Results tagged ‘ Dodger fans ’
Diamondbacks Owner Forces Dodger Fans To Change Shirts
So usually I talk baseball on here but after the article I read today I couldn’t keep myself from talking about this issue. In an article Deadspin.com put out today there were Dodger fans sitting in the seats behind home plate at yesterday’s game. Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick apparently did not like what he saw and made the notion of giving the group an ultimatum. They could change seats and keep their Dodger gear on or wear Diamondbacks gear and stay in those seats. The Dodger fans stayed in their seats and changed their gear. Now this whole story from the start to the end just flat out upsets me. I didn’t know you couldn’t sit in certain seats without wearing the home team’s gear. I mean if you payed that type of money to sit there then you should have a right to wear whatever as long as it wasn’t offensive am I right?
Reading the article I found out that there is a Policy amoung those seats. The Diamondbacks ask opposing fans to refrain from wearing the opposing team’s gear when perchasing those seats due to high visability. So you mean to tell me that someone who is a fan of the opposing team can spend $3,000 for those seats behind home plate yet they can’t support the opposing wearing their gear? I understand that the stadium have a policy that has to be followed but that is completely wrong. If I spent that much of my hard earned money to sit there and I am not offending anyone with what I am wearing then why should it matter if I am on TV and behind the dugout sporting the opposing team’s gear? We know the Dodgers and Diamondbacks meet in Arizona mostly Dodger fans are in the Stadium. It’s not the opposing team’s fault that attendence isn’t that great in Arizona. The group spend $3,000 just to sit there with all the benifits that’s given along with the Policy that’s in place at other ballparks. If asking the opposing team’s fan to refrain from wearing their gear to support that team and FORCING them to wear Diamondbacks gear is seriously horrible and dumb. As an owner Ken Kendrick should have other things to worry about than what opposing team fans are wearing behind home plate.
Another beef I have is the group of Dodger fans behind those seats. I understand they were the victims of the whole ordeal but why would you just flat out willingly change gear just to keep those seats? You did the good thing by refusing to move from those seats but to change gear just to stay there? I hope that’s just something to use when they get a lawyer and challenge that policy. Honestly I believe they should NOT have moved or agreed to change into Diamondback shirts just to make the Owner happy and abbide by the policy. I understand those are $3,000 seats but at the same time you are being forced to do something that at any other ball park you wouldn’t have to do. I will not call out their fandom (Yet) until action, or lack there of, is taken.
Ken Kendrick and the Diamondbacks should have that policy changed. As a MLB Owner theres more important things to handle than worry about what the opposing team’s fans wearing their gear in $3,000 seats. That’s money in your pockets anyway so why should it matter? Worried about the image or reputation of the attendence at the games? That’s already out due to the attendence at Diamondback games and the attendence of their last playoff apperence. There are many Dodger fans who live in Arizona or make the trip to see the Dodgers play. If they or ANY teams fan base spent that much to see and support their team then why should it be an issue? Ken Kendrick and the Diamondbacks need to have things evaulated if that’s a main worry of theirs.
Dodgers Ownership: One Year Later
On March 27th It would have been exactly one year when Guggenheim Baseball Management bought the Los Angeles Dodgers from Frank McCourt. A group led by Magic Johnson, Stan Kasten, and Mark Walter did something that many Dodger fans wanted to happen and that’s take the Dodgers from Frank McCourt. One year later the Dodgers are n much better shape than it was under the old owner. Instead of waiting till the 27th to talk about this I figured I go ahead and make this post to look at what the Dodger ownership has done in one year. As many remember the Dodger Franchise was under such uncertainty. Frank and Jamie McCourt going through a nasty divorce that really hurt the franchise, Dodgers going bankrupt due to the owner taking the money for his personal whatever it was, Half empty stadium due to fans boycotting McCourt, Everything was just a complete mess. A historic franchise hitting rock bottom due to one man and failed duties has an owner. Come the off-season after the 2011 Season the hot topic wasn’t only Free Agency but the bidding for the Dodgers. While the Dodgers couldn’t make any noise in the Off-Season with signings many believed that once they got a new owner Los Angeles was going to be the “Yankees” of the west (Hate that). The fate of a Franchise rest in the hands of the MLB as they had the final say on who will take control of the Dodgers and the Stadium.
