I decided to go to Fan Fest although I had vowed never to go to another one after the last one. It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day. It had been raining the last few days so I wasn’t sure how the day would turn out.

I went a little early so I could avoid the crowds. I found out once I got there that the gates had been open and that there were hundreds of fans already there.

I also realized I forgot balls to autograph and also shoes. I hate wearing sandals to Dodger Stadium since inevitably someone has to step on my feet. I really wasn’t prepared.

It felt odd entering the gates since I hadn’t done so in a while. It made me sad because the Stadium reminded me of my father.

The first thing I did was buy 3 balls. I don’t usually get autographs but today I thought I would make an exception. The line was very long of course but I decided it was worth it. I hurried to the Fan Fest line.

I was able to snag a Magic Johnson autographed ball. I was very lucky.

I went directly to the autograph line. It already was a little long but not 3 hours long like the other autograph line I had waited in last Fan Fest. Last Fan Fest I waited in the heat and when I got to the front, there was Kenley Jansen. I had told him I waited 3 hours for his autograph and he looked puzzled and asked why. I can get his autograph anytime. Oh well.

Nick Punto was the player in my line. I like Nick so I was pleased. Very sweet guy.

I then stood in another line…..yes I actually did! I did because I saw it was the gorgeous Andre Ethier. He was gracious and kind. He said maybe this autographed ball would cheer me up when I told him about my Dad.

The ball is special because of what Andre said. Thank you Andre!

By that time I ran into my friends Norma, Pat, Donna and David.

I was also surprised that my buddy Robert came with his cute baby Lucas Dodger.

We stood in one more autograph line.

The motivation for standing yet in another line? Zack Greinke…the new kid on the block. Talk about a young guy. He seemed tired and unenthusiastic.

Ok so I am autographed out. I’m done.

I ran into the Dodger organist Nancy Bea Hefly. She is very down to earth and easy to talk to. She asked me if I were going to Spring Training. I told her the heat of Arizona gets to me. Everyone knows I don’t even tolerate day games!!

I also talked to Stan Kasten, one of the new owners. It actually was a nice day.

I didn’t see my boyfriend Matt Kemp. Sad.

One of my friends told me his seat no longer exists. Apparently they made our seats bigger and plusher so they had to remove some seats. I hope my view of the game is the same.

I have decided to start writing my blog again. It’s something I love to do. I am privileged to be able to talk to the players and see things at the Stadium that not everyone can. I want to share my experiences with my friends. The Dodgers and the organization have become my second family. I love them so much. I love my Dodger reps: Caroline and Craig. They have made my Dodger experience very special.

If there is anything anyone would like me to write about, please let me know! If there are pictures you would like to see, I will take them.

My wonderful Father passed away last week after a month long hospital stay. Many of you were able to meet him. Thank you for making him feel special.

It will be difficult when I go back to the games because everyone loved my Dad there. Hopefully they will keep his memory alive.

I love that picture of Tommy and my Dad. Now I’m crying again!

Thank you for stopping by. Think blue and count down the days until pitchers and catchers report. Love all of you!!!

I ran into Ned Coletti, the Dodger general manager at the elevator. He found out I didn’t get the ball that hit me and sent a brand new 50th anniversary ball to me!
Dee felt so bad, he autographed a bat for me.

Thanks to everyone who helped me that day: my Dodger family including Pat, Jo, security, ushers, Prime Ticket Club (Paul, Bud, JC, Carlos) and Caroline Phillips, supervisor of premium seating who held my hand the entire time. I appreciate and love all of you.
Yesterday I saw Matt Kemp before the game. He told me he would get Dee for me. I’m so sad that he will probably be back on DL. He left the game after running from first to home after an Ethier double. I already miss him!!

I still haven’t missed a game. It would take more than getting hit by a ball to keep me away!!
Thanks for stopping by!! Hope everyone has a blessed and safe day.

It definitely is a different perspective being even closer than I usually am. I’m standing with RBI leader, Andre Ethier.

The guys stretched right in front of us.

We were definitely close up!!

Mattingly stopped by to sign autographs and take pictures.

Rod Fukuzaki from channel 7 KABC
Sports was closeby so I took the opportunity to speak with him. He has always been my favorite sportscaster.

I was able to catch Dee Gordon before he disappeared, he’s so quick!. Does everyone look fat next to the slimmest MLB player?

Of course I never pass up the opportunity to stand next to my Matty.

