and found that they had won by 5 runs. What a great start to the day!
Great win for Dodgers!! The Dodgers continue to battle no matter the score. For those of you who were ready to move on from Turner what do you think now? He is still the heart and soul of this team.
A few observations:
We need a productive Bellinger and a healthy Pollock to win another World Series unless we find a rh bat. The lineup last night looked vulnerable vs. a lefty
Jansen never seems to have a clean inning. A base runner against him is at least 2 bases mb 3. He can be useful in a long season but he cannot protect a 1run game.
I think we really missed David Price last year but in a full season he is going to be crucial with his versatility.
I think one of the smartest things AF did was let Ryu and Maeda go to allow May and Urias to blossom.
I meant to ask: while Buehler was good his velocity and strikeouts seem to be down. Anybody know why?
Location location location. Most of his fastballs were very hittable. Too long in the zone.
Vesia called up. Beaty sent down. Line up. Betts CF, Seager SS, Turner 3B, Muncy 1B, Taylor 2B, McKinstry RF, Raley LF, Barnes C, Kershaw P. Brewers place Yelich on IL>
Sorry to see Beaty sent down but he is just lost right now. How good is it to be Luke Raley right now! What an opportunity. Jimmy Nelson time tonight! Now Robertsbisnt going to let Kenley go back to back. Right?
Doc says no Kenley, no Price tonight.
Graterol may be activated tomorrow.
Lux getting closer.
Pollock available tonight and will start tomorrow.
We need a lengthy start tonight. But so do they.
What’s the story with Bellinger.?
Don’t laugh but I when Pollock is healthy, I wouldn’t mind seeing Ruiz added as a pinch hitter for Raley.
Bellinger has a hairline fracture in the leg that was spiked. He will be out until at least the end of May. Raley is doing just fine thank you. He got another hit tonight. One of their 3.
Looks like the start of another great game
Go Dodgers, go Dodgers, go Dodgers, go
Sung to the melody of the little old lady from Pasadena
Great start for Kersh! If he can locate 92 he’s golden!
Pee Yu is dealing tonight!
He ain’t the only one, knock on wood
Well maybe Cash will come and take out Darvish out if someone gets a hit in the 5th!
Well, I predicted that Beaty’s time was short…
They needed another pitcher tonight… sooo…
Took a lot of insight to see that
I’m very adept at perceiving the obvious immediately.
I am pretty much the same way, the comment was made in jest
What a competitor Kershaw is , it’s just a joy to watch
I guess when you’re a team that sits on fastball just keep throwing them off speed! Can someone go up there and sit on off speed!!!!!!
Jimmy Nelson has the stuff of a closer. Let him get more comfortable.
He hasn’t pitched in over two years and has never been a bullpen piece.
I am very high on him!
I’ve been high all night, especially after seeing him
I’ll have what he’s having!
You sound like the kind of guy I’d love to have a beer with, Or something
I only do that if I am alone or with somebody.
ME TOO! On Jimmy Nelson! Or having a beer too!
Wow. JT IS BADASS
MOOKIE!!!!!!!!!! Another glove save!!!!!!
Mookie is the real deal. Great catch to save the game. Kersh was dealing as was the rest of the staff. Turner has hit 5 HR’s so far, and he had only hit 3 before May in his career. Bauer goes for the sweep tomorrow.
I just hope as the year goes on our offense and our starters can catch up to our bullpen!
We’ve outscored opponents 44-18 thus far
That one was for you Eric!
What a catch by Mookie.
As bet favourite player, MJ would’ve absolutely loved watching him in Blue.
Love the Intensity of this series. Go Blue. such a scrappy team. Kershaw battled. Darvish just doesnt have the mental toughness. I think this is the best team i have ever seen talent wise and just playing smart smart mentally tough baseball. Tonight Bauer on the hill to bring home the sweep. watching playoff caliber baseball in April is awesome