Capping the Dodger Celebration

The Dodgers capped the celebration of their 50th anniversary in Los Angeles Monday with a terrific ceremony just before the season opener against the arch-rival Giants.



Legendary lefthander Sandy Koufax centered a trio of Dodger standouts who pitched both in Brooklyn and the inaugural 1958 LA team, along with Carl Erskine (L) and Don Newcombe (R). Thanks to Howard Hoffman for capturing the moment while I was stuck with thousands of others in a monumental parking lot traffic jam.

The game also featured the big league debut of the Dodgers rookie third baseman Blake DeWitt. An unheralded minor leaguer who never played higher than Double-A ball, DeWitt won the opening day start with a good spring training while several veterans were plagued by injury. Imagine the thoughts running through his mind during his first at-bat.
The result -- a hit in his very first time up. You know that ball winds up in DeWitt's trophy case.
Much of the sellout crowd soaks in the sunshine.
After a win for the home team, the Dodgers make sure the crowd doesn't miss anything those at home can see. The post-game interview with manager Joe Torre is simulcast on the stadium's videoboard.
Dodger Stadium (which opened in 1962) has become a classic park, an oasis of green not far from downtown LA.


High above the massive parking area, here's the Dodgers own variation on the iconic Hollywood sign.
For a terrific perspective on this special day in LA baseball history, check LA TIMES columnist Bill Plasche:
www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke1apr01,1,562217.column

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