RANDOM THOUGHTS ABOUT BEING A DODGER FAN:
I have been a baseball and Dodger fan for slightly more than 60 years. My love for baseball was immediate, and with the Dodgers, it was love at first sight. In that sixty years, I have listened to or watched roughly 7,500 Dodger games. I have also watched and coached countless youth ball and high school baseball games. I have also had the pleasure of watching my sons participate in
I have been a baseball and Dodger fan for slightly more than 60 years. My love for baseball was immediate, and with the Dodgers, it was love at first sight. In that sixty years, I have listened to or watched roughly 7,500 Dodger games. I have also watched and coached countless youth ball and high school baseball games. I have also had the pleasure of watching my sons participate in college baseball, including 2 trips to the NAIA College World Series.
In the average year of my adult life, I spend approximately 500 hours watching or listening to Dodger baseball. I will spend another 200 hours or more reading about the Dodgers or baseball. Typically, I will attend 2 or 3 Dodger games in a year. I also annually attend about 5 or 6 college games, and a similar amount of high school games. I might also catch a minor league game or two.
I wonder if I might have a greater impact on society if I spent those 700 hours on cancer research, or other life improving . . . Heck, I could probably become proficient in a foreign language in under 350 hours. Or, more practically, I could catch up with my case load at work. Perhaps I could write a book, or even just exercise. But then again, I’m probably not spending as much time watching the Dodgers as all the hours the typical person spends refreshing their social media feeds. Also, when I’m watching a game(particularly on TV), my attention is on the game(although I may flip the channels during commercial breaks). I simply do not have the capacity to multi-task during games, like I might be able to in other situations. My focus is entirely on the game, and to this day, I still cannot comprehend how my lovely wife can ask me what I think about her broccoli casserole in the bottom of the ninth inning of a 1-1 game. Chances are better than not, that my answer will be total gibberish.
Moreover, while I’m not, by nature, a very demonstrative guy, I’m also not a completely passive game watcher. While watching the Dodgers, I’ll routinely let Cody Bellinger or Max Muncy know just how they should attack the pitcher, when they should swing, and why they were unsuccessful. Or, if I’m really on my game, I’ll let Clayton Kershaw know what pitch he should throw. Yes siree, there I am, sitting on my recliner in the comfort of my family room, giving advice to the reigning MVP, who, according to Baseball America, is in the top 5 of current major league baseball players, and another who will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame, on the first ballot, and who train 6 -7 days a week, with the best coaches available, and who also watch many hours of video to become masters of their craft. As I type this, I’m reminded of how silly that sounds, that I would presume to know more than these folks when it comes to playing baseball. And yet, I still to this day pass along my advice like candy on Halloween. Thankfully they can’t hear me. If they did, I’m sure they would still be laughing. And, if that isn’t enough, I also feel the absolute need(obligation?) to tell Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts how to do their jobs. Seriously, despite the fact that they are among the best at what they do, and despite the fact that they are surrounded by incredible support staff and have more information at their disposable than I could ever contemplate, I’m convinced that if they would only have listened to me, the Dodgers would have won, at minimum, 3 of the last 7 World Series. But alas, they don’t listen to me. I’m sure they’ll regret that to their dying day.
Because of my love for the Dodgers, you would think that watching a game would be 3-4 hours of romantic bliss. Unfortunately, that’s not always, the case. I will often find myself talking to the TV, questioning the umpire, questioning Doc’s decisions, questioning the players, and that responsibility can be somewhat stressful. In fact, the New England Journal of Medicine found, in a non-baseball study(though I believe the same would be true for baseball), that cardiac emergencies in Munich more than doubled when Germany played in World Cup matches compared to days when they were idle, and no matches were played. But I’m a fan, and I will continue to put myself in these situations. Fortunately, I haven’t had any heart attacks yet.
