"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, R.I.P.

 

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:

A Steve Garvey Story

Above, a vintage Steve Garvey baseball card.

Now that former Dodger and Padre Steve Garvey is the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in California against Rep. Adam "Pencil Neck" Schiff, it reminds me of a story that took place at work back in the 1980s.

At the time, Garvey and his first wife Cyndy split up and she started dating composer Marvin Hamlisch. A group of us were at lunch in the lunchroom talking about her being with Hamlisch. Another co-worker, Norma, walked in on the discussion.

She hadn't heard about Cyndy Garvey being with Hamlisch and when she heard our discussion, she exclaimed out loud,  "Marvin Hamlisch?! That's like being with Wally Cox!"

Naturally, this was met with laughter from the group.

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!

Vin Scully, R.I.P.

This passing hits hard. For as long as I can remember, Vin Scully was the voice of the Dodgers.

He passed away yesterday at age 94.

I once met Scully in the Dodger Stadium elevator. I didn't know he was in it when I got in until I heard that familiar voice. We turned around, said hello and shook hands. 

Now that voice is gone. What great memories he left us.

Done With Major League Baseball For Good!

Above, an autographed baseball signed by Nolan Ryan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike virtually killed my interest in major league baseball for about 20 years.

Six years ago, my interest in MLB (specifically, the Los Angeles Dodgers) started coming back. But that has proven to be short-lived.

Last year, MLB decided to back the Black Lives Matter movement. Many of us are aware that the BLM is a Marxist organization from their own statements and websites. Politics has no business being injected into professional sports and I decided that this was enough for me to say "sayonara". At the time, I was unsure if this were temporary or permanent.

But I'm sure now.

Georgia passed their voting law, which calls for voter identification, Major League Baseball, under pressure of His Fraudulency Joe Biden and leftist Democrats, moved the All-Star Game from Atlanta. The funny thing is, much of what the left is complaining about is not even in the new law. (To read the law's full text, go here.)

It appears that Major League Baseball, Coca-Cola and other corporations are siding with those who would engage in voter and election fraud over those who support voting integrity. 

Well, the hell with all of them. I am now permanently done with Major League Baseball. The only professional sport I will support from here on is rodeo. At least rodeos are still patriotic.

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.

Done With The Dodgers and Major League Baseball

Above, my last visit to Dodger Stadium. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From the Los Angeles Times:

Mookie Betts kneeled during the national anthem before the Dodgers’ season-opening 8-1 win against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday night, joining a growing number of players around baseball this week choosing to protest racial injustice and police brutality with the act. 

“It just shows unity,” Betts said during a televised interview in regard to his teammates joining him. “I think everybody is on board with what’s going on in the world. We have to make some change. It starts here. We have to do our part. It’s amazing to know that everybody here is on board with something that we have to find a way to make change. This is the first step.” 

In addition to Betts, San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler and several of his players also kneeled during “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which followed a pregame ceremony promoting social justice.  

“I have talked to our guys about kneeling and for me it was more of individual choice,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday afternoon, wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt for a pregame video conference with reporters. “Collectively, we really haven’t settled on anything. But for me I just wanted to encourage each and every man to make their own decision.”   

Before the game, members of the team wore “Black Lives Matter” shirts on the field. Others wore sleeve patches promoting the cause on their game jerseys. On the back of the mound at Dodger Stadium, the letters “BLM” were written beneath an MLB logo.

My individual choice:

BLM (a Marxist organization) was stenciled on the hallowed field, Dodger players were wearing BLM shirts and kneeling during the national anthem. I am forever done with the Los Angeles Dodgers and major league baseball.

Aunt Gloria, R.I.P.

Above, Aunt "Glo" received many Dodgers gifts on her 86th birthday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I saw the caller i.d. this morning at 6:42, I immediately knew that the call with the news I've been dreading to hear was forthcoming.

It was my cousin Maria in Wildomar, California and she broke the news that her mom, my Aunt Gloria, had passed away at 89. Although the news was expected for the past several days, it was still upsetting to hear. It took me to now to muster enough to write this.

She had been in declining health for the past couple of years and she wasn't expected to make it to her birthday last October. But she did, and she looked better than I expected last Christmas. But, knowing that it may be her last Christmas, I made it a special point to go to California.

Above, Christmas Day 2016.

She was the youngest of my dad's family and was the most fortunate, longevity-wise, of her brothers and sisters. She epitomized "The Last of the Mohicans". She was an avid Dodgers fan.

When I was growing up in Los Angeles, my aunt and cousins lived up the driveway from us and she was like a second mom to me. Jessica, my ex-roommate said this of her this morning, "She was a nice and caring woman! I'm sooo glad I met her!" That's the general of everyone who were fortunate to meet her.

She leaves behind four daughters, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

She will be missed.

Albuquerque Tonight

Above, The Beast at the Route 66 RV Resort last March. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, things didn't work out too great for the Dodgers last night as they blew a 4 to 0 lead and lost the game (number 4) 9 to 6. The Red Sox only need one more win to be World Series champions. The Sox are one tough team.

I did learn one thing last night: Don't run the dishwasher while the television is on. When I started the dishwasher, its interference caused the television to pixelate and lose sound. It cleared up when I shut the dishwasher off.

After the game, I resumed the dish washing.

I will be in Albuquerque tonight, so I will watch the Game 5 there. I have some things to take care of while in town.

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!

1988 Dodgers World Series Beer Stein

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the National League Champions and they defeated the Milwaukee Brewers, so they are now going to the World Series. Game 1 is tomorrow evening.

30 years ago, the Dodgers were also in the World Series. They were against the American League Champions, the Oakland Athletics.

It just so happens that I have a commemorative beer stein from 1988. One one side is the 1988 World Series logo. On the reverse is the Los Angeles Dodgers logo. I saw one for sale (Etsy, I believe) for $35.00.

Red Sox Going To The World Series

Above, you'd never guess who my team is.

This year's World Series will not be a repeat of last year's whether or not the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Boston Red Sox defeated the Houston Astros last night.

From CBS Sports:

The Boston Red Sox defeated the Houston Astros in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Thursday night, thus winning the best-of-seven series by a 4-1 margin. The Red Sox as a result are the 2018 AL champions and will advance to play either the Los Angeles Dodgers or Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. The Dodgers currently lead the Brewers by a 3-2 margin in the NLCS, with Game 6 going down on Friday.

To read more, go here.

Go Dodgers!

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.

Staying In

Above, The Beast this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tonight, I was going to go down to the Flying J to watch the NLCS game, but since the temperatures are around 36 degrees, I decided to just listen to the game on ESPN Radio at home. It is friggin' cold outside!

Overnight, the temperatures are going to be in the upper 20s, so I already flipped on The Beast's holding tank heater and the ceramic space heater inside the coach.

Go Dodgers!

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.