Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Video: Man Camps Outside Dodger Stadium For 18 Days For A Shot At Playing
Baseball has been known to inspire big dreams, and one guy hopes that by sleeping outside of Dodger Stadium, he can turn his major league dreams into a reality.
Loah Linares, a baseball player from Cuba, has been camping on the sidewalk outside Dodger Stadium for the past 18 days, hoping for a chance to try out for the Dodgers. The determined hopeful has been working out as much as possible on the streets, reports ABC 7, and says he's willing to stay out there for as long as it takes to be seen by the team. With steadfast commitment and confidence, Linares explains, "If I didn't know how great a baseball player I know I am, I wouldn't be here trying to show off my skills to somebody."
In a short video created by Conejo Films about Linares, he explains that he's grateful for food and water that has been donated by fans passing by on their way to the stadium. He's also been inspired by the history of the Dodgers and, in particular, by Jackie Robinson. "He was, and still is, an inspiration to a lot of black men all over the world, and to me personally," Linares explains. "I am black, but I am also Latino, and it doesn't change the fact that I appreciate that kind of history."
Support for LAist comes from
Like many big baseball dreams, Linares' story is both a tale of determination in the face of adversity, and somewhat heartbreaking, as stadium campouts aren't typically known for a high success rate for making it into the minors. The Dodgers gave no response about Linares when contacted by ABC 7, though security told them that he has unsuccessfully tried to get into the stadium.
As the post-season looms for the Dodgers, now is not likely a time for them to offer Linares a chance to try out. But perhaps Linares might want to set his determined sights on the Major League open tryout camps, where anyone over 16 years of age can show off their skills. After all, in 2014, the Dodgers signed two players from the open tryouts to Minor League contracts.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist