by Sheyla Ornelas

Looking back to my childhood days, I remember watching my father cheer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was his favorite team and it became mine. Throughout the years watching sports solidified my family and brought us closer. In particular, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Lakers were the teams held close to my heart. We raved by the magic moments and stood by each other for the hard-to-watch scenes.

On Friday, June 5, 2009, as I stepped into Dodger stadium, I could feel the excitement. This game was different. The Dodgers and Phillies were going to face off in a match of dominance, all while Los Angeles Lakers’ Sasha Vujacic was to throw the first pitch. I was soon about to experience the best of both worlds.

As a new addition to the PR department for Los Angeles Lakers’ Sasha Vujacic, I walked into Dodgers stadium as a contributor, a team member and a loyal supporter. As I stood on the field and looked up onto the stadium seating, I noticed many Laker fans. I had the opportunity to speak with the Espinoza family from Dallas Texas, who drove more than 1400 miles to support their favorite Laker player.

As Sasha stood on the field waiting to throw the first pitch, Matt Kemp walked towards him while pretending to dribble side to side and position to shoot. Seeing Sasha interact with Matt Kemp was like watching your two favorite superheroes come together. Fortunately for everyone, Sasha’s pitch was a success. The crowd was ecstatic and the Dodgers were ready to begin. The Philadelphia Phillies were on the field and contrary to Chick Hearn’s saying, “You could not put this game in the refrigerator.” Although the Dodgers have beat the Phillies twice this season already, one cannot help but remember last season’s Dodger outcome against the Phillies, making it impossible to play in the World Series.

The game was exciting as always. Although some people might argue that baseball is such a slow sport to follow, I have to disagree. There are several little things a fan can focus on during the game. You have at least ten players to look at including the batter in every play. Much like any sport there is a tactic used depending on each play and that for me is exciting. Even the small things every baseball lover will agree with, like the sound of a bat hitting the ball or the sound a glove catching the ball, are all things I live for when going to baseball games.

Throughout the night I kept thinking, “My two favorite LA teams are coming together and I am a part of it.” On the same level of excitement I witnessed my favorite player, James Loney make the second run all while I sat in the front row behind Russell Martin.

Towards the end of the game, my adrenaline was rushing. It was the top of the ninth and Dodgers were down by one with two outs. Casey Blake was up to bat, hit a single and got on first base. Up next was James Loney, after four balls he walked, causing Blake to shift to second base. When Phillies’ third-basemen Pedro Feliz flubbed Russell Martin’s grounder, I knew we had a chance. Ethier was up and as soon as Lidge threw his pitch, Ethier jumped on it. “He’s a slider guy who likes to keep his pitches down, so that’s going to take something out of his game — with the bases loaded and two outs,” Ethier said (USA Today).

Luckily, Ethier understood Lidge’s pitching technique for it gave the Dodgers their win. As if that was not enough, the fireworks show was about to begin, making it the cherry on top of a sundae. After the show, I was headed for an exit when right in front of me was Matt Kemp up and close. As a PR girl trying to establish her career, I feel that I have been blessed with tremendous opportunities. Not only am I working for an industry I adore but also in a field I can’t get enough of. In sports, I am best at being myself for it’s all I knew growing up. As for the Dodgers and Lakers, they will always remain close to my heart with this night in mind.