One Day Get Away to the Bay

I knew I had to be up at 6a.m. but I decided to watch Schindler's list and as a result got no sleep. What made the morning even better was last night's decision to pack in the morning. I grabbed three Dodger t-shirts, (one can never have too many on a road trip), my laptop, and a couple of apples and was on my way. After a brief stop for some smokes and some gum, the conclusion was made that we were making excellent time. I mean, we had reached Gorman and it wasn't even 9 a.m. yet.

Yup, it was too good to be true. Got pinched for doing 89 in a 70. At least the officer wasn't a dick about it. Other than that, we arrived in Frisco without a scratch. At first glance AT&T Park is impressive. But more on the stadium later. After attaining game tickets from an automated machine we decided to pay the thirty bucks to park in the lot behind the ballpark and use their vastly superior public transit system the "muni".

To be honest I thought I had somewhat of a grasp on the city's massive transit system. Boy was I wrong. As a result of neither of us wanting to ask for directions our only option was to silently follow an elderly couple who shared our destination. (I must take time to give a shot out to Mayor Gavin Newsom. Great decision to use those "old thyme" light rail cars.) When Tarantino's, off the world famous Fisherman's Wharf, has a dry erase board promising a spectacular view of the bay upstairs don't buy it. Well, a small section does, but the side we were seated on offered a view of the street and the antennae and flagpoles of the small boats attached to the dock. It might have had something to do with the LA hats we were wearing. Oh well.

After lunch we decided to explore some of the city and hopefully find a drinking establishment that was showing the Dodger game. What awaited us was a classic case of zigging when you should have been zagging. We ended up in Frisco's version of 6th Street, the Tenderloin. While others were panicking at the thought of being surrounded by the creme de la creme of Bay area hobo society I kept a level head. Granted there were too many massage parlors and daytime crack deals for my liking but we persevered on. Finally we reached Market St.

Game time was fast approaching and more than anything I was anticipating the shit talking that Giant fan would unleash on me. But to be honest dear reader, nothing happened. I mean there were scattered boos and hisses but nothing too bad. At the Ravine Giant fan is lucky if they can make it out of the Ravine without getting stabbed.(The Passion Bucket does not condone violence towards Giant fans but do what you got to do.) Since they always miss out on the division and the playoffs, Giant fan can find solace in the fact that they have a beautiful park to play in.

Even before the game even started I was impressed by the beautiful brick pillars and their use of rod iron trusses. Plus the unlimited food options had my stomach dreaming. The park also has beautiful sight lines and this was only amplified with the watery arms of the bay hugging the ballpark. The only bad thing is the park has no passion or vibe to it. Giant fan lacks passion and a sense of ownership with their team. I mean when you have to make up a lame ass rally gimmick like "K-ville"(Plus you have to buy the "K's"), you shouldn't feel too proud of your marketing department. This not only reeks of Scum bag Anaslime Rally Monkey douchery,it might very well supersede it.

All in all it was a good trip, minus the scary fog, my fear of heights, and the Berkeley side trip. (trying to find our way using Rancid songs, really?) I had fun and as always can't wait to go back. Until next time Bum Town, er I mean Bay area...

This Time it Might Matter

Don't get me wrong, I'll always watch the All-Star game. But this year is different. The Dodgers stand (at the time of this post) at 43-23, which is the best record in the Majors, and are 8.5 in front of the hated ones. Now thanks to one of the many good ideas that have come out of Selig's office, the Dodgers and their fans will have to sit and watch a a meaningless game knowing that a small portion of their postseason fate (provided they make it that far) will be determined by players and coaches who really have nothing to do with the organization.

Anyone else see anything wrong with that?

Cue the Organ

It's almost time. The weather's changing and the days are growing longer. Scully's voice draws closer and I can almost taste my first Dodger dog of the season. Time to finalize the rotation and get the bench straight. So much work has been put into building the roster and soon enough we'll see if it at least brings us the west. On paper the 09 version of LA's finest looks to not only improve on its eighty four win season, and league championship highs from a year ago, but to move on and win this beloved franchise's seventh world title.