Despite the wins and losses, I can honestly say that I’ve never once wavered in my love for the Dodgers. I have distressed over losses, rejoiced in victories, wondered why this or that player was traded, or why we didn’t pick up a particular player in a trade. I would expect that each of us on this board can make similar statements. Maybe you’ve been a fan for more years than I have, maybe less. But what is it that makes us the fans that we are? I can’t speak for you, and perhaps you would be willing to tell us a little bit about your journey of fandom, but these are some of my reasons:
1. I love the time it has given me with my sons, and family. It seems to be a rite of passage, to pass along your love of the game to your children. I was introduced to baseball by friends at Artesia Park and my neighbor Tony Silva, who took me to my first Dodger game. My parents immigrated to the United States from the Holland, when I was 5 years old. We moved to Dairy Valley, California. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this was Dodger country. I soon learned what that meant and became a die-hard fan. Perhaps if my parents had moved to Wisconsin or Kansas, I might have been a fan of their teams. Thankfully they didn’t and I don’t have to ponder that possibility. When I became a father, it wasn’t long before my son had a ball in his hand and then a bat. Before long we would play catch. Then I would pitch to him, as he endeavored to hit the ball over the roof of the house. It became an almost daily event, to play baseball with my son. Two years later we added a second son, and it only doubled the pleasure. Before long, I took them to their first Dodger game, and I will never forget the expressions on their faces as we entered the stadium and they first laid eyes on the grass and the players. Getting to share that joy with my sons is a delight that continues to this day and has been passed along to their sons. My sons have moved to Washington, yet my oldest remains a Dodger fan. In August 2018, while visiting Washington, I took my sons and their family to a Dodger vs Mariner game. Prior to the game, my oldest son, put his son on his shoulders as they stood by the railing watching Clayton Kershaw do his stretches in the outfield. It was a truly magical moment for me, as I remembered having my son on my shoulders, standing by the railing of Dodger Stadium watching the players take batting practice. Those moments are a huge part of the fan experience!!
2. I love the fact that you can watch a baseball game most every day. From February to October, there is a game to be watched. Unlike football, where they only play 16 games, and one a week, in baseball, the anticipation of waiting for the next game is never a painful process.
3. I love the incredible history of baseball. As we’ve seen on this post, as recently as this past week, with the article on Pee Wee Reese, baseball history is so rich and provides a virtual goldmine of nuggets to discover. Whether talking about Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Babe Ruth, or any of the many players that have played this game, there are a myriad of stories to uncover and great people to meet.
4. Visiting Dodger Stadium. In my opinion, Dodger Stadium is the most beautiful in baseball. Getting to share that experience stadium with 40,000 or more people is awesome. The sights, sounds, smells and crack of the bat gets me excited each and every time I go there.
5. The sound of a home run. There is an absolute sweetness to the sound of a ball hit on the screws. Sometimes the sound is very subtle, but it is sweet nevertheless. That sound begins to grow on you at a very young age, when you give it your best swing and it connects with the ball on the sweet spot. You smile to yourself, and think, “I got all of that one!” Even though I no longer play, that sound still resonates in my ears.
6. The sound of a 100 mph fastball hitting the catcher’s glove. That’s a pop that you can’t duplicate anywhere else. I can honestly say that I have never experienced throwing a ball that fast. When I pitched in high school, speed guns had not become a tool used in baseball. Good thing they hadn’t, because they probably couldn’t measure my 45 mph “heater.” It doesn’t have to be a 100 mph pitch, though they are a special breed, just hearing the sound of a pitcher warming up between innings, is enough to get me excited.
7. The difficulty of hitting a baseball. I’m sure there will be some argument, but I think hitting a baseball is one of the, if not the, hardest things to do in sports. Ted Williams thought it was, and he was the best at hitting a baseball that the game has seen. You have a round ball, that’s moving that you’re trying to hit with a round piece of wood. When you do hit the ball, ironically, it’s called “squaring it up,”
8. Yogi Berra: “Baseball is 90% mental. The other half is physical.” “No one goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.” “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.” “It’s déjà vu all over again.” “I always thought that record would stand until it was broken.” Not a Dodger, but enough said!
9. There is no time Limit. Speaking of it “it ain’t over til’ it’s over”, I love the fact that the game has no time limit. You play until the final out.
10. Vin Scully’s voice. Once again, enough said. As Dodger fans, we were spoiled for 67 years, as Vinny brought the game and players to life in ways we had never seen before(or since).
11. Having your top hitter come to the plate, in a crucial situation in the game.
12. Hearing the crowd chant, “Let’s go Dodgers!”
13. Dodger uniforms. The uniform is simple and classic. Pantone 294 blue, against a white background with red numbers. It looked good on Sandy Koufax 60 years ago, and it looks good on Clayton Kershaw today.
14. The Dodger Community: Dodger fans can be found everywhere. When you’re at the grocery store, and you see some one in Dodger cap or T-shirt, there is an automatic bond. He or she is one of the family. The conference room in my office is filled with mostly Dodger related pictures. They never fail to illicit conversation about the Dodgers or how a family member loves the Dodgers. That sense of community is heightened on a blog such as this. Scientists have found that being a sports fan can be good for your emotional, psychological and social health.
