Funny, because that's what most Americans said about soccer becoming popular in the US. Though not more popular than baseball, the gap is slowly disappearing, especially here in LA.
Bridgeview (Chicago), Commerce City (Denver), and Carson (Los Angeles) have nice pretty new soccer-specific stadiums. There's one which will be built in Collinsville for St. Louis' eventual entry into MLS.
Back to baseball, I have a fond story to share. I was a college student in the summer of '89, the season after the Dodgers swept the A's on the strength of Orel Hershiser's pitching and Kirk Gibson's inspirational hitting. So that I could attend school full-time and still pay the rent, I drove a limousine on the weekends. In July of that year, the Cubs came to town. My boss tells me to go to such and hotel, pick up a gentleman, and take him to Dodger Stadium, wait for the game to end, and then drive him around town. No big deal, as I've done this before: people can get liquored up and I drive wherever they want to go.
It's Friday afternoon and I go to the hotel. The concierge confirms with me that I'm from such-and-such company, and who gets into my car but none other than Harry Caray. Holy Cow!
We drive to the stadium and park where the players park. We go inside and he tells me, "Bill, you tell these guys you're with me. Whatever you want, make sure you tell 'em you're with me."
These press people eat like royalty. Prime rib, filet mignon, fresh fish, California wine, just endless.
The press people were very much a 'boys club' and I heard things my virgin ears should not have heard. It was easy to block that garbage out because the view from the press box is unrivaled. You see everything and there are instant replay monitors all over the section.
I met Don Drysdale, #2 TV and #3 radio announcer for the Dodgers. He approached me as I was seated and asked me if I was Harry's driver. We just started talking. Classy guy. I'm glad I met him, because he passed away only a few months later.
The Cubs were hot that year. Though they didn't make it to the World Series, they played for the pennant. The Dodgers would have to be satisfied with the memory of the previous season. Anyway, the game ends...
We get in the car and the west side of LA awaits. First to Spago, then to a piano bar, and then the hotel, with me waiting in the car.
I drop him off, and he says to me, "I'll see you tomorrow, Bill." I said, "You're using me tomorrow?" He said, "Why not?" I said, "Why not. If it makes you happy, then I'll see you tomorrow."
We did this for the entire 3 game series. I remember it like it was yesterday, and it's still a good memory.
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I’m not a scholar, just a crazy Jewish Believer who wants to see no one deceived and everyone saved.
Shalom uv’racha b’shem Yeshua Mishikheinu!
Peace and blessings unto you in the Name of Yeshua, Our Messiah!
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