Dodgers: Farewell, Dodgertown

[BAMAPHIN 22]

"We're going to leave, but we're not leaving our memories," Lasorda told them in a pregame address, pausing between sentences. Later, he reflected: "In all probability, I'll never be here again."

Set to move next year into an $80 million complex that they'll share with the Chicago White Sox in Glendale, Ariz., the Dodgers will take away more than a team from this town of 30,000 on Florida's east coast.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...8/03/17/bc.bbn.dodgertownfarewe.ap/index.html

 

[Amars]

Sad but at least they are closer to LA.

 

[Samphin]

Baseball, more than other any sport, is one entrenched in tradition. Dodgertown is one of those traditions. As a west coast Dodgers fan, I guess I should be happy that their spring training facitlity will be closer for me to attend, but I am sad as well. I knid of liked the fact that there is a place called, "Dodgertown."

 

[mf52dolphin]

A sad day for all baseball fans:boohoo:

Even though I am a true west coast guy, I prefer spring training to be in Florida instead of Arizona.

As for Dodgertown itself, I was disapointed in how the upkeep had not been kept up on the place. In my most recent trip to Florida in December, I decided to visit the place. I was disapointed in the condition of Dodgertown. It looked abandoned, and neglected. A major letdown for me.

 

[Roman529]

The Dodgers should play in Arizona.....why should a west coast team be playing Spring baseball in Florida?

 

[Samphin]

The Dodgers should play in Arizona.....why should a west coast team be playing Spring baseball in Florida?

Its just a tradition left over from their Brooklyn days. Dodgertown is older than about half the teams in the league. Again, with the way baseball is about preserving their past, it makes sense why this took so long to happen.

Logistically, you are correct, and one of the main reasons for the move is to save on team costs and play teams that they will more often see during the season (for scouting purposes, strategies etc.), but the nostalgia strings tug quite hard when the thought of Dodgertown going away is brought up...

 

[unluckyluciano]

Bah no one likes the dodgers anyways.

 

[Samphin]

Bah no one likes the dodgers anyways.

...:disapprove::banhim:

 

[Roman529]

Its just a tradition left over from their Brooklyn days. Dodgertown is older than about half the teams in the league. Again, with the way baseball is about preserving their past, it makes sense why this took so long to happen.

Logistically, you are correct, and one of the main reasons for the move is to save on team costs and play teams that they will more often see during the season (for scouting purposes, strategies etc.), but the nostalgia strings tug quite hard when the thought of Dodgertown going away is brought up...

Yeah I hear your point. I know the Chicago Cubs used to play on Catalina Island off the coast of California as Wrigley owned the team and the Island. I am just a little bitter about Florida as I flew all the way to Clearwater back in the mid-80's to watch Mike Schmidt play...he was my favorite Phillies' player....and both games I had tickets to he sat out. I never got to see him play. :boohoo: