Editorials
Dodgers: On-Field Access Prior To A Playoff Game
For the second game of the 2018 National League Division Series I was able to get on-field access to batting practice. I was able to get this access via MLB Extra Bases with Bank of America through their rewards system. I decided to document the event for Dodgers Nation with a picture journal. It will also contain some tips if you ever get the same opportunity that I had.
[column size=one_third position=first ]It is of the utmost importance to get there early. The parking gates for the playoff games usually open 3 hours before the first pitch. Get to the parking gates even before that, as we arrived about 30 minutes before the gates opened. For us the gates opened at 3:40 PM and our meeting time was 3:45 PM at the Lot D entrance. We had to hustle.[/column][column size=two_third position=last]
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[column size=one_third position=first ]They give you your all important pass.[/column][column size=two_third position=last]
[/column] [column size=one_third position=first ]Once we gathered with all the other people going onto the field we headed past the Club Level seats and into the hallway that goes past the BMW Club Suites.[/column][column size=two_third position=last]
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[column size=one_third position=first ]Then we headed down the escalator near the Vin Scully Press Box down to the field level seating area.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
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[column size=one_third position=first ]We then popped out of a tunnel that puts you right next to the dugout where you then get to take a position on the dirt part of the area behind the batting cage.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
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[column size=one_third position=first ]The first thing we saw was Hyun-Jin Ryu paying his respects to Dodgers legend Don Newcombe. Many players do this during batting practice and is something to keep an eye out for.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
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[column size=one_third position=first ]As you can see you get to be up close to the players and coaching staff. They are busy with their jobs and we weren’t supposed to bother them too much.[/column][column size=two_third position=last]
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[column size=one_third position=first ]Make sure to have someone take a picture of all in your party. For me it was my wife.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
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[column size=one_third position=first ]If all-time Dodgers great Ron Cey comes by, make sure to get a picture with him and/or an autograph.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
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[column size=one_third position=first ]Take pictures of the stadium from a spot you usually can’t.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
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[column size=one_third position=first ]Various media people are one the field such as Ken Rosenthal and Dodgers’ social media star Sue Jo. [/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
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[column size=one_third position=first ]During your time on the field many players cycle through.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
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[/column] [column size=one_third position=first ]Old teammates got together as Matt Kemp and Freddie Freeman were able to touch base and various Dodgers were able to greet Charlie Culberson.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
[/column] [column size=one_third position=first ] [/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
[/column] [column size=one_third position=first ]More Dodgers legends might show up on the field like Don Newcombe and Manny Mota.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
[/column] [column size=one_third position=first ]Some of the front office made it down on the field including Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
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[column size=one_third position=first ]Autographs aren’t allowed but Cody Bellinger came over and started signing. Big tip, many did not have autograph materials and missed out. I was able to lend some pens out for people to get hats and shirts signed. Bring a baseball card or a baseball for a good autograph.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
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[/column] [column size=one_third position=first ]We were able to spend over 30 minutes on the field but it has to end at some point. Take more pictures than I did as you enter and exit to capture the full experience.[/column][column size=two_third position=last ]
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Getting the opportunity for on-field access for batting practice was a great experience. I’m hopeful to do it again and plan to take more pictures next time. One more reminder, if you have the chance for this experience, bring autograph material. Too many people weren’t prepared and were a little disappointed.
Episode 23 – Dodgers Playoffs: Babe Ryuth and Clayton Kurveshaw | Blue Heaven Podcast