The great Don Newcombe was walking down the field and graciously stopped for the kids. He looked at me and asked me where my ball was. I told him I didn’t have one. He said, now you do. He autographed it for me besides.

I was soooo nervous.

Mr. Newcombe threw out the first pitch
while he stood next to the widow of Jackie Robinson and Magic Johnson. It was such an honor to spend time with him.

Clayton Kershaw, our ace and last years Cy Young winner also signed some autographs and perched his glove on his head while he signed.
The night was definitely a magical one for me.
Thanks for stopping by. More to come about my #1 Dodgers!

My license plate is in honor of our home run hitter Andre Ethier #16 who is called “Dre” by Matty Kemp, our other home run hitter.
I was on the road to Dodger Stadium in plenty of time to spare. I always am early to everything: appointments, engagements, and work. I like to be first. Dodger games are no different.
I actually had to wait for the gates to open.
Batting practice was in full swing. It felt great to be back to the stadium.

It had the feel of Opening Day. Everyone could feel the difference. The Dodgers have been bought by an investment group including Magic Johnson. I’m hoping those who stayed away because of the previous owner will return. The players have optimism that the fans will return. Opening Day was a sellout.

The Pirates were also on the field. The Dodgers applauded former Dodger Rod Barajas when he was announced. I noticed another former Dodger, James McDonald is also with the Pirates. One of my friends Matt Peaslee writes a wonderful blog for the Pirates. pittpeas.mlblogs.com.
Opening ceremonies included honoring the military, always a crowd favorite.

They released doves and had a jet flyover.

The player were out in the field warming up

Here’s Andre getting ready to hit that game winning solo home run shot. His playing during ST and so far this season reminds me of the Andre of a couple of seasons ago. I heard that Matty has already asked the new owners to give Andre a contract extension.

I remembered I had to eat before the game. There was a nice sirloin roast, delicious pasta, an array of salads.

Our Opening Day pitcher was Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw.

Matty was out in the field stretching.

Signing autographs.

Andre also signed autographs for the fans- the two fan friendly players are Andre and Matt. They sign everyday.
Happy 30th birthday Andre on Opening Day. He gave us the best present with that tie breaking home run.

The military gave a nice presentation. The Dodgers honor one veteran a game. I plan on asking them to honor my Dad who fought in World War II in the famous 442nd. He is 91 years old and doing well. He follows games with me and watches them on tv with me when they are on the road.

My security person Emo who makes sure I don”t get carried away and run on the field.

I was getting excited especially when they introduced each player.

Go Matty!

Don’t you just love Dre?

I almost didn’t t catch our shortstop Dee Gordon or Skinny Swag.

I was more than ready for baseball!

Our ace and starting pitcher for opening day was Kershaw with his catcher AJ Ellis.

Matt was already to catch a few flies.

From the first pitch it was a great Opening Day. The Pirates and Dodgers played hard. I was ready for extra innings. I remember my son telling me when I first became interested in baseball…”No mom. It’s extra innings, not overtime!!!

Kershaw has a great future. I hope he will always be a Dodger.

Dee Gordon also promises to be a star with his speed and basestealing abilities.

Andre is exciting to watch. Last season he played with a sore knee and ended up going on DL.

James is still trying to find his bat. I hope he returns to the player he was at the end of last season.

Our closer Javy Guerra already has 3 saves this season. See Donny in the background?

They say Javy has nerves of steel. I remember closing my eyes last season with Broxton.

My favorite time, my favorite song…”I Love LA”when my Dodgers win!!

The Dodgers are tied for first place 4-1. A good start for the 2012 season. But no Magic for Opening Day. He was in New York watching a play.
Thanks for stopping by. Sorry for the short post. I’m still missing one night of sleep this week. Unfortunately with my work I spend a lot of time sleep deprived.
Today we meet the Pirates again with Chad pitching. So far Chad has been super.
See you tomorrow with more pictures and stuff!

I got to the stadium about 3 hours and 10 minutes before the game. I wasn’t sure which gate to use so I went to the only other gate I knew other than the downtown gate. Of course it was the wrong gate but I still got through.
It was deserted as you could tell from the picture. The Dodgers were in the midst of batting practice. I noticed new young faces.
One of the new faces was passing in front of me. He smiled and said hi to me. I read his name on his jersey…..Capuano. Aha…one of the new starting pitchers.

I caught the above picture as he was going toward the dugout.

Donnie was out on the field talking to some of the players.

