After two games the DODGERS are number one.
They have defeated the world series champion Giants. I am
writing a few lines now but will write more later after
today’s game. Please come back!! Unfortunately I forgot my
camera yesterday so I only have a few pictures I took with my
phone. It is going to be a great season. The Dodgers have the
passion back!

It’s nice to be writing on my blog again. I missed all my very good friends. I don’t know what happened but I stopped writing!!
Last season was one of those seasons that was wonderful and yet frustrating.
I sat in the Baseline section most of the time. I enjoyed it so much I decided to give up my front row seat this season. I found out that my season seat had gone up $5.00 a game which adds up to over $800. I was upset, of course. Everyone thinks my reaction to that price hike was weird. I decided to buy season seats in Baseline.
I want to go to Spring Training but I have a class that I have to go to that pretty much took care of my leave that I had planned for ST! I can still somehow go for a couple of days.
I am keeping a close eye on Spring Training. I already have some strong opinions but I’ll save those for later.
Off season has been very long. I can’t wait until the season is underway. I have a new camera, a new seat, and big expectations for my Dodgers. Please forgive me for disappearing and stop by again. I love you all and thank you again for your support.

Sorry I haven’t posted for a while.  I’ve had a few things I had to do….like work! 

The Yankees series has been a revelation.  The problems that the Dodgers have seemed to have has become worse.

The question is how can we make the Dodgers a winning team?  Unfortunately good talent costs money and the Dodger owner (whoever that may be at thiis moment) are not willing to spend any. 

The Dodgers need pitching help:  starting and relieving.  We have only Kuroda, Kershaw, Padilla and Billingsley.  Bills is just coming off DL.   Ely and Monasterios were called into action simply because there was no one else.  Troncoso is not as good as he was last year.  Sherrill is still a nightmare.  Whenever I see him coming on the field, my stomach goes into contortions.  Hager is now a memory since he was finally DFA’d.  Kuo, Weaver and Belisario are the only relievers that are reliable.  Kuo has TLC written all over him because his arm is brittle.

To be a championship caliber team, there must be good pitching.  The Yankees series showed that the Dodgers have the offense.  James Loney was magnificent.  Reed Johnson had a great game yesterday.  Belliard came off the bench with a huge homerun.  The Dodgers also limited their errors, something that haunted them the last few games

Everyone was excited about the Yankees Series.  I was dreading the crowds.  The Dodgers have not been playing very well this month, so I just hoped that they would not be swept.  I just was hoping that our guys could make it through the Series with a win.

My week was busy, starting out with work, work, work.

Then I decided to get a new Iphone.  Liittle did I know that I would be standing in line for 6 hours.

Two days later, the phone kept telling me “No SIM card.”  It now works and I love it.  Would I stand in line again for 6 hours.  Nooooooo.

There were a few interestingl things about the Yankees series.  Number one was seeing Jane of “She Fan fame.  Jane Heller is one of my favorite people anyway.  She looked great.   Her blog is of course, http://janeheller.mlblogs.com.

Another positive was, of couirse, seeing my friends at Dodger Stadium and also making new friends.  One of my seat partners was a nice young man from Canada named Austin.  He looked like a Dodger prospect.  He told me he was a left handed pitcher in school until he injured his shoulder. 

One thing that bothers me at the games are the #$%^&& beachballs.  There were at least 4 that bounced on me or around me.  Why would anyone bring a beachball to a baseball game? 

Something else that bothers me is the hot sun.  I spend the first two innings in the Baseline Club on Saturday.  Much too hot.  Only problem is that I ate the whole time I was in the Club.  One of the chefs asked me if I ever got full.   No, not reallyI

I have a few pictures to share but photobucket is not downloading.  I’ll add the pictures later

Please visit later

Thanks for stopping by

Gotta go.

.

 

 

 

  

 

Billingsley and Sherrill combined to bring the Dodgers to a humiliating loss to the Angels.  The score of 10-1 was one that made Dodger fans cringe and hope that April wasn’t back again.  I am forever an optimist and Pollyanna so I just chalk it up to the doldrums after a day off. 

At least the food was great!

The Ranchero potato salad had a delicious ancho zing to it.  The black bean and corn salad was the best and I can’t say enough about that Caesar salad.