Come the night of March 27th everything changed. News had broken that Magic Johnson and his group had won bidding for the Dodgers and Dodger Stadium. Many fans rejoiced as not only someone bought the Dodgers but a man familiar with the city and passion Los Angeles has with this team. Magic, Stan Kasten, and Mark Walter all talked about how they were committed to restoring Dodger pride. Many were saying that it would take a while before the Dodgers get to where they should due to the damage left by McCourt but it’s all worth it. This group was bound to make the Los Angeles Dodgers a First Class Franchise that would win for years to come.
In a span of one year Dodgers ownership have really brought this franchise a long ways back than expected. The Dodgers have the players to contend once they acquired Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Carl Crawford, Zack Greinke, and Josh Beckett stating that money wouldn’t be an issue for players to win right now. They’re also getting back to the International market with signings of Hyun Jin Ryu (Korea) and Yasiel Puig (Cuba) as well as restocking the Minor League system for the future. Off the field Dodger Stadium is undergoing much-needed renovations to make the 51 Year Old stadium state of the art. They’re also doing more get in touch with the fans which was a major key that the Dodgers missed under the old ownership. Players are greeting fans at the gates as they enter the Stadium, Fan Fest’s being held for fans to further get in touch with this franchise, as well as Dodger legends roaming all over the place in the Stadium. As if that wasn’t enough the Dodgers struck a deal with Time Warner to get their own Channel. You can say that the Dodgers came a long way from where they were in 2010 and 2011. This franchise is really going up and the future can’t be any brighter for this team right now. I for one am happy that Ownership is keeping their word to bring this Franchise back and the icing on the cake would be a World Series Title come October.
Start of Spring Training: It Begins
And It Begins. That’s right folks Baseball is finally here. The Dodgers full squad are at Camelback Ranch in Glendale Arizona and preparing for their upcoming 2013 campaign. This year there’s a lot of high hopes for the Dodgers after the ending of last season and the off-season moves that were made. Regardless of the signings there’s still questions that loom around this team but it seems like for the most part are working towards answering those. Theres a lot of headlines going into Spring Training this year…You can say more than last season at that and yes it is Interesting.
chemistry Talk
One of the biggest things that’s being talked about with the Dodgers is chemistry. Many fans and media seem to mention this a lot and wonder how the Dodgers will mesh on the field. Other players seem to be talking too, Most noticeably Giants First Baseman Brandon Belt who said “All I can say is you can’t buy chemistry.” That quote has had many Dodger fans talking but the players aren’t fazed by it at all. Matt Kemp however had something to say about Belts comments with a few words of his own. The Dodgers for the most part look like they’re getting the whole chemistry thing down but once they get on the field that’ll be a whole different thing. I honestly don’t believe the Dodgers will have an issue with chemistry. Hanley, Adrian, Kemp, Ethier, Cruz and so on have played in the second half of the 2012 season and only a few pieces will have to mesh which they’ll have all spring to get it together.
Clayton Kershaw named Opening Day Starter
Clayton Kershaw was named the Dodgers Opening Day Starter by Don Mattingly (Insert your pretend surprised face here). This was something that we ALL knew for months unless there was something we didn’t know. Baring any injury Kershaw is the Dodgers guy and there shouldn’t be any shock or anything like that.
Hyun Jin Ryu Impresses
Many Dodger fans have been waiting to see what Hyun Jin Ryu brings to the Dodgers and when he was given the chance in a Bullpen session he didn’t disappoint. Ryu placed the ball where he wanted very well, had good command with his fast ball but the curveball needed more work. Mattingly, AJ Ellis, and Rick Honeycutt were all very impressed with his bullpen session but the knock on Ryu was his conditioning which has gotten better. In Korea training and conditioning is a much slower paced conditioning schedule so it’s all apart of the adjustment that Hyun Jin Ryu will have to make. Feb 25th is when we’ll see Ryu pitch in a live game.
Non Roster Players
Usually in Spring teams have players who get signed to minor league deals and give them a shot to make the 40 man roster. This year the Dodgers are hoping to find a gem that will make the Opening Day Roster like years before. This year the Dodgers are looking for a vet in a young Bullpen and there’s a few arms that stick out to the Dodgers. One of them being Peter Moylan who was with the Braves last season but only played in 8 games. Moylan also has an issue with staying healthy which is something he’s working towards doing. Another is a player the Dodgers just signed to a Minor League deal in Mark Lowe. Lowe played 38 games with the Rangers last season until getting injured. Lowe has an escape clause in his contract if he does not make the Dodgers come Opening Day where Moylan is willing to pitch in Triple A if he doesn’t make it. Both of them will have to battle with Josh Wall and Stephen Fife. Outside of pitching you have players like Tony Gwynn Jr who was on the team last season fighting for a spot on the 40 man roster. Alex Castellanos, Ellian Herrara, and Yasiel Puig are currently on there right now so a spot for Tony Gwynn jr will be pretty difficult at this moment.
