2009

There's a week of 2009 left. And I can say, I am glad 2009 is almost over. Looking back over it, I can say that I thorough enjoyed the 2009 baseball season. I love all the new friends I've made through the Dodger caravan, autograph signings, the 51 regular season home games, 2 road games, and 3 play-off games. 2009 has been an incredible season and I am thankful for that. Especially since I don't know what to expect for 2010, since I am unemployed. I can't thank JoAnna, Cat, Pat, Roberto, Ernie, Miguel, Mickey, Linda, Kenneth, Robert (both of them), Cari, Stacey, Kristin, Laurie, Michael, Rudy, and anyone else I may have missed to making 2009 such an amazing experience for me. It's hard to believe I've only known JoAnna for two years and Cat for less than a year. I can't imagine going to a game and not seeing the same people every game. I look forward to every handshake and every hug and every smile. It has become more than just going to a baseball game. It has become more than just seeing the players. And for that, I am very thankful.

Why?

Why is everything I do ridiculous? Why is it the things that hurt me are hysterically funny to you? Why is it you can share your pain and your hurt but I can't even get a word in edgewise when I want to talk about something that's hurting me? And when I do get to say something about what I'm going through, you laugh about it. You find it hysterically funny. You find something that causes me to stay up all night or cry myself to sleep something to laugh about. Why does it always have to be about you? Why is it when it's everyone else agree to something, except for you, we have to change it? Yet, when I don't agree, I have to keep quiet and go along so everyone else will be happy? Why is it the things I like and are interested in are stupid or not interesting? Yet, the things you like and find interesting HAVE to be liked and found interesting. Why does everything have to go your way? Why is it that I'm always left alone or forgotten or neglected or left out? But we can't do a thing without your opinion, your decision, or your presence. Why do you think I keep your at an arm's length? And when I say arm, I mean like an octopus' arm. Why do you think I've been pulling away?

When you've hit rock bottom

You think things can't get any worse right? Well, they usually do. And it's usually when you're least expecting it. And there's only one thing left in life that you're holding onto ... yet you're still tempted to throw it all away. Why? Because it's the last thing you have. Yet, because it's the last thing you have, you cling to it even more tighter. Because if you don't have it ... what else is there? Then you tell yourself that things are going to get better ... and okay so things calm down for a little while ... and then the storm breaks all over again and we're back to where we were before. A mess. Broken. Two words for you. Life sucks.

You know it's not good ...

... when you get home and there's broken furniture on the lawn...

... when the living room is trashed ...

... when there's a car backing quickly out of the driveway ...

.... when that same car comes back and is followed by a clanging/banging sound in the backyard ...

... when you know you're not going to get any sleep at all

Unemployed

Being unemployed stinks. Okay, so I don't miss having to deal with the customers I used to deal with. But I do miss having a steady income, as little as it was and as fast as it was spent. Okay, so I like sleeping in and staying up late. But it's time for me to get back into the work force. So, I applied for a job tonight. With the Montebello Unified School District, as a library media assistant. And this is the kind of position I would love to get. It's the kind of position I wanted when I was in high school. In fact, when I was looking at the list of duties ... I performed most if not all of those duties when I was in high school. Pray for me. I've been doing a lot of praying lately for guidance and direction. I feel like a boat without a rudder (is that the correct term?), like a compass without a needle. I've been feeling useless the last few weeks. And yeah, I know I haven't been blogging since I lost my job and since baseball season ended. Don't even ask me when was the last time I wrote in my journal because I have no clue. Even though I know exactly where it is, so I can't use the "I lost my journal" excuse for the reason for not writing in it. Okay, I better end this soon before I get too depressing. I'll try to write during the daytime so it won't be as depressing.

Joppa

Tonight, my cousin jenny and I went to Red Robin to use the free gourmet burger coupon I had received for my birthday. Tonight was the last night before it expired. After we ate, we walked around the mall for a little bit. We walked down to where I used to work. Honestly, I was a little apprehensive about seeing where I used to work. It was even weirder to actually see the store that replaced my store. It was weird to see the red doors that I used to walk through now painted gray. It was funny. One of the first things I noticed was that one of their light bulbs was out. Now that I think about it, it would've been interesting to see what else I could have noticed. I did notice they posted a paper on the women's bathroom door that said it was for employees only. There was also a rolling rack placed in front of it. I wonder how many people go into their store to try to use their bathroom. And how many people go in there asking for the store that used to be there.

Cell Phone Apps Make It Possible to Carry Scriptures on Your Cell Phone

Cell Phone Apps Make It Possible to Carry Scriptures on Your Cell Phone

Posted using ShareThis

73 Days

That was how many days it was before I returned to the Galleria. That's also how many days I have been unemployed. I've been meaning to go back to the Galleria to see a few people who work there. But haven't. I finally went on Wednesday. My brother wanted to go to Target. I took him to the one in Eagle Rock the night before. But they didn't have what he was looking for. So, I took him to the Glendale Target the next day. I was trying to see how long I could stay away from the Galleria.

