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True Dodgers, Part II
2004-12-16 10:11
From Monday's group discussion on "True Dodgers," Dodger Thoughts readers Ling Ngoh and Tim Weiss got their comments into Jim Alexander's Riverside Press-Enterprise column today on sports and loyalty. (Read Dodger Thoughts, become famous!) It's an interesting piece, although I think it gives us fans too much credit. We are as quick to abandon a player when he falls on hard times as they are quick to abandon us for a better offer. You'll notice, I think, not a single tear being shed over Hideo Nomo's departure (this year or the first time it happened a few years ago) - even though he captivated fans for long stretches. Kirk Gibson was only with the team for a couple of seasons - much less than home-grown flops Jose Gonzalez or Billy Ashley. But is Gibson less of a true Dodger? Nope. Whether that means fans are jaded, I don't know. But I think the reality is that you become a true Dodger just by doing well in a Dodger uniform, not by how long you wear it - and I think that's not a recent development, that it's been true for a long time. That being said, though, I don't think anyone can top Eric Enders' description of what it means to be a true Dodger. For those who missed it: OK, here's my definition, I guess. A "True Dodger" is like your girlfriend: You know she's slept with others before you, and will sleep with others after you, but you don't care, because she's sleeping with you now and that's all that matters. You just have to be careful to avoid the ones who are too young or all washed up... Ex-Dodgers also have subcategories like ex-girlfriends do: - There's the one who, although long gone, you smile every time you think about. (Fernando) By the way, a number of sportswriters in recent weeks, including at the Winter Meetings, have told me how impressed they are by the quality of discussion in the comments on this site. That Alexander came here to solicit thoughts for his column further supports the point. You folks really deserve a pat on the back. Update: Does Jerry Royster qualify for True Dodgerhood? Thirty years after being sent from Los Angeles at age 22 to Atlanta as part of the Dusty Baker trade, Royster has been named manager of the Dodgers' AAA affiliate in Las Vegas. Roger McDowell will be pitching coach, and Mariano Duncan (!) will be hitting instructor.
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