JC's Dodger Snapshots | June 27: Images from the Press Box

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At long last, various gremlins have been cleared away, and I am able to present this slideshow, which serves as a companion to my article regarding covering this particular game as working media.

That meant access to the field during batting practice, the clubhouse after BP, and watching the game from the press box. Sadly, Major League rules prohibit taking photos in the clubhouse, so hopefully these shots of batting practice and other areas of the stadium not accessible to fans will suffice.

The media entrance I was directed to is a the top deck, next to the Top of the Park gift store. Before making my way down to the field, I thought taking a couple of shots from up high would give some perspective.

Larry Bowa Tossing BP

After hitting some fungos to the infielders, Dodger third base coach Larry Bowa goes behind the screen to toss some batting practice. Three or four different folks usually share the pitching duties through the duration of BP for the home team.

Casey Blake takes a cut

Dodger third baseman Casey Blake takes a swing under the eyes of various Dodger staff, including hitting coach Don Mattingly, who is standing on the far side of the cage in this shot. Andre Ethier has finished his work and can be seen walking behind the cage on his way to the Dodger dugout.

Mark Loretta working on his stroke

The Dodgers' first right-handed choice for pinch hitting duties, Mark Loretta takes his turn in the cage. Coming up later this month will be an interview with this long time Major League player.

Torre continues to write

While standing on the warning track just in front of the Dodger dugout, manager Joe Torre writes an inscription inside the front cover of a book about the move of the Dodger team by Walter O'Malley from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. Joe knows a bit about that topic.

The sacks await placement

They also serve who only stand and wait - Vin Scully loves using this final line from John Milton's "On My Blindness"

Maury Wills observes

The highlighted subject of a previous slide show, Dodger legend Maury Wills takes in BP from the last row of dugout club seating.

On Deck

The on-deck circle waits just off the field, adjacent to the Dodger's owners box, for batting practice to end.

Invited Guests

This shot is taken while standing on the previously shown on-deck circle. Guests get a close up view of batting practice and players will top by to chat and pose for photos.

Pentland instructs

Dodger hitting coach Jeff Pentland gives some advice to rookies Mitch Jones and A.J. Ellis between swings from Juan Pierre. Keeping with the vagaries of baseball, both Jones and Ellis are now back with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. Tune in tomorrow, as things may change once again.

Pierre down the line

Dodger speedster Juan Pierre works his way around the bases, after hitting. Here he takes a lead down the third base line and practices his reaction to the ball coming off the bat.

Mota and Beltre

Long time Dodger coach Manny Mota greets one of his former charges, ex-Dodger Adrian Beltre, who is currently on the DL after having surgery on his throwing shoulder.

Joe Torre and John Wetteland

Dodger manager Joe Torre greets Seattle bullpen coach John Wetteland, who once served as Torre's closer prior to the emergence of Mariano Rivera.

Beltre taking infield

Mariner third baseman Adrian Beltre gets reacquainted with his old defensive stomping grounds, third base at Dodger Stadium.

Griffey and Castro

Former teammates with the Cincinnati Reds, Ken Griffey Jr. of the Mariners and Juan Castro of the Dodgers share a couple of laughs before Griffey takes his turn in the batting cage.

Ichiro takes his turn

Seattle outfielder Ichiro Suzuki returns to the scene of Japan's victory over South Korea in the World Baseball Classic, beautiful Dodger Stadium.

The Kid follows

Ken Griffey Jr. gets some kinks worked out of his swing, which lead to a home run later in the game.

Say hello to Manny Mota

Dodger pinch hitting legend Manny Mota stops for a quick shot. Mota has been in a Dodger uniform as long as I've been following the team.

Koufax and Campy

Framed uniforms featuring the retired numbers of Dodger Hall of Famers line the walkway leading to the Dodger clubhouse.

Signage to the promised land

On the wall just outside the entrance to the press box.

Vin Scully Hall of Fame

Along the hallway to the press box are framed prints honoring the Hall of Fame media members who have covered the Dodgers. Joining Scully is Spanish language announcer Jamie Jarrin and reporters Bob Hunter, Ross Newhan, and Jim Murray.

Ichiro leads off

Ichiro doubled down the first base line to open the game. While he was stranded, it was a bleak omen for the Dodgers in this game.

Milton punches out Branyon

With Ichiro watching from second, Dodger starter Eric Milton gets the second Mariner, Russell Branyon to swing and miss at strike three.

Hudson Hit and Run

Rafael Furcal takes off for second, which leads Seattle shortstop Ronny Cedeno to cover second. This opens the door for a ground ball single off the bat of Orlando Hudson. Furcal made his way to third, from where he scored the only Dodger run of the game on an error by Ichiro.

Ichiro Swing and Miss

Ichrio Suzuki swings and misses, stumbling out of the batters box...

Ichiro Swing and Hit

... only to follow up with a hard ground single back through the originator. You can see the blurred line of the ball going between the legs of Dodger reliever James McDonald.

In spite of this hit, and two others, McDonald threw two shutout innings of relief, showing good command of both his fastball and off speed pitches.

Good night and drive home safely.

At the end of the evening and back where we started from. Sincerely hope you enjoyed this look at this first night where I covered the Dodgers as a member of the working media.

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