photo by Alex Gallardo/AP
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**MEDIA ADVISORY** DODGERS ANNOUNCE DISBANDING OF "THE BLUE BABES"
Six dancers ruin it for entire team
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers have announced the dissolution of "The Blue Babes," the dance team slated to provide between-innings entertainment at Dodgers games this season."We are sad to announce that, due to circumstances beyond our control, the Blue Babes will be unable to perform as a group," said choreographer Kaitlyn Portmanteau. "Unfortunately, an alternative media outlet gained access to six of our members, corrupting them with promises of instant fame and publishing power and destroying the delicate group dynamic so crucial to dance team cohesiveness.
"We were hoping our dancers wouldn't succumb to the temptations of Hollywood, but it's a lesson we'll take into the future."
Dodgers officials said they would replace the planned between-innings dance entertainment with rock music played at high decibel levels and surefire crowd-pleasers such as the Disney™ hat shuffle and Chevy™ dot race.
Hey guys,
I'm sorry to say I don't think this Blue Babes thing is gonna work out. Vma is driving me freaking crazy, and who knew the baseball blogosphere could be cattier than a group of girl dancers? Meow! lol But rest assured this experience hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD, the Dodgers. Yeah! And who knows - maybe I'll still see you at Dodger Stadium one day. As a fan!
xoxo
Hunter
I just don't understand it. Everyone was getting along so well at the start, now things are tearing apart. I see so much talent, especially in myself, and know that I and maybe some of the other "dancers" could bring so much joy and entertainment to Dodger games. It is truly heartbreaking to know that now the opportunity to show my great dancing abilities - the ones that I have trained my whole life for - will be wasted. But it is SO HARD being the best dancer and shouldering the responsibility for the rest of the team, I don't think I can do it anymore. I will have to take my talents elsewhere. To my loyal followers, I will see you later and as always, Keep Dancing.
Hey, my very first Game Thread! For this special occasion, I've concocted a SUPER special cheer just for SOSG!
xoxo,
Hunter
Hey guys,
OMG. I am SO sorry. It's come to my attention that my teammate Vma has been a little, say, less than accurate in her baseball talk. See that, you Eurotrash bimbo? It's "baseball," not "Base Ball" or "BaseBall." Sheesh. Also, Matt Kemp is no more a midfielder than Sweden is home of the Alps, hear? And Russell Martin a goalie? Way to destroy that dumb blonde stereotype!
And Brian Cavazos-Galvez? Okay, he put up a pretty nifty .971 OPS in Ogden last year, but the guy's a 12th-round draft pick. Don't get your hopes up, Swedie.
Anyway, please forgive Vma, for she knows not what she talks about. I had a feeling about this one when we first met at the Blue Babes sleepover at Dodger Stadium. Maybe you guys can educate her a little...Lord knows I've tried lol.
xoxo
Hunter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**MEDIA ADVISORY** DODGERS ANNOUNCE TRYOUTS FOR NEW MEN'S DANCE TEAM, "THE BLUE BALLERS"
Blue Ballers to team with Blue Babes to give Dodgers fans a reason to come early and leave late
LOS ANGELES — Hot on the heels of the announcement of the Dodgers' very own dance team, the Blue Babes, the Dodgers are will be holding tryouts for a complementary men's dance team, the Blue Ballers. In the tradition of the irreverent Marlins Manatees, the Blue Ballers will partner with the Blue Babes to provide between-innings comic relief at Dodger Stadium."Any physique is acceptable," said Blue Ballers choreographer Kaitlyn Portmanteau, who also captains the Blue Babes. "We're looking for everyday guys — guys who watch ESPN and read sports blogs. They must have lots of energy and enthusiasm and a sense of humor. Guys who can fire up a crowd even when the home team is losing."
Blue Ballers applicants must be 18 or over and must be prepared to learn a dance routine as part of their audition.
SoSG readers! Think you have what it takes to be a Blue Baller? Send your picture to sonsofstevegarvey@gmail.com and tell us in 50 words or less why you the man!
