THE BASEBALL FAN’S BUCKET LIST 162, PART 3: From the Peach Tree to The Big Apple. Continuing The East Coast Journey, Chapters 120 and 65

Part 3 of my journey’s from the book The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List, here’s some more excerpts from my list of baseball and ballpark themed accomplishments from The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List of 162 that will soon be featured in Stadium Journey .  Part 3 takes us from The Peach Tree State back to The Big Apple. 

Chapter 120- See The Braves Play at Turner Field

Visited, May 2007. As you know by now, the Atlanta Braves no longer play their home games at Turner Field, having moved to Truist Park in 2017 so yes, you can replace a visit to The Ted with a visit to their new digs. Prior to it’s baseball opening in 1997, the stadium was the host of the 1996 Summer Olympics. After the Olympics, Centennial Olympic Stadium, as it was known as during the summer games, was reconstructed to a baseball configuration, reducing the seating capacity from 85,000 plus to just over 50,000. Now the home to Georgia State Football and currently known as Georgia State Stadium, columns that once supported the Olympic stadium’s bleachers are still in place outside the stadium’s main plaza.

Other things you can do around the former home of the Braves before you head over to Truist Park?

• Visit the parking lot across from the main plaza.

Why you ask? The parking lot features a footprint of the exact baseball configurations from the Braves playing days at old Fulton-County Stadium. While parking lots in other yards may have spots of where home plate, the pitching rubber and the bases all in their exact location we’re once located, the lot across the former home of the Braves not only has these, but also has the infield and the warning tracks outlined in bricks as well. If you visit while no events are happening, you may even want to run the bases.

After you’re done rounding the bases…

• Visit the landing spot of number 715

As you venture further out in the lot you will find a wall marking the spot of Hammerin’ Hank’s 715^th. Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium may have been known as The Launch Pad but no launch has had a greater impact within those walls than the one launched on the night of April 8, 1974.

If possible, you may want to visit the lot soon as redevelopment is slated for the surrounding areas including the parking lot, including plans on a new stadium in the footprint of the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.

Now leaving the Peach Tree to The Big Apple…

Chapter 65-See The Mets Play at Citi Field

 

Visited, 9/11/2019. Opened during the same season as the new version of Yankee Stadium, debate’s over which yard is the superior will always ensue. How did these two stack up in our 2019 SJ MLB Ballpark Rankings? Since I have yet to visit the new version, I will pass on judgement.

The exterior of Citi Field is meant to evoke that of Ebbets Field. As much as we love to wax of nostalgic baseball yards, Citi Field just has that tired retro look for a yard opened in 2009. That’s not to say Citi Field is without it’s own unique features. Other items you may/will add to your own personal baseball bucket list to enhance your Citi Field experience?

• Take a picture by the old Home Run Apple

When this book was released in 2009, the phrase “DO IT FOR THE ‘GRAM” was still unheard of. Today, many of us (Including yours truly) our taking those instantly shareable moments “FOR THE ‘GRAM”. If there’s any one picture that is certainly worth “doing it for the ‘gram”, it’s one of you (and your buddies) by the original Home Run Apple. Originally installed at Shea Stadium in 1980, the “Apple”, one of baseball’s most recognizable home run features would pop out of the top hat after every Mets home run. Look up to the Apple and you’ll see 28 years of wear caused by the elements and constant use triggered by such likes of Strawberry, Piazza and David Wright.

• Enter through the Jackie Robinson Rotunda

As you enter through the rotunda a blue 9-foot sculpture of the number 42 greets you. The Ebbets Field inspired rotunda also features pictures and quotes paying tribute to the man who broke baseball’s color barrier.

• Visit the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum

A repeat of Chapter 130, Take In a Local Museum Baseball Exhibit, from the Jackie Robinson Rotunda you can access the Mets HOF and Museum. The museum features many artifacts from historic Mets moments dating back to their inaugural 1962 season.

Among some of the historic features inside the museum include a historic display chronicling the 3 yards the Mets have called home, tributes to the 1969 and 1986 World Champions and a Hall of Fame display featuring plaques of Mets inducted to their team Hall of Fame.

