Alright, let me tell you about going to see the Los Angeles Dodgers play the Washington Nationals recently. It wasn’t some grand plan, just felt like getting out and seeing a game, you know? Been a while.
So, I looked up the schedule, saw they were playing the Nationals, and figured, why not? Getting the tickets was the first step. Went online, found some decent enough seats that didn’t require taking out a second mortgage. Clicked buy, done. Easy part over.
Getting There Was Half the Battle
Game day. Knew I had to leave early. If you know LA, you know getting to Dodger Stadium is an exercise in patience. Traffic is always, and I mean always, rough around Echo Park when there’s a game. So, I wrapped up what I was doing and hit the road way sooner than seemed necessary.
Crawled along the freeway for a good chunk of time. Sat there watching the brake lights. Finally made it off the freeway and started the slow climb up the hill to the stadium parking.
- Found a spot eventually.
- Paid the usual hefty price for parking.
- Started the walk towards the gates.
Getting through security and scanning the ticket was pretty smooth, thankfully. Then you walk in and see the field, the stands filling up. It does have a certain feel to it, gotta admit.
Inside the Stadium: The Rituals
First thing, located my section and found the seats. Not bad, pretty good view of the field. Settled in for a bit, watched the grounds crew doing their final touches, players warming up down below.
Then, the mandatory stop. You can’t go to Dodger Stadium without getting a Dodger Dog. It’s just part of the deal. Grabbed one, plus a drink. Stood in line, paid too much, the usual ballpark experience.
Honestly, the food’s just okay, but it’s tradition, right? Went back to the seat and ate while soaking it all in before the first pitch.
Watching the Game Unfold
The game started. National anthem, cheers, the whole thing. It was a baseball game. Some innings went fast, others dragged on. There were some decent hits, a couple of nice defensive plays. Pitching seemed alright for both sides, at least early on.
The crowd was into it, especially when the Dodgers got some runners on base or made a good play. You get caught up in the noise sometimes. Then there are quiet moments, just the hum of the crowd and the sounds of the game.
I think the Dodgers scored a few runs somewhere in the middle innings. The Nationals had a chance or two but couldn’t quite break through. Didn’t really keep meticulous score, was more just watching it happen, enjoying being outside on a nice evening.
Heading Home
Game ended. Dodgers won, I’m pretty sure. Fans were mostly happy, heading for the exits. That’s when the other game begins: leaving the parking lot.
It’s a slow shuffle out of the stands, then a long wait in the car. Inch by inch, following the lines of cars snaking towards the exits. Took a good while, maybe 30-40 minutes just to get out of the lot and back onto the street.
The drive home was quicker than the drive there, at least. Got back pretty late, felt tired but it was alright.
So yeah, that was my trip to see the Dodgers and Nationals. It wasn’t anything earth-shattering. Just went to a baseball game. Saw some innings, ate a hot dog, dealt with traffic. Sometimes, that’s just what you do. A decent enough way to spend a day.
