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How about those Dodgers?! LA's new comeback crew did it again, with a 4-run ninth inning to top the hated Giants 9-8 in the team's home opener. Coming through with the game-winning hit was Milton Bradley, who claims anger management classes have put him in gear. It was also great to see new Giants closer Armando Benitez get lit up in the ninth, perhaps a sign that he'll become the Dodgers new best friend.
Just over a week into the season, this much is clear about the Dodgers: They can hit. Jeff Kent has been phenomenal, Jose Valentin has come through with some big hits, and the left field platoon of Jason Repko and Ricky Ledee is even working out. It seems there is no deficit the Dodgers can't slug their way out of yet.
But the Dodgers aren't just a hit on the field, they're also a hit in the stands. The Guinness Book of World's Records presented the Dodgers organization with an honor before today's game, recognizing the team for having the highest cumulative attendance in Major League history. More than 165 million people have attended a Dodger home game since the modern era of baseball began in 1901.
LAist admits we're a bit surprised the Dodgers hold this unique distinction. Sure the team drew enormous crowds at the Coliseum for four years, and they can roll out of bed and draw 3 million in a season at Dodger Stadium. But Ebbets Field in Brooklyn was one of the tiniest parks in baseball. Additionally, Yankee Stadium used to seat over 70,000 people from the time it was built in the 1923 to its renovation in the 1976.
This goes to show just how important the Dodgers really are to the people of Los Angeles, and that through thick and thin, LA fans show up for their team.
