I haven't posted in a while.  I have been back to my "other life."  I have decided I want to go back to my baseball life.  It was a nice world away from the other more stressful one.

I think everyone has heard about the 16 year old Long Beach girl who was shot and killed after a homecoming game on Friday.  She was an innocent bystander who was hit by a stray bullet when someone opened fire into the crowd of young people  The homecoming game was just over.  It was 10 PM on Friday evening.  This was the first evening game that she had been allowed to go to.  Here was a beautiful young smart Cambodian girl who had everything to live for.  Her parents had survived the Killing Fields of Cambodia.

This hit close to home.  Wilson High School is not far from my home.  My 13 year old niece had just left the game a few minutes before, picked up by my sister.  We all were horrified that Brynne was probably standing in that spot where that girl was killed.  Wilson High School is in a nice neighborhood bordered by Belmont Heights and East Long Beach.  My son graduated from there as well.  He was part of Junior ROTC who used to take care of the parking during school events.  He also was on the varsity football team when he was a senior. 

Prayers for her family and for all the friends that she had made in her short life.  Wilson High School is in mourning for a life taken too soon.  We all are asking why did this happen? 

In the last few weeks two friends of mine from work also passed away.  One was a captain in the hospital police section at my place of employment.  I had known him many years.  He was found at home after missing work.  I really miss him.  Another friend was part of the housekeeping department at my job.  He always had a big smile for me as he cleaned the laboratory.  I heard that they had discovered a liver tumor.  He was told that he had only 6 months to live.  

So much going on.  So much sadness.

There is some happiness though.  I plan on visiting my son in Virginia in a couple of weeks.  He thought he would remind me that it was no longer baseball season so maybe I could visit him?    

The World Series is definitely exciting.  It has stretched out into at least 6 games.  I realized that Chase Utley went to my high school, Long Beach Polytechnic.  He was never the best player, always overshadowed by Milton Bradly.  He was always known as a hard worker.  Now look at him!!! 

I usually don't follow the World Series but this year I have tried to.  It definitely makes the season VERY LONG.   Spring Training is just around the corner.

I know everyone has heard about the Dodger owner Frank McCourt's divorce from his wife Jamie.  I hope it doesn't hurt the Dodgers.  I knew from an inside source that Jamie was having an affair with her bodyguard.  What is going on???  I have already decided that we will probably have to forget getting another pitcher.  We will still have our young core: Andre Ethier, Russell Martin, James Loney and Matty Kemp.  We still have Broxton and Billingsley.  We still have Manny.  I hope we can keep Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla.  What else can I hope for??  The divorce will be ugly and will affect the offseason. 

I hope everyone is faring well in the offseason.  Please keep in touch.    

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Now that the season is officially over for the Dodgers, I can gather my thoughts.  It has been a difficult couple of weeks for many of us fans, especially those who love the Cardinals, Angels, Rockies, and the rest of the AL and NL.

I am glad it is over.  I can now concentrate on other parts of my life.  I have a huge pile of books that I could not get to.  I approximate that I went to about 75 games during Spring Training, the regular season and postseason.  I barely had time to do anything else.

I can finally relax and not worry about the next game.  I realized that I was always a little stressed.  I kept trying to tell myself that it wouldn't be the end of the world if the Dodgers lost a game.  Unfortunately I couldn't convince myself.  One day I'll grow up.

What I enjoyed about the season besides going to the games was my blog.  It has brought me great joy.  I have met wonderful baseball fans like myself who love the sport.  We may not always cheer on the same team but we all share the love of the game.  I will always consider Jane, Julia, Virginia, Hyunyoung, Kaybee, Jenn, the two wonderful Matts, Buz, Cliff, Ginnie, Sue, Jeff, good friends.  I will never forget, Jeff, how you wished my Dodgers good luck after the NLDS.  You are the best!