Fans who identify with a local team have higher self-esteem, are less lonely and are no more aggressive as a group than nonsports fans. Thus, the more you identify with the Dodgers, the more psychologically healthy you tend to be. The more psychologically healthy you tend to be, the easier it is to get along with like minded fans. There aren’t too many times in life you can celebrate something with complete strangers and feel an emotional connection with your community as a whole. I love this feeling.
15. Dodgers vs Giants. The rivalry between the Dodgers and Giants is something special. My dislike for the Giants began when I was very young. The only games I could watch on TV back then, were Dodger away games to Candlestick Park. While I liked some of their players individually(Mays, McCovey, Cepeda), collectively, I had no love for them. Beating them was sweeter than beating an other team(except for playoffs and the Series), and losing to them was more painful.
16. An Escape. Though not too often, there are times that the Dodgers provide an escape from the issues of life that I don’t want to think about at the time.
Baseball is a beautiful game that I’ve played and loved for the majority of my life. There are many more reasons, that I could spell out, but I’ll stop for now. The Dodgers are the only baseball team that I have loved, and they will be my team for the rest of my days.
Some Random Thoughts
● Whether it be Driveline, a new work out regimen, Mark Prior or just adaptation, I like this version of Clayton Kershaw a lot.
● Ross Stripling was one of my favorite Dodgers over the past 5 years. Whether he won or lost, he always gave a meaningful interview. He was more than willing to face the music when he didn’t do well. I wish him nothing but the best with the Blue Jays.
● This is being written Friday morning. I’m looking for big things from Dustin May tonight. I hope the heat, doesn’t cause the balls to fly out of Dodger Stadium.
● Mookie and Corey at the top of the line-up is a winning combination. When JT returns, plug him into the 3 hole, Belli clean-up, Pollock or Muncy hitting 5th, depending on who’s pitching. Pederson should never hit higher than 6th in the line-up. Definitely not lead-off.
No parody today. I ran out of time. Thought I would share a Jim Croce song for those of you that get to thinking you might have been better in your “glory days” than you really were.
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Discussion (89)
Disagree, not disagreeable
I too enjoyed the column 2d. Felt like you were describing me.
As many of you may know, I’ve had my issues with the name calling on this site for years. It’s better than it used to be. I think Mark has mellowed over the years. Maybe going from 6’4” to 6’1” humbled him a bit.
I’ve already expressed my feeling about Joc. He is a blind squirrel who plays like he’s got one foot out the door. I’d happily help him with the other foot if I was in charge. Phil’s plan works for me.
I have mixed feelings about Doc but mostly I support him. We’ve been pretty good with him running things. That said, some of his bullpen moves have me screaming names at my tv.
This is a good place to talk baseball. I’m glad to be a part of it.
Great column 2D. Loved it. We became fans close to the same time. I started playing when I was about 7. But when the Dodgers moved to LA that was when I really fell in love with the game. Different times. We spent all of our spare hours playing some form of the game. And we played until it was dark, and we could not see anymore. There were not any playgrounds or local ball fields with lights in those days. First time I went to see them at the coliseum, it was something I had never experienced before. All the people, smells, sounds. Two guys blowing the charge on REAL bugles. And the players, about the size of ants from where I sat, but I enjoyed it all the same. Then came collecting the cards. Baseball cards, much better than football or basketball cards. 5 cards to a pack and gum for 5 cents. The anticipation one would get opening a pack. Wow, I got Sandy Koufax! And he wasn’t even a star at that point, just a struggling lefty with a fantastic fastball. Over the years the love of the team grew, and also the angst when they lost. Because of some very personal things that happened in those years, they and baseball were not only my passion, they were my refuge from all the negative things that were happening. Between baseball, the Dodgers, and my music, I had something positive to lean on. It was that way until I went in the Army and was on my own. The biggest drawback being in the service was not being able to hear all the games. Usually where I was stationed there were no games broadcast on the radio. I could catch a game of the week now and then if I did not have duty. But I followed the teams fortunes as best I could, and always went to Dodger Stadium when I was home on leave. Once I came home to California, going to Dodger Stadium as many times as I could when not working was something I did for years. I went to a playoff game in 81 against the Expos. Fernando lost to Ray Burris. Dodger Stadium was my special place to go to forget it all, and enjoy the sport I loved. Now, living in Colorado, I watch the games from my recliner, or sometimes, especially when they are on later, from my bed. I am also an arm chair manager/GM. I have railed at AF for not trading for someone I thought would make them better than they are and silently cussed out Doc when something goes wrong and I think it is because he made a dumb move..yeah, exe soldiers do cuss. I remember watching a playoff game against the Phillies and Stairs hit a homer that beat them. I was in the truckers lounge at the company I worked for at the time. I launched the remote in the general direction of the television. I missed, showing the Dodgers had good sense not signing me. And that was when the streak of not winning a series was still in the low 20’s. Now retired, with a lot of time on my hands, I am much more mellow. At least I feel like I am. But the love of the game, and the team is as strong now as it was then. It was pure agony not having baseball to watch from late March until July when it finally came back. Now that it is here, I can only hope this never happens again in my lifetime. I hated it enough the years they went on strike.
