HTLA: How To Jump On The Dodgers Bandwagon

Episode 20

Dodger Fan #1  00:00

[outdoor ambi] Nothing like sitting in Dodger Stadium watching a Dodger's game with all those crazy East Siders.

Dodger Fan #2  00:06

In our worst moments we represent each other. That's LA. To the heart.

Bianca Ramirez  00:11

We used to watch the [music in] Dodger games as a family, but we'd usually have to turn it off because he would get so angry at the TV. [laughs]

Brian De Los Santos  00:22

You can't walk very far in LA without running into a Dodger's fan. The fan base is as diverse as it gets. And when they get excited, they get loud. [audio clip of Dodgers game announcer: ...Oh, what a play by Chris Taylor! Robbing extra bases! Highway robbery...] From LAist Studios, this is How to LA. I'm Brian De Los Santos. I know this might stun you, but there are Angelenos out there who don't follow the Dodger action so closely. You know who you are. Okay, that might be me. But we want to be able to hang, right? I mean, the Dodgers are in the playoffs again. It's like a big deal in this town. And the playoffs just started this week. So we're gonna help out with a little guide: How to get on the Dodgers bandwagon without looking like a fool. To get us on this bandwagon somewhat smoothly during this postseason, I'm talking to some diehard Dodger fans to get the whole scoop. [music out]

A Martínez  01:23

Well, I mean, do you watch the games? Are you interested in paying attention to the [laughs] actual g- games themselves? [Brian: Uhhh... sometimes?] [A Martínez laughs] That's step one, Brian. That is step one. You gotta watch the games.

Brian De Los Santos  01:35

That's A Martínez. He's the host of NPR's Morning Edition and a longtime radio sports guy. He also used to work in our newsroom.

A Martínez  01:42

Because here's the thing, I can understand why someone wouldn't want to be part of watching every single one of the 162 games during the regular season. That's a lot. I mean, that's a lot for anyone, much less for someone that isn't that into it. But the playoffs, that's a different story altogether. The game is different. The atmosphere is different, even if you're watching it say, at a bar with friends. It is a different atmosphere completely. The excitement level, the tension level, it's all ramped up to 100%.

Brian De Los Santos  02:10

So, we got rule number one. To get on the Dodgers bandwagon, you gotta watch the game, folks. Also, for my fellow sports newbies out there, postseason just basically means the playoffs right after the regular season, and it's happening right now.

A Martínez  02:23

So one of the things Brian, that you really need to know about this Dodger team specifically is how good they were this regular season. I mean, they won well over 100 games, had almost a historic type season in how good they were. They seem to have no flaws, no weaknesses. I keep looking, Brian. I keep looking for a weakness, for something that could be wrong. Maybe their relievers, their bullpen, maybe you could say that that isn't as strong as it could be. But really, they're the overwhelming favorites. So if they don't win the World Series, Brian, that would be a massive disappointment. And I think a lot of people will be let down.

Brian De Los Santos  03:00

So we just finished a historic main season. And now I kind of want to know, what's the energy like during the playoff games? [Donald Paz: Oh man, it's intense.] That's Don Paz, host of the podcast West Box Score, and a colleague of mine at LAist Studios.

Donald Paz  03:15

Every game matters. So I think in the regular season, it's very fun. It's very loose, but I think in the postseason, it does feel like you gotta be there start to finish because everything's under a microscope.

Brian De Los Santos  03:26

So stakes are high right now. Got it. Also FYI, pretty much all of our sports friends we spoke to for today's episode, said one important thing. To get on the Dodgers bandwagon, you gotta hate on the San Francisco Giants.

Donald Paz  03:41

It should be a joyful moment that the San Francisco Giants are not in the postseason. The Giants and the Dodgers have such a heated rivalry. It's like we have an understanding that we hate each other and that it's okay and, and that we like seeing each other be miserable. [Brian laughs] So the fact that they're not here, is like, should bring joy to your heart.

Brian De Los Santos  03:57

Okay. Note it, y'all. But if I'm truly gonna try to talk sports, I gotta know: Who is the player to watch?

A Martínez  04:03

Freddie Freeman. He's the first baseman for the Dodgers. He had a, an unbelievable season. And then the other players that you need to know about are Trea Turner, who's the Dodgers shortstop. He's the guy, I don't know if you've seen some of these viral videos when he slides into home plate or slides in the third base. It is the coolest, just almost dance move kind of slide you'll ever see.

Donald Paz  04:25

Oh man, I love Julio Urías. I mean, I know he was the pitcher that won it in 2020 at the end. And I loved seeing that, especially because he's Latino. I'm Latino. So like just seeing that big representation for us Latinos was huge. And I love watching Mookie Betts. And Mookie Betts just has swag, and he just comes through [baseball music in] all the time.

Brian De Los Santos  04:44

Okay, so remember these names y'all: Freddie Freeman, Trea Turner, Julio Urías, and Mookie Betts. I don't know about you, but these guys got me amped go to a Dodgers game. [music out] I mean, did you feel that energy?

Bianca Ramirez  05:01

Definitely like, if you're not a Dodger fan, or a baseball fan, just being in the [ballpark ambi] ballpark and getting that experience and soaking in the stadium, it's just an experience in itself. [Let's Go Dodgers music and clapping]

Brian De Los Santos  05:14

That's Bianca Ramirez, Director of Operations here, and she's been to a lot of Dodgers games.

Bianca Ramirez  05:20

I mean, I- just watching those sunsets over Chavez Ravine are just priceless and just feeling the energy of the crowd. [Dodgers music out] And, you know, getting to boo the other team, particular, you know, if it's the Giants playing against the Dodgers. It's just a different excitement [music in] than you know, watching it on TV.