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I also have become friends with the wonderful staff at Dodger Stadium.  The best ushers in all of baseball are part of the staff there.  Thanks to all the concession people, security and waiters.  There is no other group as awesome as you are!

And also thank you Dodgers for the awesome 2009 season.  I personally think that they are the most hardworking, loyal, dedicated group of men in baseball.  Virginia will agree with me that they also are the cutest and nicest.  Thank you Andre for being so fan friendly.  Thank you for the handwritten thank you note to Mrs. Nelson and her first grade class in  Merced.  Thank you Matty Kemp for being you.  Thank you James Loney for playing your heart out.  Thanks to Kuroda-san for having the courage to come back and pitching after that terrifying injury. I could go on and on thanking each Dodger but they know I love them.  Next year we will go to the World Series.  No matter what, I will always be a Dodger fan and bleed blue. 

Now it's time to get some sleep.

Thank you also everyone for supporting my blog.  I have poured my heart and soul into it so each and every one of you can enjoy the Dodgers as much as I do.  I want you to know the Dodgers as real people who laugh and cry .  Right now they are sad and disappointed but then they will pick themselves up as they have during the season and play the next game with even more heart and tenacity.  Those are my guys!!! 

The Dodgers are heading to Philadelphia tied up.  The series is now 1-1. 

Last night's game was actually a great game to watch except that the Phillies won that one. 

The World Series Trophy was on display just outside the Stadium.

Batting practice was well underway.  It was nice to see that a couple of Phillies were out on the field talking to some of the Dodgers.

Then the Phillies came out and took batting practice.

Clayton Kershaw, our starting picture came out to the field to warm up.  He looked so young.

and vulnerable

Matty Kemp also ran out on the field

Andre was in good spiriits

There was a group of Marines and Navy sailors walking across the field but Matty just kept on working out

a quiet, soul searching moment for Matt

Russell came out with all his equipment to throw the ball and warm up

Clayton and Russell walked together across the field to the dugout

It was exciting to see the entire Dodger organization iintroduced.  Here are the coaches

Manny

Matt

By the time Billy Ray Cyrus sang the National Anthem, we Dodger fans were beside ourselves with excitement.  While the Marines and Navy were unfurling the huge flag, we noticed that someone had fallen and was under the flag.  Weird.

Our relief pitchers walked to the bullpen

 

The game did not end the way I would have liked it to but it was a great game to watch.  Our downfall was the two 3 run homeruns that Kershaw and Sherrill allowed after walking a couple of players.  Once Clayton lost the strike zone, he didn't find it again.  The homerun that Sherrill allowed was unusual for him. 

 

The Dodgers fought back with homeruns by Loney and Manny but it was a losing battle.

Loney running in after hitting his homerun.  This is only the second he has hit in Dodger Stadium this year.

Here is Manny running in after his homerun.

Belisario, one of our best relief pitchers

The Dodgers kept coming back but to no avail.  The Phillies were in constant discussion.

I wonder if they're talking about me??

Oh, boy, my back needs stretching

Yikes, how long will they talk

And how many pictures is that Cat taking of me anyway?  Andre always seems to spot me in the crowd.

Might as well blow some bubbles

or look for that darn penny.  It's like looking for a needle in a haystack

Maybe I'll adjust my do

or look at the neat signs around Dodger Stadium.

Here's Andre signaling two away

Here is left field ibanez.  A couple of fans were heckling him.  He got them back by hitting one of those homeruns.

 

One thing about the Dodgers is that every day is a new day.  Losses are put behind them and they come roaring back.  Often they win with two out or in the final inning.  We have learned not to leave until the game is over.

 

The second game was a day game.  Everyone who reads my blog knows how much I dislike the day games.

I had already heard that after the drenching with rain we had early in the week, we were going to have very hot weather.

I was sick anyway with an upper respiratory infection, so I knew I would be miserable in the heat.  I came prepared with a couple of bottles of water and Linda gifted me with another one.