The fare was Mexican with beef fajitas, ancho encrusted turkey with herb sauce, refried beans and Spanish rice.  Good food always puts me in a better mood.

Bills actually looked like the new and improved Bills but he wasn’t so sharp.

Andre looked a bit pensive

Russell seemed to get on base but never all the way around.

Blake DeWitt can finally unpack his bag.  He won’t be sent down to Triple A again.

I’m waiting for another Matt Kemp homerun.

Maybe he needs to unwind a little

I was also waiting for Casey Blake to hit another long ball.

It’s the third annual Think Cure weekend which includes a radiothon, telethon and auction.  I bid on a couple of items hoping to win them.  I’ll let you know.  Several doctors and nurses were honored on the field for their work and research.  They all threw out the first pitch.

Before the game, Matty and Casey were joking around with Torii Hunter, a good friend of Matty’s.

A pic of Ronnie Belisario who has been fantastic as reliever

Giving each other encouragement in the bullpen before the game

Russell and Chad walk to the Dugout from the Bullpen before the game

Matt waiting to run on the field

Chad throwing the first pitch

Another view of Chad

The great Hideki Matsui who hit a 3 run double.  Don’t you miss him, Jane?

Andre at bat

The Angel dugout

Andre was a little subdued and sat in the Dugout

It must have seemed like the game lasted an eternity to Andre

Manny running to first base

Andre out in the field waiting for the game to finally end

Blowing bubbles to pass the time

Finally the last run into the Dugout.  I think I spent most of the game with my blanket over my head or up in the Baseline Club getting more food.  I’ll look like a blimp if the Dodgers don’t start winning again.

The Dodgers are now back to being tied for first place with the Padres who scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth in their game with the Mariners to win.  Those Padres just can’t seem to stop. 

Tonight will be another game with the Angels, the second in a 3 game series.

I have my fingers crossed that John Ely can pitch well.  There is talk that Vicente Padilla will soon be back but no one is in a hurry since Carlos Monasterios is doing so well. 

The win depends on the pitching.  It also depends on the offense, getting runs in.  I guess that is a simple take on winning

My big question was why did Joe Torre bring Sherrill out  with a winnable 1-4 score?  I would’ve liked to see red hot Kuo to make the final out.  3 runs later, I’m sure everyone is shaking their heads, mine was under my blanket after that.   Sherrill was dismal before going on DL with a lack of confidence.  Now his ERA is 7.80 after walking Abreu.

Thanks for stopping by.  I did have fun last night, eating, talking to my friends, and taking fantastic pictures.

Go Dodgers!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

For the first time since 1988 the Dodgers swept the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.  Time for celebration

The victory last last was spurred by a 2 run homerun by Manny Ramirez and four hits by first base James Loney.  The Dodgers are now one full game over the San Diego Padres who were rained out in New York.

Sherrill, seen on the right, is off DL.

Belisario, out of the bullpen, has been amazing.  The performance by the bullpen has been one of the keys to winning.

Here is a shot of the bullpen running back in after batting practice.

Clayton Kershaw has had super starts. 

Blake DeWitt

Casey Blake during warmups

Russell Martin smiling.  He is relieved that the 3 year old girl who was hit in the head by his batting practice foul ball is doing well.  He is planning on visiting her and giving her a big hug when she feels better.  He will not talk about whether he will pay for her surgery saying that that is a private matter. 

Russell Martin

Matt Kemp

Russell and Clayton having a talk on the way to the dugout from the bullpen

Clayton throwing his first pitch

 

Manny  during a light moment

Manny right before his homerun

James sprinting to first base

The Dodgers were able to get the better of Adam Wainwright who allowed eight hits and five walks.

James Loney looking toward me

Matt Kemp on base

Albert Pujols getting a base hit in the ninth inning

Poor Holliday was razzed by Dodger fans in Mannywood especially when he bobbled a ball hit toward him which was very reminescent of that misplayed ball during the playoffs

.

There was a scare in the ninth inning when Molina hit a two out ground rule double which both Matt and he tried to catch with Andre hitting the right field wall.  Andre was very slow getting up.  It’s good that neither player caught the ball or the Cardinals could have scored.   Andre is probably sore today.  Luckily today is a day off.