First the big news is we signed Mark Loretta. (Just kidding) We got Mannywood for this year at least and he brings that long overdue bat we have been trying to acquire ever since we let Tommy's godson away. As always, the big question with Manny is will he be worth the headache. His antics have been well documented in the media, his defensive skills are lacking and you got to wonder when he gets bored. Hopefully Torre can keep him in line and focused on winning a title. This year should be the year Kemp finally breaks through. He has the size, strength and potential to break 30/30 this year. Ethier should continue to improve and Martin returns behind the plate as the game's best catcher. Furcal should continue to be one of the game's best leadoff hitters and hopefully he can provide the organization a full and healthy season. Casey Blake will be holding down the hot corner this year and hit for average while providing the best beard in the majors. Taking him off the free agent market was in this opinion, the organizations best move this winter. Anchored by a supporting cast that includes the aforementioned Loretta , the newly signed starting 2^nd baseman O-dog, DeWitt, "Mr. Ronrey" James Loney, and various comers and goers from Albuquerque, this team shouldn't have a problem producing runs this year.

Pitching is another story. After losing two solid and very ungrateful starters in Lowe and Penny, this latest incarnation of the Dodger starting rotation is shaky at best. Chad Billngsley returns as the staff ace after a shaky 08 post season. Kuroda is being elevated to a number two while Wolf and last season's darling Kershaw round out the top four. The battle for the five hole is between Macdonald, another one of the heralded youngsters, a returning Jeff weaver, a rebuilt Jason Schmidt, and a cavalcade of rising stars and tired retreads. If anything this will be the weakness of this year's Dodger club. With lack of a star pitcher teams traditionally rely on a strong bullpen to keep them afloat. This year Broxton is being thrown into the fire as this season closer. It will be interesting to see if he can hold down that role over the entire season. Few doubt that he'll fail in this new role; it's more the path to Broxton that worries everyone. Uncertainty surrounds Kuo, and the newly signed Will Ohman. At least we got Joe Beimel. Oh wait…

In summation, the Dodgers should win the West this year. The rest of the division is weak with the Padres rebuilding, the Rockies losing Matt Holiday, and even though the hated ones have some pitching prospects the Giants have no bats in their lineup. (Ha ha!) The only real competition should come from the desert and those pesky D'Backs. After winning the West, the Dodgers should do some damage in the playoffs (when was the last time anybody said that?) and make their way towards the World Series. It's been twenty one years since the magic of '88, and it's high time the Dodgers take their place at the top of LA's sports landscape. Dodger dogs anyone?

Projected record: 98-64

World Series: Dodgers over Red Sox in 7

THINK BLUE

Part 2

Four events over two days continued...

(Way late in posting the conclusion. Too busy to write these days)

February 4Th was a day of high and lows. I woke up early that Thursday because the Home wrecker and I planned to go a Dodger event that was being held at Canter's Deli off of Fairfax. The organization promised a cavalcade of stars both current and former but truthfully, everybody came to meet Russell Martin, serve lunch to everyone that was there during lunch hour. After that you could take pictures and get autographs as well. We started the day as we normally do and enjoyed a nice and short drive. As we did the requisite drive by to check out the scene we noticed that there was a a line of about five fans. Seeing as there was no rush, she decided to park on a side street and do her make up. Time passed, and we headed to join the line. The highlight of the wait was when a homeless person started tripping on Dodger nation for crowding the side walk. Soon after that the line started moving and we were shown to our seats. After a bowl of delicious chicken noodle soup, and a awesome introduction to potato pancakes, the boys in blue finally arrived. everyone except Russell. I think he was ushered in enclosed in a glass case or something because he had more security with him than the pope. I know it's because he's the best catcher in the NL, but I think it had to do with the fact that there were a heavy constituency of female Russell fans in the house. As we waited for him, I had my picture taken with James Loney. Not the most personable of fellows, but nevertheless one of my favorites. Then, the man of the hour arrived. Home wrecker and I were among the first to approach him. He signed my shirt and then signed her arms. Things couldn't be better right?