 

While I was standing in front of my seat, I felt something under my Dodger teeshirt.  I thought maybe it was a thread or something but realized it was moving.  I reached under my shirt and pulled something out and threw it to the ground.  I realized it was a bee.  What a way to start my day!!

Uh oh, I wonder if the guys were wondering what was going on with me!!

It looks like they were deeply engrossed in something else.

I really worried about the heat on the field

Russell looked hot when he came out with his equipment

I guess the relief pitchers always wear their jackets even in 85 degree weather

I hoped that Vicente Padilla would be able to tolerate the heat.  He did pitch for Texas so I know he was used to ugly weather.  Oh and thank you Texas for Padilla.

Russell

Another picture of Russell, especially for Rosie

The Backstreet Boys sang the National Anthem, not the run of the mill version either.

Ronnie Belliard, our second baseman

 

About this time, the heat was unbearable.  I couldn't sit in my regular seat so I found a seat in the shade. The only problem was that the couple in front of me blocked my view.  The guy had a wide brimmed hat.  The girl had a large Dodger scarf that she held up a waved which totally blocked my view.  I couldn't take many pictures and those I took had parts of the guy's hat and the scarf so I just deleted those.

 

I wonder whether any of you out there have ever had doubts about the profession that you have chosen.  I know that although I have spent a large part of my life doing what I do, I sometimes wonder if it is my life's calling.  As most of you know, I am an ER nurse.  It is not an easy life.  There are a lot of stesses involved as with any other profession.

Something that happened at the game let me know that this is what I was meant to do.

I was watching the game when I noticed two men bringing an older gentleman up the aisle, one on either side.  But the older man was actually being half carried.  Instinct made me jump to my feet and run to his side.  I directed them to lie the man down since I figured that he was dehydrated.  Someone was throwing water on his face and I yelled at him to stop it.  What if he aspirated the water.  A cold towel would have been better.  I checked for a pulse and found one so I knew he was okay,  He responded when I spoke to him.  In fact, he said, "What's the score?"  I laughed very relieved. I stayed with him until the paramedics were at his side.  They took him directly to the hospital.  As they left, the man's son looked at me and said quietly, "Thank you."  It brought tears to my eyes.  When I went to my seat, a fan told me that I did a great job.  My usher Ernie told me it was great that I sat up in the shade so that I was there to help the man.  I was overwhelmed but felt really good.  I will never question my choice of careers since I think that God chose for me since he has put me in several circumstances where my knowledge has helped others. 

By that time, the score was about to change from 1-0 (Padilla had allowed a solo homerun) to 1-1, then 2-1 with an Ethier walk which brought Russell home.

By that time I was worried about my guys and the Phillies on the field.  Matt was looking hot.

Manny was checking out his nails

But he looked hot as well

Russell looked hot and a bit dirty as well.

The Dodgers still played their heart out.  They never give up.

Russell took his cap off while waiting on third base

Eventually there were subsitutions to get the guys off the field.  Here is Juan Castro. 

And Juan Pierre who already was feeling the heat.

Andre was left in to make the magnificent catch which would end the ninth inning for the Phillies.

The Phillies were out in the field praying for a victory.

I don't know why Manuel used 5 relief pitchers.  None of them had the results he wanted.  And why did he take ex Dodger Pedro Martinez out when he did.  He was doing a masterful job pitching.  The Dodger batters were waiting for their chance when Martinez was retired for the night.

It was definitely a pitchers game.

The Dodgers SP Vicente Padilla received a standing ovation when he left the game, the first of his career.  This game he pitched also was probably the most important game he ever pitched.  I again thank Texas for him.

When our closer Jonathan Broxton or Big Boy came out, the door was ready to be slammed shut.

 

Throughout the season, the Dodgers have always had fun playing baseball.  They have not dwelled on losses, playing each day as a new challenge. 