School and rain

Yesterday was the first time in a long time that I had to drive home in the rain. It's been a long time. I can't remember the last time I had to drive through rain and fog. I was going so slow that nearly everyone was passing me by. Yes, I was the snail holding up traffic in the far right lane. I was being extra cautions because driving home from school the day before, I almost got hit about three times within a ten minute window. All in the left lanes. So, I moved over to the right.

On top of that, I got my first paper back from my English class. I totally screwed up. I've never gotten a grade that low on my paper before. He said I totally misunderstood the assignment. Fortunately, he's letting us rewrite the paper. Unfortunately, he assigned another paper that's due next Thursday. Sigh. Oh. And my online class? I missed one of my assignments. So, in order to get an A in that class, I pretty much have to get 24/25 on the rest of my quizzes and perfect scores on the rest of my Excel assignments. I'm an idiot!

Dodgers clinch the Division!!!

In case you haven't heard, the Dodgers clinched the National League Western Division on Saturday night. It took them long enough! Here's what I've posted so far:

So Close (10/2/09)
http://fallingleaves02.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/10/so-close-10209.html

There were a lot of close calls last night. Me getting to the game and getting a ticket. A couple close pitches to Kemp. The close call at first that the umpire called out and everyone else was sure it was safe. The close game. It was a really long game for such a low-scoring, low hitting game. Then again, maybe having almost twenty strike outs combined might have something to do with it. Or the guy who sang the "National Anthem". That had to be the LONGEST rendition I've ever heard. There was another girl earlier who took a long time too... but man... I think this guy takes the cake! I was talking to a security guard after the game ... we talked about how it was such a long game for such a low-scoring game. I told him, "It's the guy who sang the National Anthem. It's his fault. He set the tone."

Two years in a row! (10/3/09)

http://fallingleaves02.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/10/two-years-in-a-row-10309.html
Two years in a row have the Dodgers clinched the National League Western Division Champion title ... and both years I was at the game when they clinched!


I got Brad Ausmus to sign Julia's birthday ball. He was one of the handful of players she named she wanted. Her list was Andre Ethier, Russell Martin, Randy Wolf, and Brad A-use-mus. That's how she said his name the first time she tried to say it. And it stuck in our heads. Well, she is nine you know. She turns ten in less than two weeks. Manny might've been one of the names on the list too, but I was like ... fat chance me getting Manny's autograph. I got Randy's before the game started. I was talking with an usher (one I hadn't talked to before too!) when I noticed Randy was signing autographs.

He was standing on the top step of the dugout and signing autographs for the kids in the dugout club. Okay, so I know I was in the field level and no way was I getting in the dugout club. But, there is a wall that separates the dugout club from the field level. I went to the very first row that was directly behind Randy. I pulled out the ball and my Wolf mask.

Time to break out the bubbly!

http://fallingleaves02.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/10/time-to-break-out-the-bubbly.html
Last week when I thought the Dodgers were going to clinch in Pittsburgh, I went out and bought two bottles of apple cider to celebrate. The Dodgers lost on Sunday night, so the apple cider got to sit. Well, one of them. I drank the other one anyway. Guess you could say there was one to drown my sorrows. And the other one to celebrate.

Here come the bullpen guys. Everyone wants in on the celebration.

More photos to come! Some on my blog, and eventually the rest on the my flickr.

Dodgers Team Photo Calendar

Okay, so who got a Dodgers 2009 Team Photo Calendar on Saturday night? If you have one, take a look at the picture for January. Team photo right? One problem. I want you to look closely at the players in the team photo. Anyone missing? Anybody?

Movies that give me nightmares

Okay, so maybe it's because I have an overactive imagination ... but certain movies will give me nightmares. And it's not always right I see the movie. It may be days, weeks, months, even years ... and I'll still get nightmares. What brought this subject up? I got home from the Dodger game about fifteen minutes ago. My dad turned on the TV and I happened to recognize the movie. It's a movie I've only seen once or twice. But it was enough to give me nightmares. And still does! I recognized it because it has Bill Pullman in it. And ever since I saw him in "Independence Day", I love Bill Pullman. Especially in "While You Were Sleeping" . And no, neither of those two movies gives me nightmares. Actually, I don't know if I've ever had a dream or nightmare that had to with aliens. But I have had nightmares to do with crocodiles/alligators.

Movies that give me nightmares
"Lake Placid" - crocodiles/alligators
"Deep Blue Sea" - sharks. Not sure if I get nightmares from any of the "Jaws" movies, but I do from "Deep Blue Sea".
"Jurassic Park" series - yup. Dinosaurs

And of course ...

"Child's Play" series - CHUCKIE!!!! ::Shivers::

What about you? Anyone else out there gets nightmares from movies or TV shows? Or am I just special... in the head!?

