Game On!

After their first game of the season was rained out last week, the Dodgers season officially began on Sunday with a contest against the Athletics. The weather was picture perfect with temperatures in the low 70's and not a cloud in the sky.

Sam and I arrived at the field early to get in some batting practice prior to the start of the game. Sam was very excited about getting the game started and found it very hard to keep from smiling.

The Dodgers got off to a great start by running up the score 6-1 after the first inning. The next few innings saw the Dodgers hold steady by adding a few more runs here and there. Just as it looked like the game was in the bag (14-7) the A's made a surging come back and closed the gap; 14 to 12.

At the top of the 6th (and final) inning, the Dodgers added three more runs, including two that came from Sam's excellent hitting and base running. With a man on second and third, Sam hit a high fly to right field which easily scored the man on third and allowed Sam to be safe on first. But Sam cleverly made his move toward second base, luring the Athletic players into a game of "Pickle" between first and second. Meanwhile, the runner who had advanced to third now quietly made his move to home while everyone else was busy trying to get Sam out somewhere between first and second. Sam was eventually tagged out, but not before adding two RBIs to his total of three for the day.

Final score: Dodgers 17 Athletics 12



Sam uses a very scientific method of turf analysis to determine wind speed and direction in order to help improve his overall "At-Bat" performance.











Sam also prefers to use the "Intuition" method of hitting. This includes closing his eyes while being pitched to, and only using "The Force" to determine just the right time to swing the bat.


Sam hits a monster shot out to right field, setting up the "Pickle" play which scores two runs for the Dodgers.







After hitting his right field "Bomb," Sam innocently floats like a butterfly on his way to first base. The opposing players have no idea of the trap Sam is about to spring on them.









Sam crosses home plate after being walked in one of the early innings. Whenever Sam scores a run, his smile is priceless. You just want to hug the kid.












This is classic Sam trying to smile for the camera. He can be such a goof ball. He looks like he's hurting himself! But he's having fun and that's all that matters.

Jim