I'm Going to Let You in on a Little Secret…
A large number of other blogs give you a blow-by-blow game recap. It’s a free country (well… maybe) and you can do that, but it might drive you crazy. See, it’s a 162-game season and if you micro-manage every game, it might really drive you crazy… or at least skew your vision…
A large number of other blogs give you a blow-by-blow game recap. It’s a free country (well… maybe) and you can do that, but it might drive you crazy. See, it’s a 162-game season and if you micro-manage every game, it might really drive you crazy… or at least skew your vision. If the Dodgers win (like yesterday) I never get too high and if they lose, I never get too low. It’s a game… life goes on. I did not learn this overnight. I will be 69 soon and I am still learning. I think you learn until you decide to die. I have decided to still learn.
I have been writing this blog for over twenty years. It is the longest-running Dodger Blog. I was the very first blogger to sit in an MLB Pressbox. Of course, that means I was the very first blogger to sit in the Dodger Stadium Pressbox. It’s been about 15 years since I first did that. Why? It’s not a big deal anymore – I did it and… so what? I am a Dodger fan and that’s why I do it, but I am facing the reality that this takes me about an hour a day. Why should I do it? Who really cares? Should I continue? This is not the first time I have considered quitting or scaling back.
I know some appreciate it, but how many do? Three bloggers broke off from this site and started their own blog (that’s the American Way and perfectly OK) because they think I say mean things and they also wanted me to cancel Bulldogs and Penguins (which I refused to do). Now, I admit that B & P can be a pain in the neck (or lower), but he has some really great takes… and to his credit, he has toned it down… somewhat. I do not believe in cancel culture… even though I banned Badger for a time for his “driveby shootings” and now he boycotts this site as a “tit for tat” (but, that is his right).
The old guard may have wanted this blog to be all puppy dogs and kittens, and let’s talk about the minor league prospects who (we all know) will never make it, but let’s praise their “grit”, and all sing this together:
… and never let a foul word come out of our mouths! That’s OK! Sure. Sure. Fine. I am just not wired that way. I am going to tell you what I think… right or wrong… and I am wrong plenty of times. But, as I have said, I have been doing this for over twenty years. It is now a task that I don’t know if I want to continue. Once you have done this for 20 years, feel free to criticize me… otherwise, well…
I started this blog for myself… and while I will not deny that I still do it for myself, a lot of it is because of you – the readers. I know that one out of 100 readers comment, but somedays I ask myself “Does anyone care about this blog as much as I do?” I have talked about quitting for several years. Some criticize me for that. Of course, they have never done it, so it’s easy to criticize it! Occasionally, I put this out there:
“Even if you don’t post, but want to see this blog continue…. or don’t want to see it continue, tell us who you are, where you are from, and how long you have been a Dodger fan. I want to hear from you. Should I stay or should I go?”
BTW: Miguel Vargas was 2-3 with 2 more RBI and hit his 13th HR and Mike Busch hit #20 last night. Emmitt Sheehan went 4.2 innings, allowed 2 hits and struck out 7 for his 4th win.
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Discussion (85)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Finding this place in 2012, and soon after signing up to MLB.com has been an absolute game changer for me.
To feel like you are part of a community with like minded, decent folk is very special.
I have learned so much more about Baseball since reading here, and actually my initial mindset of over reacting after a few poor results has given way to a much more objective and longer term view.
Some interesting characters have come and gone, and it’s a shame that AC and a few others no longer post here.
It’s only my opinion of course, but some people can be very over sensitive to any criticism or even alternative views, and even over react when deep down they know they are being played. It’s like they can’t help themselves, they have to bite anyway.
Some posters are masters of the wind up.
Look at Bluto above. He really enjoys the cut and thrust. Trust me, he’d be absolutely gutted if he woke up one morning to find tumble weed blowing where LADT once lived.
I enjoy his takes tho.
It was my great honour to meet Michael, B&P and Patch, and to sit down and share a game, some beers and some food.
Without doubt the highlight of my recent trip. Without this place, that would never have happened (next time Bobby).
Michael was exactly what you’d imagine.
B&P and Patch for all their gnarly diatribe on here actually get on great and were both very easy company. Dodger nuts all three.
We obviously spoke about the site and Mark, and we only had positive things to say.
Actually Michael, it was at a moment like this, where Mark was having some doubts about the future of this place that I suggested reaching out to yourself and Badger.
Knowing Mark he will undoubtedly claim it was his idea to ask you to get involved all along, much like he now lays claim to being the first to suggest an early trade of Yasiel Puig to maximise his Trade value back in 13. That was also originally one of mine too lol.
Anyway – this place is all the better for having you and your great writing on board Michael. Wish Badger would contribute more – I enjoy his takes.