Like a good little geek, I turned on my laptop as soon as I stepped into the door. I was horrified to learn that Lux has died. For those that don't know Lux was the lead singer of the Cramps, a very important band for anyone who likes good music. The Cramps were responsible for connecting me to my cousin Cynthia. She had the "Bad music for bad people" poster. I was about five when I saw that poster and was intrigued by it's weird and intriguing message. The Cramps also introduced me to the concept of Newcastle in a can. The Narc and I went to see them one day and were awestruck by this strange and fascinating concept.It's a story that still gets told in certain circles to this day. And finally the Cramps are going to forever remind me of the most tumultuous relationship I've ever been in. Just as recent as that morning, the home wrecker and I were blasting Garbageman (like the good Cramps fans that were are) on the 101 and when we got off we discussed about which dead celebrity we would love to have a drink with. We fired back and fourth the usual names and we couldn't come up with an answer. (It was then that I also learned that she wasn't a fan of Sinatra but that's a whole other story for another day.) I was the one who broke the news to her and later on that day I got a text saying "Well now I know who I'll have that drink with."

STAY SICK Lux.

Part 1

Four events over two days...

Tuesday saw the 50th anniversary of "The Day The Music Died". Now I know what you're thinking, this is going to be another "generic Rockabilly tribute" to Buddy. Well I'm happy to say that it's not. All I want to offer is this little nugget of information about me and why I'll always miss Buddy. During the early nineties in SoCal Oldies 93.1 FM (now known as Jack FM) was one of Pop's favorite radio stations and he would always blast the radio while he was working on whatever car happened to be in our driveway at the time. This one time I remember him working on his white Toyota and Buddy Holly's Peggy Sue came on. Right away, my little little 8 or 9 year old mine became enamored with this song's catchy hook and wicked drumbeat. I loved it's simplicity and quite honestly it was something I could dance to. I asked him who it was and after he told he had a look of approval on his face. It was one of the first times I can recall where I felt great to be cool in my Dad's eyes. It also started a awesome journey of musical discovery that to this day hasn't stopped.

Tuesday was also host to a Dodger rally/autograph event at LA Live. It was also the first time my little cousin and I had bonded in quite sometime. After a short trip into Downtown we arrived to our destination. We saw that the higher ups made you choose what Dodgers you wanted to meet that day. For example, you could meet Fernando but if you did that, you couldn't meet Ethier. Fucking gyp right? But seeing as how I don't get a boner for Fernando like every other Angeleno I was cool with it. The only casualty of war was on Tommy Davis. He's my fifth favorite Dodger of all time. Another cool thing that happened was when we were leaving Charley Steiner from the radio team walked right by us. You know, he's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. We snapped a couple pics and were off to dinner at Olvera St. You should of seen the excitement of this kid as we entered the 7th Subway station. (It was his first time)-"That's what she said" (cheap joke) But it was his comment of this being one of the best days he's had in awhile made me smile. Truly a good day had by all.

Obama, Chick Flicks, and Kobe's 81

It sure has been hectic in the world lately hasn't it? Personally I can say that I have been drunk,tipsy,or what ever way you want to put it,more days than I have been sober in 2009. Along the way I have some thoughts about current and on going events:

*On Obama: Okay I'll admit, I usually vote Republican. Usually this annoys some people and I get reminded of my political preferences in the most inopportune time. But ever since he gave that speech at the DNC he's sort of changed me. Some of my closest friends still can't believe I voted for him. Today's events really put things into perspective. To see our country come together to watch our 44th president be sworn in was truly history in the making. Yet again my bitch ass shed a tear. Special day indeed.

*Chick flicks: Speaking of tears I have this theory that every guy has a secret chick flick that he secretly likes. I mean everyone has a musician or band that they secretly like but they wont admit to, so this theory isn't too far off. My belief in that was strengthened when I was informed that one of the scariest looking dudes I've ever met (think of a mix of John Favreau and Bane)gets a huge boner for the movie Jersey Girl. Anything's possible I guess. (for the record my fave chick flick is a tie between Love Actually and Steel Magnolia's. I blame the latter on my Madre.)

