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. 

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.

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!

2017 In Review

Above, at the Little Tokyo New Year's Day Oshogatsu celebration.

Updated December 18, 2017.

2017 turned out to be a better year than 2016 overall. Yes, there were some bad things, but those were vastly outweighed by the good things.

The year started off with the resolution of my firearms that I had to surrender to the LAPD in 2016. I now have all my guns back and the case is now closed.

During that time, I spent many enjoyable hours with my cousin Ralph when we wandered around L.A. hitting used record stores, including Amoeba Music in Hollywood.

Above, enjoying the Friday night chili at the Platrix clampout. Photo by Glenn Thornhill.

Also during this time, as we headed into the spring months, I came down with bronchitis. It was a good thing that I had medical coverage, so I made good use of it and was put on medications that knocked the bronchitis off. I did attend two clampouts during this time: the Platrix Spring Doins in Tehachapi and the Billy Holcomb Spring Doins in Barstow.

In June, I served on jury duty at the Van Nuys courthouse. I didn't get on any jury panels, so I was dismissed.

In July, two family members passed away within days of each other. My cousin Lucia's husband Jeff died in July unexpectedly. And a few days later, my cousin Ralph was found deceased in his room in Bellflower. He apparently died of a heart attack in his sleep. Our last communications (via text) a day or two before concerned Jeff's funeral services. It was unbelievable.

Above, The Beast at the Lava Hot Springs/City Center KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

August had me take a week-long trip to Idaho to view the total eclipse of the sun during the Great American Eclipse. I stayed in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho during the eclipse and while heading there, I stayed one night each in Las Vegas, Nevada and Brigham City, Utah. My cat Sierra kept me company during the trip.

Above, the total eclipse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I joined a throng of people along Interstate 15 near Roberts, Idaho to view (or rather, experience) the eclipse. My photos of the eclipse came out better than I could ever hope for. After the eclipse, it was a four-hour drive in heavy traffic to get back to Lava Hot Springs.

Above, in the eclipse's shadow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Still, despite the traffic, it was a worthwhile experience.

Above, the sign to the Bates Motel in Vale, Oregon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On the day after the eclipse, I headed west to go into Oregon. I found a nice little campground in Juntura, Oregon and stayed there one night. While driving through Vale, Oregon, I saw a real Bates Motel! I had to take a picture of its sign. I then headed the next day to Diamond Lake, Oregon, which is five miles from Crater Lake National Park's entrance. It was very smoky in the area due to fires. It was the first time visiting Crater Lake since I was 17. Despite the smoke, it was an enjoyable visit.

Above, Crater Lake's Wizard Island. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following Crater Lake National Park, I then headed down into Northern California to spend a couple of nights at the Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park. I had not been to Lassen since I was 14. It was the first national park I ever visited at that time. The weather was great and the campground was as nice as I remembered it. Plus, there was no smoke.

Above, The Beast with Lassen Peak in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After the trip, I helped my aunt Gloria celebrate her birthday with some Dodger goods. It was fun watching the 2017 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros, even though the Dodgers lost the series in the seventh game.

Above, enjoying the World Series.

The August passing of the legendary (and I don't use that word lightly) Godzilla suit-actor Haruo Nakajima was one major blow to all of us in Godzilla fandom. I enjoyed my association with him and he is sorely missed.

Above, with Haruo Nakajima after our discussion program at the 2013 Mad Monster Party. Photo by Jeff Blanken.

I attended two Fall clampouts: Platrix at Tehachapi and Peter Lebeck at Camp Okihi. They were both enjoyable.

Above, at Camp Okihi for the Peter Lebeck Chapter's Clampout. Photo by Glenn Thornhill.

Last year, when I drove to Metropolis, Illinois along Interstate 40, I drove through Gallup, New Mexico and just fell for the area. In November, Jes (my roommate) and I went there to see some homes for sale. The third home was the clincher and I bought it! I will be moving there next year.

Above, the home I bought in New Mexico.