I miss DodgerRick – always a great read, but we’ve got some great posters in Phil, Mr Buffalo, Ted, and Jayne., plus many others of course. You guys know your stuff.
Also miss Truth – he called it as it was, and I have to say I’m a little worried about Peter -,haven’t heard from him in a long time. His posts were lyrical. I know he’s been I’ll. Hope all’s well Pete.
To have DBM’s husband reach out to you at such a time must have meant an awful lot Mark. If ever there’s proof of what you spend your time doing is worth it, then surely that must be special.
MJ loved this place too, and she was alone.
Mark – i for one would be hugely disappointed to lose the comradeship I’ve discovered if you were to call it a day.
Wouldn’t be any fun watching on my own.
Hola Mark y todos los blogueros de este sitio, un saludos desde Guadalajara Jalisco México, aunque no publico soy un asiduo lector este sitio desde hace 5 años y soy fanático de los Dodgers desde 1965 y desde luego que quiero que siga este blog, que en mi opinión es el más informado, con todos sus colaboradores como Oso, B&P, e inclusive los que se retiraron de aquí para formar otros sitios, ánimo vamos por la barrida, ¡¡¡Arriba los Dodgers¡¡¡¡¡
Dodgers sign Austin Barnes to a two year extension.
I’ve read every comment above and two things are obvious:
1) No one who reads or comments here is under 100 years old
2) Everyone thinks this blog is a good substitute for prunes.
Mark, keep it going as long as it’s enjoyable for you. Shut it down when it becomes an obligation.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mark on his trip out here. He lives, eats, drinks Dodger Baseball. If he quit, he will miss it here as much as anyone else does. But, it is an obligation and he’s busy running a growing company as well. I like to periodically thank him for keeping this going.
Mark, I hope you realize what a special place this is and how much it means to most of the people here. The problem is, is that it is the way it is because of you. There’s no replacing you.
first time on the site. must say i have been reading every day for a long time. enjoy eveyone on here and so appreciate you doing it mark and doing it so impressively! so thankful for every guy or gal who served or is serving our country so i can sit on my patio and watch my favorite dodger pitch. both my sons and my grandson bleed blue! happy for austin barnes although i must admit he has driven me bonkers over the years but if his talent was as big as his heart wouldnt he be something ! hoping cody will somehow regain some of his old form and thank god for freddie! once again mark thanks for all you do and please keep doing it. oh by the way my oldest son was 3 and sitting on my lap when gibson hit the most famous hr in dodger history, needless to say i bounced his but in the floor! he has never let me live it down. my sons took me to la for my 60th bbday in 2018, i will never forget it!
Love this blog.
I’ve been doing more reading and less posting this my 2nd year here. Last year I came in with guns a blazing, probably upsetting some Dodger brothers…..so I decided to chill a bit more this year and try not to cause divisiveness. It’s safer that way too….you might say something you later regret.
Thanks Mark,
TM
Hi my name is Bobby, and i like long walks on the beach, sunsets, and puppies.
I’m assuming today’s objective was something for a speed dating event we’re all going to at Dodger Stadium?
I was right to stop watching the game at the beginning of the ninth, I already expected something like that….
As I say, think wrong and you will be right!
Thanx for nothing Kimbrel.
3rd blown save in his last 7 chances.
Not the closer you want to go into postseason with.
Go Dodgers!!!!!!!!!!
I never could stand Kimbrel. That stupid look in stance that he has, and the fact that whenever we faced him shut us down. Problem is now that he’s pitching for us he’s still shutting us down
Not saying I’d rather have Jansen, But I don’t think Kimbrel is the answer.With all the unclean innings he’s had this year he’s lucky to only have three blown saves
Gagne still a phone call away. And continuing my positive outlook with Bellinger. Once again he only struck out once today.
I have been reading this blog for about a year. I find it informative and interesting. I have been a Dodger fan since 74.
The Padres needed that…
The bad news for the Dodgers is obvious. (Why not give Phillips a shot?)
But a lot of good news, starting with Kersh and Mookie’s strong return.
Been a Dodger fan since Pee Wee Reece was shortstop. Don’t remember how I became a Dodger Fan, but living in North Carolina it has been a challenge to stay informed. LA Dodger Talk is always the way I start off my day!! Thanks for helping me stay informed.0
Read this blog every morning. Dodgers fan since 67. Originally from LA but live in Chandler, AZ. Please keep it going.
Born and raised in Alhambra, a suburb of L A. Turned 10 years of age in the summer it ’65. Became a Dodger fan that year. Still reside in SoCal. Read this blog most every morning. Am amazed with all the topics and writings you come up with each and every day Mark. Appreciate your articles as well Bear. I thank you both and hope this Dodger blog continues.