I welcomed Belisario back. He thanked me. He’s sitting it out a few games.

The guys were out catching balls from batting practice.

The guys were out in the field laughing and talking. No pressure today since it’s an exhibition game.

Skinny Swag was out catching some balls.

The starting pitcher today was Aaron Harang.

The Dodger I wanted to see finally came out of the Dugout. Matt Kemp. He always gets stretched out before the game.

He finished warming up and walked over to the stands. He always signs and talks to the fans. I was taking pictures. He saw me, smiled and asked”How’s it going?” and to my surprise he put out his arms and hugged me!! I was in heaven.
I think at first he hadn’t recognized me because I changed my hair quite drastically and lost weight. But when he realized it was me, his eyes lit up.

The bullpen was walking by. Last season I always yelled out “Yaaaay bullpen!” which usually brought some applause from the fans. I usually also called out “Hi Javy” and most times he would wave to me. Yesterday was no exception. When Javy waved to me, I knew my routine was intact.

I’m excited although the season hasn’t officially started.

Here’s Matt consorting with the enemy.
I heard Andre had a stomach problem which is why he didn’t play.

This picture is my favorite.

James Loney signed a few autographs.

I had to take a few pictures of Pujols. He is very much respected. Of course he had to shake us up with a home run.

Nice swing!

The second exhibition game with the Angels was a day game. I was way too early since there was NO batting practice. How did I forget?

I watched Capuano stretching.

He usually wears his stockings pulled up.

Clayton Kershaw came out to the field to warm up a little. I also spoke to him.

I decided it was time to eat. Usually during day games, they serve breakfast. Today was no different. French toast casserole with sweet butter, artisan sausage, bow tie pasta, maple ham.

The salads are always good. Caesar salad, field green salad with candied walnuts and goat cheese, chopped vegetable salad.

Glad that Andre was feeling better. Here’s a pic without his cap. Notice how short his hair is?

He looked happy and well.

Here’s a pic of Pujols watching his home run take off.

Justin Sellers up to bat…hoping that he makes the team.
The Dodgers lost this last exhibition game but I can honestly say that I have no idea who those kids were on the field with Dodger uniforms on.
The highlight of the first game was the talented little boy who sang the national anthem

This week was just a sample. It all begins tomorrow.
Let the MAGIC begin.
Thanks for stopping by.

Not sure how I will tie this picture in but the cat is watching a cat on tv. Is that too much??? Her name is Georgie. Usually orange cats are boys but this one is a girl!! Confusing enough since we call her George.
I’m trying to arrange work around the baseball schedule but it gets difficult. I may have to call in “blue” sometime. Work just seems to get in the way.
I hope everyone has noticed what a great spring Dre has had. I get a feeling that he will get a long term contract so he, James, Matt and Clayton can stay together and play.
James also seems to continue with his hitting.
AJ has pretty much sewn up his spot as catcher.
There is some controversy about who will be closer. I believe Javy should continue.
Skinny Swag also has had a phenomenal spring.
Ted Lilly will start the season on DL. That’s a definite uh oh. I’m pretty happy with Harang and Capuano. I will miss my Hiroki though. Jamey Wright also has earned a spot on the roster.
Opening Day is a sellout from what i’ve heard. Good thing I have to be there 3 hours before the game. At least I’ll beat the crowd.
Thanks for stopping by. When the games start, I’ll be sure to post pictures and let you know what’s going on from my viewpoint.

So there’s our superstar Matt Kemp on the Forbes Magazine cover. I have to say that besides being the best all around MLB player, he is a fine looking cover model.

My Lot K parking passes came in the mail express fed ex airmail. Did they fly
those passes by plane from LA to Long Beach? Now the girl is happy. I had mistakenly been sent Lot F. Long story.

My sister just got her one and only tattoo on her foot. They are cherry blossoms to honor my late mother who passed away of cancer a few years ago. I have seriously thought of getting a very demure tattoo on my ankle. Can everyone guess what it would be? Of course… LA for my team. But I am afraid of commitment. Maybe later this season.
I’ve decided to donate one of my cars to breast cancer research, a cause very dear to my heart. I have everything in pink. One of my sisters is a breast cancer survivor and she is one brave soul. Please everyone, support breast cancer research!

I wear this pink power balance bracelet to honor this cause. Everyone asks me if this bracelet helps, and I smile and answer “more than you would know”.
Thanks for stopping by. Love you all. GO DODGERS!!