*On Manny: What is with the lag? SIGN HIM NOW!!!

*On my b-day: Every January 22nd for the past three years something eventful has happened. 2006 saw Kobe score 81. 2007 had the official news that Rage Against The Machine was reuniting at Coachella and 2008 brought the unfortunate and untimely death of Heath Ledger. But usually it's just an excuse to drink for two weeks straight. I don't think anything will happen this year and quite honestly I'm fine with that. Like the great Sam Cooke once sang "A Change is Gonna Come".

Thank God it's finally here.

Change of pace

(Going to try and change the pace here. Usually I don't get all emotional and personal on this blog, but here goes nothing-M)

It's fall. The time of the year that is somewhat cruel to yours truly. Bruin football and Dodger baseball are usually non-existent. Accept this year. The fellas over there in Chavez Ravine are in the playoffs and there is actually a glimmer of hope surrounding the city of angels. This team has all the tools to do some damage and maybe just maybe win it all.

Only one problem with that. You are not here. Over these past couple years I have tried many times and have gone to many games but I still can't shake your memory. I was a fool to take the time we spent together for granted and I feel even stupider knowing that it was my own selfish fault for letting that happen. Little things like sharing a smoke or singing duets on the 110 freeway are a treasured memory that I will hold close to my heart till the day I die.

You were a friend that will be sorely missed.

Let's get Fucked up

(Late on putting this one up been kinda hectic lately..M)


I got a call in the afternoon from the Narc asking if I wanted to go the last Dodger home game of the season. Even though money is sort of a rarity around here these days, I just had to go. I was informed that Bizarro Mike and the new wife were the ones behind this production. Kinda felt weird about it at first because that meant two things: lack of conversation, and Mexican beer. What made it even more uncomfortable was when I stepped into the truck there was some weird ass Industrial music playing.

I finally felt at ease as soon as we entered the parking lot. Weather wise, I couldn't have been more comfortable. Nice and cool with a slight breeze. Combine that with a pinkish sky over lot two, it finally set in: last home game of the season. Next stop playoffs. As we all piled out we all went for the booze we had purchased before we got on a jam packed five freeway. Everyone was excited. We had clinched the division earlier in the day.(Thank you St. Louis) This game was a mere formality. The real fun would begin as soon as the final out was recorded.

But knowing that didn't stop us from celebrating a bit early. As we walked into the stadium I had a pretty good buzz going from the Pacifico. On our way in I remembered we entered the stadium through the same gate as the one we did on last year's home game finale. (Last year same situation, but I was drunk enough to think I could sneak a huge bottle of Jack passed security, no dice) As the game wore on I was distracted by the bar showing the sc game. Right when the final whistle sounded, signaling that the hated ones lost, I screamed like a pre-teen at a Jonas brothers concert. Not a good thing to do when some scary looking cholo sc fans are giving you the evil eye. I slipped out of their sight and went back for more beer and then returned to my seat.

By this time, the Narc and I are three sheets and are eagerly awaiting the final out. We decided to slip out for a quick smoke and on the way back we came up on some 2009 Dodger calenders. Around 10:05-10:20 the 2008 regular season ended and the celebration was on. National league worst-eh, I mean west champs. It was really great to see Dodger fans young and old celebrating and basically letting off the steam that was building all season. Best part of the night had to be when Torre did a mini victory walk along the third base line. As I was jockeying for position I noticed some hack in a sc football jersey trying to muscle his way into where I was standing.

Not this night. Not ever. Thanks to my low center of gravity I slipped by him and all that was in front of me was the railing and Mr. Torre. I think he was baffled when I told him "Thanks Joe and GO BRUINS!". He shook a couple more hands and then he was gone. Easily the best home finale I've been to in my life. (We lost the game 5-2 by the way.) Now on to the post season, first stop Wrigleyville...

Gene Hackman and the Dodgers of 2008

I know am a little late but here is how I reacted to the Manny trade on July 31, 2008: Just as I wrote these guys off for dead, they go ahead and make feel like an ass by pulling off a move that should at least get us the NL West. For some strange reason, this reminds me of the movie "Hoosiers". If you haven't seen it yet you should. It's easily the best sports movie of all time.

