"Godzilla Minus Zero Night" At Dodger Stadium Announced

Baseball and Godzilla have had an odd relationship over the years.

In Japan, where baseball is a popular sporting pastime, Godzilla has appeared in Japanese baseball stadiums over the years for different promotions.

Now, Godzilla is being feted at Dodger Stadium.

According to MLB.com:

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers will host Godzilla Minus Zero Night, presented by TOHO, for the team’s regular-season home finale on Thursday, September 24 against the San Diego Padres.

The first 40,000 fans at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium for the 7:10 p.m. contest will receive a special Godzilla Minus Zero bobblehead (one giveaway item, per person, per valid ticket upon entering the stadium), and all fans will be treated to a Godzilla-themed drone show after the game. In the days leading up to Godzilla Minus Zero night, several in-stadium activations will promote the event. The themed activities are in celebration of the upcoming highly anticipated new Godzilla feature, Godzilla Minus Zero, the thrilling follow up to the critically-acclaimed winner for Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards® Godzilla Minus One.

To read more, go here. 

Dodgers Win World Series, But...

Above, the last Dodger game I attended was on September 1, 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While I am glad that the Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series in Yankee Stadium last night, I can't get past the fact that I am done with them and Major League Baseball in general. I did not watch any of the games.

The reasons were their support for the Black Lives Matter Marxist group. I stated my outrage here. That was later reinforced when Major League Baseball pulled the All-Star Game from Atlanta in 2020. I wrote about that here.

Then, the Dodgers did something even more stupid last year:

From Newsweek:

But inclusion for some has come to mean exclusion for others. As part of their Pride Night celebrations, the Dodgers invited, then uninvited, then reinvited the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence," a self-described "Order of queer and trans nuns" who "use humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry."

Their target is frequently the Catholic Church. The group's roster includes such faux-religious ribaldry as Sister Risqué of the Sissytine Chapel, Father Fellatio, Sister Missionary Position, and other less printable mockery of traditional Catholic figures and beliefs. Their motto: "Go forth and sin some more!"

The Dodgers saw fit to bestow the team's Community Hero Award on the group, despite a fairly pedestrian record of actual impact; per their documents filed with the IRS, the group offers modest grants, between $50,000 and $60,000 to community groups each year. Backlash ensued, but after an initial backtrack, the team reinvited the "Sisters."

The news came as a betrayal to many longtime Dodger fans, who remembered devout Catholic Vin Scully melodically commentating games for 67 seasons, the "Nuns Days" that used to fill Chavez Ravine with (real) wimples and habits, and the Catholic Bronze Star recipient Gil Hodges playing at first base. The Dodgers seemed content to throw that history away, to the dismay of Catholics like Bishop Robert Barron, until recently an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, who called for a boycott of the team.

Since I was already done with the Dodgers and Major League Baseball, I didn't bother to comment on that.  

I will always treasure being a Dodger fan while the team was owned by Walter and Peter O'Malley. But, I am no longer a fan under the current ownership. 

Fernando Valenzuela Hospitalized

Legendary Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela has been hospitalized for an unspecific illness. He has stepped down from the broadcasting booth to concentrate on his health.

I have a signed baseball from Valenzuela.

Much has been speculated about the nature of Valenzuela's illness. One person speculated that it is liver cancer.

A recent photo of Valenzuela with former Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax has been posted. His weight loss is very much evident. 

Above, Fernando Valenzuela and Sandy Koufax at Dodger Stadium
 on August 10, 2024. Photo Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images.

Whatever the nature of his illness may be, best wishes and prayers are extended for his full recovery. 

To read more, go here.

Most Memorable 4th of July

Above, shuttle Columbia and chase planes over Edwards Air Force Base on July4, 1982. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For me, the most memorable Fourth of July was in 1982.

Paul Evans and I attended the Dodger game at Dodger Stadium on July 3. From there, after the game and fireworks show, we drove to Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert to attend the landing of space shuttle Columbia following the mission designated as STS-4.

Above, yours truly after arriving at Edwards Air Force Base. Photo by Paul Evans.

Perhaps about a half million people drove to Rogers Dry Lake to view the landing. We met with Glenn Thornhill and Arleigh Kerr at the viewing area.

President and Mrs. Reagan also attended. 

Above, another view of Columbia during its landing approach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After the landing of Columbia, President Reagan gave the word for the take-off of space shuttle Challenger atop a modified Boeing 747. Challenger and the 747 flew over the crowd. 

Here's a couple of videos of that day:

Dodger Stadium Elevator Encounters

Above, Vin Scully and Tommy Lasorda.

I may have sworn off Major League Baseball since it has gone woke, but I still have many great memories before it did. 