Brian De Los Santos  05:40

All right, the food. Dodger Stadium isn't exactly known for its good food, but I have a feeling these Dodgers fans would have the dish, wink wink, on what to eat. So the only thing I know about Dodger Stadium is the famous Dodger dogs, [music out] but is there anything else that people should eat while they're there?

Bianca Ramirez  05:59

Eh, definitely you cannot go wrong with a Dodger dog. That's always a must have. They're simple. They're good. They're tasty. Go for it. Garlic fries are one of my favorites. [Brian: Mmm.] They are so good and yummy and savory. Of course, you'll have that garlic breath afterwards. [Brian laughs] So bring in some Tic Tacs. [laughs] [Brian laughs: Yeah. Don't kiss your boos with that.] But they are so good. And of course their margaritas with the tajín rim around. [Brian: Okay.] They're yummy. And of course, you can't go wrong with an ice cold beer on a hot summer day.

Brian De Los Santos  06:25

[music in] Now we're speaking my language. Garlic fries and a margarita with tajín? All right, I can do that. But any other hot tips?

Bianca Ramirez  06:34

Definitely for the ladies, do not take your big purse with you. [music out] [laughs] I learned that the hard way like, even like taking a fanny pack. They made me like, put it back in my car. Like luckily [Brian mumbles] that day I, I drove in and I was able to put it back. They're really strict in terms of like the size of purses you can bring. Invest on a plastic [laughs] bag [Brian: Mmm hmm.] to bring in your belongings. Definitely like, if you're gonna wear a non-clear bag, it's gonna be a wristlet or a clutch-it.

Brian De Los Santos  06:59

Okay ladies, you hear that? But guys, you too, because we like our bags, right? And speaking of driving in, what's the best way to actually get to Dodger Stadium? Because from what I remember, it was pretty much bumper to bumper traffic just getting into the parking lot.

Bianca Ramirez  07:14

The best is Uber-ing. If you're gonna take your car, definitely plan a carpool so that you can, you know, divvy up the cost of parking up. And you know, if you want to go through the chaos of the traffic, go for it, but I suggest carpool. It's 25 bucks online, $30 at the door. So definitely do plan ahead for that because you will be dealing with a lot of traffic. You can also shuttle from Union Station and leave your car there or like take the train at Union Station and then shuttle. The shuttles are free. You still have to plow through the traffic, but you won't be driving.

Brian De Los Santos  07:45

Bianca also warned us that after the game, Ubers might take a long time to get there, and they can be super expensive with that search. But we've got a solution. Walk down to one of the bars around the stadium and get your Uber from there. And then you can keep the Dodgers vibes flowing.

Bianca Ramirez  08:00

[music in] Guisados I think it's still open around that time. Short Stop bar and you can dance. We got to dance to Beyoncé the entire night. [Brian: Oh crap! Ok. I'm going with you next time.] [Bianca laughs] [Brian laughs] We got to dance to the whole new album. [Brian: Oh my God. Really?] That was super fun. Oh you still you know, get that atmosphere of like, the crowd is still around you. It, it won't feel like a sketchy walk down Sunset Boulevard because everybody's still like coming out of the stadium, walking down the boulevard and yeah, it, it's a pretty safe spot to catch a Uber ride, and for cheap. [music swells]

Brian De Los Santos  08:35

Okay, so we're gonna eat a Dodger dog, sip a Margarita with tajín while watching the sunset over Chavez Ravine and then go dance the night away to Queen B. I don't know y'all. I think I'm already a sports guy now. [music swells] Now, the MLB predicts the Dodgers have a 70% chance of becoming the league champs. So that's pretty likely. And they have a 50% chance of getting to the World Series. [music out] As far as winning it all, they say there's a 34% chance. Those are some exciting stats. But what do these real live Dodgers fanatics think? Is our team really gonna win?

Donald Paz  09:15

I mean, if our guys are healthy, I can't see why not. I think that's the only thing that would ever hinder us- would just be like our starters being hurt and then having to rely more on our bullpen and our bullpen is not the strongest but like, I think if everyone just is clicking on all cylinders, we're definitely gonna like steamroll through this whole like postseason going into the World Series.

Brian De Los Santos  09:37

It seems like you're very confident that the Dodgers could win this World Series.

A Martínez  09:41

Well, I mean it's- Yeah because it's not- where I'm just looking at the numbers, looking at their lineup, looking at what they've been able to do. It would almost be maybe that they would defeat themselves somehow if they're not prepared or if they take other opponents not too seriously. That could be the only thing really Brian, that I could see that could trip them up.

Brian De Los Santos  09:59

Alrighty, y'all. So I'm sure some of us are really eager to go to the World Series especially after hearing this. It seems likely the Dodgers will play and hopefully win. But tickets are expensive, like anywhere from $800 to 6000 bucks. Damn. [music in]

A Martínez  10:21

Especially if they play the New York Yankees in the World Series. [Brian: Oh.] That is when I would actually break out the piggy bank, count its pennies and spend the money.

Brian De Los Santos  10:33

I can't lie. I'm pretty lit up right now. Who would have thought sports? But their energy about the Dodgers got me so excited. Because that's what it's all about, right? That energy, that excitement, that pride for our city. It's not even really about the sports. Just don't tell any Dodgers fans that. That's it for today, y'all. Catch us next time on How to LA. Hasta luego.

Brian De Los Santos  10:58

Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. [music out]