This past Sunday, under a blistering sun, the Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox christened the field at thier new Spring Training facility, Camelback Ranch-Glendale. With only slightly less pomp and under very different circumstances, the first ever Cactus League game for the Dodgers began with first pitches from Joe Torre and Tommy Lasorda (as well as White Sox Manager, Ozzie Guillen) and a National Anthem performed by Glendale's own American Idol, Jordin Sparks. The real first pitch, shown above, was thrown by Los Angeles' likely Opening Day starter, Hiroki Kuroda. Worth mentionining that this photo is courtesy of the iPhone and fortunately for me, my phone was handy for pitch No. 1 as the camera we brought to the game bowed out after the Anthem.
The outcome game itself was not what was important on this day, although as far as Spring baseball goes, a 3-2 come from behind victory in the 9th isn't too bad (Editors Note: the White Sox were the victors so the game recap isnt going to make it into this blogger's story). The real story was the atmosphere and excitement surrounding the Dodgers first game in Arizona after more than 60 back East in Vero Beach. Amazingly, Tommy spent just about every one of those springs wth the Boys of Summer and it was fitting that he helped pass the torch to Camelback.
The grounds were just as impressive as the Opening Day spectacle with rolling rivers, a state-of-the-art work out center, cafeteria complete with cereal dispensers (I saw James Loney filling up on Frosted Flakes on more than one occasion), plans for an Orange Grove and plenty more in store in the future. The office quarters were still being configured as Lauryn shared a desk with not one but two others team members and I fought for desk space in the what was supposed to be the radio broadcast room. Fortunately for me, the prime positining allowed me to help welcome all of the media who made their way to Glendale for the first game, including Charlie Steiner, Vin Scully, Fernando Valenzuela and the LA Times' TJ Simers.
Spring Training isn't all about the lavish, however, rather, it is a time for fans to feel like they can get up close to their heroes. And just as they did in Vero, the only thing seperating the players from the public is a thin yellow rope, more of a suggestion of space than a barrier. An autograph seeker's safe haven as the rituals of Spring almost mandate signature sessions, and not just from the Major Leaguers, but the younger guys, and even Frank McCourt and Ned Colletti who made their way threw the throngs of fans, but made sure to stop and sign a few balls and magazine covers before getting too far.
Walking from field to field, former Dodger greats roam, and not just their spirits, but actually themselves - in full uniform! As I headed out one morning to catch some "B" game action, Maury Willis passed me in the hall, fully clothed in his #30 threads. Of course the focus of Spring is not on the past, but on the future, both near and far, with young talent taking their games to the next level, and top propsects auditioning for a chance to make it to the show. One such rising star, Ivan DeJesus Jr., was among those trying to make his mark this March in hopes of getting a call-up this Fall, however, as I made my way once again to the practice fields, I saw IDJ being carted back into the facility as he had broken his leg on a play earlier that day.
The news wasn't all bad, however, as Lauryn and I were able to enjoy the sweet smell of Spring together and an inaugural weekend for the record books. Sixty years from now, when Spring Training moves to Beijing (don't laugh) we'll remember day one in Camelback and remind ourselves of what it meant to see those first moments of the 2009 season - just as those on the Mall in D.C. were left with - a message of hope. 
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