Beaty did very well last year when given the chance.
Joc should be sitting for two reasons – lack of production and lack of hustle.
Beaty can play left field.
If we make this into an algebra problem: therefore Beaty should be playing instead of Joc.
So far he’s gotten an at bat here and an at bat there, and then they sit him down. Give him a couple of weeks of steady at bats to see if he deserves to be in there on a regular basis. I can gurarantee you when he hits the ball on the ground you’ll see him hustle to first base.
Really enjoyed your post, 2D2! I can add a few items to your list. I feel like a kid when I watch a game, especially if it’s live (going to Dodgers Stadium is still a peak experience for me), but also on tv (live streaming these days), and whenever I step onto a baseball field. I may criticize Doc’s moves, say something importune to Joc if he fails to hustle, get frustrated about this or that, but down deep, it connects me with the simple joy that I felt as a kid. And that’s worth everything to me. A couple of other things. There is still something about baseball that feels patriotic. I know football and basketball surpassed it in popularity, but it’s still America’s passtime. And finally, living in Holland, I can stay connected with my American roots. Greetings from Maastricht! Regards to your relatives, some of whom I assume still live here.
Really fun post 2d2, especially the coaching from your recliner. That’s exactly what I do too and I’m not sure where the Dodgers would be without us. Well, probably exactly where they are now. I have the recording deal down to a science. I record everything to avoid watching any commercials. my ideal blow off day is 3 games in 1 day. I can watch the 1:00, 4:00 or 5:00 games then watch the Dodgers and be done by 10:30pm. I have taken to watching the White Sox play before the Dodgers. Just like being at Camelback Ranch.
“An Escape” I love baseball and it’s one of my most enjoyable activities. Always has been.
Thoughts on last night:
* Good game, except for Treinen. Can’t win em all. Move on, except for:
* I have been absolutely nonjudgemental on Doc this year. I mostly think he’s been pretty good especially with pitching changes. But having Joc in the 5 hole, ahead of Pollock (or anybody for that matter) is brutal. The “meat of the order” last night was 0 for 11 and 3 lefties in a row makes no sense to me with Joc in the middle. CT3 is hitting right handed pitching so why is he not DH? It looks weird but CT3 has serious reverse splits and is hitting .293 versus right hand pitching. That might have been useful last night.
* I’ve had it with Joc. I coach him up a lot from my recliner, 2d2. I’m glad my shoulder isn’t fully recovered or I would put the remote through my big screen. Last night he pulled 3 ground balls to the left side and had a K, accounting for 5 outs. He absolutely friggin loafed to first every time. When is the last time he actually ran through the bag at first?
* I have NO IDEA why Doc (or his teammates for that matter) put up with Joc’s BS. It’s bad baseball. I’d have his ass so far down the bench he would be rehearsing the USC Fight Song. All this from a selfish clown hitting .184 and approaching free agency. Where’s your pride and respect for your team and the game? He has lost any job as far as I’m concerned and should platoon with the Ball Boy.
* Alfonso Marquez was the umpire behind the plated last night. That is the best balls and strike job I’ve seen in awhile.
* Gonsolin deserved better.
* Score more runs tonight
Nothing beats a late inning home run at Dodger stadium and jumping up and spilling your beer! One of my best memories at Dodger Stafium sitting next to this guy who was screaming in between the first inning. So I asked him what he was yelling about? And he said the Trojans just scored. My beloved SC football team! So we watched the SCgame together on his phone r along with the Dodger game yelling and screaming together in both a Dodger and Trojan victory! Nothing could be sweeter!
Dean Kremer pitching for Baltimore today. He’s the first of the prospects from the Machado deal to make the bigs.
~
The Dodger gave up ten prospects in the Hill, Machado, and Darvish deals. Plus guys like O’Neil Cruz and Jordan Alvarez in smaller deals. I get why they didn’t unload 6 prospects for Clevinger or overpay for Lynn.
Mark Timmons wrote yesterday:
Yes, when the Dodgers win, it is in spite of Doc, and when they lose it’s because of Doc.
Those of you who continually beat that drum have ZERO credibility with me and very little respect.