And above all:

Sunday the Dodgers and Phillies play in Philadelphia.  Kuroda-san will make his first start after being out with a bulging C spine.  He looks ready.  They say he plays as though he has ice water running through his veins.  The Phillies fans have the reputation for being ruthless but the ones I know are devoted, wonderful fans.  Please be kind to my guys.

 

Thanks for stopping by.  What an exciting series this has been so far.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope that I see this sign flashing again after Thursday's game.

                                                          

Hopefully I see Matty skipping for joy after the game.

Hopefully our prayers are answered

Hopefully our left handed pitchers can stump the Phillies great left handed hitters.  Pictured above is Kuo

Wolfy

and lefty Baby Clayton.  Here he is pouring champagne which he will then spray all over me.

We Dodger fans believed that our team could sweep the Cardinals

We have clutch homerun hitter and walk off champ Andre (here with his son Dreson)

I have my good luck James Loney ball

Super closer Broxton who can throw a 100mph fastball

Left field Manny Ramirez who has postseason experience

Our super bullpen who allows no runs

The Force with us

Fantastic Tommy Lasorda giving our guys pep talks before the games

The most loyal, wonderful employees that any ballpark can have!

The best postseason shirts ever

Wonderful Matty Kemp who is stellar in center field

One of the best coaches in all of baseball, Joe Torre

Andre will be keeping an eye on me

Juan Pierre will continue to be Pig Pen's double

Kuroda-san is healthy again and will pitch in game 4.  Thank you so much, God.

We have one of the smartest fastest catchers in all of baseball, Russell Martin

The Dodgers tend to puzzle the other team with their offense

The Dodgers have believed in players that other teams didn't want, for example Vicente Padilla, who has pitched well for us.  He will probably start Game 3.  He had never pitched in postseason but pitched well against the Cardinals.

 

Most of all, the Dodgers played like the champs they are with all their heart and soul

 

We fans at Dodger Stadium always supported them.  In fact this season again, the attendance broke all records

 

It just seems like it was a hundred years ago that I was at Spring Training and we had just signed Manny Ramirez.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Camelback Ranch.

 

 

I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GO DODGERS!!!

 

Thank you everyone who is supporting the Dodgers this postseason.   I know that many whose teams did not make it this far has pledged their support for the Blue.  A special thanks to Matt Peaslee.

 

I'm feeling a little sick the last few days so I feel a little out of sorts.

but I know a win will make the world seem right side up again. 

 

And thank you everyone for reading my blog.  

 

 

 

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Since the Dodgers swept the Cardinals early, the drama between the two clubs was over early.  I have been watching the other teams to see how their matchups have ended.  So far, it looks like it will be the Yankees and the Angels.  The Phillies and the Rockies are still duking it out in cold Colorado so we aren't sure who we will play.  I predict a Phillies winner.

I have many pictures that I have not published so I thought I would use this entry to show some of my faves to you.

Horsing around.  Belisario has a hold on McDonald.  The Dodgers seem to have a great comraderie

Russell Martin jogging around the field

Casey Blake who has been phenomenal during the Cardinals series

Matty skipping around center field.  He is really a player who enjoys his job.

Our 21 year old pitcher Clayton pitching a strike

Manny who gets no love from other fans but Dodger fans love him.  He always acknowledges us by waving with his glove, smiling, nodding and throwing batting practice balls.

Matty at bat

The Cardinals during batting practice

The above is my thought exactly

The graphics around the stadium

One of my favorite graphics

Matty and Manny running to their positions

Andre Ethier, the magnificent who should be voted the MVP of the Dodgers Cardinals series if only there was such a thing

Matty Kemp

Russell strapping on his leg gear

Manny on first base.  He has really broken out during the series.  Now everyone is pitching around him again.  The boos from the opposing side are getting louder.

Andre avoiding getting hit by a pitch. 

Andre on first base.

