It’s Time for Dodger Baseball!

In the eternal words of the legendary Vin Scully, “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball!” That voice will forever echo in my heart and soul. I grew up listening to him, soaking in his wisdom and passion for the game. He knew every player, every story, and shared it all with such grace and respect. His love for baseball was contagious, inspiring, and a warmth that made every game feel like a special event. Each crack of the bat and cheer from the crowd felt more vibrant with his commentary. Now, whenever I watch the Los Angeles Dodgers, I hear his powerful speech in my mind. It generates memories of my childhood.

The Dodgers aren’t just a team; they’re my team, and they always will be. I’m a Dodger fan for life, no doubt about it. I cherish each moment, every game day filled with anticipation and excitement. The atmosphere at the stadium is electric. Fans, donning their blue and white, unite in our love and support for the Dodgers. We truly do have the best fan-base in baseball.

I was born in 1988, a year the Dodgers won the World Series. I can’t help but think of it as some cosmic sign that it was meant to be. Silly, maybe, but it feels true. What I didn’t know back then was that I’d have to wait 32 long years for another championship. That wait felt like an eternity, filled with highs and lows. Even though the season ended with no trophy through those years, I never gave up hope. In 2020, we finally pulled that long awaited title. Despite the shortened season, I couldn’t care less about the mockery from some people. They called it a “Mickey Mouse” championship. To me, it was everything. I cried, I screamed, I celebrated. My Dodgers were finally on top again, and the joy of that moment was indescribable.

But honestly, the 2024 championship? That one takes the cake. No more defending 2020; now, we’ve got a title that truly proves we’re the real deal. The added talent, especially Shohei Ohtani, has transformed this team into something special. Watching him play is like witnessing magic on the field. He is pure gold, and worth every penny. Let’s not forget Teoscar Hernández, his energy and skills have been a game-changer for us. The way he charges towards wins, giving it his all, ignites hope in every Dodger fan. But the real heart and soul of this team, for me, is Kike Hernández. He’s that spark we need. He has such high-energy, a true friend to everyone on the team, and is the spirit of Los Angeles. If we don’t re-sign him this year, my heart will just break. The team wouldn’t be the same without him.

And, of course, there’s Clayton Kershaw. The guy’s a legend, no question about it. A future Hall of Famer and undeniably the best pitcher of my generation. He deserves every bit of this success and more. I can’t imagine a Dodger team without him. His consistency and skill have been a foundation for this franchise. Whenever he takes the mound, there’s an air of confidence that envelops the fans. Hopefully, we get to watch him retire as a Dodger. He did say so himself during our Championship parade and event. “I’m a dodger for life.” The sweetest music to my ears. When he retires, and that day comes, his number will be up there with the greats. Lest us not forget that the infamous Jackie Robinson was a Dodger. So his number hangs proudly on our turf.

The rivalry with the San Francisco Giants will always be there., but we’ve added some other teams into the mix lately. The 2017 World Series still stings, because let’s be real, the Houston Astros cheated. That asterisk will forever follow them from that year and beyond in my book. Now, the San Diego Padres have really made themselves a thorn in our side. I’ll give credit where it’s due; they were tough to beat in the 2024 NLDS. A real nail biter for sure. But watching Fernando Tatis dance around like he owns the place, and Manny Machado’s constant antics? It was frustrating, and the taunting was ridiculous. That series felt more like the World Series than anything else. But hey, rivalry is part of the game, right? I still loathe them, though, each encounter fueling my competitive spirit.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about wins, losses, or rivalries. Being a Dodger fan is a passion that runs deep, like a relationship. I get angry, disappointed, and heartbroken at times. In yet, but we always work it out in the end. The Dodgers are a part of my family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I grew up going to games with my parents; they instilled this love in me. It’s my dad’s favorite sport, and he taught me all about the game. My dad truly is my reason why I love the game as much as I do. We always talk baseball, and share a special connection on that level. It is so meaningful and rewarding having those experiences with him.

I imagine that going to my first game, though young, It was love at first sight. I knew most of the vendors who sold food in the stands. We usually sat in the same section so it was easy to remember them. I’ll never forget a guy who always shouted, “peanuts, peanuts for the family.” He did it with such power in his voice that it was hard to pass up getting some. He also did it in a New York accent, which made it all the more endearing. Perhaps he is a native to the state. I honestly don’t know, but he became a part of my childhood memories.

I still feel the pulse of Dodger Stadium as if it was my second home. The moment I step foot inside, it feels like a warm embrace from the past. I soak in the smell of the freshly cut grass. The aroma of the classic Dodger dogs fills the air, a treat that never gets old. It’s pure nostalgia that takes me back to simpler times, and I’m the happiest person in the world. Baseball is my comfort, my hyper-fixation, my passion. It’s who I am. I’ll bleed blue, forever and always. Each game and each season only deepens my connection. I grow more attached to this beautiful sport, and this organization and franchise embodies it all for me.

“They not like us”

Kendrick Lamar