For those of you who know me, I would go to a baseball game no matter what. I've endured searing heat, bone-chilling cold, soaking rain, and even blinding snow, to see games. I've traveled across this country, and into Canada and Mexico, to the tune of more than 60 different professional ballparks. I've seen, since 2006, more than 300 professional baseball games, and dozens more college and amateur games, as well. Baseball Road Trips have now evolved into a 12-month affair with my relocation to Southern California. With this in mind, you can see that it would take an awful lot for me to consider boycotting games and choosing to go to the beach or a hike than a game. Well, lo and behold, that has happened and I am moving forward with my decision. Yesterday, my first Dodgers game of the year may very well end up being my last.
I had established a pretty fantastic routine when it came to Dodgers games. I take the Metrolink in to LA, do a quick loop through downtown and up the big hill to Chavez Ravine, watch the game, ride down to Angel City Brewery after, and catch the train home. I had refined it last year, and I was looking forward to really embracing it this season. There is nothing wrong with that, and even though I missed the brewery because the game went so long, it was a great routine. Not to mention the fact that Dodger Stadium has become one of my more favorite venues to watch a game. However, there is an intangible here that has made me want to stop doing this.
It's the Dodger fans that have made me want to stop going to Dodger games. Yesterday's game clinched it, and I no longer want to do this stuff.
To begin with, I have a major issue with the fans not standing for the National Anthem. When the Star Spangled Banner started to play, I saw dozens and dozens of people sitting in their seats, staring straight ahead, and showing no emotion. Furthermore, many of these people had children with them, who weren't standing either. It was obvious that this was a statement of principle on their part, and that they were intending to make a point politcally. Look, folks, I'm all about civil disobedience, sticking it to the man, and fighting the power. In fact, I have made my living doing just that, on occasion. However, this isn't a city council meeting, or a protest march, or a sit-in. This is a Dodger baseball game on a Sunday afternoon. And, frankly, it upsets me that the lack of respect showed by these fans really dishonors all the good men and women who have died for this country so that they can have that right to express themselves.
Secondly about the Dodger fans, they are notorious for showing up late and leaving early. Ordinarily, I wouldn't care. However, when their tardiness of showing up late means that they are blocking my view of the game in the middle of the third inning because they need to make sure their entourage gets all their hot dogs, candy, and the right seating arrangement, I take issue with it. I paid to watch a game, not look at some guy's butt because he shows up late. Frankly, folks, in my opinion, if you aren't in your seats by the beginning of the third inning, you have forfeited your right to that seat.
Finally, it is a term that I have dubbed the "Food Train." It is the constant stream of people getting up and getting obscene amounts of food for their parties. Every inning, it seemed that people had to get up. And we're not talking about just a solitary Dodger Dog. We're talking Dodger Dogs, nachos, ice cream, beer, margaritas, fries, candy, burgers, etc. And, what really baffles me, is that food at Dodger Stadium certainly isn't cheap, so these people have to be dropping $50-$60 per trip just on food. And, in a lot of cases, they're doing it multiple times during the game.
I had started to notice this last season, but I had just ignored it. However, yesterday, it became so annoying and unbearable. It really affected my enjoyment of the game, and all I wanted to do was leave the stadium and go home. I was really upset about the whole affair as I was going home because I worked really hard to develop that great routine, and Dodger games should be fun. The organization has really made the games family-friendly, and I really did enjoy going to the games. But I just couldn't take it anymore, and I have made the decision to stop going to Dodger games, for the time being.
I still have my Angels and 66ers tickets. I still will be making the occasional trip to San Diego for games. I still will make my yearly visits to Palm Springs. But, the Dodgers and I need some time apart.
I'm actually heading home this weekend! So, no baseball for me. I'm looking forward to spending some time with my folks, my dog, and friends from back in Oregon.
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
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