And those are some of the excerpts from Part 3 of some of my bucket list items accomplished in Atlanta and New York as well as some additions and adjustments to my personal 162 that could very well be part of your 162 once you head back to the ballpark, hopefully sooner than later…

Original location of home plate, Shea Stadium. Something magical took place there in the top of the 9th inning during Game 4 of the 1988 NLCS…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drei’s Notes On a Scorecard…4/15/2017 Vs DiamondBacks…Celebrating Jackie Robinson

This day would mark the 70^th anniversary that Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, opening the way not only for African-American baseball players, but for other international players as well. Fittingly, to celebrate this special day, the first ever statue at Dodger Stadium would honor Jackie Robinson…

Arizona would come into Dodger Stadium atop the NL West after a fast start that saw them win 7 of their first 10. DBacks SS Nick Ahmed would drive in all four runs for the Snakes. Kenta Maeda would strike out 5 but only last 4 innings, once again leaving the bullpen to go another long stretch. Fortunately, Alex Wood would pitch 3 1/3 stellar innings of shutout ball and Kenley Jansen would record the four out save…

Austin Barnes, getting the starting nod behind the dish, would crank his first big league home run off the LF foulpole…

It would be Puig’s 3 run shot in the home 8^th that would put the game away…

On a personal note, in the 2 games Drei has been to this season, Puig has 8 RBI’s, 7 of those coming through the long ball…

The Dodgers 8-4 victory over the DBacks would be their 10^th in a row at Dodger Stadium dating back to last season.

Though the bullpen would put in another stellar performance, my early season concern has to be how much longer can Dave Roberts continue to throw starters not named Kershaw on the hill and get 5 innings or less.

Both the Dodgers and DBacks would combine for 5 errors.

Despite posting 8 runs, the Blue would leave 11 runners on base. Leaving runners on base has also been an early season issue.

Colorado will be coming in to Dodger Stadium tomorrow night atop the NL West. Both the DBacks and Rockies got off fast starts with the Giants struggling early….

9th Inning…

Saturday night with ‘Doza and Son…

Extra Innings…

Uncle Drei and Soshi hope you all had a great Easter weekend !!!

Rivalry Week…Congrats Skip !…Drei’s Favorite SC-UCLA Moment, A Skip Toward 6

Leading Off…

Congratulations to our 2016 Manager of the Year, Dave Roberts ! In spite of the many injuries particularly to the starting rotation, the rookie manager led the Dodgers to their 4th straight NL West title. Like the starter rotation, Roberts alma mater, UCLA, will have to overcome some huge obstacles if they are to beat S.C. this Saturday…

Divided We Are…

The only thing that can divide Dodger fans, aside from recent elections, is the annual SC-UCLA game. Over the years USC has had the decided edge not only in wins but in conference and national championships. 

Prior to last season UCLA had won 3 straight from the Men of Troy. UCLA also owns the longest winning streak in the series, having won 8 straight from 1991 to 1998. 

After a 1-3 start that included an embarrassing loss to Alabama, USC has recovered remarkably, winning 6 straight including last weeks impressive win over the Washington Huskies. 

USC  is a heavy favorite over UCLA. Deservedly so. 

As we all know, when these two meet, all records are thrown out…

20 Years Ago…1996…A Skip Toward 6

” Skip Hicks holds the UCLA school record for touchdowns in a season and in a career, but most people seem to only remember two of them.

Hicks was an All-American running back his senior season with the Bruins and went on to play five seasons in the NFL, but it seems Bruins fans only remember his performance in one game: UCLA’s improbable comeback victory over USC in 1996.

“Hey, at least they remember me,” Hicks said.

It would be difficult for Bruins fans to forget. “

Peter Yoon, ESPNLosAngeles.com, Nov 30,2010

As for this Bruin fan, those 2 TD’s and that exhilarating Saturday afternoon will be ever so hard to forget…150 years down the road.

The afternoon would not start off so great for the UCLA faithful. USC would jump out to a 17-0 en route to a 24-7 halftime lead, thanks in large part to a pick six by Sammy Knight and a 67 yard TD reception by R.J. Soward. Both TD’s would finish in the NE corner of The Rose Bowl endzone…Right in front of me…Nothing but grass separating my vision of those two and their path…

The second half would start off with a bang as UCLA QB Cade McNown would find Danny Farmer on a post down the middle to draw UCLA within 10. SC would strike back though with a long drive of their own to bring the deficit back to 17 late in the 3rd…

The Victory Bell…The prize that both schools play for…Currently in that “Other” schools possession in that “awful” shade of red…