Back in the late 1970s and in the 1980s, it seemed we practically lived at either Dodger Stadium or at Anaheim Stadium (to see the California Angels). We ordered tickets to every home stand and I received more through my work-related vendors.

Vin Scully's passing last week brought back memories of a couple of highlights of (when I was an ardent fan) when I had encounters with two Los Angeles Dodger greats that took place in the elevator at Dodger Stadium. Both took place the same year.

Back in 2010, I posted this about meeting Vin Scully at Dodger Stadium:

I got to meet "The Voice of the Dodgers" back around 1982 at Dodger Stadium. A friend and I had to use the stadium elevator as he was wheelchair-bound in order to get to the level where our seats were located. We got into the elevator with about a half-dozen people already inside. We made one floor stop after getting in and when the doors opened, a crowd of people were standing outside waiting. Suddenly, out came cameras and flashbulbs were going off from them. 

Then, behind us in the elevator as the doors closed, a familiar voice said, "We seem to be very popular!" We turned around and (surprise!) there was Vin Scully. He was in the the elevator the whole time and we didn't notice him when we got in. 

Naturally, greetings and handshakes were then exchanged. 

During the game's broadcast, Scully mentioned the elevator encounter and how nice Dodger fans are. 

Gee, what I wouldn't give for a print of all those photos that were taken of us when the elevator doors opened!

As I mentioned, the second encounter took place the same year and in the elevator. This time it was with manager Tommy Lasorda.

Again, we had to get to the Club Level at Dodger Stadium as the handicapped section was there. I brought my own folding chair to sit on.

We hit the call button for the elevator and when it opened, inside was manager Tommy Lasorda. He was alone and in full uniform. We immediately greeted him and shook hands. He was quite jovial and friendly.

Now both men are gone, but I still have my memories of meeting them. Good times!

Former Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda Dies

Above, former Dodger Manager Tommy Lasorda.

This year is sure starting out lousy.

From the Los Angeles Times:

Tom Lasorda, who in 20 years as the Dodgers manager won two World Series championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles and always insisted that he bled Dodger blue out of loyalty to the organization, has died at age 93.  

The vibrant and voluble Lasorda spent 71 seasons with the Dodgers and was among the few remaining links to the club’s Brooklyn roots. In and out of the hospital in recent years for heart, back and shoulder problems, Lasorda died of a heart attack Thursday night, according to the Dodgers.

I met Lasorda once. I was with a wheelchair-bound friend waiting for the elevator at Dodger Stadium to get to the level where our seats were when the door opened. Inside, was Tom Lasorda. We all shook hands and rode the elevator together.

R.I.P.

To read more, go here.

L.A. Dodgers Win The 2020 World Series

Above, the last home game I attended in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Finally, since 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers won a World Series.

Until they decided to join in the misguided stunt of having "BLM" on their field at Dodger Stadium when the season started, "BLM" jerseys and giving money to "BLM" organizations, I have been almost a lifelong fan. Many, along with me, have shunned professional sports over politics (Black Lives Matter are Marxist organizations). 

Because of that, I did not follow the World Series this year. Back in the late-1970s to the early-1990s, I spent a lot of time (and cash) at Dodger Stadium.

I have no idea if, or ever, I will ever become a fan again.

California RV Show Moves To Fontana

Above, the 2017 California RV Show at the Fairplex in Pomona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I began attending the California RV Show in the 1980s, it was held at Dodger Stadium. To me, this venue was the most convenient as far as travel and drive time.

Then, it was moved to the Fairplex in Pomona. I attended it there in 2017.

Now, it is going to be held in Fontana.

The Fontana Herald-News reported:

The 67th Annual California RV Show will be held at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana for the first time. 

Discounted tickets are now available online for the event, which will run Oct. 4-13 and is produced by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). 

Interested persons can visit https://www.californiarvshow.org to save $2 per ticket. Parking is free. 

“The biggest RV show on the West Coast is only a few weeks away in a brand new location,” said RVIA Show Manager Tom Gaither. “We’re sure to have high attendance numbers this year and don’t want our guests to have to stand in line at the box office.”

To read more, go here.

What A Game!

Above, watching Game 3. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears that I straightened out my television just in the nick of time to watch one hell of a baseball game.

When I set up my television set months ago, I thought everything was all in order. Since I am in a very rural area, I thought all the on-air stations I could get were three. Then a couple of days ago, I was talking with one of my neighbors and he suggested getting a signal booster.

There are two kinds, one for powered antennas and one for non-powered antennas. I forgot what mine was and I went to check it a couple of days ago. It is a powered one. But what I discovered was that it wasn't plugged in! So I plugged it in (I was out of outlets and needed an extension cord, luckily I had one) and got more stations, including Fox New Mexico!

So, last night, I joyfully watched the World Series.

