Dodgers Unveil New 3-D Logo Helmets, Lose Anyway

Is a loss in three dimensions worse than in two dimensions? I'm not sure, but at least the Dodgers' unveiling of a new batting helmet distracted us from a disappointing Opening Day loss at home:

The Los Angeles Dodgers are making two changes to their batting helmets -- one of which is unprecedented in MLB history.

The Dodgers today unveiled new matte-finish batting helmets for their home opener. Several other MLB teams have recently changed their helmet finish from glossy to matte, including the Dodgers' opponents today, the Arizona Diamondbacks. But the Dodgers' new helmets have a unique feature: The team's familiar interlocking "LA" logo is raised from the helmet shell instead of being flat against it, creating a three-dimensional effect.

The "LA" lettering projects outward only about three millimeters from the helmet's surface, but that's enough to create a noticeable sense of depth unlike anything seen on a typical batting helmet. Of the other 29 MLB teams, 28 of them use flat decals for their helmet logos. The Chicago Cubs use an adhesive embroidered cloth patch that provides a greater sense of texture, but it doesn't create the same 3D effect as the Dodgers' new headwear mark.

photo from ProHelmet Decals

Photos from Opening Day 2016

No, I wasn't there, unfortunately. But I had these shots sent in by a stringer, who captured the majesty of the Dodgers' home opener (and the last in the major leagues this year), honoring Vin Scully, before the Dodgers' bullpen threw the game away.

Vin Scully Av(e)!

Filling up.

One last grounds check

The giant flag returns

One last group shot at home with Vin Scully.

Looked like it was a great time! Until the final innings, that is.

photos from secret SoSG field reporter

Catching Up: Good News and Shit Sandwich

Per LA Times' Bill Shaikin:

The Dodgers open the season on the road -- and Vin Scully will be there.

Scully said Wednesday that he would broadcast the April 4 opener in San Diego -- the first game of his 67th and final season as the voice of the Dodgers.

"I love opening day, wherever it is," Scully said. "It's so near. I said I'd love to share in that."

Scully, 88, said he would not call the rest of the series.

Excellent noticias! This means Vin will be calling the season opener (in San Diego) and the season closer (in San Francisco). Cannot wait to hear Vin call in the game from Petco.

Now on to the stinky part, courtesy Bill Plaschke:

In a move that echoed the broadcast turmoil of winter 1972...the Dodgers’ ghost television network made yet another galling decision recently when it announced it was cutting back spring training broadcasts from 31 to 16.

That's right, kids. We'd gotten used to catching mid-day, weekday Spring Training baseball from Camelback Ranch. At least, those of us who can watch Dodger telecasts had. Now they've halved the number of ST broadcasts. I understand that they don't get huge ratings, but: The Dodgers have their own fucking network to show these games and to get fans excited about the upcoming season (a point Plaschke makes in his column). Instead they'll show some completely obscure Dodger games from decades ago. This is low-hanging fruit, so not sure the rationale if there actually is one.