Some Brooklyn Dodgers Welcome the Brooklyn Nets

Last night was the home opener for the newly christened Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center arena, and some old-time Brooklyn Dodgers where on-hand to welcome them to town.  The basketball teams relocation to the borough marks the first professional major-league sports team to play in the city in 55 years. 

Representing the Brooklyn Dodgers, who left town in 1957, was Ralph Branca, Joe Pignatano, and Gil Hodges Jr.  Via an AP story on SI,

"Brooklyn is Brooklyn and Manhattan is New York, and Brooklyn has always been considered second class to Manhattan. But that's only Manhattan's thinking. Brooklyn's the best," Branca said. "I mean, the fans were the greatest, and I anticipate with the advent of the Nets coming here, a major league franchise coming here, they're going to have fans that are major league fans. If anything like the Dodgers fans, the Brooklyn Nets fans will be the same, loyal to the end."

In the photo below (via twitter @JeffZillgitt), Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov chats with former Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca at the Barclays Center.

(pic link: lockerz @JeffZillgitt)

Before the game (from left to right) Gerald Wallace, Joe Pignatano, Ralph Branca, Brook Lopez, Gil Hodges Jr, and Deron Williams shake hands, exchange jersey's and share an embrace for the cameras.

(pic link:twitter @YouBigDummy)

Here they are again being encircled by photographers.

(pic link:twitter @BrooklynNets)

The Brooklyn Nets finished the evening by defeating the Toronto Raptors 107 to 100.  Of special note, the Brooklyn Dodgers won their last 2 home games at Ebbets Field.  So, the town is on a 3-game winning streak.

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