Andre heading toward right field with Manny behind hin

Manny waiting for the game to resume during a timeout

Matty also waiting

The Cardinals had a lot of discussion about what to do about the Dodgers

Are you looking at me???  Manny also looks right at me a lot.

 

I will post some more pictures tomorrow  I took all these pictures and wanted to share them with everyone.  I know many people are not able to go to the games so I want to give everyone a glimpse of what it is like to be at a game.  There is no experience equivalent to being there.  There is nothing like the excitement of the crowd, seeing the players up close and actually talking to them, the wonderful aroma of Dodger dogs, the friendship of the fans.   

 

Thanks everyone for stopping by.  I appreciate everyone who follows my blog!! 

Congratulations to all the teams who have made it to the next level.  And also congratulations to the fans that have supported these teams all season.    

 

 

 

 

 

The Dodgers have swept the St Louis Cardinals.  I am celebrating by being here at work.  Oh well.   They won the game today 5-1.                                                                                     

My Dad told me that whoever won the second game of the series would be the winner.  I always believe my Dad.  He was right.  He kept telling me that St Louis probably expected to play more than one game at Busch Stadium.  I still feel sad for Matt Holliday but I know he will get over it.

I will post again tomorrow afternoon when I have access to some of the pictures I took from the first two games of the series.

The next game will be at Dodgers Stadium on Thursday when they meet either the Phillies or the Rockies.  All of us loyal fans will be there to greet our Dodgers.

I would probably make the co-heroes of today: Andre Ethier with his 2 run homerun and Vicente Padilla with his stellar pitching!

Also a hat tip to Manny Ramirez who is in playoff mode, hitting two doubles and a single with two RBI's.

Kudos to the whole team who take turns being the heroes.  There is not one player that the whole team depends on.  They work as a unit.

The Cardinals proved to be a class act as well.  Some comments made by Lugo:  "They had the best record in the National League and you can't wonder why.  It shows.  they have a great team."  Miller:  "They beat us pretty soundly.  They have no weaknesses that I see.  They have a quality lineup.  There's not one guy in there that you can pitch around because they can all do damage."

Thanks for stopping by.  Much more tomorrow.

  I am still excited about the Dodger win over the St Louis Cardinals yesterday.  It was the most unbelievable win all season.  I had thought that the Dodgers would lose the game..  Someone sitting behind me told me that he thought the Dodgers would win and that it would be a walkoff in the ninth inning.  I thought he was living in a dream world.  Wainwright pitched a fantastic game.  The only hit he had given up was Andre Ethier's booming homerun.  So with the score 2-1 with one out left, I thought that I should pack up and get ready to go home.  I had told the fan sitting behind me that the only way the Dodgers could win this game was when and if the relievers take over for Wainwright. 

I took the picture above after the walkoff win.  I stood there with the rest of the Dodger fans screaming and jumping up and down in excitement.  We were giving each other high fives and just yelliing.

But I am getting a little ahead of myself.  Scroll back to before the game.

Our starting pitcher was our baby Clayton Kershaw who just turned 21 not that long ago. 

He still looks like a teeenager.  He had a birthday just in time to drink champagne and celebrate with the rest of the team on Saturday when the Dodgers won the NLDS West. He had been out for a few weeks with a separated shoulder and had only pitched that game Saturday..

He was out in the field warming up.

He kinda looked like the right shoulder was bothering him a little

When he first came out, he had his warmup jacket on.

And then he threw a few warmup pitches.

It was nice that so many Dodgers were out in the field so we could see them up close.

Here is Billingsley in the front

There is Juan Pierre in the middle

I could see Ron Howard, the director and former Opie, trying to direct batting practice.

Here is Juan Pierre again.  He never is out in the field with the relief pitchers so I was happy to see him.  He just won the Roy Campenella award for most inspiring player.  You go, Juan. He's standing with James McDonald.

Hey, man, I think something's under my shirt!

Let me tell you a thing or two.  Jeff Weaver on the left.