It stars Gene Hackman as a high school basketball coach (Joe Torre) who's previous job was coaching at a big time college basketball program. (Yankees) He has inherited an inexperienced team, which are nothing more than young farmers. (2008 Dodgers) During the course of the season the townspeople (Frank McCourt, Ned Colletti, Logan white, LA fans and media, etc...) show signs of impatience as expectations are falling short and the losses pile up.

During the course of the season Hackman tries to help Dennis Hopper, a man who has superb knowledge concerning the game but is burdened by alcoholism. (Andruw Jones addicted to food) Along the way he wins them a game but later unravels due to his illness and is sent to a sanitarium to dry out. (Recent benching)

It is only after the arrival of star player Jimmy Chitwood (Manny Ramirez) does the team finally start clicking. Naturally that wins over the townspeople (Frank McCourt, Ned Colletti, Logan White, LA fans, and media, etc...) and the team goes on an incredible winning streak to get into the playoffs. The team then uses it's new found momentum to capture the state tittle. (World Series champs 2008??)

Hopefully I didn't jinx us with the last part there. It's been an incredible year celebrating the Dodgers' fifty years in Los Angeles. It started with Manny wearing a different uniform on the field of the Coliseum in March 29 and it could end with him in a dodger uniform in the fall classic. (Again hopefully hoisting a trophy of some sort) After all we are in Hollywood and it would be the ultimate Hollywood ending.

Now there's no turning back

Be afraid, be very afraid

I had to break away from studying to post this:





Are you as geeked up about this as I am?

I should do this more often

It seems the more I bash Dodger fans, the more it inspires the team to rattle off a six game winning streak. I mean I don't want to take all the credit. I'm sure the players and the coaching staff might have something to do with it.

Been a little busy

It's been awhile so I'll bring everyone up to speed. I believe I was ranting last time about the Dodgers. Since then they have moved into second place. Normally that would cause optimism and bring a smile to my face, but they are six back of the best team in the majors, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Andruw Jones still hasn't found his swing and as usual the offense is slim to non-existent. Sorta looking grim for my world series prediction. Hopefully Torre has some tricks up his sleeve. Speaking of Torre, I noticed Dodger fans at the recent Joe Torre bobblehead night hording said bobbleheads like they were gold. I myself didn't get one and at first I blamed myself for wanting to drink instead of running in to go get one. But on my way to my seat I see one or two fans holding and guarding a surplus of tiny Joe statues. No kids, no other members in their party but,they feel the need to take all the bobbleheads they can get. Real fucking nice Dodger fans. Give me another reason to feel disenfranchised with the rest of the fans in the left field pavilion. (More on that later...)

UCLA football is in a bit of a state of guarded optimism. The top two quarterbacks going into the fall have been shelved. One of them (Patrick Cowan from Pico Rivera!!)is done with college football altogether, thanks to a season long injury that will cost him the rest of his eligibility. With coach Neuheisel and coach Chow installing a new offense and the lack of depth and experience along the offensive line the timing couldn't be worse. Even though there hasn't been this much excitement in Westwood regarding the football team in quite some time, seven wins should be considered as a success. (As long as we beat SC of course!!)

Other than that it's been pretty much school and the norm. Here are some highlights:

*Went to an old friend's wedding in Vegas during the Rockabilly weekender. (Never been more annoyed by hair grease and awful renditions of "American Nightmare" in my life!!)

*The official beginning of BBQ season on 420

*A new all you can eat Chinese food buffet blocks from my house!!!

*Beach trips and Wii parties.

Gotta go.

Watching Scrubs

So I showed my madre and the old man my tribute to their musical tastes. They liked it. My nina came over and visited. It went well I think. I had a chance to brag to her about the acquisition of tickets to the Dodger game at the coliseum. (Side note: Lewis Black has his own show? I'll have to keep up on that one.) Scrubs is on. I am going to miss this show. Way too much. Bonus point: Heather Graham is on this episode.

