Wednesday, April 11, 2012

At-Game Recap: Opening Day

The Beach Boys singing the national anthem.

Ever get to a game three hours early? Turns out it's a beautiful way to spend the morning.

Optimism was in the air on opening day at Dodger Stadium. Fifty-six thousand people came to have their first official Dodger Dog of the season and collectively sprint toward the light at the end of the tunnel. It was great the Dodgers won, but on this day most everybody would still have been smiling even if they hadn't.

Security was noticeable but not obtrusive, and fans wore all manner of custom-made tributes. I saw one guy wearing a T-shirt reading MAGIC MADE FRANK McCOURT DISAPPEAR, another man with VIN SCULLY FOR PRESIDENT on his, and at least one Laker-colored Dodgers jersey.

Big thanks to Sax for the invitation and of course to the Dodgers organization for the classy festivities. Oh, and to Andre Ethier for helping to finish the game in less than two and a half hours. It was also wonderful to share a beer with fellow Son Dusty, and to meet longtime reader Paul for the first time.

On to the pix!

Dee Gordon high-fives Tony Gwynn Jr. during pre-game introductions.

Before the game: the ageless Jim Hill and Tommy Davis.

Vic "The Brick" Jacobs. No relation to D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

Beach Boys David Marks, Bruce Johnston and Al Jardine exit stage right after singing the national anthem.

Ethier after his home run. "So, about that contract...."


Larry King holds court.

Dodgers team photographer Jon SooHoo gives someone the thumbs-up, or is getting ready to paint the sun.

Molly Knight, is that you?

Assistant Athletic Trainer Nancy Patterson and Head Athletic Trainer Sue Falsone get snapped by SooHoo.

The on-field medical staff: Falsone, Patterson, Greg Harrel, Stephen Downey and Ichiro Tani.

Tommy Davis congratulates Maury Wills after they announce "It's time for Dodger baseball!"

Members of the military wave Old Glory.

Tommy Lasorda greets the Veteran of the Game, Sergeant Eric Rodriguez. Rodriguez, who lost a leg to an IED in Afghanistan, is currently more active than most who were in attendance at Dodger Stadium, and plans to return to Afghanistan.

The Dodgers saluted the 1962 team before the game. At the far left is former councilwoman Rosalind Wyman, who was instrumental in getting the Dodgers to move to L.A.

Peter O'Malley and his sister, Terry Seidler, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Lasorda.

Clayton Kershaw's first Dodger Stadium pitch of 2012!

Dee Gordon advances in the first inning.

Matt Kemp knocks in Gordon and gives the Dodgers a 1-0 lead.

Ethier about to untie the game in the eighth.

Indeed.

photos by SoSG Orel

13 comments:

Fred's Brim said...

Awesome stuff Orel!
Amazing capture of Dre all coiled up, ready to be the hero!

QuadSevens said...

Did someone get a new camera in the offseason? Or maybe take some lessons with SooHoo? These photos are great!

The Ethier picture is awesome, but my other favorite is the one of Kershaw.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Am I the only one who thinks that Kershaw looks just like me at the SOSG softball tourney?

Paul said...

Neeebs, maybe when you started but after 3 games I bet you looked more like Jamie Moyer out there.

It was great to meet Sax and Orel in person for the first time! Thanks guys for the beer! Hopefully next time we can hang out a bit more before I get stuck in the Think Blue Bar line.

Orel said...

Glad you guys like the pics. Old-ish camera, but first time at Dodger Stadium. "Sports mode" is your friend.

Neeebs: Probably.

Paul: Our pleasure!

Johnny Blanchard said...

Holy crap, I've got to butter you guys up. I was in the back row of the Upper Deck (despite buying a miniplan).

Neeebs is the mirror image of Kid K, since he's a righty.

Dusty Baker said...

Truly great shots, Orel. It helps when your seats are practically in the dugout!

Orel said...

I was getting ready to pinch-run for Juan Uribe.

Steve K said...

Great pics! Wish I had been there. I know they were celebrating '62 and Dodger Stadium and I realize the O'Malleys were instrumental in all that, but I can't believe McCourt actually allowed O'Malley to throw out the first pitch.

Steve Sax said...

Awesome wrap-up Orel

Dusty Baker said...

I was getting ready to pinch-strike out for Urine.

spank said...

@ Orel- Next time pinch hit for Loney.

Jason said...

Is TGJr wearing bloomers?