The Dodgers finally won Game 3 of the 2018 World Series in 18 innings!

I went to bed during the 13th inning but listened for another inning. But it was a gigantic nail-biter!

What a game!

KYVA AM 1230 In Gallup

Above, Dodger Stadium. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only remaining thing (besides Tommy's and In-N-Out Burger) I like about Los Angeles is the Los Angeles Dodgers.

I remember as far back as 1963 going to Dodger Stadium for home games. I practically lived at Dodger Stadium back in the late 1970s and 1980s. I attended at least one game during every home stand. Tickets were reasonable back then with the price tag of $6.00 being the top one. Today, those same seats cost over $40.00.

As I have moved to a community 18 miles east of Gallup, New Mexico, I was pleased to discover that there is a Gallup radio station that is a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers radio network. It is KYVA AM 1230.

Right now, I am enjoying Game 5 of the National League Championship Series between the Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers. At present, it is tied at one run apiece.

It is nice to know that I can still follow the Dodgers here in the wilds of New Mexico.

NLCS At Denny's In The Flying J

Above, I may live in New Mexico, but still a Dodger fan.

Since I forgot to defrost some meat (chicken) yesterday, I ended up having turkey at Denny's down at the Flying J last evening.

This worked out great as I was able to catch the last four innings of the National League Champion Series Game 2 between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Denny's. I don't get Fox out here in New Mexico. Since the servers know me, they made sure I had a booth with a good view of their television screen (that's definitely an advantage of small town living).

Above, Denny's at the Jamestown Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Brewers won Game 1 and the Dodgers needed this game to even things up.

The Dodgers were behind 3-2 in the eighth inning when Justin Turner hit a two-run homer that put the Dodgers ahead 4-3, which ended up being the final score for the game.

Game 3 is scheduled for Monday night, with the first pitch at 5:39 p.m. Mountain Time from Dodger Stadium.

Looks like I'll be spending some more time down at Denny's, unless, of course, I get snowed in. At least if that happens, I can listen to it on radio on KYVA AM 1230 from Gallup.

World Series Game 4 A Win For Fox

Above, my Clayton Kershaw drinking cup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Game 4 of the 2017 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros was a rating win for Fox.

According to Deadline Hollywood:

For a baseball battle that was scoreless until the sixth inning, Game 4 of the 2017 World Series knock the drama out of the park in the end last night.

When the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Joc Pederson delivered a three-run homer in the ninth inning, Game 4 went from grinder to jaw dropper at Minute Maid Park in Houston. A result that saw the Dodgers win 6-2 over the Houston Astros and break their two game losing streak to tie up the 2017 World Series 2-2. 

Scoring a 10.6/20 in metered market results, Game 4 of the 2017 World Series was a home run for the broadcaster.

Tonight's game (Game 5) starts tonight with pitchers Clayton Kershaw on the mound for the Dodgers and Dallas Keuchel for the Astros. After tonight, the World Series will return to Dodger Stadium for the final games.

To read more, go here.

World Series: What A Game!

Above, yours truly enjoying the game.

Last night's Game 2 of the 2017 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros was one heck of a ballgame.

I dug out my old Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap. I hadn't worn it for quite a while. It is a pro model that I bought when I practically lived at Dodger Stadium back in the early 1980s. It is 100% wool fabric with a stitched "LA" logo.

Game 1 was relatively sedate (and quick) in comparison. The Dodgers won that game 2 - 1.

Last night's game see-sawed from the sixth inning on. Finally, it was tied up and went into extra innings.

Unfortunately, I had to run an errand but kept tabs on the game. Jean Carbajal, "Mr. Godzilla Toys", was at the game and posted that he was losing his voice. I can just imagine.

From Sporting News:

Game 2 of the 2017 World Series reached legendary status around midnight Wednesday. 

Mintues after the Astros had dented the Dodgers' vaunted bullpen and taken a lead in extra innings, LA rallied for a pair of runs in the bottom of the 10th to tie the game. The teams played on at Dodger Stadium until Houston prevailed 7-6 in 11. 

The win was the first World Series triumph in Astros franchise history. Houston was swept by the White Sox in the 2005 Series.

The series is now tied at one win apiece. It resumes tomorrow night in Houston.

Before the game began, the ceremonial "first pitch" ceremony was a real treat. The participants were former Dodgers announcer Vin Scully, former Dodger catcher Steve Yeager and former Dodger Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. See the video below.

Dodgers Going To World Series!

Above, the World Series returns to Dodger Stadium
for the first time since 1988. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last time the Los Angeles Dodgers reached the World Series was when my daughter was one years old. That was in 1988.

Finally, the long drought is over for the Blue Crew.