One item of good news:  Andre Ethier’s brother Devon was signed in the 32nd round by the Dodgers as pitcher/outfielder.  Andre describes him as being his opposite: an Ethier who won’t give the staff any problems.  Andre happens to be one of the nicest guys in the Dodger organization, by the way.

Andre walking back to his spot after one of his fantastic catches

It’s funny.  When they play “Iron Man” and open the gate to let Broxton out, it’s like they’re letting the bull out of the pen.  He’s very big and scary.

Note the difference in size between Russell who is average height and Broxton.

He is known for his 100mph fastballs

Broxton got his save but made the game exciting allowing that Pujols basehit and the Molina two out ground rule double.

Today is a day off which is good.  They played their longest homestand..13 games in a row without a day off. 

When they play again, it will be a series against the Angels.  The Angels always play well at Dodger Stadium so it should be a nerve wracking series.

Tonight I will be going to work.  Then I will be ready for more Dodger baseball.  Thanks everyone for your prayers for the little girl. 

Hopefully your team is playing well

Thanks for stopping by.

Stay pumped up until the next game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How fitting that last night would be the night that the Dodgers took over sole possession of first place in the Western Division.

It was Jonathan Broxton Bobblehead night.  He earned his 15th save of the season.  He struck out the amazing Albert Pujols

It was also a night of amazing eating.  The salad was wonderful.  It consisted of the pasta salad, a delicious tomato and red onion concoction and the famous Caesar salad.

The deep fried turkey was so good that many went back for more.  It was served with french fried sweet potatoes and herb grilled vegetables.  Also included were cheeseburger sliders.  It definitely was one of the best fare I have had.

I tore myself away from the buffet table in time to see Andre out on the field stretching.  A woman standing next to me kept saying that they were out there teasing everyone.  I suppose she meant that the players were that close to us.

Matt Kemp was out there being stretched by the trainer..  Talk about flexible

.

It was great to see Casey Blake back in the lineup.  At least he didn’t have to go on DL

Andre in a quiet moment.  The lady standing next to me was saying “What is he doing?  Praying?” in a loud voice.  I have to admit she was a little over the top with her comments.  Chalk it up to being overexcited about being this close to the players.

Andre has not hit a homerun since coming off the DL with a fractured right pinky.  His batting average has been .188 since coming back.  Last night he did well hitting three for four.

It was a pitcher’s duel between Chris Carpenter and Hiroki Kuroda.  There were 7 scoreless innings.  Kuroda-San pitched better than he has in quite a while.

It was exciting watching two fanastic pitchers.

Here is Kuroda-San throwing out his first pitch.

A view of Pujols striking out

But the hero of the game was Manny Ramirez who hit a double in the 8th inning finally batting in Raffy Furcal.

Manny fixing his do

Matty kicking the grass while waiting

Raffy with a big smile on his face while batting

Our all star Andre Ethier up to bat

Russell making a face after fouling off a ball

Another picture of Russell on base

Manny waiting.

 

Manny waiting for the Cards to decide what to do

Still waiting.  Although Manny doesn’t have the bat he used to have, he still causes other teams to scramble when he is up.

This time he hit the double, left the game with Reed Johnson as pinch runner

Andre on first base.  Note he is not wearing his cap.

Russell running to Broxton to have a discussion.  Broxton has been lights out. 

Here he is striking out Pujols

Strike One

Strike Two

Strike three

OK Andre, two out.  Talk about multi tasking.  He is also blowing a bubble and probably eating sunflower seeds

Andre always jumps over third base when he runs in.  I wonder if that is one of his superstitions.  Watch him during a game.

Holliday at bat

Hong-Chih Kuo had the win after pitching a scoreless 8th inning.  Kuroda-San was absolutely wonderful.  Broxton was Broxton with the save.

Tonight will be the last game of a 3 game series with the Cardinals.  Kershaw will be pitching for the Dodgers, Wainwright for the Cardinals.  It will be another game with two amazing pitchers.