Sandy Koufax back with the Dodgers
Saving the best for last. Sandy Koufax back with the Dodgers as an Advisor and was it a sight to see him back in a Dodger uniform. It was a treat having a Dodger great back in Uniform talking with players and helping pitchers like Hyun Jin Ryu and Zack Greinke prepare for the upcoming season. I think this is overall a great thing for the Dodgers to do. Koufax is one of the best Dodgers and to have him involved with franchise is great for not only the Dodgers and it’s players but for the Fans as well.
Dodgers New Owners Press Conference: My take on it
Today was a Historic Day in Dodgers Baseball. Just when we thought this couldn’t get anymore real than it already is everyone got to see it made official on TV or Webcast. Mark Walter, Magic Johnson, and Steve Kasten were introduced by the One and Only Vin Scully in front of many of the Media, Dodger greats and the Mayor of LA Antonio V. Such a Landmark day. As soon as Magic was introduced they already got down to business and getting on the fans good side by Lowering parking from $15 to $10 which I have to admit makes me happy and I don’t drive. It was great seeing this great moment before our eyes. It would have been very great if they had let the fans or something be involved for this great moment or season ticket holders at least but overall a great scene at Dodger Stadium.
There were a few things that I the owners pointed out that made me excited. With Magic he showed that we was ready to get to work and Said Monday that he’ll be up bright and early to work. He wanted to return the Dodger pride and promised to work tirelessly. He even said that parking was going down which I stated earlier was great. Magic showed so much pride and enthusiasm on being an owner and wanted to get to work right away. Stan Kasten came up and talked about what he planned to do with the group. Stan and Magic and Walter want to win right now and with the Dodgers in first place Stan will be with Coletti to evaluate what they can do to get better. They’re willing to spend the money to help the Dodgers win and bring back a World Series. He also brought up Fan Experiance and How he’ll be around Dodger Stadium talking to the fans listening to their suggestions even announced an email (fanbox@ladodgers.com) And encouraged fans to email them with their suggestions and questions and comments. I know A LOT of Dodger fans will email him. He wants fan experiance to improve and wants the team to improve as well. He also talked about the Stadium and how they will make improvements to make this a first class ballclub. I didn’t get to hear much of Mark Walter but he will provide the money to do what it takes for improvements to the Team and Stadium.
The Q&A Segments pretty much went into more detail but what I liked was how they handled the media as far as the McCourt questions. Magic going as far to Kill rumors that McCourt will get funding. He Said they own 100% of it and McCourt won’t get a dime unless is revenue for developments but you have to do what you have to do to improve. He isn’t Involved in the Dodgers or anything and thats whats important. So People McCourt Isn’t Involved Lets Move Forward!!! Another question one of the media members asked was about Dodger Stadium. A lot of rumors about Dodger Stadium moving or Stadium name changed and from what Kasten answered it brought a lot of relif to us all. He said while he can’t answer for the century the Dodgers will play in Chavez ravine and the name will remain the same. Thankfully that killed the rumors and that they want to make additions to Dodger Stadium while keeping the current design.
The New Owners gave Dodgers fans a lot to look forawrd too. Finally a owner who will listen to the fans and who want to win now. Dodger fans we have our owners and they’re ready to get to work for us. They gave us a suggestion box and will be around the fans. They’ll promote the Dodger bran and bring fans to the Stadium They’re doing their part and we have to continue doing ours and thats support the Team no matter what. Go to the Stadium and Support the Dodgers in a Fan friendly way, Let our new owners know what they can do to improve fan experiance so we can have the best, and Help with the payroll so that they can go out and get the best players to win a Championship in Los Angeles. Things are looking up and we will come together as one to do whatever for this Historic Franchise that is the Los Angeles Dodgers!
Dodgers Veiwing Party
Yesterday the Dodgers opened the season in San Diego against the Padres and while many Dodger fans made their way to Petco Park Dodger Stadium opened their doors for those who couldn’t make it to Petco Park. For weeks Dodger Stadium and the Dodgers promoted a Viewing Party at the Stadium which included Discounts on foods and gear from the Dodgers Team Store. Tickets were also on sale for future games. Many Dodger fans made their way to the Ravine to see the Boys in Blue face the Padres on the Dodger vision. JT The Brick made an apperance to promote the upcoming Games and promotions coming up also pointing out where people could buy tickets and mini plans. The foods being half-off was a very cool thing that they could do seeing Foods are already at a price they shouldn’t be so this was something great.