So I was throwing around the baseball today at the park. I can't wait for the season to start. The Dodgers should win the west. Anything less I think would be a failure. Depending on our draw in the playoffs will really determine how far we go. I am particularly nervous about running into the Phillies or the Mets. But I think we will lose to whoever comes out of the AL. (Especially if it is Boston. I am a realist people...)

Rotation should be: B.Penny, D.Lowe, C.Billingsley, H.Kuroda, E.Loaiza. Lineup should be: C-R.Martin, 1B-J.Loney, 2B-J.Kent, SS-R.Furcal, 3B-N.Garciaparra, LF-J.Pierre, CF-A.Jones, RF-M.Kemp.

Laundry time...

First Time..go easy

So you think you’ve been To a Dodger Game

Let me explain something first: everyone has their own experience and rituals when it comes to sporting events. Some even have traditions that go back generations. Thankfully I live in the greatest city in the world, which is also home to the best baseball franchise ever to occupy a dugout. Names like Koufax, Drysdale, Hershiser, and Lasorda have provided countless memories for our fair city. I personally fell in love with the Dodgers when I was young. I actually remember getting my Steve Sax poster from the Unocal 76 station on the corner of Beverly and Rosemead. I treated that poster as if it was gold. I was five years old. Then came the ‘88 series and I was hooked for life. From that moment on no matter where I am I always “think blue”. Now I have seen my fair share of wins and losses in Chavez Ravine but I didn’t have my first “experience” until my buddy Carlos suggested we get season tickets. After I said yes, I would never look at it is just a game but more like a beautiful journey built around cheap beer, overpriced parking, and concession lines that never move. It’s life. It’s Dodger baseball.

To assure that you have the best possible experience a Friday night game in the left field pavilion is the only way to go. Dodger games have the privilege of starting at 7:40 PM on Friday nights. No other Major League team has games that start later. (Not even those bastards off the 57 freeway in Anaheim start later than us.) The late start is perfect for people trying to get to the stadium after work. Carlos and I usually take off from my house in Montebello and we jump on the 60 freeway around 6:00 PM. Pre game Dodger talk provides a perfect soundtrack as you come up to the Caesar Chavez (it should still be Brooklyn Ave.) exit. Some people get off on Vignes blvd. some even go as far as getting off on Sunset or Stadium Way. Not only are those exits some of the most crowded in L.A., they are even worse on game days. Caesar Chavez provides an opportunity to bypass the traffic and best of all provides a chance to stop at the CVS (it will always be Sav-On to me) and purchase a 12 pack of Miller High life before the game. As you make your way past the dilapidated apartments and run down car washes up the street from the stadium, the timeless voice of the Dodgers Vin Scully, utters that all too familiar phrase from not just mine but everybody’s childhood: “It’s time for Dodger baseball..”

As he utters those sweet soothing words you climb the hill and there it is the west coast cathedral of baseball. Walter O’Malley’s vision brought to life. As you pay the $15 parking fee, try to stay to the right and follow the road to park near the pavilion. It is a bit of a drive and hassle but as you will see later on it is a big part of the experience. As the sun sets you park your car there and begin to drink. While you drink you discuss the days pitching matchups and various other baseball topics and then all of a sudden, it sneaks in ever so gracefully right in front of your eyes, a scenic view that can rival any urban landscape, in any part of the world. Nothing tops a pink-and blue sky with Dodger stadium and the Los Angles skyline in the background. That sight over many spring and summer nights has stirred up every emotion in me that I can think of. I am also fairly certain it has the power to cause emotion and reflection in even the blackest of hearts. For me it has acted like a band aid when I am blue and an exclamation point when I am excited. For the most part it reminds me of my place in the world and that L.A. is my home and the Dodgers are in my blood. I guess you can say I bleed Dodger blue. (But my heart mind you is UCLA.)

