Oh Crap... There's That Stupid Banner

Just so you can get a big smile at the inanity that is Giants fans, check out this twitpic photo of the banner flying over Dodger Stadium that is meant to make the Blue Nation squirm. Frankly, all it makes me do is laugh.

(Pic Link: TwitPic MelissaMArtin_)

Early Look at Opening Day

Here are some pics and other things I ran into as we approach game time.

Below is the memorial patch that Dodgers will be wearing.

(Pic Link: Plixi Dodgers)

From USCLibraries, Opening Day at the Coliseum, 1958, against the Giants.

(Pic Link: TwitPic USCLibraries)

(Pic Link: TwitPic DylanHernandez)

At the gates to heaven.

(Pic Link: TwitPic Trish37)

Some Axe models at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day.

(Pic LInk: TwitPic DevStaff)

I can't wait to hear these words.

YouTube Link:

OPENING DAY!

WooHoo! The season is finally here. Before I get on with whatever I was planning to write here I want to start out with a great little tune that is sure to put a smile on your face. Here is John Fogerty's "Centerfield."

YouTube Link:

How about some Opening Day data to keep your mind sharp. FlipFlopFlyBall put together some great Opening Day stats, see here. I didn't realize that the Reds have opened the season at home every year since 1991. Wow!

For the 2011 season Baseball Musings records some of the 1st from the young 2011 Baseball season.

• First pitch was a called strike.
• CC Sabathia records the first strike out.
• Chipper Jones has the first hit.
• Brian McCann has the first RBI

Now for some Dodger related Opening Day festivities.

• Placido Domingo will sing the National Anthem and Davis Gaines will sing God Bless America.
  
• Auto and stadium gates will both open early on Opening Day and fans are encouraged to carpool and arrive early, as auto gates will open at 1:00 p.m. and stadium gates will open at 1:30 p.m. Fans can also take the free Dodgertown Express Bus Service from Union Station to Dodger Stadium, as they can for every game this season.
• Bill Russell will sign autographs for fans in Autograph Alley.
• Don't be late. The first 50,000 fans at Thursday’s game will receive the below Magnet Schedule.
  

• If you are at the game be sure to get a copy of Dodgers Magazine. For the first time ever, it will feature a unique Opening Day cover of Kershaw and "The Freak."
  

Blog Kiosk: 3/31/2011

• Dodger prospect Greg Wilborn has a twitter account. Check it out here.
  
• Here is a great post from Tommy Lasorda's blog talking about Hall of Fame umpire Doug Harvey.
  

  I go to the ballpark and when I got there Doug told me not to bring that paper with me or you’re gone!

  Umpires……….

• Here is something fun. Find out your 19th Century Baltimore Orioles Nickname here! As you may know, this team was a little bit Yankees with the demeanor of the Raiders. They stand as one of the great teams in the game and the toughest mofo's around. From the developer at fangraphs:

  "As you are no doubt aware, the Orioles of that vintage were a tough bunch of men. They drank all the liquor in America, they went decades without sleeping, they brawled against Norse gods, and they saw all of their children killed gruesomely by primitive farming equipment. All of these things are facts."

  Here is my name.

  "Murder Mittens"

• Check out the LA Time photo essay on Fernandomania.
• Macho Mike talks to Maury Wills about 2011 season.

YouTube Link:

Auto Collection: Tommy Lasorda Sweet Spot

Here is a Tommy Lasorda 2002 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Classics autograph card from my collection. Man-O-Live, I really love these cards.