Autograph Solution

As most of you already know, the Dodgers have decided to do the right thing.

The Dodgers, surrendering to the wishes of irate fans, announced Friday they have dropped a new rule and will allow all youngsters to seek autographs in Dodger Stadium in much the same way they have done for years.

In this wonderful age of electronic communications the fans have decided to collectively let the Dodgers management know exactly what was on their minds. Apparently, they emailed the Dodgers in great numbers to announce their displeasure.

"I read the e-mails aloud to everyone here and it helped," the Dentist said. "We decided to allow everyone to enter the field level the way they have in previous years -- through the end of batting practice.

J.T. Simers continued by noting something that I find a bit disturbing.

"I guess they are making an attempt," said Gabriel Ramirez, 39, of Santa Clarita. "But nobody showed up."

It is one thing to demand the kind of access to the players than can only be a win-win for the organizations desire to build its fan base. It's quite another thing to expect the Dodger players to always be available to sign.

Autograph seeking fans need to understand that all players tend to have their own set routines as they prepare for the game. Think of it this way. When the players enter that stadium, they are on the clock. It's work and as professionals they treat their day like any hard working schmo. The fact that they earn far more than you and I combined only means that their preparation is that more important. They are paid to play the game to the best of their abilities and sometimes they need to spend their time putting on their game face.

So, the next time your standing in that line, please don't scream, push or shove. Please do not get angry at any players who are not available. If you get an autograph be thankful, you are one of the lucky ones. If your ball goes unsigned don't sulk, it just wasn't your day. There will be many other opportunities.

In fact, the best way to get autographs is to follow Roberto at "Blogging Dodgers and Baseball". He goes to free promotional signing events often found in advertisements in local papers.

Suite Seats The Movie

Is it morning yet? I woke up both disheveled and confused. My hair was giving me its best Carrot Top impression. It was matted with choice spikes, looking like stalagmites in a deep underground cave. I was still wearing my Dodger jersey. Had I slept in it last night? It was wrinkled and in need of a wash. My cap was sitting atop my alarm with my glasses barely hanging on the ledge of my end table. What happened? Did last night really occur? Wow.

As many of you know, several Dodger bloggers were invited to spend the evening at Dodger Stadium. We were to be regaled with hot dogs, a suite and some special guest. I remember that Friday afternoon, I was anxiously fidgeting at work eager to end the day. Minute by minute passed, but it felt like hours.

At around 4PM i started wondering about the evening. Who would be the special guest Josh Rawitch mentioned? Would Colletti, or even McCourt himself show up? Would the most famous Dodger blogger of them all, Alyssa Milano, stop bye to say hello.

I walked through the concourse with two friends in tow. We opened the door to the suite that would become our haven for the next few hours. To my surprise Alyssa was there to greet us all with a smile and a firm handshake, even firmer than Ned Colletti's shake. I said "G' Day Alyssa" and gave her a big hug. A childhood dream had been fulfilled. My friend Bill was frozen like a goalie facing a Zdeno Chara slapshot. He almost vomited at the sight of her like Stan from South Park when he meets Wendy. All evening Alyssa and I chatted as I could tell the fireworks were flying. By the end of the game we left arm in arm, exchanged numbers and planned to meet at a nearby club.

My phone was ringing. I'm still at the office. I can barely hold up my head as drool starts to fall from chin to desk. Dammit! Had I been daydreaming? Where's Alyssa? Is it game time? Damn, it's only 4:20. I started preparing to leave the office so that I could pick up my friends for an evening that was sure to be unforgettable.

From here the whole actual evening is a blur. GM Ned Colletti came by and spent almost half an hour before the start of the game to answer our questions. As Chris from Dodgerfan.net wrote, he has some great looking boots. Team owner Frank McCourt stopped by during the early innings and was open and amiable. The saintly Tommy Lasorda finished the evening off with stories about the past. I love that old man.

I would like to thank Josh Rawitch for an incredible evening. I would especially like to thank Chris from Dodgerfan.net for making the suggestion to Josh. It was great meeting everyone there. I am hopeful that we can do this regularly, whether it's sponsored by the Dodgers or if we decide to do it ourselves. For more details about the night, far beyond anything I can remember please check out the post from the other bloggers in attendance. They've done a much better job of recalling the evening than I ever could.

• 3 of the Sons of Steve Garvey
• Erin from Beantown West
• Chris of Dodgerfan.net
• Robert from The Trolley Dodger
• Robert from Dodger Dugout

And yes Robert, I started the morning off right with a pick-me-up hot dog. Now I feel great! Thanks for the advice.