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So I am trying to get my other "dancers" to agree on a routine. With all of my years of experience, I KNOW that my routine is the strongest and best. I would like to do my routine to "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" by C+C Music Factory (only the BEST song in the world), but my fellow dancers don't want to do this song. When he says "The music takes control, your heart and soul unfold" he is SPEAKING to me. In addition, I have a little hip hop, swing, tap and even JAZZ HANDS all in one routine, but my colleagues want to do something else. I even have the ever popular Step Step THREE, Step Step One, Hands in the air, Spin, Drop, Smile Smile, Lift, Breeeaaatth, and done. Honestly, it is sometimes difficult working with such narrow minded people. So, I need your help. Please comment below to let the other dancers know that this is the best song to dance to and that my routine is the best. Thanks!
I don't understand baseball good enough yet. I want to represent the Blue Babes proudly and become a real Swedish Dodger fan. So I continue to learn. I read meanie's post about stats but I don't quite understand. So I talked to Mitch again and asked him to help me. He explained to me the batters and the pitchers. I think I understand that now. He then explained the most important number for batters is SLG, and for pitchers is ERA. He tells me I can find these numbers for every player on the Dodgers webpage.
So I checked Dodgers.com and sorted by SLG's (see I am a smart girl!). I see that that our best hitter is B Cavazos-Galvez (4.0 SLG's!). And then I looked at the pitchers and see that the one with the most ERA's is A Miller with 67.50! That is almost three times as many as our next best pitcher (F Felix has 27.00 ERA's, which I'm sure is also very good but still way behind A Miller)! A Miller, you are an incredible pitcher.
So look out, other teams! Here come the mighty Dodgers! We have B Cavazos-Galvez and A Miller!
Hi! It is Vma! So last night I went to the movies. I went to see a movie called "Hot Tub Time Machine." I just arrived in this country 2 days ago so I did not know anyone to go with. None of the other Blue Babes seemed interested. The only other person I know here is Mitch who works at the front desk of my motel. But he had to work last night. So I went by myself.
But it was a great movie! Amazing story. It reminded me of Pride & Prejudice, because I really liked that movie too. It is about 4 friends who go on vacation, and suddenly they are surrounded by people dressed in 80's clothes and listening to 80's music, and they even see themselves when they were teenagers! How strange! Something like this has never happened to me. Why is this happening?
What a crazy story, right?
But after the movie when I got home I really thought about it, and I think I know what happened. Do not read further if you don't want me to spoil the movie...
******************SPOILER ALERT**********************
Well here is my theory: I think they went back in time! They went back to a time when people wore 80's fashion and listened to 80's music. My guess is they traveled back to 1995, when 80's music was making a comeback. That would at least explain the music, though I'm not sure about the clothing. But if you're not convinced, here's another reason I believe they traveled through time: the title of the movie. Think about it: "Hot Tub Time Machine." Seems to not really mean anything, right? BUT...I think you will see the hidden meaning if you break the title into two parts: "Machine" and "Hot Tub Time!"...well, I'll let you figure it out from there ;)
*******************END SPOILER***********************
Anyhow, when I realized this, I was like OMG! It makes sense now! It was like at the very end of The Sixth Sense when you finally realize that during the whole movie the main character was played by Bruce Willis! It still gives me chills up my back.
So I really liked Hot Tub Time Machine. I just wish I had someone to go with :( I am feeling homesick. Here is another photo of me with 3 of my friends in Sweden (that's me third from the left):
Ok Dodger Fans, I will go back to learning about BaseBall (Hunter told me it is only one word) and about the team. Also the dance steps. There is so much to learn!
-xoxo
Vma
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People always ask me "Kim, why don't you go on those reality television shows?" My answer is always the same. All of those contestants are amateurs. To be a real dancer is to train and train and train. Then you perform those routines in front of millions of people. You need to commit 110% of your time and energy into your routine and when you get to that 110%, you need to give 10% more. All of those television dancers are only doing it for the 15 minutes of fame. In order to really excel as a dancer, you need to put yourself and your routine in front of thousands of people LIVE. That is why I am excited to be a Blue Babe. 55,000 people will be able to see all of my hard work and commitment as I lay it out on the line every night. THAT is why I dance.
Hi guys! Let me tell you something about myself: I love baseball, and I love the Dodgers. Which is why this Blue Babes gig is perfect for me!