Dodgers and Dodger Stadium did a great job making it some what feel like a Home game with the lights going off after a Home Run and playing I Love LA after the win. Being with Dodger fans are always priceless and on a day where Magic Johnson makes his apperance to catch his Team play, Kershaw pitch 3 scoreless innings with the Flu and Dodgers grab the win No one couldn’t ask for better. I could do without the constant promotion of what give a ways the Dodgers will have but They must sell tickets. All in all The Dodgers did a great job with the viewing party. Good success overall to tend to your loyal fanbase who couldn’t be in San Diego for the game. Dodgers Lets Do It again Soon!!
Don’t Stop Believin- Is it time for Dodger Stadium part ways with the Song?
Since 2008 Dodger Stadium has played the song “Don’t Stop Believin” In the middle of the 8th Inning. Incase you don’t know Journey, A Rock Band from San Fransisco, Sings the song that blast through Dodger Stadium every 8th inning of home games. To my knowledge many Dodger fans are really tired of the song and want the Dodgers to get rid of it. in 2010 a Dodger Blog on ESPN-LA was calling for the Dodgers to part ways with the song. Today on my Timeline many Dodger fans spoke. It’s time for Dodger Stadium to stop playing Don’t Stop Belivin and do something else.
I have to say that It’s time to part ways with Journey and the song Don’t Stop Believin. Lets be honest almost nobody likes the song in the 8th inning and the more they play it the louder the unhappiness for the song gets. I also get a bit annoyed by the song everytime it comes on. Lets think about it for a few here I mean it’s not a tradition like Take me out to the Ball game so theres no big controversy on getting rid of it. I won’t get into the Journey are SF Giants fans but Don’t Stop Believin is used at AT&T park which is a bigger reason to stop using it. Now don’t get me wrong I have nothing against Journey at all but the song to me and many others is overplayed and grows annoying by the minute.
Now i have heard a suggestion that th Dodgers should use Nancy Bea more than the DJ and where I don’t have an issue with that I do believe they should still use the DJ to satisfy the younger fans. I don’t know what you’ll use to replace Don’t Stop Believin but anything at this point will due. At this point the Fans and almost any blogger will agree with this. The Song has to go.
Hershiser and Dodger Stadium Upgrades: Do they need to be Major?
Dodger Stadium has been around for 50 Years and has been through some renovations. If you look at the picture this is the latest plan to renovate Dodger Stadium. I know you look at it and say “Who combined The Ballpark in Arlington and Dodger Stadium” Well this is the Renovation plan that Former Dodger Pitcher Orel Hershiser have for Dodger Stadium. In a report Hershiser and LG CSN want to partner with one of the Bidders and propose this design to them. Now Lets think about this for a few seconds. This renovation would change everything about Dodger Stadium that made it so unique just to get with the times. Scoreboard in the center, Suites in the outfield and so on. Nothing from the Classic Dodgers Stadium would stand at all. Looking at this I know will outrage Dodger Fans.
I know Orel really cares about the Dodgers and want to do whatever to help the Franchise but Bulldog this Is pushing it too far. I’m sure everyone remembers the last Stadium renovations that was planed that McCourt had. “Next 50″ Project that was halted due to financial reasons. It was such a good idea which didn’t call for major renovations. It amazes me that some people want to make major changes to Dodger Stadium but I’m shocked that Hershiser wants to make such changes to the Stadium. Dodger Stadium is such a unique Stadium that doesn’t need Major Renovations done at all.
Now I’m not saying the Stadium itself don’t need renovations because Dodger Stadium can use it but Major Renovations shown here is not needed at all. The outrage that a name change recieved is enough to make you not change it. Moderized Mega Stadium is not what’s wanted or needed. I believe that Orel should inquire somethings from the “Next 50″ Stadium plan instead of this. Dodger Stadium is apart of that LA Tradition that is preached within the Dodgers. I hope Orel doesn’t go through with this at all because such change could do some damage. You saw the outrage we gave for a name change and potential new Stadium talk. This is committing the ultimate Dodger Crime. Dodger Stadium is one of the few historic Baseball Stadiums that are standing (Wrigley Field, Fenway Park to name a few) and A lot of history happened in this Stadium that plays in the minds of many people to this day. Why Destroy that with a Modern Stadium on site? You want more motivation not to do Major Renovations? Look at the new Yankee Stadium.
Just like the KCAL Dodgers Commercial Dodger Stadium is where History is Made and Legends are Born.
Matthew
Recent Comments