Tonight's Episode of Criminal Minds

After watching the Dodger game for about an hour and a half, I knew I wasn't going to watch the last half. As soon as nine o'clock hit, I was changing the channel. "Criminal Minds" came on at nine. The way the Dodger game was going, I wasn't going to miss much. Boy was I right. When "Criminal Minds" ended, the Dodgers were batting in the top of the ninth inning ... down five to zero. Matt Kemp was up to bat ... he was the only Dodger to get a hit in the game. A single. What does he do? Draws a walk. So, Loney comes up with Matt on and two outs. What does he do? He strikes out swinging.

Back to "Criminal Minds"... really good episode tonight. Breaking it down, the opening scene was INTENSE. Definitely something you don't want your young children seeing. Really. Didn't see that coming in the opening scene. Anyone else watching the show think the actor who played the doctor (psychiatrist) looks like Casey Blake?

Bjorn Johnson

Casey Blake

Wish I could find better examples. But when I saw the actor, I really did think he looked like Casey Blake. And then when the unsub finds his dad, he's watching a baseball game. I'm curious to what games he was watching. The one in the flashback and the one in the present. Did this episode remind anyone of the movie "Changeling" with Angelina Jolie? Anyone see the parallels? Unsub kidnaps kids with the help of his kid. Takes kid to his place. Kills kid. Makes his kid help. Repeat. The case does sound a lot like the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders.

I can't wait to see next week's episode, featuring William Sadler. I love William Sadler, ever since I saw him play Sheriff Valenti on "Roswell". Unfortunately, I won't be home watching the show. Hopefully. Where will I be? GAME ONE of the National League Division Series!!!!!

Stupid dog

So, I was driving down the street to go pick up my mom. There's a stray dog in our neighborhood that likes to hang out in our street. He comes into our backyard sometimes, especially when my mom puts leftovers out for the strays. Well, this dog was just sitting pretty in the middle of the street. You would think it would move when I stop right in front of it. Nope. It just sits there. In front of my car. I honk at the dog a few times. It still didn't move. A car pulled up behind me. So, I got out of the car and yelled at the dog to move. It finally moved. No wonder dogs get hit when they run into the street. They don't get out of the way when a car stops right in front of it.

Autographs

Check out my Dodgers blog to find out what autographs I've gotten this weekend! Lots of pictures!

http://fallingLEAVes02.mlblogs.com

This is why you don't make a left turn when it says "right turn only"

Especially when there's a CHP squad car coming your way!

We were in Downey for Heidi's birthday party. For her birthday, she wanted us to go to JC Penny's for a group photo. Then we went back to the house for lunch and we watched a movie. On the way home, I needed to stop for gas. So, I stopped at a gas station in Montebello. I have stopped at this gas station before. I usually go to this one when I'm coming home from Heidi's and I need gas. As I was cleaning my windows, I noticed this car pull in, turn around, and start to head out. What caught my eye was how packed their backseat was. I thought it was odd. I also noticed they were making a left turn when it's a right turn only. So, I go back to cleaning my windows.

Next thing I know, I hear a screech of tires. I turn around and see a CHP squad car swerve around the white car. He swerved to the right, so he wouldn't go into the oncoming traffic. It came straight at us! Fortunately, there was some sidewalk between us. I heard the car hit the sidewalk (as well as watched everything from that point on unfold) and the tire blow out. I seriously thought he might jump the curb and that terrified me since we were in his path if he did. Looking at the skid marks, if he had jumped the curb, he might have just clipped the back of my car if he did. The other car was stopped in the middle of the street with its emergency lights on. The CHP officer got out of his car, looked around, and then motioned to that car to pull into the gas station. He eventually came over to us and asked us if any of us saw what happened. Then he asked if we minded waiting so they could take our statements. By then, we expected that. We had plenty of time to leave, but we stayed figuring they would need our statements. I had gone inside to get my receipt and the guy asked me what happened. He said he's seen so many people ignore that "right turn only" sign and make a left.

We were talking about what happened while we were waiting, and on the way home too. I was a little more apprehensive driving home. I jumped in my skin when we were close to Nina's and the car next to me honked at someone. We were talking about how fortunate it happened the way it did. There were a million different ways it could have turned out worse. No other vehicle was hit. No one was injured (hopefully! The only injury I can imagine is the whiplash the officer may have since the other car wasn't hit and I don't know how hard he hit the sidewalk). Nina said she saw the car swerve around the other car and come right at her. She said she must have the "deer in the headlights" look. She saw him jerk the wheel. We thought he did a good job maneuvering on the road. Angelina said if she was in his situation, she probably would've just hit the brakes and shut her eyes. I'm sure I would've done the same thing. I definitely wouldn't know how to maneuver like he did!


You can see the skid marks from the CHP squad car.

So, how often do you obey the "right turn" only sign???

