Thursday, June 19, 2008

Dodger Turmoil?

I'm not sure what to make of this, but the Dodgers coaching crew and their struggle with its young players was the subject of an ESPN story this morning. They even speculate that Torre may only stay in LA for one year.

Frankly, I think this is a made up controversy. Sure, the team is struggling, but give them time to build a culture of winning. It can't be done overnight, or even over several months of the season. They must grow into it and it is my hope that Torre and crew can help facilitate that. Patience really is a virtue.

More Wrigley Field Pics

Thank goodness for Richard. I've been posting sporadically the past week or so as writers block set in. I don't know if it's the poor play of the Dodgers or the recent run by the Lakers for a lost championship, but I just haven't had much to say. Thankfully, Richard has momentarily broken my slump with a slew of vintage Southland photos. Below are some incredible pics of LA's Wrigley Field in an exhibition game featuring the New York Yankees.
What a great find. Above is Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio. He's in full gait as he slowly heads toward the dugout. Click on the pic for a closer view. Number 15, who I think is Tommy Henrich, is warming up before the game.
Above and below more Yankees are seen warming up along foul territory. The stadium grandstands are just starting to fill up.
The game has started and an unknown Yankee is up to bat. He looks very strange with his baggy uniform three sizes too large and pants pulled up beyond his belly button. I guess on the Yankees one size fits all so the small guys get to look like a vintage version of D'Ali G during games. On the other hand, maybe this is a indication of the natural evolution of sports fashion that soon is emulated by popular culture. Baggy clothes are still quite the rave, aren't they? The crowd is transfixed on the action. The catcher is crouched as if the pitch is in mid flight. I love the fact that you can see the crowd in both the background and foreground.

UPDATE: Sarsfield in the comments points out that the unknown player is Phil Rizzuto.