August 28, 2009

Take Me out

I don't know if there are a lot of MLB fields that are open in the middle of the day, and where the worst thing a security guard will do when he sees you is not say "hi," but Dodger stadium is in fact, just that field. A middle of the day, off the cuff turn, yielded a pretty awesome discovery. It was eerie enough seeing all of the empty parking rows as I pulled up the hill toward the entrance, but things got really eerie when all the gates were open and I was able to walk right in. Dodger Stadium is now the third oldest MLB stadium in the country, and it's still as impressive as it was when it was first built in '62. I'm not even a big fan of baseball, but there is something about going to a field that will make you a fan, if only for a few innings. Especially when you're the only one there.

There is a spirit in the park you can't really describe. It's not just the size of the empty structure engulfing you, but even more powerful is the idea that this place has been the source, the creator, of memories for millions of people for nearly 50 years. It's odd to see such an iconic landmark not doing its job, not being, not living. I felt like I had walked in on the park changing, or caught it sleeping at its desk. I wasn't sure if I should say something, or just walk on by and let it have its alone time. But then again, the gate was open. It made me feel larger-than-life, standing above the field and over the thousands of quiet seats, witnessing its vulnerability. Like watching a dragon sleep... at least I guess, I've never seen a dragon sleep... or a dragon for that matter. Whatever, it was fun. Go check it out.