It turns out that the foul ball that hit the 3 year old girl during batting practice was hit by Russell Martin.  She had to have surgery after suffering a depressed skull fracture.  Russell has offered to pay for the surgery.  I know he feels terrible about it.  Prayers for the little girl and her family.  Again, I implore all parents, watch your children, especially in the field sections.  Don’t take your eyes off the ball,, ever.

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a great baseball day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

Tomorrow we are going to Claim Jumper Restaurant to claim our buffalo wings.  The score tonight was 12-4.  Anytime the Dodgers score 10 runs, the fans are treated to chicken wings. 

The hero of the game was Blake DeWitt who was responsible for 5 runs, one being a 3 run homerun. 

Carlos Monasterios has suddenly become the fifth SP for the Dodgers.  His record is now 3-0. 

 

Suddenly everything is falling into place.

Here is a picture of my friends Roni and Rosa.  Rosa is retiring from teaching high school math this month.  Happy Retirement, Rosa

Here is a pic of last nights hero, AJ Ellis.  He caught tonight as well.  He said that there is nothing as scary as having Matt Kemp charging you after a win.  They don’t call Matt Kemp bison because he’s a little guy. 

Here is flexible Andre doing his stretching before the game

And an even more flexible Matty Kemp

Raffy Furcal warming up.  He finally seems to be healthy again.

Blake DeWitt before the game.  He grew up rooting for the Cardinals.

Our fantastic bullpen.  John Link did a fantastic job tonight.  He may be sent down again when George Sherrill comes back from DL.  Charlie Hager is on DL again with a sore right big toe. 

Before the game, the Dodgers and Cardinals were yakking it up.

My favorite Matty

Right before the National Anthem was sung

Man, something is in my cap!

It’s still in there

It’s still annoying me

The walk from bullpen to dugout by AJ Ellis and Carlos Monasterios

Matty bouncing on the steps of the Dugout ready to run on the field

Signing a ball for a little guy

.

I love this picture of Andre tossing a child up before signing his ball

Manny running on the field

First pitch

The fantastic Albert Pujols

Andre trying to avoid a close pitch

And finally walking

Wonderful Blake DeWitt just minutes before hitting his homerun

Reed Johnson took Manny’s place in left field.  I wonder if the drunk fans sitting behind me noticed

Time for a pitching change.  Monasterios pitched a fantastic 6 innings.

Joe Torre handing the ball to Justin Miller who made me nervous

The outfield consiting of Johnson, Kemp and Ethier waiting for the pitching change

Moments before the Dodger win.

The Dodgers are still 1/2 game behind the Padres who can’t seem to lose.  The Dodgers and Padres have the best record in the National League.

During batting practice, a 3 year old girl was hit on the side of the head by a foul ball.  It knocked her off her feet.  She is at Children’s Hospital.  Please pray for her and her family.  And please everyone, if you bring your little ones to the ball park, watch them closely and do not let them stand alone when the ball is in play. 

I was a bit annoyed by the drunk fans who were sitting behind me.  They did not ruin the game for me but they certainly tried.  There’s nothing like having someone put a minature bat in front of my camera while I am taking pictures.  And , no, I don’t want to take a picture of anyone that drunk!!  Don’t even ask me.  One of them was kicked out because he stood up and said a few four letter words.  When I changed my seat before the 8th inning to go to the other side of the stadium as I usually do, one of the drunks said to me, “You can’t be a true Dodger fan, leaving now.”  Boy, if he only knew.  It was a relief to leave my season seat just to have some peace and quiet during the game

.

 Tomorrow’s game with the Cardinals will be Jonathan Broxton bobblehead night.  Yaaay.  I will be sitting in Baseline again.  So I will be eating in the club .  Can’t wait.

Hopefully the Dodgers still have some offense left.  Pitching will be scary.  Chris Carpenter will be pitching for the Cardinals. 

Thanks everyone for stopping by.  You always make my day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actually I was happy that the Dodgers split the series with the Atlanta Braves.  The Braves are hot.  The Dodgers were able to end the Braves’ 9 game winning streak. 

The game Saturday was pitched by Chad Billingsley.  Everyone seemed to be in a great mood.

The entire bullpen was laughing and looked happy.  It was a day when the entiire bullpen imploded, very unusual for the Dodgers who have one of the best bullpens.  I was hoping that the blister on Jeff Weaver’s finger was not a problem.

