If you think these are out of order, because of the dates, you’d be wrong. Just as the American flag is always on its own right, in Flag Etiquette, so is Sandy Koufax always in the center. Someday, when his career is over, Clayton Kershaw will share the center with Sandy.

But it struck me—I saw my first Dodger game at the Coliseum, in 1958, against my Dad’s childhood team. Dad grew up on the Ozark Plateau, and so they were the once-upon-a-time Gashouse Gang, but a newer edition.

I was too little to realize the importance of the players I was seeing, including Stan Musial. And Gil Hodges. And Duke Snider. There’s a little bit more about that game in one of the links below.

Since I live in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, it’s a little like a Border State, as Missouri was during the Civil War. In terms of numbers, we’re pretty much fifty-fifty when it comes to whether you are a Dodger or a Giant. What made me a Dodger—and my father, as well—was of course, Vin Scully. I became a history teacher and then a writer because both men—Vinny and my Dad—were marvelous storytellers.

But, to give you an idea of how biter the divide is here in San Luis Obispo County: Three years ago, I presided at the wedding of Kelly, a much-beloved former history student of mine. During the reception, I struck up what began as a pleasant conversation with a very young man. About thirty. Handsome and articulate. When I let out that I was a Dodger fan, his face froze. He never spoke to me after that.

Thank goodness I could retreat to my wife, Elizabeth, another Dodger fan, despite the fact that her Dad, Gail Bruce, had once been a 49er. A couple of dances with her made me feel better.

But now I might have to move to El Lay, given the lineup of Bobbleheads above. And I’ve written about all three of them because I admire them so much.

Dusty:

https://jimgregory52.wordpress.com/2021/10/26/the-wisdom-of-dusty-baker/

Matt:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ah2DpdK8VcCI4LFueLVQDiM2yni5BzOz/view?usp=sharing

Sandy:

https://jimgregory52.wordpress.com/2023/02/28/baseball-again-sandy-koufax-stan-musial-and-my-dad/