Editorials

The 2017 Dodgers And The Thrill Of A Lifetime That They’ve Given Us

And so here we are, Game 6 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium, and what will inevitably be an unforgettable end to this already classic “Fall Classic”.

Personally, this Dodgers team has already given me the thrill of a baseball fan’s lifetime just by being in this World Series, as I was able, through a series of previously unforeseen life circumstances, to be able to make the trip out to LA from my home in Canada and be there in person for the first two games. Yes, I jumped way out of my comfort zone and traveled alone to a very big, hot city on the other side of the continent to fulfill a lifelong dream of being at the Fall Classic. It goes without saying that them winning this series would be exciting beyond even my wildest dreams, but before we get there, I’m trying to take the the time to cherish the experience I’ve had to this point.



In the last 7 days, since leaving for the 3,500 mile trip to L.A., I think I’ve experienced every human emotion possible – excitement, anxiety, euphoria, exhaustion, gratitude, fear, elation, and relief. I returned, after a year, to my Happy Place, Dodger Stadium. I saw my two favorite Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill, start games 1 and 2. I spotted Vin Scully coming out on the field before Game 2 and screamed my head off. I got treated for heat exhaustion by some very kind members of the LAFD before Game 1. Friends I had just met, fellow Dodgers fans Angie and Amee, helped me through that experience, and reminded me again of all of the good in this world. And even without any issue with heat exhaustion for Game 2, the 10th inning comeback made me so light headed I had to sit down. By the time I got back to my motel Wednesday night, I was sore from head to toe and had lost my voice, but could only have been happier if the Dodgers had won.

During my 3 days in LA, I was fortunate enough to see some outstanding, heart-stopping baseball games, meet new friends, and re-connect with old friends (like Dieter, Ron and Will – thanks guys) and continue to forge my path and write my own unique story as a die-hard Dodgers fan. The season is not yet over but I already realize how fortunate I am to have been able to experience it all in person and though it is still sinking in, am already filled with endless gratitude for the experience.

With a much-needed day off today to recover from those crazy Games 3, 4 and 5 in Houston, I now prepare for what will inevitably be the end, one way or another, of this gloriously unforgettable baseball season. By Thursday the play on the field will be over, but the memories will stay forever, and for that I am eternally grateful.

There will be much more to write about as the World Series comes to a close, but for now, today is a good day to simply reflect on this moment and all of the wonderful things that have happened to this point to get us to Game 6 in this unforgettable season. I, for one, hope to never forget a moment of it, for better or for worse.

What are you grateful for, Dodgers fans? Tell us about the personal highlights of your Dodgers season so far!

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Gail Johnson

Biggest Dodgers fan north of the border, living about 3,500 miles from my beloved Boys In Blue, in Moncton, NB, Canada. I think Dodger Stadium is the happiest place on Earth. I'll catch up on my sleep in the off-season.

One Comment

  1. My wife and I finally got married this August, in the middle of the most dominant stretch I’ve ever seen the dodgers take. After we got back from honeymoon, we found out the game studio we both worked at was closing down, and we needed to find work. I took a job in Seattle, and we moved out of our LA at start of october. Even though we are so far from friends and family, the dodgers just getting this far, getting to watch them from a strange new city, makes us feel like we are still close to home.

    I will forever be grateful to my wonderful wife’s support through this transition, and also to the dodgers for fighting hard enough into this season to let me enjoy watching them for a few more weeks!

    Let’s go BLUE, let’s go to game seven!

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