There’s Kuroda-San looking at me.  He probably is thinking in Japanese about that blonde who always seems to be taking picutres.  I take about 200 pictures a game

Another shot of Billingsley warming up

A smiling Russell Martin

.

Matt Kemp smiling under his cap as the trainer is stretching him.

Swinging the bat before the game

Matt and James talking before the game

.

Matt on the steps of the Dugout bouncing up and down like a prize fighter ready to fight

And here he is signing a ball for a child before the game

Andre spotting me in the crowd again.

Manny adjusting those pant legs again.  That darn static cling.

Jamey Carroll looking right at me before he hits that base hit.  I think he remembers that I told him that I notice he gets on base a lot.

Bills pitching during the game

Matt on third base

A nice shot of James on first base for Mimi

Boy, that static cling is a mess

Andre on first checking me out

Manny taking a timeout during a ptiching change

Lots of discussion during this game.  This was taken during a pitching change.

Here’s a picture of Virginia’s beloved Melky.

Another closer shot for Virginia

The Sunday game against the Braves was much better.  It was a day game.  It was hot but there was a nice breeze

.

The guys were out on the field throwing balls.  Here’s Charlie Hager who will probably end up on DL again so another pticher can be called up.

Kuo throwing balls

Here’s Kuo again with that Asian hair thing going on.  Mimi and Hyunyoung knows what I’m talking about

A shot of Broxton and Chipper Jones.  They seemed to be getting along quite well.  In fact the Braves and the Dodgers were both out on the filed talking it up.  There was no obvious animosity.

My gorgeous good friend Jo Anna who looks like a teenager.  She was on Dodgervision the night before.

Andre.  His hair is curling under his cap

The bullpen walking over Matt

AJ Ellis minus cap

John Ely who did not have a good game except that he was thrilled about his base hit, his first since high school.  Talk about a nice kid.

It was a hot day.  I sat in the shade after sitting in my regular seat for about 5 minutes.  Ugh.

Here is Andre seeming to say “Here I am!”  He is going to the All Star game if the voting stands.  He deserves to go. 

A pic of Ely during the game

A shot of Ely right before his thrilling base hit!

Garrett Andreson, playing left field.

Jose Lima was honored at the Sunday game.  They played video of him singing the National Anthem and God Bless America.  Jose Lima Jr threw out the first pitch.  Prayers to his family.

The game was stopped momentarily when the pitcher complained that there was a reflection in the crowd that was bothering hin,  The fan had something that was shining in the pitcher’s eye.

It was a lot of discussion

Very strange.  They had the fan change his seat.

Here’s Andre taking it all in while eating sunflower seeds   Jamey Carroll is on the right in the picture

Some more guys on the fence  Matt was on third base so he waited it out while talking to James

Broxton came out in the ninth to finish it off but the game turned into an extra inning game.

Like I said before, it was a weird game with helicopers flying overhead

In the eleventh inning with the score tied 4-4, Russell patiently waited out a walk

AJ Ellis was able to hit a walk off basehit, winning the game 5-4.  Amazingly the Dodgers had never been ahead in the game. 

I was so excited I shot their feet instead of their heads.  Oh well!!!

Nice pic.  Guess the players by their legs.

It was a fun game.  By the eleventh inning, we were all hot and tired but happy.

Thanks everyone for stopping by.  Tonight the Dodgers will meet the Cardinals.  This will be the 8th game in a row I’ve gone to!!

I hope your team is doing well.  The Dodgers still are 1/2 game behind the Padres who can’t seem to lose.

 

I have a few more pics to share with you from recent games

Janes minus cap

Swing!

Swing!

Time to rest.  Next game in 9 hours!!!

Signing autographs

Okay, now I do have to go.  Enjoy your day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the thrill of three walkoffs against the D Backs, the Dodgers lost in exciting fashion to the Atlanta Braves.  The Dodgers and Braves have been called the two hottest teams in baseball.  It was a letdown to lose but I still had fun.

 

The food was the best.  I had marsala chicken which was outstanding.  I also had a large serving of the herb encrusted beef sirloin.  The rice pilaf was the best that I have had there.