Pictures for my photojournalism class

For our next class meeting, we're supposed to bring some of our best pictures to show. I picked these to show.

First week of school

Tuesday was my first day back as a full-time student at PCC. I haven't been a full-time student since I started working. Now that I'm not working, I went back. Interesting thing happened on the way to school. I was at the intersection where I get onto the 5 freeway and the truck in front of me went. As he was making the left turn, two long flats of wood, a lawn mower, and something else fell out of the bed of his truck. Fortunately, I wasn't moving and was able to stop before I hit one of the things that fell out. The lawn mower however rolled across the intersection! The guy got out and collected his items. By then I was completely stopped since the light had turned red right after everything fell out of his truck.

My first class of the day was photojournalism. Maybe I didn't read the description correctly, but when I signed up for the class, I thought it was to learn about photojournalism. You know, the inception, the rules, what photojournalism is all about. Here's the online description from the PCC website
"Picture series, essays and stories with assignments on various college publications. Historic and current trends in photojournalism and contemporary publications"
Guess I didn't expect to be taking photographs for the school paper when it says "various college publications." Yikes!

My other class is an English class. On Thursday, we took a little quiz about the assigned reading from Tuesday night. After the quiz, we took a break. I overheard one guy ask another guy about something. He was leaving early to go to a game. I asked him what game he was going to. The Dodger game, of course. I asked him where he was sitting, he said front row, loge. I told him I was sitting in the field level that night. But I wasn't leaving early. I wanted to. I ended up staying and wishing I had left early as well.

Saturday was the class meeting for my online class. When I first signed up for it, I couldn't find the information about when the first meeting was supposed to be. So, I e-mailed the professor. He replied back and said it was on Saturday, September from 9:30-11. I showed up a little late and about ten minutes into the class I started wondering if I was in the right class. There were a handful of student assistants walking around. So, I asked one of them because he kept coming up to me and asking if I needed any help. I understood what the professor was doing with excel... but I was just confused about being in the right class. I was right. I was in the wrong class. I pulled up the online schedule and there it was:
"No. 2608: Online. TWO on-campus meetings. Orientation:Saturday, September 5, 1:15-2:15pm in R216. Studentsenrolled in this section MUST come to the first classsession to obtain information regarding the class, OR YOUMAY BE DROPPED. Final Examination: Saturday, December 18,1:15 - 2:15pm in R216. The remaining class hours will beheld ONLINE. Student needs to have easily availableInternet access to complete this course."

What a first week back this has been! What did I end up doing? I went shopping! Well, just a little. I stopped by the store I used to work for (well, the location in Pasadena anyway since my store is now closed) and chatted with some of the managers there who I know. I bought a top that was on sale that I had liked when I was working in Glendale. Then I went to Borders and found a few bargain books. It was buy two get the third free. So, I got a baseball quote book, a sketchbook (for my scrapbook), and another little sports quote book. By then I was hungry and knew what I wanted. Spaghetti. Pasta. Something along those lines. See, years ago, I would've just gone across the street from PCC to Coffee Club and got spaghetti. They closed about a year or two ago. No more. I went to the PCC cafeteria to see if they were open and had spaghetti. Yes it was open, but the grill was closed. I ended up with pizza.

Anyone have a copy of the OC Register????

I think it was either in Monday or Tuesday's paper of the OC Register. Anyone out there still have a copy they're willing to give up????

Dodgers rely on $5 million bargain

The Dodgers' Randy Wolf has been as consistent as any starting pitcher they've had.

Wolf paying big dividends for Dodgers

The Orange County Register
Monday, August 24, 2009

Mark Whicker

Columnist

If this is indeed the year of the Freeway Series, it also might be the year of the Five Million Dollar Men.

Bobby Abreu is making $5million, for one year, an obvious windfall for everyone west of Goldman Sachs and a major league park, but a bitter horse pill when you're as rich as Abreu. Yet the outfielder has connected the loose ends of the Angels lineup.

Randy Wolf is also making $5 million, for one year, which makes him worth about as much as one of CC Sabathia's feet. Without him the Dodgers rotation would have careened off its axis long ago.

He has started 27 times and gone six innings or more in 24. In his past four starts Wolf is 3-0 and has made it through seven innings every time. He is left-handed, which helps, but he is not tossing Frisbees up there. Wolf has given up an on-base percentage of .284, seventh in the NL and lower than that of Johan Santana and Roy Oswalt.

The velocity is deceptive and so is the story. Wolf was a Dodger before, in '07. He was shut down that season by shoulder problems that turned out to be operable but not structural. Before that he was in and out of rotations because of an elbow problem that required Tommy John surgery.

Wolf, who turned 33 on Saturday, is grateful for health. He patiently corrects those who assume he hasn't maintained it.

“It was one injury,” Wolf said the other day. He's a 5-foot-10 redhead, chatty and inquisitive. He probably has a broadcast booth in his future, or a coaches' room. Think Orel Hershiser with about half the theories.