With UCLA trailing by 17 once again, prior to SC kicking off, I couldn’t help but to take a glance at the Victory Bell…Painted a glorious Blue 5 years in a row…Possibly on the verge of being surrendered…A fact not lost among the UCLA cheerleaders, huddled around the bell as two of them had their arms tightly wrapped around the frame…

If UCLA was to surrender The Bell they wouldn’t do it lying down…Certainly not UCLA QB Cade McNown…McNown and company would counter back with a long drive, capped off by his 9 yard TD scramble that would bring UCLA back within 10…

Kicking it with Cade McNown, 9/24/2016 prior to the UCLA-Stanford game

With the Bruins back in the game heading to the 4th, both teams exchanged punts. With just over 10 minutes to go, SC QB Matt Koffler finds R.J. Soward streaking down the sideline with…Once again…Nothing but grass separating him from the endz one…The NE Corner no less…Yup, right in front of me (I sure was having a great day huh?)…Putting SC back up by 17. At that point, it seemed all hope was lost…

As UCLA was driving toward a “possible” miracle, I head over to visit a buddy of mine who was seated in the SE corner of the upper end zone. Bjorn Merten would draw UCLA back within 2 scores with just under 7 minutes left. The SC fans in the south end zone, confident their 5 year losing streak was over, we’re chanting something about UCLA to the SC Band’s tune of Tusk…

As I returned to my seat in the NE corner of the endzone, UCLA would get the ball back and score a quick TD to pull them within 7 with just under 3 minutes to go…Some hope is still left…If we can recover the onside kick…Too bad it would go out of bounds…

After an SC first down, now inside 2 minutes, hope was all but gone for UCLA. One more first down and the 5 year streak would be over…Just as R.J. Soward proclaimed after putting his Men of Troy up by 17 earlier in the 4th…

Only a miracle would save UCLA…

Did I say only a miracle would save UCLA? As USC was trying to run out the clock, Kusanti Abdul-Salam would recover a LaValle Woods fumble! The Bruins would have new life! 

Inside a minute to go and the ball now at the SC 11 thanks to a huge 3rd down conversion to seldom used WR Rodney Lee, after an incomplete pass, the armchair QB in me tells the fans “GET THE BALL TO HICKS, LET HIM TAKE IT UP THE MIDDLE…” …

On 2nd and 10…” Hicks, up the middle…TOUCHDOWN UCLA !!!”

The Rose Bowl is in a frenzy. UCLA, who trailed for most of the game by as much as 17 had now tied the game at 38, capped off by that 10 yard run by Skip Hicks…A proud bearer of the number 42…The run that…Your’s Truly…Sitting a hundred yards away…Called

That’s one of the two TD’s this…And many other Bruin Faithful remember from Skip Hicks…

With everyone at The Rose Bowl on their feet since about the halfway point in the 4th, SC, however, would threaten. The final seconds of regulation would come down to a last-second 41 yard FG attempt by Adam Abrams. As SC was getting set to end their 5 year skid, I, along with 80,000 souls in The Rose Bowl, was yelling perhaps the loudest I could ever. Adam Abrams attempt at glory…BLOCKED !!! OVERTIME WE GO !!!

1996 would be the first year college football would have an overtime. During the first OT neither team could do much, both exchanging field goals. So now, the second OT…

UCLA would get the ball first…On the first play form scrimmage, Skip Hicks would take the handoff from Cade McNown. For a moment, it seemed a USC defender had Hicks wrapped up. Somehow, Hicks broke loose…Break loose he did…Just like that, UCLA would have their first lead of the day…As for the Hicks TD, where would it finish?

All the way back and beyond the NE corner of the end zone. The fan just above Hicks to his right in the blue and yellow hat? Yup, you guessed it ! (Thank You YouTube !!!)

Other players and fans joined in the celebration…A celebration that seemed like an eternity! Game over right? Uh, not yet…

SC would get their turn with the ball and on 3rd and 3, spotting a UCLA blitz, Koffler would find a wide open RJ Soward…Nothing but grass ahead of him en route toward, yet again, the NE corner of the end zone and a possible taunt fest with us Bruin Faithful…If only he caught the ball…

Soward, who would have a record setting day for USC…Soward, BOASTING the 5 year skid was over…Did what so many wide receivers tend to do…Turn up field before securing the football ( To today’s UCLA’s receivers, take note…)

Now 4th down, USC was now in a do or die situation. Convert and their still alive. Otherwise, the streak continues…And on what would be the final play of the game, Matt Koffler’s floating duck, and I DO mean floating, flailed into the waiting arms of Anthony Cobbs.