I was shocked to see even Manny Ramirez out there looking halfwway interested.

Here is Vicente Padilla in the middle who will be our SP on Saturday.  It is amazing that we really don't have anyone on our team that is considered an "Ace" and yet we were able to defeat two incredible St Louis aces.  Go figure.

Here is Juan Castro who relieves Raffy Furcal at shortstop.  He just signed my NDLS West champions teeshirt.

A nice pic of Kuo, one of our great relief pitchers even after 3 elbow surgeries.  This guy just keeps coming back.

I was happy to see Kuroda-san in the field throwing  the ball.

It looks like he was being tested to see how he did by the trainers.  To his right is his translator who also translates for the Spanish speaking players.  Kuroda-san has been out with a herniation in his cervical spine.  The doctors say it is not from the hit in the head but I wonder about that.

Or course there was a little goofing off on the field.  Here are Belisario and McDonald acting quite chummy.

They all ran back into the dugout to change and regroup.

Matty came out to warm up.  

He loves getting stretched by the trainer.

Here he is stretching with the bat

Andre also came out early and did his own yoga

He always has a quiet moment after stretching and before signing autographs.  You can see how yoga really helps him relax

Another picture of Andre..  I really love this picture

Our relief pitchers made their way back to the bullpen.  About this time the fans are getting excited.

Russell was still out in the field warming up

He played catch for a while

I caught him without his cap

Slash played the National Anthem on an electric guitar which was a bit weird..

 Then Clayton and Russell made their way to the dugout

Clayton pitched a wonderful game.

Manny

Ronnie Belliard who hit one of the basehits at the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs which tied the game

James Loney, who got the rally started with his double.  Matt Holliday totally misplayed the line drive to left field.  The ball hit him in the stomach.  That would have been the third out.  James didn't pay any attention to whether the ball was an out or not.  He just ran his heart out.  Juan Pierre took over as pinch runner.  Poor Matt Holliday.  He was hecked by the Dodger fans before the incident and they were merciless after.  I know he felt terrible.

George Sherrill had a terrific ninth inning

Andre

Matt and Manny.  Manny threw a warm up ball to someone two seats to my right.  He certainly made that fan's day.

Raffy Furcal pulled his stockings up a few games ago and kept them that way since he has been so hot

Russell on base with Matty up

Manny fixing his hair

Andre running to right field

Manny with Matty in the background

Matty scuffling around in the dirt

Andre

Clayton

Casey Blake had the most important at bat.  He walked but had to settle down and gain his composure after a pitch that was thrown was called a strike.  Ball one-Strike two. 

Mark Loretta had the bloop single to centerfield that was the walkoff.  Casey slipped as he came home.  I remember telling Mark Loretta shortly after he signed with the Dodgers that he signed with them just in time to be in the playoffs with them.  I wonder if he remembers my telling him that.

When Andre was asked whether he minded someone else having the walkoff this time, he answered that all he was concerned about was being the first to jump on Mark Loretta.  Looking at pictures, Matty was first.  It was a huge dogpile of Dodgers.

I am so proud of my Dodgers.  They go to St Louis ahead with 2 wins.  St Louis, here they come.

Thanks everyone for stopping by.  GO DODGERS.        

I had many emotions surrounding yesterday's game with the Rockies.

I was happy because the Dodgers had already clinched the Western Division title.

I was a bit sad because it was the last game.

I was excited because the first game of the postseason is this Wednesday.

I was looking forwarrd to the game since I was sitting in the Dugout Club for the last time this season and couldn't wait to see my friends who work in that section.

The Rockies were restless in the dugout anxious to show the Dodgers a thing or two.

Some of the wonderful employees who work at Dodger Stadium were honored for their loyal service, some for as many as 30 years.

Tommy Lasorda walked across the field right in front of me.

Later that day, I was able to snag an autograph from him.  I told Tommy that my son was in the Navy and he told me he has great respect for my son.  I was very touched.  I plan on sending the ball to my son because of what Tommy had said.