Like a lot of you, I grew up with BA and ERA as your basic measurements of baseball success. But after reading "Moneyball" (BTW, can't wait for the movie version - Brad Pitt as Billy Beane? OMG!) I started to try to expand my statistical horizons. OBP and OPS were natural next steps - I mean, how many times have we heard a walk's as good as a hit? I mean, it's not always true, but I also don't believe in all this "clogging the bases" BS.
Anyway, a girl doesn't always have the time to browse B-R all day (I wish!), so naturally I was thrilled when adjusted stats hit the scene. OPS+ now makes a lot more sense for historical comparisons (Piazza vs. Bench? Please!) I'm also a fan of Mr. Tango's wOBA...BABIP also rocks, as it's one of the few stats that works for batters and pitchers (does it swing both ways? lol j/k!)
Pitching-wise, I still think ERA, WHIP and K/9 are a good place to start. But wins? No thank you. Instead, I've become intrigued by FIP (and it's adorable little cousin, x-FIP), although I haven't quite got a handle on relating them back to those more traditional measurements. Same with DIPS. Oh well, practice makes perfect - just like in dancing!
I have to admit, I get a little lost when it comes to defensive metrics. Kinda like when I can't decide between two different pairs of strappy black heels. Know the feeling guys? hahaha. UZR is still in its infancy, and far as I know we don't have complete enough records for historical comparisons, so how useful is it really? Maybe FRAA?
Anyway, all this talk has put this girl in the mood to dig around BP and Fangraphs. See ya there!
xoxo
Hunter
Getting older, I realized that I was a pretty good dancer and kept at it - learning new routines and tricks. Now I train 6 hours a day with a professional choreographer and strength coach. Then I eat only white meat chicken and eggs without the yolk. At night, I like to unwind by stretching and doing yoga. I do this everyday so that I can bring all of the Dodger fans the best of my abilities. So hello from me and I can't wait to start!
Hi Dodger Fans! It is Vma! I want to give you an update about my first few days with the Blue Babes. I feel it is such a responsibility to cheer for my new sports team (Dodgers) that I must learn about them. I have been using the internet to learn, and I am also learning so much from the other Blue Babes.
They tell me the Dodgers' midfielder Matt Kemp is friends with Rihanna!? And that the goalie Russell Martin (and also one of the former strikers, what a scandal!) used to date Alyssa Milano? I remember watching reruns of Who's the Boss in Stockholm. Now I am living it! It is so exciting living in Los Angeles!
The other Blue Babes are also teaching me about the rules of the game. Hunter seems to know a lot. Did you know there are only nine players on each side? And did you know that when the team is defending, they can use their hands? And not just the goalie, but all the players? In fact you are defending, you can even wear a glove if you want! I guess so it doesn't hurt so much to block the ball with the gloves on.
Ok, that is all for now. Oh, one more thing: this one is me, sitting down:
Go Dodgers! And Go Sweden!
-xoxo,
Vma
Hi Dodger fans and blog readers. I'm new to this whole blog thing but in the spirit of publicizing the Blue Babes, I thought I would write a couple of words as well.
I've been a professional dancer for a long time, having been trained in hip hop, tap, jazz, and even some ballet. But the opportunity to join the Blue Babes was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me simply because of one reason:
I love to party at Dodger Stadium.
I think this fascination started about five years ago, when I had just moved to Los Angeles and was dating this guy who was a big Dodger fan. We probably went to twenty or so games that first year, always getting to games early so we could tailgate a bit in the parking lot (that lot back behind the 76 station was always key as those cops with the segways never made it down there to check people!), and then buy a cheap seat in the left field pavilion just to hang out and enjoy the beer, the night sky, and the crazy fans.
I love being with the rowdy friends. I love starting the wave out there in the pavilion (you may have seen me running up the aisle wearing a short tank top; it never fails to fire up the crowd's cheers!). And I love the fact that we can talk with Manny and whomever is warming up in the bullpen all game long. Sometimes, we're able to find out where the players are hanging out after the game, and we can get VIP access at a club with them. It's great. I love hanging around the Dodgers, because the Dodgers love to party!