BALLGAME !!! UCLA 48 USC 41

After trailing for much of the game, UCLA would mount a furious comeback, capped off by that miracle run by Skip Hicks. 30 minutes after the final play, we the Bruin Faithful we’re still in a frenzy…

As for me, in my “youthful innocence”, as I was still caught up in the Blue and Gold frenzy along the venerable Rose Bowl concourse, I just could not help but bellow out my version of Tusk…Even yelling out U-C-L-A…Daring the defeated Trojan Nation to yell out what they yelled during the 6 minute mark in the 4th. Nothing doing…

I ain’t gonna lie. There are plenty of emotions involved in this game from all involved. Students, fans, lifetime alums. Do I still get worked up for this game? You bet I do. Would I still be able to act the fool that I did 20 years ago? Uh, not entirely. At 42, a popular number from Westwood to The Ravine, it doesn’t quite come off the same…

I also remember yelling ” I’VE STILL NEVER LOSS TO SC, I DON’T EVER WANT TO KNOW THE FEELING OF LOSING TO SC !!!…”

Well, that feeling is long gone now, the experience being far too frequent now.

” Skip Hicks holds the UCLA school record for touchdowns in a season and in a career, but most people seem to only remember two of them.”

Oh yeah, as for that 2nd TD, while many Bruins fans will forever remember, this Bruin fan will forever have it etched in his heart…

 Kickin’ it with Skip Hicks, 2005. Other than Skip Hicks, and current linebacker Kenny Young, who will be the last Bruin to wear 42, some other Bruin that wore 42 would eventually wear another shade of blue as a MLB player…I wonder how he turned out…

Drei’s Prediction…

Drei is going with his heart once again. SC is a 12 1/2 point favorite. They just may be playing the best football in the Pac 12 right now. UCLA has struggled this season. UCLA is going with a backup QB in Mike Fafaul. Does Mike duplicate what John Barnes did for the Sons of Westwood in 1992. Can UCLA’s D keep it close enough to give them a chance in the 4th quarter. As they say in these rivalry games, throw out the record books…Anything can happen… UCLA 24 USC 23

Overtime…

As for Drei’s favorite SC-UCLA moment…20 Years Ago…Here it is, in it’s entirety…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cruising Through 42…Celebrating 42…

Cruising Through 42…

 Bruin Walk, UCLA

A recent CA State Assembly passed a resolution last Monday to name a stretch of I-210 in honor of Jackie Robinson, who grew up in Pasadena. Next up, the State Senate. If passed and signed by our governor, that stretch of I-210 from State Route 2 to Orange Grove Blvd will be named the “Jackie Robinson Memorial Highway”. Many a Dodger fan including this one has used that stretch many a times to head to The Ravine, be it with family from SGV to friends from Eagle Rock to family and friends in the Echo Park/Elysian Park area. We can never give Jackie enough accolades…

Celebrating 42…

Having turned 42 over the weekend, it was only appropriate that I celebrate with a theme honoring Mr. Robinson, Number 42…

 Here I am with my brother Daniel, giving a shoutout to 42 from Westwood, where he was a 4 sport athlete at UCLA, to The Ravine. Recently, UCLA took a cue from MLB and has officially retired 42. Current UCLA athletes donning the 42 will be allowed to keep their number until graduation. Though Jackie didn’t actually wear 42 at UCLA, my reasons for proudly displaying 42 in Blue and Gold go beyond Jackie. The story will come in November…The week of SC-UCLA…

So my 42nd wasn’t the way I totally hoped…But hey, there could be no other way to celebrate another year on Planet Earth than at The Old Ballgame, right ? Plus, we ended up taking 2 of 3 from the Red Sox so all is good…

Blast From The Past…

Here I am with former Dodger broadcaster Ross Porter. He did a speaking of Baseball Stories to a captive audience at the Skirball Cultural Center earlier today. The man who once worked alongside Vin Scully sure had a lot of Baseball Stories to tell. It was great seeing and especially hearing Ross’ voice again…More on my experience to come…

Climbing Toward The Top…

With the Dodgers taking 2 of 3 from the Red Sox and the Giants continuing their 2nd half struggles, the Boys in Blue have once again pulled within one game of their NoCal rivals. It’s been a long while since I’ve had our logo to the far left. It just may be a matter of time…Oh the excitement…

9th Inning…

 Check out this Dodger Blue/UCLA Blue and Gold themed card my little niece made for me…

42…The Rookie Shines

 That, my friends, is where Good Dre in L.A. ranked in the Top 50 MLB Fan Blogs for the month of May, thanks of course to all you Dodgers fans, baseball fans, and readers alike. 

