Newly arrived Angeleno Neal Pollack writes today at Slate about what happens to your life when you move to your favorite team's hometown. The author had been a long-distance Dodgers fan until relocating to L.A. in January. Recently he got a call from a friend offering four box seats behind the home dugout. He had plans that night; they were broken.
Anyone who's ever taken two 3-year-olds to a baseball game will agree that it's hardly the ideal circumstance. I ended up, as I knew I would, spending the fifth and sixth innings with the kids running around the concession area, roaring, while I pretended to be a bear. But come on! Who cares? It's the Dodgers!The Dodgers were my team growing up in suburban Phoenix. Those years, 1977 to 1988, were comfortable ones in Dodgerland. We almost always fielded a winning team, went to the playoffs more often than not, and enjoyed Fernandomania. I'd just headed off to college when Kirk Gibson hit his miracle shot to win Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. That homer felt like the ultimate return on a long boyhood of bleeding blue.
[skip]
In addition to the occasional bonus tickets from my friend, I split a 25-game package with a paralegal named Craig who I met on the Dodger Thoughts bulletin board. My seats are in the infield reserve, pretty high up, but they're Section 1, right on home plate, the best that a regular guy can afford more than twice a year.
A few days before the game, I'll contact one lucky friend, telling him or her that I'll cover the ticket and parking if they pay for refreshments. Also, they have to drive, because I like to get stoned before the game. I tell them that they need to pick me up at least 45 minutes before the opening pitch, because unlike many Dodger fans, I refuse to arrive late. And I never miss anything, because I rented my house based on its proximity to Dodger Stadium. It's a 10-minute straight shot down the 2, the breeziest freeway in town.
Pollack writes that he has tickets to tonight's game but won't go stoned because he is taking his son, Elijah. Pollack blogs, mostly about Ejijah, at The Maelstrom. His memoir, Alternadad, will be published in January.
Effective business articles that will improve your business.
Understanding the difference between accidents and incidents is essential for effective risk assessments. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but in the context of workplace safety, they have distinct meanings … Read More
Managing construction projects effectively requires not only skilled labor and quality materials but also the right equipment for the job. For contractors, balancing the need for specialized heavy machinery with … Read More
Choosing the right hosting company and plan is crucial to ensuring your website’s performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. With so many hosting options available, it can be overwhelming to know which … Read More
The health and wellness markets are part of a rapidly expanding segment of the global business economy. People are taking a proactive approach to improving their general quality of life, … Read More
Job interviews can be nerve wracking, yet exciting experiences. This is your opportunity to take the next step of your career, but at the same time, you probably have a … Read More
Investing in real estate doesn’t always mean amassing a portfolio of traditional properties like single-family rentals. For some, becoming a landlord may not be their dream. Nevertheless, would-be investors want … Read More
In the modern world where your online footprint matters most, enhancing your business website’s SEO is not just beneficial; it’s essential. With millions of searches conducted every day, your online … Read More
While credit cards are undeniably convenient for everyday purchases, using them to fund your bank account can be a financially precarious move. The high fees and potential credit score implications … Read More
All-on-4 denture implants have revolutionized dental restoration, offering a transformative solution for individuals with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures. This innovative approach provides a stable and permanent solution by securing … Read More
Nobody likes seeing those flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror? Getting a speeding ticket can be frustrating and costly, but don’t lose hope we have some helpful … Read More