 

The salad was so good I had a whole plate.  There are three salads in that dish:  the field greens salad which has become one of my favorites, the famous Caesar salad, and the spinach salad that had a tasty fruit dressing and large slices of strawberries.

 

I tore myself away from the food to finally go out to the field to watch the warmups.  Kuroda San was stretching.  He has been struggling out there lately.  I wonder if there is something physically wrong with him.  The Braves commented after the game that Kuroda was throwing harder than they thought he would and were lucky to connect.

 

I talked to our utility player Jamey Carroll before the game.  He was taking Casey’s third base position for the day.  I commented that no matter what, he seems to get basehits.  He looked at me and maybe looked a little startled that anyone noticed.  He smiled and said he would go out there again and try to hit a couple.  Funny thing…he did hit two base hits.  I wonder if he remembered our pre game conversation

.

Here is Russell coming out from the Dugout with all his gear getting ready to warm up.  He is passing Jamey who is to the left

 

Russell was all smiles.

Probably the player that gets the most attention is our Andre Ethier.  I guess I got a little close.

He gave me a big smile..

But the player of the day was Matty Kemp.  The giveaway was a superhero Matt Kemp.  Here he is being stretched by one of the trainers.

He signed a few autographs and I shook his finger.   Usually he shakes my hand but he was holding a pen

Here is super hero Matty

.

The superhero figure was nicer than I thought it would be.

A picture of Manny batting.  He was 0-4 last night.  The Dodger offense was sluggish.

There’s Andre looking at me again.

 

Jamey Carroll on base after his second base hit.

Another picture of Jamey on base 

Matty seems to be looking for his lost swing

My big surprise was to see Takashi Saito closing for the Braves.  I love Saito.  His bobblehead is my favorite.  I gave mine to my friend Matt Peaslee.  Unfortunately he hurt himself while pitching and had to leave the game.  I was horrified.  Get well soon, Takashi San

Here’s Andre back in the Dugout.  I’m so glad he’s off DL.

The game became exciting in the eighth inning when the score went from 4-0 Braves, to 4-3.  The Dodgers know how to get the fans going.

I went to the Baseline Club after the sixth inning to get cookies.  To my surprise one of the chefs handed me a box and here is what was inside.  They know how to make me feel 100% better.

The Dodgers lost last nights game.  I was sad for a minute and then I realized how lucky I am.  My sister is making a fantastic recovery.  She has gone through so much in the last two years:  breast cancer and now two brain aneurysms.  If there ever is a hero, it is my sister.  Funny thing, we were laughing yesterday about her scar.  Actually laughing!!  She thought she would go out with her scar exposed.  The scar goes from her left ear almost to the other ear.  She bought several bandanas to protect the scar from the sun.  She wore one to the hospital to get her biweekly allergy shot.  One of the nurses who hadn’t seen her in a while asked her, “Who are you trying to look like, Bret Michaels?”  I was ready to punch her in the nose (I am so not violent.)  The nurse could have fallen through the floor when someone poked her and told her to shut up.

I put everything in perspective.  Dodger Stadium is my Blue Heaven where I can forget everything else.  I don’t think about work, my worries are left outside the gate.  My wonderful friends there (all the super nice Dodger employees) make me feel special.  I walk through the stadium and they smile, most call me by name.  They ask me where I am sitting.  They ask me how everything is.  And there is nothing like having Matt Kemp smile at me, shake my hand and say “How’s it going?”  Or knowing that Andre Ethier recognizes me.  There is nothing like it.  It doesn’t matter if my Dodgers are winning or losing.  They make my life so much better.

Thanks everyone for stopping by.  And many many thanks for the good wishes for my sister.  She is surprised that so many people care.  She is going to the beach tomorrow for the first time to watch everyone surf.  She can’t go in the water for a few weeks.  THAT is what she loves to do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s been a long two weeks!!!  Thanks to all of you for your prayers.  My sister is home from the hospital after her brain aneurysm surgery.  She is doing great.  The days have been long trying to keep up with stuff going on at home and still going to all the games.  It doesn’t help that the last two games went into extra innings!!!

On Memorial Day the players wore white caps.  It was weird seeing them wear other than blue caps.  I think they all got extra large caps because they all seemed to be too big.  What do you think?