 We just never get tired of honoring The Real 42…

Around The NL West… The Rookie Shines

 (Julio Urias. Photo Credit, Kenny Karst, USA Today Sports)

In a series that was otherwise a bust, the one bright spot was the emergence of our talented rookie pitching sensation Julio Urias. Making his 4th big league start, Urias pitched perhaps his finest game yet, going 5 1/3 innings, striking out 7. His only blemish was a 2 run home run to Brandon Belt. Unfortunately, the Dodgers, aside from a Joc Pederson solo shot to McCovey Cove, could not muster any offense as they would fall to the hated ones 2-1. 

In defeat, Urias showed a lot more poise and confidence. Having faced 3 of baseball’s top teams in his 4 starts, Urias continues to show growth. He may not have a dent in the W column yet, but last night’s stellar performance has proved the kid belongs in the bigs. 

With last night’s loss, the Dodgers now find themselves 5 back of the Giants in the NL West. In spite of some stellar pitching performances including the bullpen, sans Jansen’s 3rd blown save over the weekend, the Dodgers still continue to find their offensive rhythm. 

The Blue Crew continue their road trip with 3 in Arizona as they face former Dodger Zack Greinke in his first appearance against his former mates. After a slow start, Zack  enters tonight’s contest with an 8-3 record with an E.R.A. of 3.84. 

 

10 Years a Good Dre…From The Ravine, Down I-5 and Back…

 Drei kickin’ it with our former outfielder and future skipper, Dave Roberts, Camera Day, 4/30/2006. Dave would roam the outfield of Chavez Ravine from 2002 to July 2004 before being traded to the Red Sox, where he would play a key role in Boston’s first World Championship in 86 years. Pictured here with the Padres, he would roam the outfield at Petco Park from 2005-06. Roberts even as a Friar was always very cordial toward us Dodger fans. Good to have you in charge of the home 3rd dugout. Yeah, we’re struggling right now, our bullpen has been of no help recently, but hey, it’s a long season…

Drei’s Sunday Tale…Mini Puig and Jackie

 Welcome Back Mini Puig ! We see you’re checking out the Jackie Robinson tribute at the UCLA Hall of Fame. Like our skipper, Jackie wore both the Blue and Gold and the Dodger Blue…

 Dodger Blue and Blue and Gold…

 Can never pay enough tributes to Mr. Robinson…

 

 

 

 

A Holiday Read… The Reason Jackie Refused Trade to Giants

On this day 59 years ago, December 13, 1956, Jackie Robinson would be traded to the hated ones from The Polo Grounds. Though many a Dodger fan, including this one, truly believe Jackie didn’t want to wear the Halloween colors, his reasons for not accepting his trade to the Giants lies here …   Jackie getting into the holiday spirit at Ebbet’s Field with fellow Brooklyn Dodgers teammates Roy Campanella, Pee Wee Reese and Gil Hodges. OK, so this pic wasn’t exactly taken on a blistery December day… Photo MLB.COM

Holiday Read For The Ballpark Traveler, The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List

 The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List. Though the book is 5 years old, it is still a must have for every baseball fan that aspires to travel to all 30 MLB parks, among other baseball related road ventures. In this book are 162 baseball themed activities, including traveling to all  30 MLB parks, of which I’ve been to 18 of the current ones. The list of 162 are merely suggestions of course, because chances are you probably have a bucket list of your own. Regardless, it’s still a great read as the author share’s his experience with his daughter. One thing i’ve done with this book as well is gathered some of my momentos and placed them in the pages where I accomplished that particular feat. As you can see, i’ve included pictures and ticket stubs, some that have been autographed. 