After Gallup, we went to Grand Canyon National Park for a few days on the way home. Jes had never been there before and she enjoyed it. We stayed at Trailer Village near Grand Canyon Village. I've always wanted to try it out. It was a nice campground with full hook-ups. The Grand Canyon Blue Line shuttle has a stop at Trailer Village and we explored the park by using the shuttle system.

Above, Jes and I at Hermit's Rest at Grand Canyon National Park.

After getting back, we spent Thanksgiving at my cousin's in Wildomar. A week later, I came down with a nasty cold. As I recovered from it, Jes came down with it. I ended up going to the doctor again to knock it off. I was prescribed the same medications as when I had bronchitis.

Now, I am just concentrating on the holidays and the upcoming move to New Mexico.

Tonight's The Night!

Happy Halloween!

This year, I'm just going to sit and watch Game 6 of the 2017 World Series.

Enjoying It Again

Since the 1994 Major League Baseball strike, I have paid scant attention to the game.

I practically lived at Dodger Stadium (and, on occasion Anaheim Stadium) since the late 1970s by attending at least one game during every Dodger homestand. I have followed the Dodgers since I was a kid.

Above, enjoying Game 2 of the World Series.

I have been on the fields of Dodger Stadium and Anaheim Stadium. I participated in a flag ceremony at Dodger Stadium while in the Cub Scouts between games during a (circa 1963) double-header and a ceremonial parade at Anaheim Stadium with Platrix Chapter of E Clampus Vitus (we inducted then-Angels owner Gene Autry into ECV that day).

The baseball strike effectively killed my enthusiasm. The first Dodger game I attended since 1994 was two years ago. It was a shock to see how much things changed at Dodger Stadium and the prices for tickets. What used to cost $6.00 for a reserved seat (blue level), now cost $42.00. How in the world can a family afford to attend a baseball game with any regularity anymore? It boggles the mind.

Well, since the Los Angeles Dodgers made it to the World Series this year, the old enthusiasm is starting to come back. I have watched each game of the World Series and am enjoying them tremendously.

Even though the Dodgers lost to the Astros last night (13 to 12 in ten innings) in a wild game, I had a great time. The old anxiety (in a fun way) has returned.

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.

World Series Dodgers Cap

Above, the special World Series edition Dodgers cap. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My aunt Gloria is celebrating her 87th birthday this weekend and I was at a loss about what birthday present to get her.

I spoke with my cousin and a blanket was mentioned, but I got her one already.

Then, the Los Angeles Dodgers won the National League Pennant last night and are headed to the World Series.

My aunt is an ardent Dodgers fan so that gave me an idea. Dodgers stuff!

I went to a local store this morning that sells Dodger goods and saw that they have special Dodgers World Series baseball caps.

I spent much time in the store trying to reach my cousins to see if anyone knew what her hat size is. The cap is non-adjustable. While I was in the store on the phone, World Series caps in larger sizes were selling out.

Nobody got back to me but based upon a photo of my aunt and me, a clerk suggested a size 7 cap. So I got it. Good thing, too, since other sizes were rapidly selling out.

I spoke with my cousin afterwards and she said her mom will love it!

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.

Two Baseball Greats Go To The Golden Ballpark In The Sky

Baseball has lost two of its greats in recent days. Both were younger than me and both were very familiar to me when I was a rabid baseball fan and practically lived at Dodger Stadium. I used to attend at least one game per homestand.

First, Bob Welch, the Los Angeles Dodger pitcher who famously struck out Yankee slugger Reggie Jackson in Game 2 of the 1978 World Series. I remember watching that game live. Amazing! He died June 9 at age 57 of a heart attack. Much too young for this two-time Cy Young Award winner.

In honor of Welch, the above video is of that strike-out of Jackson. Farewell, Welchie!

***********************************************************
Whenever the San Diego Padres faced the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tony Gwynn was in the on-deck circle, I always thought, "Here comes trouble!" He was THAT good a hitter and is enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Gwynn died today of cancer at age 54. Again, much too young.