It was nice to see Kirk Gibson again even though he is a coach on the D Backs.

Here is Kuroda San wearing his white cap and looking right at me.  They always seem to spot me in the crowd of 55,000.

It  was a day to honor the Armed Forces. 

Chad Billingsley, our SP

The Bullpen with their oversize caps

Russell peering out from under his white cap

Pitcher and catcher heading to the dugout

Manny’s cap seemed to fit

The Memorial Day game was memorable because the Dodgers won it with a walk off balk.  Casey Blake was on third base and pretended to make a run for homeplate.  The pitcher flinched and it was called a balk.  The Dodgers won 5-4.  Talk about the continued bad luck for the D Backs.

John Ely was our pitcher for the Tuesday game.  He is absolutely the most delightful surprise this season.  He has been outstanding.

Russell getting his gear on

Wonderful Andre Ethier back from DL, of course signing autographs.  Nice to see that his right pinky has only an elastic bandage wrapped around it

Casey Blake who started the season sans beard but has been gowing it back since the Dodgers have started their winning ways.  I think the beard is here to stay.

Raffy Furcal is also getting his groove back after returning from DL.  The first game he made two costly errors.

There’s Andre looking right at me from in front of the D Backs bullpen.  He can also spot me in the crowd.

There was a bench clearing incident when Russell slid hard feet first into shortstop Drew when tempers flew.  Drew thought that Russell slid too hard.  The D Backs outfield ran in toward second base, the benches cleared.  The Dodgers bullpen ran the distance.  I’m not sure how I would feel seeing Big Boy Broxton running toward me!!!

Another shot of the players running to the action

Manny got to the field a half step behind everyone and got there as everyone was going back.

Back to the Bullpen

A pic of Andre at attention while blowing a bubble

Matt Kemp hit the walk off homerun Tuesday to win the game 1-0.  All anyone could talk about was the bench clearing incident.  Go figure.

Wednesday’s game was a day game.  By golly, here is Manny signing autographs!!  I had a bit of a tiff with one of the ushers.  Everyone who knows me knows that I don’t get angry often but I was more than upset.  I wanted to get a Manny autograph for someone.  I was in Baseline section (I bought two tickets which cost quite a bit)  I walked over to Manny who was by then close to a section of the field designated for those who want to stand on the field.  I was still in Baseline section.  The usher told me I couldn’t stand there and to line up against a concrete wall.  I told her that I had a baseline seat which means I am allowed to roam through the baseline section.  She told me I couldn’t and to go back to my seat.  I was upset since I saw someone over there who I know did not even have a baseline seat.

I had to go tell my season seat usher Ernie who was very apologetic.  I told him that I was going to drown my sorrows eating the baseline food.

The wonderful tender beef brisket sure helped me get over it.  I also had a wonderful salad, scrambled eggs, barley salad and feld greens.  I love to eat so it made me forget everything else.

It was one of those dreaded day games but what a glorious day it was.  Look at cutie Andre Etheir with his dark glasses on

Another view

The bullpen with Kuo leading the group.  They have been outstanding.

Here is the Dodger Bullpen with everyone giving each other high fives and encouragement before the game.

Russell and Carlos Monasterios our SP who had a great game. or as Joe says, a quality start

James Loney running before the game without cap and with shades on

I bought two baseline tickets and invited my buddy Dr J

There was Andre back on the Dugout rail, eating sunflower seeds

A picture of Andre running back to the Dugout after the 10th inning

Still smiling after 13 innings.  It was a pitchers game.

Big surprise Travis Schlichting pitched four scoreless innings!

We even sang Take Me Out To The Ballgame during the 14th inning stretch

Matty running in the final time.  In the 14th inning Matty hit a base hit, stole a base during a wild pitch, and then Garrett Anderson hit a base hit which drove Matty in for the solo run of the game.  Young of the D Backs tried to fake a clean catch by holding the ball up as though he had caught it.  The second base umpire saw the catch and called it. 

The game lasted four hours sixteen minutes.  What a game.

Today I am taking my sister to an appointment and then I will be going to the game. 

Thanks for stopping by and supporting me.  I really appreciate everyone.