I attended the unveiling of the newest Dodgers Dreamfield today. The Dodgers Dream Foundation and LA84 Foundation dedicated the new Dodgers Dreamfield at Northridge Recreation Center. It was the last stop of the Dodgers' annual community caravan. The dedication ceremony was led by Dodger Owner and Chairman Frank McCourt, 12th District City Councilman Greig Smith, LA84 Foundation President Anita L. DeFrantz, LA84 Foundation Vice President of Grants and Programs Patrick Escobar and General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation Jon Kirk Mukri.
Dodger players in attendance included Rafael Furcal, Matt Kemp, Tony Gwynn Jr., Jay Gibbons and Gabe Kapler, as well as former Dodgers Fernando Valenzuela, Ron Cey, Steve Garvey, Derrel Thomas, "Sweet" Lou Johnson, Don Newcombe, Todd Zeile and Dodger broadcaster Charley Steiner.
The entire event was a lot of fun. It was nice to see all the little leaguers in attendance.
When the players first arrived, they headed straight to the field, and the fans were told not to ask for autographs until the event was over. People ignored this and started taking pictures with the players and asking for autographs. That was put to a stop quickly once the dedication ceremony began.
Charley Steiner started the ceremony. He introduced all the players and speakers. We heard from Greig Smith, Anita L. DeFrantz, then Frank McCourt. Frank gave a nice speech, then he got all the kids together to start a baseball clinic.
The clinic was separated into stations, and the kids would rotate every five minutes. It was a pleasure to watch.
When the clinic ended, a group picture was taken with all the kids and Dodger personnel. Afterwards, the players took pictures with the fans and signed some autographs. I was there with my Don Newcombe bobblehead hoping to get his autograph. That didn't happen. I had a terrible experience trying to get him to sign. I would love to tell this story, but I don't want to bad-mouth anyone. Maybe one day I'll actually get him to sign the bobble. Anyways, with all the time I wasted trying to get Newk's autograph, I missed out on some other opportunities. I did get to meet Steve Garvey, Fernando Valenzuela, Todd Zeile and Gabe Kapler though.
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| Dodgerbobble and Fernando |
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| Dodgerbobble and Garv |
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| Dodgerbobble and Todd Zeile |
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| It's hard to see, but that's Gabe Kapler's autograph |
Now I'm ready for baseball. First Spring Training then Opening Day. We're almost there.
Nice going. Looks like I might need to do a DodgerBobble update on my site.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well.
Johngy - All is well, thanks. An update would be awesome!
ReplyDeletelol yea its nice a nice event..got my autos
ReplyDeleteMan, nice coverage of the event. You could have done something about McCourt though :) Newcombe's auto will come your way one day. I'm sure! Now, let's get this season started. You got season tix? Mini plan?
ReplyDeleteActually, your encounter with Billy Ashley is set for 2/28. I'll put another together for this one and run it later though.
ReplyDeleteAnon - I would love to see pics of your autos!
ReplyDeleteDutch - McCourt didn't get the applause he should have. It was kinda funny. I hope your right about Newcombe. No ticket packages for me. I'm just gonna go to Opening Day and bobblehead nights.
Johngy - Thanks. Can't wait to see!
Great Job. Great Pics. Wish I could have gone.
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