The umpires made their way across the field.  I was hoping that they would be fair.  I have seen more than one lousy call against the Dodgers.  It is easy for me to see the plays since I am there at the games.  They usually show the close plays on Dodgervision and there have been many horrible calls.

Joe Torre made his way to home plate for the pregame stuff

Here is Joe and Jim Tracy talking.  The Dodger official photographer John Soo Hoo is so in my way, isn't he? 

Matt Kemp is usually perched on the top step of the dugout dancing up and down like a fighter waiting in the ring to fight.

Vicente Padilla was our SP.  We got him for almost free from the Rangers.  They just wanted him gone.  He has been a huge asset for the Dodgers.  He had a great game, striking out ten in five innings. 

Here is Padilla warming up in the batting circle with his jacket still on

Amazingly, he hit a basehit.  Considering that he came from the American League where the pitchers aren't required to hit, it was huge.

Hu substituted for Furcal.  He is a fan favorite.  His walk on music is "Who let the dogs out, who who who."  We are always saying, "well, hu's on first base." 

Here is O Dog on second.

And Casey Blake on third base.

I decided to eat some more so I ordered a Dodger Blue Burger (hamburger with blu cheese crumbles) and jalapeno poppers. 

Juan Castro came in later during the game.

Juan Pierre was awarded the Roy Campanella award yesterday for being an inspiration to the team. 

Boy, how did I get so dirty???

 

Joe Beimel, an ex Dodger was one of Colorado's relievers.  I thought he was a National.  These guys sure move around a lot.

Here is Andre on first base.  Jason Giambi is standing right next to him.  Andre looks half Giambi's size.

Here they are again

A closeup shot of reliever James McDonald

Manny in the Dugout

Giambi warming up in the batting circle in front of me

Swing!!!  Matty hitting the ball

Matty scoring a run

There he goes

Andre shifting the Dodger dirt around a little

Matty looking like he is ready to make a golf swing

The great Jim Thome shifting the Dodger dirt back

Juan Pierre checking out his bat

Matt as scarecrow

 

I decided to check out what was going on in the dugout especially since our unofficial manager of the day was Brad Ausmus and he had subsituted many players.

Here is Clayton Kershaw, the pitcher who did a great job on the day we clinched the Western Division on Saturday.  Good to see he survived the champagne celebration on Saturday.  He is on the far right.  Luckily he recently turned twenty-one in time to be able to drink the champagne.

Andre in the middle and Casey on his right

This is my favorite picture of Russell Martin this season.  He seems to be relaxed and laughing.  He sat out this game.

Here's Matty after he was taken out.  He only played 3 innings.  He looks a little tired.

James, Casey and Matty enjoying conversation

It's wonderful to see Kuroda-san on the left.  He has a herniation in his cervical spine that will keep him from pitching in the first round. 

It seems no matter where I am sitting, Andre can spot me and looks right at me.  It must be radar.

Hey guys, better smile, there's Cat with her camera again.

The Dodgers beat the Rockies again 5-3. 

I was able to get my Western Division champions shirt signed by Bellisario, Casey Blake and of course, my Matty after the game, my last autographs of the season. 

The signatures are on the upper right part of the shirt.  Nice shirt??

 

The next games are Wednesday and Thursday against St. Louis.  Randy Wolf will be pitching the first game, Clayton Kershaw  the second.  The third game may be Billingsley's.  With the great pitching Sunday, the fourth may be Padilla's.  Our bullpen is well equipped with our closer Big Boy Broxton, George Sherrill, Bellisario, Mota, Elbert, Kuo, and maybe Weaver, Troncoso or McDonald.  We have one of the best bullpens in the major league.  I am confident that the Dodgers will do well.

Thanks everyone for stopping by.  Also many thanks for your support and kind words.  I hope your team is doing well and you have a great baseball week.