Now that I've joined the Blue Babes, I've met some of the coolest friends around and we've made a sport out of going out and chasing boys after dance practice (no, I'm not with that loser guy who introduced me to the Dodgers; he fell asleep one day in the car during a pre-game tailgate, and I never looked back). I mean, the dancing is fun and all, so long as you don't come to practice too sloshed and accidentally step off the top of the dugout roof (sorry Glenda! get well soon!). But it's the partying of the posse that is keeping me pumped up.
Are you into the Dodgers? Do you want to party with us during, and after, the game? I'd love to meet you and see if you've got what it takes to keep up with me and my gang of trouble-makers. It ain't for the weak-hearted!
Hope to see you soon!
Julie
Hello Dodger Fans! I am so happy and excited to be chosen as one of the Blue Babes!
My name is Vma (pronounced like "Vmah" but without the "h"!) and I come from Sweden! I came to Los Angeles from Sweden this week to start with the Blue Babes, it is my first time in United States. I am very excited. In my country we don't have too much Base Ball, but I believe I was chosen because I have a lot of experience in cheering for sports teams - in Sweden I was part of the Sweden United football fans. So although I am still learning about this new sport, I believe I possess many transferable skills that can used to contribute to the Blue Babes!
I want to share a photo of my Sweden United team of fans:
Can you guess which one is me?!? (Hint: I am the pretty one, lol!) I will tell you which one am I soon!
Ok, that's all for now. I can't wait to start my life in America and become a Dodger Fan. It will be so much fun!!! So many new people to meet. The first one I meet is a nice man named Mitch who works at the front desk of my motel. Ok, I will go now and learn as much as I can about Base Ball and the Dodgers. Can't wait for our first match Monday!!
-xoxo,
Vma
Hi, bloggy readers! I'm Hunter, one of the Blue Babes. SOSG has graciously agreed to turn the blog over to us ladies for a little while. I hope we can get to know each other a little bit so we can have a rockin' time at Dodger Stadium this season!
Here are the lucky girls who will be commandeering the site. Be sure to leave us questions and comments!
xoxo
Hunter
Julie |
 Kim |
 Cyndi |
 Hunter |
Vma |
Darcy |
P.S.: Sorry about the lack of group pictures — Victoria's Secret is delivering our uniforms this week and our first photo session (yay!) is this weekend. We'll update you with photos ASAP, promise!
P.P.S.: Already we're making blogger friends! Please check out Juan Pierre's Tragic Awesomeness! No one steals bases like Juan baby!
Newsflash! Just got this press release from the Dodgers:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**MEDIA ADVISORY** DODGERS PARTNER WITH VICTORIA'S SECRET TO ANNOUNCE NEW DODGERS DANCE TEAM, "THE BLUE BABES," FOR 2010 SEASON
Clothing outfitter to provide costumes for dance team
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers and Victoria's Secret are proud to announce The Blue Babes, an on-field baseball dance team in the tradition of the Marlins Mermaids and the Brewers' Diamond Dancers. The Blue Babes will provide between-innings entertainment for crowds at Dodger Stadium and will represent the team at functions throughout Los Angeles.The Blue Babes dance team consists of 23 dancers, all chosen through rigorous private auditions conducted over the off-season. These dancers, who hail from all over the world, were selected based on dance skills, personality and presentation. As part of their Dodger education, dance team members will take classes in basic baseball knowledge and Dodger history.
"I am thrilled and honored to guide the inaugural edition of the Blue Babes," said captain Kaitlyn Portmanteau, a veteran choreographer who has worked with entertainment acts ranging from the UK pop sensation Girls Aloud to the Madame Ants Dance Team of the NBA D-League. "The Blue Babes have a chance to become a Los Angeles institution," Portmanteau continued. "Look out, Laker Girls!"
Victoria's Secret, which recently launched an MLB-branded line of PINK clothing, will partner with the Blue Babes to costume the dancers in a variety of show-stopping uniforms. The most popular designs will then be incorporated into VS PINK MLB gear to be sold to the general public.
Best of all, SoSG is collaborating with the Blue Babes to introduce them to the baseball blogosphere. Look for some introductions very soon...and be sure to check back for another big announcement at 1:00 p.m. PT!