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Some of my moments in pictures from the baseball fans bucket list…

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 

 

Baseball Beyond The Nations Captitol…Retracing It’s Roots to Montreal

It’s been 10 years now since MLB has returned to the nations capitol. With the Dodgers and Nationals battling each other this weekend in the nations capitol, many are saying that this could be a playoff preview. Should these two teams cross paths in the post-season, it would not be the first time. Prior to big league ball returning to the nations capitol as the Washington Nationals, their history could be traced back to 1969 during their days as the Montreal Expos. In 1981, the Dodgers and Expos would battle it out in an epic best of 5 NLCS that went the full 5. It would be the Expos only post-season appearance and thanks to Rick Monday’s home run in the top 9th that would give the Blue a 2-1 lead and eventual victory en route to a World Series triumph over the Yankees, citizens of Montreal still refer to Game 5 of the 1981 NLCS, played ironically on a Monday, as  Blue Monday.

 With the man who gave me one of my first happiest moments as a Dodger fan…

The Expos had some pretty decent players during it’s heyday, from Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, Tim Wallach, Tim Raines. In 1994, a young pitcher, Pedro Martinez acquired in a trade during the off-season, Dodger fans…  would be a part of a team, also featuring Larry Walker, a team that many felt would win that season’s World Series. Unfortunately, as their record stood at 74-40, baseball came to a halt, and the season never resumed.  Many to this day feel the Strike of ’94 not only killed the Expos chance at winning a World Series, it killed the Montreal Expos, if not an immediate death.

After the 2004 season, MLB relocated the Expos to DC. It was often said by those in the MLB office and among the Expos brass that Montreal was not a baseball town due in large part to sparse attendance. I’m not so sure. It also did not help matters that the Expos, for many years, we’re  having stadium issues, playing their home games in what many called an ashtray, Olympic Stadium.

Prior to the Expos becoming a MLB franchise in 1969, Montreal already had a proud history of baseball with the Montreal Royals serving as the Brooklyn Dodgers minor league affiliate. Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente, two of baseball’s most influential figures, would make their way up to the big show through Montreal.

 Young Jackie, as a member of the Montreal Royals, the AAA affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers

Today, there is talk that the city of city of Montreal is ready for baseball to return. Attendance at recent exhibition games in Montreal could be a glimpse of hope that big league baseball is ready to return to Montreal. Who knows ? Perhaps the day will come when our beloved Boys in Blue will continue to some day provide more happy moments from The City of Saints. ( On a personal note, perhaps I can hear the bilingual version of Oh Canada echoing through Chavez Ravine once again on a yearly basis…) .

The Week In Review and Drei’s SUN-DAY, FUN-DREI Ballpark Tale From The Ravine

Before we get started with Drei’s SUN-DAY FUN-DREI tale, let’s look back at events from earlier this week…  This past Wednesday, on April 15th, The Civil Rights Game took place at Dodger Stadium on Jackie Robinson Day. Earlier in the day, it was also announced that some time this season the Dodgers will further honor Jackie later on this season by erecting a statue in his honor , the first in a series the Dodgers are planning…

Dodger fans proudly wearing their free replica Jackie Robinson jerseys…

65 and Counting…

 This past weekend, on April 18th, 1950, Vin Scully would call his first Dodger game . Vin is currently in his 66th season calling the action for The Blue and like fine wine gets better with age…

Foam Party in 2015 ?

You all remember the bubble machine from last year right ? The machine that created bubbles afloat after each Dodger home run ? It was so popular that it eventually carried over into the stands, bringing out the kid in all of us, even this kid…

 Kid Marly Marlz and the bubbles, Angel Stadium, August 7 2014…

Well, it’s been reported that Gazillion Bubbles will be providing the bubbles for the Dodgers in 2015  as they will be making pre-game appearances on Sunday afternoons as well as appearances in the Kid Zone as well. As for the dugout presence, only time will tell…

 Kid Marly Marlz with Drei at Petco Park’s PARK AT THE PARK. The bubbles sure made their rounds throughout SoCal in 2014. Hey, speaking of  Kid n Drei…

Drei’s SUN-DAY, FUN-DREI Ballpark Tale

Our first SUN-DAY, FUN-DREI tale from the yard…

With our resident Dodger Dog and his special guest, The Mariner Moose…

Also back with us for 2015, our featured Kid at Heart…

 KID MARLY MARLZ !!! The Kid always finds a way to have a good time at the yard, especially with his favorite resident Dodger Dog and his other favorite mascot from way up in the Pacific Northwest… Chavez Ravine, 4/13-15 With the Mariners in town for 3, some are saying that this could be a possible World Series preview…

