Editorials

The 5 Stages of Dodger Fan Grief

Well, Dodger fans, over a week ago we received the worst possible news in the history of all horrible news. Ok, maybe that’s a bit of hyperbole, but it sure feels legit.

Clayton Kershaw is on the 15-Day Disabled List for a mildly herniated disc in his lower back. I know, I know… group hug. He was joined a couple of days later by Joc Pederson, who made a spectacular, albeit shoulder crushing, catch into the wall at Miller Park, which in turn sent him to the 15-Day DL with a sprained right AC joint. They joined a plethora of other Dodger players currently in varying degrees of rehab. It’s safe to say the injury bug has plagued this team. But, Kershaw, our ace, our 3-time Cy Young Award winner, our MVP, the force behind our team and the best pitcher in baseball, that one really took the wind out of our sails.



ICYMI: July 8th Declared Vin Scully Day

We, as fans, had to decide what to do next. I, myself, upon hearing the news beat up a case of Gatorade. The players have something there, it felt pretty good.

But, perhaps we can get through this quicker by recognizing the “Five Stages of Grief” –  what stage we’re in and how to best move past it.

First, let’s confirm we are truly dealing with grief.

Grief is a natural response to loss. It is the emotional suffering one feels when something or someone the individual loves is taken away.

Yep guys, it’s safe to say we are experiencing grief at the loss of our beloved Kershaw.

That’s established, now what?

I guess we could troll teams struggling worse than us. I don’t know, I really hate baseball trolls though. So, let’s not be those guys. Plus, no other team is trying to cope with the (temporary!) loss of the best pitcher in the game. Our struggle is real!

So, with the help of my friend, the amazingly talented cartoonist, “Philbert” from DodgersBluePen.com let’s get to work recognizing the Five Stages of Dodger Fan Grief.

What stage are you in?


1. DENIAL

This is NOT happening. No Kershaw?! How long?! How can we win without Kershaw?! We need him! Leave me alone. That’s it… Leave. Me. Alone. I hate baseball.
This is NOT happening. No Kershaw?! How long?! How can we win without Kershaw?! We need him! Leave me alone. That’s it… Leave. Me. Alone. I hate baseball.

2. ANGER

Aforementioned Gatorade case beat down. It may not help, but it couldn’t hurt. Ask Joe Blanton. It can't go unnoticed how well he's pitching since he beat the orange outta that cooler.
Aforementioned Gatorade case beat down. It may not help, but it couldn’t hurt. Ask Joe Blanton. It can’t go unnoticed how well he’s pitching since he beat the orange outta that cooler.

3. BARGAINING

God? Are you there? Ok, what’s it gonna take? Let's make a deal! I’ll never drink again...This beer ::gulp:: will be my last one! I will never use another da- uh dang curse word. I'll stop hating the Giants… Hmmm, scratch that one… but, will you PLEASE give us back a healthy Clayton Kershaw? I'll do almost anything! Please…. Please? ::sobs:: Please.
God? Are you there? Ok, what’s it gonna take? Let’s make a deal! I’ll never drink again…This beer ::gulp:: will be my last one! I will never use another da- uh dang curse word. I’ll stop hating the Giants… Hmmm, scratch that one… but, will you PLEASE give us back a healthy Clayton Kershaw? I’ll do almost anything! Please…. Please? ::sobs:: Please.

4. DEPRESSION

 ::sigh:: I give up. The season is over, my life is over. I have nothing to live for and I will never experience joy…. or more importantly a World Series again. I’m going to bed, wake me for Thanksgiving dinner.
::sigh:: I give up. The season is over, my life is over. I have nothing to live for and I will never experience joy…. or more importantly a World Series again. I’m going to bed, wake me for Thanksgiving dinner.

5. ACCEPTANCE

acceptance
Vin Scully, he’ll guide us through the ups and downs. Cherish the end of the Vin Scully era, no matter what happens on the field.

Ok, this is happening, this has happened. Clayton Kershaw is on the DL and at the time of this writing, no return date has been announced. But, we as fans can’t give up. There’s still half a season left to play. More importantly, there’s (only) half a season left to hear the dulcet tones of our Vin Scully. Win or lose, I personally, won’t give up one second of Vin’s final broadcasts. The Dodgers have an uphill battle going into the second half and they’re going to have to dig deep. They need us, the true blue Dodger fans.

ICYMI: The Untouchable Dodgers

So, pick up that Dodger gear you tossed across the room last week, put them on and wear them proudly and root, root, root for the Dodgers.

The bottom line, this team is not out of it. LA fans have a reputation for leaving games early, let’s not live up to that by leaving the season early.

Bandwagon fans jump ship when a team struggles, come on man (and women!), don’t be a bandwagon fan. Everybody hates those guys.

So in closing, who better than my personal favorite Dodger, Tommy Lasorda, to give us a pep talk to guide us into the second half of the season. If Tommy doesn’t get you outta your seat and cheering for the Dodgers then I don’t know what will.

Take it away Tommy…

If you’d like to see more wonderful illustrations, like those above, please visit Philbert” at DodgersBluePen.com

Jody Wahl

Jody was born and raised in Southern California. She currently splits her time between CA and CO. She has been a true blue Dodger fan since birth. She also roots heartily for the LA Kings and the Green Bay Packers. Jody firmly believes the NL should not adopt the DH. Let 'em hit.

6 Comments

  1. Another Great article My Friend.
    Keep up the Good work.
    I’d have to say I’m No# 5

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