“It just took three years to get over it,” he said. “It was difficult, going on and off all the disabled list and people wondering if you were durable enough. I was trying to pitch with a clipped wing.”

So when Wolf's shoulder began barking in his first Dodger tour, he initially rebelled. “But there's no way I only throw 84 mph,” he said.

One night he pitched a rehab game at San Bernardino and drove home, with a dull ache and a sharp anxiety. Lying in bed, he reached for the remote control, and knives plunged in.

“I couldn't even pick it up,” he said. “I was a little concerned at that point. I'd had a chance to sign for three years elsewhere but I signed for one year here because it was home (Canoga Park, Pepperdine). But when they went in there they didn't find anything that really needed fixing. They just cleaned some things up. I've been fine ever since.”

As you might have noticed, pitching is weird.

Wolf enjoyed three 200-inning seasons in Philadelphia, and some upper-deck kids formed the “Wolf Pak” and cavorted in unison when he worked. Wolf won 48 games in a four-year stretch. Then, when health returned, he was dragging through a 6-10 season in San Diego last year and got traded to Houston.

One day he was playing catch with reliever Clint Sampson and the light went on, although it was more like a fluorescent light that works gradually.

“I was trying to break down my windup,” he said, “and when I did it slower I was getting better results. I could command the ball again. I thought, hey, this might be something. I put it into games and it worked great.

“It's like golf. It doesn't really matter how fast your backswing is. Your downswing is what matters. But I was maxing out my windup and I didn't have anything left. It's OK to give max effort as long as it's in the right places.”

As Houston charged up the NL Central standings, Wolf was 6-2 in 12 starts. The Dodgers signed him for $3 million less than in 2007.

Now they hope his efficiency and command can infiltrate Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw, the putative No. 1 and 2 starters. Of course, Billingsley is 12-7 and Kershaw 8-7 with a 2.96 ERA.

“Clayton is, what, 21 and Chad 24?” Wolf asked, as he smiled. “They both came right out of high school. They're fine. They've made progress, but when you throw pitches like they do, a lot of them are going to get fouled off. Sometimes you have to pitch to contract and that involves throwing off-speed, which they're leaning. We talk, but I think they're learning a lot on their own.”

Wolf won Friday night and then said he thought the word “ace” was used too often and not very intelligently, since, after all, a deck has only four of them. Playoff series often turn on which pitcher most resembles one. If the Dodgers get there, maybe Wolf deserves Game 1. It's nine innings, like all the others, and nobody asks to examine your holdings.

Source cited:

Whicker, Mark. "Dodgers rely on $5 million bargain." OC Register 24 August 2009.

Same Old, Same Old

I know since baseball season started, my blog has been neglected of late. And anytime I get on here, it's usually baseball talk and nothing but baseball talk. Looking back, I'm amazed I only had ONE entry in June. Wow. That was also the month where I went to nearly every Dodger home game, and I was sick for about two/three weeks. I think it was the flu. I had a temperature and the energy sucked out of me. Since then... let me do a quick summary.

July: Other than baseball games ... it was my last month of work. Our last day was supposed to be August 1st. Then it got moved up a few days when we only had a couple of racks of merchandise left by the last week.

Since being unemployed, I've done nothing much other than going to baseball games. I was telling friends the other day that I couldn't remember the last time I had fast food. Because now, I only leave the house to pick up family (mom and brother mostly), go to church, or go to games (well baseball related things, but I just said games knowing how they felt about that). It's true. I haven't been getting out much. I went out a little more last week to get my laptop and things for it. Other than that, I've been at home. The first week after being out of work, I was still waking up around ten or so. After that, my nocturnal habits kicked in, along with getting up even later. Is it redundant to call myself a night owl? Is there such a thing as a day owl?

Guess since not too many people comment on here, I'm never sure how many people read this thing. LOL, okay, other than Roberto who has admitted to reading my blog.

I'll try to keep the rest of this short. I don't like to be up and writing at three in the morning because everything seems doom and gloomier at three in the morning. Maybe that's when T.J. Simer and Bill Plaschke write their articles. At three in the morning, that's things seem more hopeless and the antidepressants have worn off. Just kidding about the antidepressants. I'm not on any. Long story short? Even though I love being single. I love being independent. I love being to do things as a single woman ... I am lonely. There. I said it. It may not be there long. But I said it. It doesn't happen very often. Usually more so after I read another silly romance novel where the two main characters always fall in love in a matter of days or weeks. At this point, I'm not even sure what love is sometimes. Even more so... I start to wonder if it's even possible. For me, I mean. I guess that's part of the reason why I am so fanatical about the Dodgers. It's something for me to focus on. So I don't have to notice this nagging little hole in my heart. A hole that I don't want to be there. That I don't want to know is there. A hole I try to cover up. A hole that only opens up at three in the morning.