Now the game has begun. If you are like me, then you should be well on your way to having a pretty good buzz going. As soon as you approach the gate you begin to hear Nancy Bea on the stadium organ while smells of Dodger dogs and freshly cut grass fill the air. Not even the sight of ridiculously long concession stand lines will bring you down. While you make your way to your seat you will see people laughing, joking and even throwing around inflatable beach balls. Now you are ready to relax and enjoy a good game of baseball. Sounds pretty good so far right? Well there is an additional part that is optional and should only be tried if you have been in the pavilion before and you have a pretty record of controlling your alcohol when you drink.

The tradition states you sneak in a pint of any Whiskey into the stadium. The reason you bring in Whiskey is because any whiskey goes well with the $7 coke or sprite that they serve in the stadium. The reason behind the sneak in is because they do not serve any type of alcohol in the pavilion area. Not many people know the reason why but I’ll let you in on the secret, left field pavilion Dodger fans have a notorious reputation. Ask any Giant, Padre, or Angel fan or player who has entered or played left field before. The visiting fan is immediately harassed upon their entry and as soon as they are in plain view of trying to find their seat they are immediately bombarded with peanuts, popcorn and verbal insults. Sad to say not even the younger fans are safe. Even sadder the usher usually ends up ejecting the visiting fan for their own safety. Visiting players have had to hear insults about their wives, mothers, and manhood throughout the whole game being yelled at them. They have tried to curb the problem by not selling alcohol, but like I stated earlier you go around that by drinking before and sneaking a bottle in. Regular pavilion fans will notice you throughout the whole season and the cool thing is that they get used to it, or if you are lucky, they will join you for a drink and next thing you know you have made a new friend. Isn’t funny how alcohol and sports brings people together?

As Vin would say: “Let’s get back to the game.” (He always says the phrase after the requisite “This day in baseball history” segment.) So now you have your bottle and at this point you can buy a soda, mix it with your forbidden bottle and sip your drink throughout the whole game or take shots (swigs). Rules for the shots dictate that you start off taking a shot every time the Dodgers score. If the game is slow, and no one scores after a few, you swig after every Dodger hit. If you are attending during a pitcher’s duel or lucky enough to be attending a no hitter you take a drink after every Dodger strikeout. By the seventh inning stretch you will be singing along to “Take Me out to the Ball Game” like a little kid. (I personally yell Bruins when the crowd yells Dodgers but that’s just me.)The positive environment combined with some more alcohol added to your system should be more than enough to get you to the end of the game.

The unfortunate reality is that the Dodgers don’t win all the time. To be honest they haven’t really won that much at all during the past couple seasons. But hopefully you attend a game in which they pull out a victory. Nothing caps off a good game and a good buzz than singing “I love L.A.” walking down from your seat to your car. (They only play Randy Newman’s classic after a victory, if not the equally satisfying sounds of the stadium organ fills the air.) During the walk back down to the car, people sometimes hoot and holler with fellow fans. It gets especially heated after games with our hated rivals the aforementioned San Francisco Giants. If that doesn’t suit you there are always topics of discussion that can range from either the game or the rest of the night’s events. (If you have any that is.) I usually take an extra shirt with me so I can go out and have a couple drinks and discuss the game further. (Win or lose.)

Again this is my way of going to a Dodger game. Some have tried it and liked it and others have not. But one thing you will see and hopefully agree with is that this is more than just a regular trip to a baseball game, it is an experience. A truly unique experience that combines and celebrates the game of baseball and the tradition, people and history of the city of Los Angeles. We should all take a time out and come together as a community and cheer on a team that goes on to represent our city and our beloved team. Remember how the city went wild during Fernandomania? Or how everyone remembers where they where during Gibson’s home run in game one in ’88? Future generations will be soon be talking about how Martin threw out that runner trying to steal second, how far Kemp hit that home run, or how Billingsley is on pace to win a Cy Young award this year. No matter what one fact remains, the Dodgers will always continue to create new memories (some better than others) and most importantly bring together fans of any age, race, or economic background. Instead of arguing over politics, race, and various issues that plague our city we should all just go to a Dodger game. Maybe then our problems and differences won’t seem so bad. It’s not a sure fire solution to our problems but it’s at least a starting point. You know what I’ll even buy the High Life and the first round of Dodger dogs….