Top Five Friday

Looks like we're going out tonight so I can't procrastinate and do this posting at 11:50 PM tonight to "just beat deadline."

I had a hard time trying to pick a topic this week since I felt like I should do something both baseball related and wrestling related since Wrestlemania is this weekend and the Dodgers open up on Monday [plus have the big game at the Coliseum tomorrow night against the Red Sox.]

But since I still intend to write something about Wrestlemania this weekend, I give you...

My Top 5 Memorable Moments In Dodgers History.

Let me preface this by saying it has to be an event that I actually remember happening [preferably hearing or seeing.] This rules out things like Fernandomania in '81, Bob Welch striking out Reggie Jackson, etc. Also, I reserve the right to change this list every day for the rest of my life.

Here we go...

5. BACK TO BACK TO BACK TO BACK
Who can forget it? Bottom of the 9th in mid September. Dodgers down by four. the Padres opt to not bring in Hoffman with a 4 run lead. I remember being so pissed at the Dodgers at that point, barely watching the game while it was on. It starts simple enough. Jeff Kent hits a solo shot. Hey, that's cool. Too little, too late, right? J.D. Drew up next... he does the same. Well, that's interesting. The Pads bring in Hoffman at that point and I figure that'll do it. Russell Martin is next and there goes another solo shot. At this point, I'm stunned. I haven't seen three HRs in a row in... well, maybe ever. I'm intrigued as Marlon Anderson comes to the plate. Not like there's any chance of- holy fucking shit. 4 HRs in a row to tie the game in the 9th. And the Dodgers go on to win on a walk-off homerun by Nomar in extra innings. Four HRs in a row - something that hadn't happen in over 40 years. Absolutely amazing.

By the by, I REALLY wanted the 4 in a row for the video here but... well, this was damn cool too.



4. LIMA TIME

Okay, this one REALLY rocks for me because I was there. To set the stage, the Dodgers are at home against the Cardinals in the 2004 playoffs. The Dodgers have not won a playoff game since 1988. The fans are sick with the idea that they're about to get swept out of the playoffs again. Enter Jose Lima - a journeyman pitcher who had managed to win the hearts of Dodgers fans with his crazy antics and intense spirit. Lima manages to throw a five-hitter of electrifying baseball to shut down the Cards and give the Dodgers one more chance. Of course, they failed - but I still get this game to remember. Oh, and Mrs. Blue almost blinded me for life by hitting me in the eye with a rally towel at one point.

3. FINLEY WITH THE SLAM
Ahhhh, yes. In 2004, the Dodgers went into the final game of the season with one more chance to win the division and get into the playoffs. As you can tell from above, it happened... but how it happened was another Dodger moment nothing short of legendary. The Dodgers were bad that day... so bad that they entered the 9th inning against the arch-rival Giants down by seven runs. Things looked bad... real bad. But they chipped away and away and away, aided by some fielding troubles by the Giants and found themselves suddenly with the bases loaded and a victory within one swing of the bat. The man taking that swing? Steve Finley. And one swing later, the Dodgers were in the playoffs in one of the most unbelievable scenes ever witnessed in Dodger Stadium.

I kinda dig these videos taken from the crowd. This one actually gave me chills at the slam itself - just took a little while to get there.



2. HERSHISER BEATS DRYSDALE

Ahhh, memories. Orel Hershiser closing out the 1988 season by cementing his Cy Young campaign by going for the consecutive scoreless innings streak - a record held by then-Dodgers broadcaster Don Drysdale. Drysdale was actually in the dugout as Hershiser took the mound with one more inning to go until the record was his. It was as special of a moment as you can imagine.

1. IN THE YEAR OF THE IMPROBABLE, THE IMPOSSIBLE HAS HAPPENED!
Like there's any doubt what was going to be number one. I can't do this justice. All I can add to the video below is I was an 11 year old kid jumping around my living room, leaping off of couches, and it's one of the best memories of my life. Thanks, Gibby.



And for a little bit of the "lighter side" of this moment...



Game on, baby. I hope I can add to this list come November. GO DODGERS!