Is it plagiarism when...

You copy and paste something out of wikipedia onto your own blog???

I was checking some blogs that I follow and I noticed this one blog mentioned Matt Kemp's monster homerun on Saturday. The blogger then posted this:

Willie Stargell is the only person to ever hit two home runs out of Dodger Stadium. His first was a 506 foot bomb off of pitcher Alan Foster on August 5th 1969, and the other was a 470 foot shot off of Andy Messersmith on May 8th 1973.

It wasn't for over 30 years before Mike Piazza became the second player and only Dodger (until yesterday) to ever hit a home run out of the park. On September 21st 1997, Mike Piazza hit a 478 foot home run off of San Francisco Giant pitcher Mike Lansing.

July 17th 1998, Mark McGwire hit the longest home run at 511 ft over the right field pavilion at Dodger Stadium against pitcher Brian Bohanon.

Now, I thought I've heard Vin Scully said there were five players or five times that a homerun has been hit out of Dodger Stadium. Or was it the loge level? I may be wrong. So, I started searching the web for an answer. I found this on wikianswers posted by Smokefan21. Unless Smokefan21 and the blogger are the same people, I found it interesting that it was word for word except for one little insert the blogger added ...

Willie Stargell is the only person to ever hit two home runs out of Dodger Stadium. His first was a 506 foot bomb off of pitcher Alan Foster on August 5th 1969, and the other was a 470 foot shot off of Andy Messersmith on May 8th 1973.

It wasn't for over 30 years before Mike Piazza became the second player and only Dodger to ever hit a home run out of the park. On September 21st 1997, Mike Piazza hit a 478 foot home run off of San Francisco Giant pitcher Mike Lansing.

July 17th 1998, Mark McGwire hit the longest home run at 511 ft over the right field pavilion at Dodger Stadium against pitcher Brian Bohanon.

Coincidence? I'll leave that up to you. I didn't say who the blogger was, for anonymity sake. But this blogger also takes photos from the web and posts them on the blog without giving credit to the where it came from. If this blogger ever takes one of my photos without permission, you better watch out!

[And yes, I did copy and paste this DIRECTLY from my other blog ... but I won't get mad at myself for copying and pasting my own stuff]

Bobblehead, beach balls, bad night (8-19-09)

Bobblehead, beach balls, bad night (8-19-09)
Let's see if tonight's game can fit into one post. And yes, I tried to get the subject to be an alliteration.
.....
It didn't take long for the beach balls to come out. The two guys in front of us didn't like it when they started popping up. I don't care for them either. I usually ignore them. One of the guys said he would hit over the railing (which he did). The other guy said he would pop it. Which he did. Which then led to a debacle that lasted the rest of the game. He didn't pop it. But he did deflate it. He said he came to watch the game, and if they wanted to play with beach balls they should go to the beach.

Then the boos started raining down, followed by peanuts! I'm serious.

Want to know what the rest of the night was like? Read about it here @ LEAVes of Dodger Blue

Plus, see what other kinds of "inflatable" objects were smuggled into Dodger Stadium that night.

Casey Blake Autograph Signing

We passed time mostly by conversing with one another. The funniest conversation revolved around why all the women thought Andre Ethier was the hottest Dodger. The guys asked me for my opinion, after all, I am a girl. I had to think about it. Because, I do have to admit, he’s pretty good looking. But as the hottest guy on the team? Not sure. Everyone has their own opinions. As I’m pondering who the hottest player is, one of the guys realize what he was saying and goes… “I can’t believe I’m even in this conversation” or something like that. Then Roberto realizes, “Oh yeah, you’re not a regular girl fan. You’re a stats fan.” Lol, guess that’s why he’s been calling me a funny fan on the web.

The parking lot directly in front of the sports shop was blocked off. They brought in a Mizuno truck, tables, and merchandise out later on. The problem was, the other stores were not willing to share the lot with the fans lined up for the autograph signings. I got there early, so I got a nice parking spot. As people were arriving, the owner of the donut shop would come out and question the people. If they were here for the autograph signing, they were told they couldn’t park there. I got nervous and went to my car. There was a sign there that said parking was only for the donut shop and the pet shop. I don’t remember seeing that sign there earlier. There happened to be a spot behind Alex on the street, so I moved my car there.

Want to read more? Find the rest at LEAVes of Dodger Blue, fallingLEAVes02.mlblogs.com

My Take on Jonathan Broxton

After Jonathan Broxton blew the save on Saturday, I knew everyone was going to be all over him. What was it? His third blow save in five chances? Sure enough. It was just like Wednesday all over again. Except instead of everyone bashing Guillermo Mota, it was Jonathan Broxton. It's kinda funny how on Wednesday, there were tons of callers who wanted to know why Broxton wasn't put in on Wednesday. Yet, on Saturday, there were just as many callers who wanted to know why Broxton WAS put in on Saturday. Then today, I was listening to the Mason and Ireland show on 710 ESPN (because they actually talk sports over there, whereas I only listen to KABC when the game is on and for Dodger Talk). They were asking people about what Joe Torre should do with Jonathan Broxton. Plan A) Keep putting him in there. Plan B) take him out of the closer role and put Sherrill in instead. Those were basically the two sides. How about some stats now?

