Dodgers Nation, welcome back to Fan Cave Season Two!
We’re about a third of the way through the season, and host Ava Brand is breaking down some “serious fan caves,” including several that feature fun trips down memory lane.
Here are some of the best fan caves we received this week.
Jose Hernandez, Montebello
First up, Jose out of Montebello with an impressive collection in his bedroom.
“Thankfully, Jose says he has a very understanding wife who is also a big Dodgers fan,” Ava said. “She’s the real MVP here, am I right?”
Highlights include:
- Signed baseball cards
- Signed photos
- Signed baseballs
- Stadium giveaways
- Signs
- Jerseys
“It makes it hard to pick a highlight of Jose’s fan cave,” Ava said. “I know the first items that caught my eye were the Joe Kelly Mariachi bobblehead and the new mini cooler. A little bit of fun and culture.”
Some of the best collectibles, though, relate to Fernando Valenzuela.
“Jose says his favorite is the signed Fernando Valenzuela Rookie Sensation limited edition baseball card,” Ava said. “Still the only player to win Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season. But obviously, Fernando means so much beyond the field to the Dodgers fans, the city, and really baseball as a whole. A nice touch next to that Fernando bobblehead as well.”
That said, Ava had some bones to pick as well.
“One, a Raiders hat. C’mon, the Rams traded for Myles Garrett. What are we doing!” Ava said. “And two, that UCLA hat. I know Dave Roberts is a Bruin, but I’m a Trojan, and no shame in saying I’m gonna have to dock a couple points there.”
Tony Sandoval, Ontario
In Ontario, Tony decked out his home office with Dodgers gear.
“I see those bobbleheads taking over the printer,” Ava said. “Hopefully that makes work a little more enjoyable too.”
Other highlights include:
- World Series pennants for the last three Dodgers championships
- A “solid lineup” of bobbleheads include Ice Cube, Fernando Valenzuela and Kiké Hernandez doing the hit celebration
- The first Shohei Ohtani bobblehead that had fans lined up down Sunset Boulevard
“That is gold, Tony,” Ava said. “I also really like how you’ve maximized your space. You know, it’s maybe a bit smaller than Jose’s and some of the other fan caves we’ve seen, but there is no inch wasted here, and you still capture so many emotions and memories with your collection. Good stuff Tony.”
Rick Crandall, Chatsworth
Rick in Chatsworth has been a Dodgers season ticket holder for 36 years — more than half the time the team has been in LA.
“Kudos to you,” Ava said. “No doubt you’ve gotten to be part of a lot of very cool moments over the years, and your fan cave shows that.”
Highlights include:
- Dodgers bedding
- Dozens of bobbleheads
- Pennants and signed photos
- Stadium seats
“Looks like part of the 1970s remodel. I honestly like the pop of color here too just to switch things up,” Ava said. “I especially love the 1981 World Series newspaper copy. I’ve said before one of my favorite ways to remember a championship is with the local paper.”
Another thing to remember: throwing out the first pitch at a Dodgers game.
“Commemorated in this really nice picture frame,” Ava said. “And looks like great form on the throw!”
The Verdict
Jose, Tony and Rick all have great fan caves.
So who wins? You’ll have to watch the video to find out.
But before go, don’t forget that this is an ongoing series.
If you want to see your fan cave featured on Dodgers Nation, submit it at dodgersnation.com/fancave.
Also, follow us @dodgersnation on X, Instagram and Facebook, and Ava at @avaonbrand on X and Instagram.
