Photo from Google Images
After two months of having issues with my MacBook, I finally broke down and purchased a new one. Sorry for the delay in blog post, but I’m back now!
The hunt for October is on! While I’m bummed my Texas Rangers are not playing in the post season, I’m rooting for my family’s team; the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Chicago Cubs are the defending World Series Champions. They’ve flown the W and ended 107 years of the longest World Series Championship drought streaks in the history of baseball. Lets be honest, no one wants the Yankees to win and then there’s the Astros who in 55 years of franchise history have never taken home the Commissioner’s Trophy. I have no sympathy for the Astros, I’m a Rangers fan and we have 57 years of franchise history with no rings.
When you have the highest payroll in MLB, it should buy World Series rings, right? Not necessarily. The Los Angeles Dodgers have had the highest payroll in major league baseball for the last four seasons and the second highest payroll in 2013. The Dodger’s haven’t won a World Series in over 29 years. But, all of that money has bought them five straight Divisional Championships and five straight years of post season play. The only other team in MLB with a current consecutive postseason appearance streak are the Chicago Cubs with three. This will be the Dodgers second National League Championship Series in five years and a rematch with the Cubbies who beat the Dodgers 4-2 last October.
The Dodgers won 85 out 107 games during a four-month stretch and were the best team in baseball. And then from August 26th through September 11th they had the worst streak in baseball by only winning one of 17 games. But the past is in the past. The Dodgers that have dominated all year were back as they swept the Diamondbacks in three games during the NLDS.
They say that every great October team has an X-factor. Well, my twin brother is convinced that the X-factor is not Andre Ethier, but you know something is brewing in the clubhouse when you see Yasiel Puig happy and having fun with coaches in the dugout. Maybe it’s the solid rotation with Clayton Kershaw, Yu Darvish, Rick Hill, and Alex Wood. Or is it Maeda, Marrow and Jansen from the bullpen?
What if it’s the culture of being surrounded by Dodger legends and the constant reminders of how rich the history of Dodger baseball runs? A regular attender at Dodger games is Hall of Famer, Sandy Koufax. Koufax is also a friend and mentor to Kershaw. Even Tommy Lasorda (who was the manager when they won their last ring in 1988) and Don Newcombe (who are both in their 90’s). They both are often attending games and sitting with owner Magic Johnson next to the Dodgers dugout. They are forever a part of the Dodger family.
What if it’s the skipper, former Dodger, Dave (Doc) Roberts? I’ve never heard a former or current player say anything negative about him. He’s a coach that cares more about his players than he does himself. Adrian Gonzalez said “He’s probably the best human being I’ve ever met”. Dodger third baseman, Justin Turner said “He brings such energy and passion to the game. It’s like having a teammate for a manager, and a manager for a teammate. He’ll hold you accountable, but he’ll fight for you.” He greets each player before every game and reminds them he’s got their back. The Dodger Way has always been about family in how they run the team on and off the field. So maybe the X-factor is simply the Dodger Way?
You can’t mention the Dodger Way without the most iconic tradition of the Los Angeles baseball. Hearing the voice of the greatest announcer in all of sports, Vin Scully. After 67 years, Scully retired last season, but they will never retire the start of each game with the five best words in Major League Baseball; “It’s time for Dodger baseball”.
The Dodgers host the Cubs for game one of NLCS on Saturday.