Fan Favorite

It’s no surprise that for many Americans – baseball is religion. I’d say our closest Canadian parallel is hockey, but even that isn’t as coveted as the field of dreams (KRob you might be the exception here). With the past few weeks of American & National Leagues (NL) Postseason highs and lows – the Dodgers clinching the NL West - BRS losing three in a row to the Angels – and the Yankees beating the Angels after 11 innings last night (with hail and a small Nor’easter) there’ve been few dull moments. The Dodgers had a solid 2009 Regular Season and are closing in as World Series contenders – their series against the Phillies is tied at 1-1; with the next game tonight – winning this they’ll face the Angels or Yankees for the 2009 World Series Championship title.

I was lucky enough to go Friday’s game – watching the Dodgers rally in the 8^th - coming back to win 2-1. I’ve been to a few Dodgers games in recent years - including the 2008 Playoffs - but I’ve never seen the stadium as crazy - it was fantastic.

Most Americans have "their team" they grew up watching – since MANY East Coasters migrate West (can you blame them?) there are probably as many, or more Yankees and BRS fans in California as Dodgers, Angels, Giants & A’s combined. With a longtime rivalry spanning decades between the two mega East Coast franchises (watch Fever Pitch for the Coles Notes version) - East Coasters typically either LOVE the Yankees or the BRS – and then of course, whatever team’s playing / beating the other. It’s religion.

Ideally the 2009 World Series will be the Dodgers vs. Yankees – with the Dodgers taking the title. A close friend working in baseball (DM) explained to me that a WS of the Angels vs. the Dodgers likely wouldn’t be watched outside of California, which makes sense. Regardless, the season wraps up this month – with training camp starting in February / March – and the 2010 season kicking off in April. Can Los Angelenos handle NBA and MLB Championship titles in the same year?

It ain’t over till it’s over.

k