Early this week I get a text from my friend saying, meet at Dodger Stadium at this day and time. It was from Lena who works over at Nike. The text went on to say it's a secret event. Who could turn that offer down?
So I get over to Lot G yesterday and met up with Eddie and a few other friends that I wasn't expecting to see. All of us were blankly wondering: Why are we here and what are we doing?
Lena gathered us all up and asked us "Guys, ready to go in"? We had no idea what was in store.
We entered from the back gate. Center field. Wow.
Right after picking my jaw up off the ground everyone was turning around and gasping at the scoreboard. Our hosts listed all the guests names on repeat. Ok, this is awesome.
They even went and posted my handle ??????? or J-U-P-I-T-E-R.
LA has my back.
Right on the field they had a whole spread of food and beverage. An empty stadium. Palm trees and a signature California sunset. This can't be real.
On top of the dugout they even had a DJ.
When Lena asked us earlier that week what our lucky numbers were, who knew that we'd be recruited. Custom jerseys IN the home dugout. I mean...
Here I am with fellow draft pick Sean B. If you've ever came to an UNDFTD event and had a drink, Sean most likely gave it to you. He runs a bar service here in town. Best guy ever.
We then had a Dodger historian give us a tour of the Stadium and broke down the legacy of the franchise. We walked in thru the bull pen and found our way in the guts of the operation. Here we are in an indoor batting cage.
In a hall of retired jerseys where todays players walk thru before every game.
The first Dodger line up in 1890 back when they were in Brooklyn. Tucked in ties with collared shirts. Classy. I asked the historian where the team name came from. Back then there were lots of railcars or trollys in BK, and so folks of the area were nicknamed Trolly Dodgers. The name carried through to what we have today. Fact.
At the end of the tour they awarded us with our jersey's, a foam finger and a ticket to Sunday's game. Game 3 of the Dodger Yankee series.
Back on center field before leaving for the evening. I can honestly say I may never stand here again. Still soaking it in.
Thanks to Lena, Nils, Alero, Arsen and Rachel. Thanks for everything and sharing a look into LA's history.
See you on Sunday!
jb's undftd world of sport