I simply cannot take you seriously!
Mark posted this at the end of yesterday’s comments assuming no one would probably read it. Well, I did and wanted to respond so that people would read it today.
First, I can remember back either last year or the year before when you wrote entire articles calling for the removal of Dave Roberts. I mean you were over the top in your criticism of his managing style. So, I don’t know when you had your come to “Roberts” moment but now you are all “Roberts” all the time. He can do no wrong.
And, that’s fine. Everyone is entitled to change their mind. What bothers me is how you come off toward anyone who disagrees with you or your beliefs about Roberts. Very few on this site complain about Roberts during the season on how he affects wins or losses. During the playoffs it’s a different story. His history of failures in the last three years has been well documented and criticized by many on this blog (including you).
The loss last night was not Roberts doing. Yeah, I would have liked to see Gonsolin go another inning. But, Treinen didn’t do the job and Wood came in to prove that he is no longer an effective major league pitcher. I don’t think the majority of the posters here blamed Roberts. Your comment made it sound like they did. And, to say that those who continually bang that drum have ZERO (really, ZERO? not zero? not little?) credibility with you. Do you think that because YOU have ZERO respect for posters that complain about Roberts are going to stop expressing their opinions on the subject? Damn, Mark, you started this blog years ago and helped make it into a awesome place to talk Dodger baseball. I don’t think many who post here care about whether or not they have credibility with YOU or that YOU don’t take them seriously. You’ve been a name caller several times in the past (idiot, moron, etc) with posters who comment with things you don’t agree. Maybe, you’re kidding or trying to stir the pot for some feedback. If that’s the case it doesn’t some off that way to me. Sure, some people post things that don’t make sense or are controversial (I probably have), but that’s OK. I read that stuff and just think “really, that’s crazy”, but don’t feel the need to name call or comment on how stupid or misinformed they must be. I feel good that I’m not them. And, move on to the next comment or web page.
Bottom line is that you have continually named called and become indignant when someone posts something you don’t think is acceptable to YOU. Well, YOU ain’t the blog. All the article contributors and those comment are the blog. It just hit me wrong this morning when I read you comment from yesterday. For a person who founded this blog and worked tirelessly to get it where it is today I think it’s sad to come off the way you do sometimes. There is a continual call for civility on this site. I felt yesterday’s comment from you didn’t meet that goal and just added to your pile of name calling and your point of view is the right and only point of view.
I may get banished for my thoughts today. I hope not. I wanted to help make this blog a little bit better.
Carry on.
You touched on the daily not weekly schedule of games. That’s important after last night’s game – need to clear the palate tonight
Good column. Nothing like entering Dodger Stadium, the outfield grass, the manicured infield, the palm trees and hills in the background — you feel like you’ve left the world behind.
All of this is incredibly important in our fast paced and stress filled lifestyles. It’s what keeps us going.
As to the Dodgers current state, winning pretty much all the time, but they need more hitters to step up. Right now they really miss Justin Turner. Being objective, just too many hitters having poor at bats and the averages reflect that.
But Mookie Betts is having an MVP year and Cory Seager has returned to form now that he’s healthy again. Cody Bellinger is having some bad luck, often hitting the ball hard, but right at somebody.
But Tony Gonsolin continues to pitch well and it’s obvious the Dodgers needed to provide an opportunity for him to pitch in a regular rotation. Impressive young pitchers with Gonsolin, Dustin May and Julio Urias.
Looks like Gavin Lux is finally improving, having better at bats and showing signs of becoming the player that scouts had projected him to become — hopefully he continues to offer glimpses into what should be a bright future. He looked pretty much lost when called up.
Just something about baseball that doesn’t exist in other sports.
Thanks again for great article and stirring my early passions for Big Blue. Been fan almost 50 years always been family affair for me as well. From my dad taking me to my first game, getting off the 101 on Stadium Way, coming over the hill to see that majestic cathedral known as Dodger Stadium , not a more beautiful baseball park in the world. Smelling the peanuts,hot dogs, having my first chocolate malt and hearing the barking of the vendors – magic ! Baseball is an entire senses experience which I don’t think you get with any other sporting event. Baseball was an affordable way to take the whole family back then. My early hero was ‘3 Dog’ loved Willie Davis how he just glided around bases,made it look easy. Loved ‘The Infield” and their longevity and consistency, loved Dusty,Reggie and especially JWynn back in those days. Those teams were great but just not great enough to get past the As or Yanks.As I get older I tend to root more for the name on front the jersey instead of the back. The Dodgers are constant in my life – GO BLUE !