 Hey Moose. Can you just imagine what the atmosphere would be like here if we meet again in October ?… Yo Dog ! I’ve never seen so many people inside a stadium… With the Mariners in town for 3, the Dodger Dog even had a themed dog in the Moose’s honor, The Pike Place Dog…  The Pike Dog, a Brooklyn Dog with caramelized grilled onions and cream cheese on a thick bun. Drei here was expecting something different that would reflect The Ivar Dog . More on that later… On the field, the Mariners wasted no time putting the heavy lumber on display, particularly Nelson Cruz, who would hit 4 homers during the 3 game series, 2 on Monday night. Also on Monday night, the M’s would total 4 homers all together…

Kid Marlz, always a happy kid, was not to thrilled with The Blue being down 4 runs to our guests from the Pacific Northwest…

 Hey Kid ! I hope you’re not confusing The Moose for smoked denizen… In spite of an early deficit, The Boys in Blue would come back and eventually tie the game, just in time for Kid Marly Marlz and Dodger Drei’s first 7th inning stretch of the season ( With the Resident Dodger Dog and The Moose…)

Uh oh. What’s this ? It looks like Sir G-O, dressed in those team colors from that team in The O.C. has got a stranglehold on The Moose…

 Poor Moose. ” Yo Dog ! HELP !!! “. Hey Moose, I think Sir To The G-O was sent to The Ravine by your nemesis, you know, that Red Monkey… Hey, Sir G-O could be here to see Howie Kendrick. The way Howie has started off for the Blue, I wouldn’t blame him…

 You know folks, Drei actually doesn’t mind the presence of this monkey when we play his Angels. It just mean’s The Boys in Blue are winning… Monday night’s game would go into extras. With the game still tied in the home 10th… Bases loaded, 2 outs, and the rookie Alex Guerrero at the plate, Drei here with this InstaByte from the LF Pavillion…

https://instagram.com/p/1cpaTknmHq/?taken-by=good_drei

Don’t you all love Drei’s timing ? Another walk-off win for The Blue and a 5-2 win on Wednesday, and the Dodgers would complete a 3 game sweep of the Mariners. If this is what some say is a preview of this years World Series, L.A. should be one happy place come October. Of course, what happens in April is hardly any indication of what can happen later. It’s still a long season folks. But hey, you got to like how things have started off for The Blue, especially during this past homestand, which will finish off today as the Boys in Blue look to not only win their 8th home game in 9 tries, but also pull off back to back 3 game sweeps as they hope to bring out the brooms against the Rockies and continue to build upon their fast start .  

 Yo Dog, I want a rematch come October !!! Hey Moose, maybe you can take your anger out on that monkey when you come back to SoCal in early May…

Hey Moose ! You always got Kid Marly Marlz to make you feel better, right ?

https://instagram.com/p/1fEdMFnmIP/?taken-by=good_drei

 You know kid, you two have had so many happy moments together, Drei here thinks we ought to just call you two…M N M…MOOSE N MARLZ… Hmmmmm…

   First pic of the 2015 season with Kid, Drei and friends. Who else will be joining Kid N Drei in 2015 ? Oh yeah, you’ll all be glad to know no animals we’re harmed throughout the entire tale…

 Like I said, no animals we’re harmed throughout the entire tale… Hey Kid, The Moose sure looks good with all that Blue around him, especially the hat. Oh yeah, easy on those antlers…

 Always a Kid…Kid at Heart…

 What’s next for Kid n Drei ? Stay tuned… ” Til the Next Episode…”

10TH INNING…

As seen and heard from the Left Field Pavillion, 4/13/2015…

 

Honoring Jackie’s Legacy From Westwood To Chavez Ravine

This Wednesday, Dodger Stadium will be the host of this years Civil Rights game. This will mark the first time the Civil Rights game will take place on Jackie Robinson Day, April 15th. Recently, UCLA,  Jackie Robinson’s alma mater, took a page from Major League Baseball by officially retiring the number 42 throughout both their men’s and women’s athletic program…

 Jackie’s presence is felt inside Pauley Pavillion among other Bruin greats…

 A touch of Blue from Westwood to Chavez Ravine…

Jimmy Rollins and Howie Kendrick on the significance of the Dodgers hosting the Civil Rights game on Jackie Robinson Day…

 This statue and mural is located along the 1st base concourse at Jackie Robinson Stadium where UCLA Baseball plays it’s home games

 Of Course, 42, at the Top of The Park…