The Los Angeles Times wrote:

Clayton Kershaw climbed atop a plastic cooler and hoisted a green bottle of Korbel Brut. Below him heaved a delirious crowd of teammates, the 2017 Dodgers, the group who brought the National League pennant back to Los Angeles. Kershaw wiped the alcohol from his eyes and gazed upon the scene inside the visitors’ batting cage at Wrigley Field. 

“You are way too dry!” he shouted. “You are way too dry!” 

Kershaw sprayed his bottle until it was empty and then descended into the throng, joyous to take part as they celebrated clinching the franchise’s first World Series berth since 1988 with an 11-1 victory over the Cubs in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. A 28-season drought ended in a hail of home runs from Enrique Hernandez, strikeouts collected by Kershaw and the relentless charge of this Dodgers team.

Go Dodgers!

To read more, go here.

The Voice of the Dodgers Retiring

Above, Vin Scully at Dodger Stadium.

It is truly an end of an era as Vin Scully, the "Voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers" retires when this baseball season ends.

As far back as I can remember, Scully's voice for radio and television broadcasts were a part of my life. He will be missed, but he earned a good retirement many times over.

Back in 2010, I posted this about meeting Vin Scully at Dodger Stadium:

I got to meet "The Voice of the Dodgers" back around 1982 at Dodger Stadium. A friend and I had to use the stadium elevator as he was wheelchair-bound in order to get to the level where our seats were located. We got into the elevator with about a half-dozen people already inside. We made one floor stop after getting in and when the doors opened, a crowd of people were standing outside waiting. Suddenly, out came cameras and flashbulbs were going off from them. 

Then, behind us in the elevator as the doors closed, a familiar voice said, "We seem to be very popular!" We turned around and (surprise!) there was Vin Scully. He was in the the elevator the whole time and we didn't notice him when we got in. 

Naturally, greetings and handshakes were then exchanged. 

During the game's broadcast, Scully mentioned the elevator encounter and how nice Dodger fans are. 

Gee, what I wouldn't give for a print of all those photos that were taken of us when the elevator doors opened!

Thank you for the great memories, Vin Scully! 

Farewell To Summer

Above, the Rush R40 concert at The Forum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In case anyone's wondering, the first day of Autumn/Fall is only three days away.

According to Almanac.com:

In 2015, the autumnal equinox falls on September 23 at 4:21 A.M. (ET).

This has been the best summer I've had in years. It all began with a trip to see Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park (and points in-between). Then, a three-day trek for jet-skiing at Lake Havasu. In early August, Amber treated me to the final show of Rush's R40 tour at the Forum in Inglewood. It is rumored that this may be Rush's last tour.*

Also, this summer marked my first ballgame at Dodger Stadium since 1994.

I am looking forward to more moderate temperatures along with next month's trip to Japan.

*As it turned out, the death of Rush's drummer, Neil Peart on January 7, 2020, made the concert the last ever for Rush. 

Dodger Stadium

Above, a good crowd was on hand at Dodger Stadium tonight
 for the 7th inning stretch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the first time since 1994, I attended a Los Angeles Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium.

It was interesting to see the changes in the old stadium (it first opened in 1962).

I liked the new scoreboards and the giant video screens. But, I didn't like all the advertising signs. It seemed like every square foot was taken up with lighted signage. I think it distracts from the game and makes the stadium too busy in appearance.

Above, a view of center and right fields. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We had seats in the blue (reserved) level. Back in the old days (up to the 1990s), tickets cost $6.00 per seat. Today, those same seats cost $48.00. Dodger Dogs cost around $5.00 now. There's no more Carnation frozen malts. They have some other brand (and smaller) now for $5.25. I guess they have to pay for those multi-million-dollar players somehow!

How are families able to take in a baseball game without having to get a second mortgage? It now costs $240.00 for a family of five. It is sad to see this.

Still, it was fun going (the Dodgers beat the San Francisco Giants 2 to 1). 

Return To Dodger Stadium and Major League Baseball

Above, the current standings of the NL Western Division.

The 1994 Major League Baseball strike was, according to USA Today last year, "the most embarrassing moment in MLB history." The strike lasted 232 days and it ended the 1994 baseball season.

Many fans (and some players) refused to attend (or play) in another MLB game since the strike. I haven't attended a baseball game since 1994. Prior to the strike, Dodger Stadium was almost a "second home" to me. I used to attend at least one game during every Dodger homestand. I also attended quite a number of Angel games down in Anaheim.

Well, that is about to end tomorrow night as I will be stepping inside Dodger Stadium for the first time in 21 years.

I will be attended tomorrow night's game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants, who are battling for the National League Western Division Championship.

It will be interesting to see the changes that have been made to Dodger Stadium since Peter O'Malley sold the team.

It will be nice to have a Dodger Dog or two tomorrow night.