Jonathan Broxton is 7th in the NL with 25 saves in 30 save opportunities. That's at least five blown saves. Who are the top six ahead of Broxton? R. Franklin (Cardinals, 30/32 with 2 - 1 record); Heath Bell (Padres, 29/31 with a 5 - 2 record); Huston Street (Rockies, 29/30 with a 3 - 1 record); Brian Wilson (Giants 28/34 with 5 - 5 record); Trevor Hoffman (Brewers, 26/28 with 1 - 1 record); Francisco Rodriguez (Mets, 26/31 with a 3 - 4 record). Broxton also has more wins than anyone else (7) and no losses. Brad Lidge, last year's closer extraordinarre is 10 with 23 saves in 31 chances, has a record of 0 - 5.

Read the rest here: LEAVes of Dodger Blue at http://fallingLEAVEs02.mlblogs.com

Quick Question

Do you prefer reading my Dodger game entries on this blog or my MLB blog? I can post on both, but I don't know if anyone is actually reading them. I've been trying to catch up and keep up with posting this week, as I am quite behind. And I haven't seen any recent comments, so I'm not sure. Maybe I just cover everything so there's no need for comments. Just wondering.

My favorite security guys at work

They're the blonde guy and the hispanic guy (the second one) who tackled the runner.

Excerpt from my Dodger Blog about getting hit by a baseball

No Dodger got hit today ... but I sure did!

After two Dodgers getting plunked yesterday, none got hit today. However... I did!

I'm sitting at Cat's seat, watching Russell warm up Never saw it coming till it bounced off the padding of the wall and hit me in the mouth.It bounced to my right and someone else got it. I got up, bleeding...

LEAVes of Dodger Blue
http://fallingLEAVes02.mlblogs.com

An excerpt from my Dodger blog

Cat came down and gave me a copy of the Dodger magazine. I was flipping through it, mainly looking for Erika's nephew. He's supposed to be in one of the upcoming Dodger magazines. He was dressed like Manny the first home-game after Manny's suspension was over. Wouldn't you know it? I didn't find him but I did find this ..

ME!!!! I was in shock. Not a flattering picture, but still. I was in the Dodger magazine!!!

After batting practice was over, I headed up to my seat. I purchased this as part of my twelve-game mini-plan. When I got up there, I noticed this cloud layer that I realized ... that's the smoke from the fire that's off the 134 freeway!

The game started off well enough. Kuroda struck out the first two batters, and before you knew it, it was the Dodgers turn to bat. The Dodgers came close to batting around the in first inning. By the time the second inning began. Kuroda had a very nice lead to go with.

Matt Kemp making a beautiful slide to score!

Unfortunately, Kuroda got disctracted when a fan decided to make a dumb move and sprint onto the field. He waved to Manny as he passed him too! The security eventually caught up with him. Great job by security! Especially since I know two of the guys who tackled him. The two who had to run back to their regular spots once the guy was carted off. Game resumed ... and the Brewers got on board with three runs! Uh-oh, that means... we're only up by one run!

If you want to see the rest of of the entry, go to LEAVes of Dodger Blue at http://fallingLEAVes02.mlblogs.com

I will try to post more about the other games I've gone to and autograph signings too! There's already an entry up about all the signings I went to in June.

I am alive

LOL, for anyone out there wondering... yes, I am alive. A lot has happened since my last post. Life, minor car accident, Dodger games, family drama, Dodger games, more life, Dodger games, and I have been sick the last week. It started off with that feeling in your throat. Then that developed into a cough, which developed into a really bad cough. So, for the last week, I've had a really bad cough, hardly any appetite, and barely getting a good night's rest because the cough wakes me up every two to four hours. At first it was every two hours, but lately it's been stretching out to four. On top of that, on Saturday morning, my nose started to run. By Saturday night, I had a 102.6 fever. By Sunday afternoon, it was down to 101.6. Well, it went down in between and back up. By Monday afternoon, it was back down to the 99s. But I had also developed a cold sore/fever blister on my lip. I've had little energy, but slowly getting it back. I was able to work a full shift at work today, first time all week. I wanted to go to tonight's Dodger game, but passed because of my recent illness. But I already made plans with friends for Saturday and Sunday. We'll see how that goes. Especially Sunday, cause we're sitting in bleacher beach. All you can eat. And no appetite. We'll see how that goes.

I've joined the MLB Blog network

Thought I'd try to do my game posts on a MLB Network blog. Here's the address.

http://fallingLEAVes02.mlblogs.com

There'll be posts from the games I've gone to, along with pictures. And some other baseball related things. I've just recently started posting. So far I've posted with each game I've gone to this week. Maybe while the Dodgers are away, I may backtrack to the beginning of the season and catch up. Or maybe not. We'll see.

Dodger signings this weekend

Friday, May 22
Jonathan Broxton at Sam's Club
4901 N. Santa Anita Blvd., El Monte, CA 91731
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
*I called. This is a membership only store, which I already knew. So the signing is for members only. Bummer

Saturday, May 23
Cory Wade at Super A Foods
5250 York Blvd., Highland Park, CA 90042
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
I called. The line should start outside. They open at 7. I don't know what time I'll be there yet. Don't think Cory is that popular of a player yet, like Beimel. For Beimel's, no one started showing up till ten. I was there at eight.

Saturday, May 23
Will Ohman at JONS Marketplace
5211 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
I'm probably not going to this one cuz I don't know if I'll make it on time. Since I haven't even started this year's scrapbook, I don't think I have anything for him to sign.

What a crazy game!!!

I was at the game tonight and could've believe it! We had just as many hits as the Mets had errors! It seemed like every time I looked up at the scoreboard, they were putting another error up. Randy Wolf did awesome! He left the game with a 2 - 1 lead, which was blown just shortly after. He got a rousing applause which he responded by taking his cap off to the crowd. We scored our first two runs in the first ... and didn't score again till the ELEVENTH! Though there were about three errors scattered between the first ten innings, and two more in the eleventh. The craziest thing happened in the top of the eleventh. I was so thankful to have a little radio with me. The funny thing is, I don't really bring my radio to the game. And if I do, I don't always have it on. But a little birdie said to turn the radio on during this game. I might need it. Well, in the top of the eleventh, Angel Pagan with one on and two out, hit a triple that would score the winning run. Next thing we know, Pagan's on third, Church had scored ... and the inning was over! I heard Charlie Steiner on the radio explain what hapened. I jumped up and down, started yelling/screaming at the top of my lungs (probably because the radio was loud and so was the atmosphere at the stadium). CHURCH MISSED THIRD BASE! Yup. Ryan Church as he rounded third to score missed the base. Mark Loretta called for the ball, the umpire called the play, and the run was taken away. Then came the bottom. Starts off with a walk to Mark Loretta, then Xavier Paul doubled. Then they intentionally walked JUAN PIERRE. You got that right. They intentionally walked him to get to Rafael Furcal. Who made an out. Then came Orlando Hudson. By then, they pulled in Carlos Beltran to have a five-man infield. How often does that really work? After all, the Pirates tried that two years ago and guess what? They didn't need a five-man infield because there was no way they were going to catch Russell Martin's walk-off grand slam. Orlando Hudson hit the ball to Reed, who you thought would get the for sure out at home. That's where another error comes in and guess what? Casey Blake was probably relieved that he didn't need to be the hero of the night. Because Mark Loretta scored and game over! LOL I told someone in the bottom of the ninth that we were going to win off a walk-off walk. Well, a walk-off error is good enough for me.

Randy walking off the field after a fine performance

Andre's amazing catch

Russell rubbing Loney's head for good luck. It worked

Casey Blake saying something to Loretta, wonder what it was

Wisdom Tooth

So, on Friday, I got my wisdom teeth pulled. Well, just two of them. I got my lower left and upper left pulled. About two or three weeks ago, my lower left wisdom tooth started to really hurt. So, I gave in and finally went to the dentist. Before I could have my wisdom teeth pulled, they had to do a deep cleaning. I also got some Amoxicilin and Peridex to help me with my gum inflammation. I was awake while they were pulling my teeth. The top one came out pretty easily once it was loosened. The lower one took longer. They had to crack it and break it into several pieces before it could come out. Two days later, I want to eat regular food. But I'm still limited to soft and easy to chew foods. It took me 30 minutes on Friday just to each a mashed potatoe bowl. It was that hard to chew even a little. Now, I can handle foods better. My jaw is sore the most, but that's about it. My friends were surprised that I wasn't that swollen. Let's see hw this progresses.

Fire!!!!

Yes, folks, it's fire season. Starting off with the blaze in Santa Barbara. Well, I got a phone call from my friend Sherisse at ten till midnight. She told me to step outside and look. There's a fire in the hills above our neighborhood. It's the same hill that Dodger Stadium sits on the other side of. It's a fair distance away, so Dodger Stadium should be safe, if the fire is contained. As of now, a quarter till one, it looks like the fire is out. There's still a helicopter outside, shining light onto the burn area. Guess to make sure it's completely out. Here are few shots of the fire.

The pictures are in reverse order.



Here's what it looked like earlier.

May 7, 2009

Matt Kemp hits a grand slam, third of his career, second one this year.
I wasn't taking photos of the hitters yet, but I had a gut feeling about this at-bat.