Decades of Dodgers: Conversations With and About the Men in Blue (ePub)

This is a collection of 93 transcribed interviews of many of the top players and managers from the Dodgers over the years, along with members of the media and celebrities. It includes but is not limited to such iconic individuals as Don Newcombe, Maury Wills, Willie Davis, Steve Garvey, Fernando Valenzuela, Mike Piazza, Nomar Garciaparra, Tommy Lasorda, Vin Scully, Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger, and others. The year of the interview and a concise bio precedes each interview which was conducted by the author over a number of decades. Current Dodger historian, Mark Langill, wrote the foreword for this book and said the following:

"Every boxscore reflects a moment in time when the baseball universe stops for a scheduled nine innings. The only permanent mark left from the game are the statistics. But there are mysteries behind the orderly columns of numbers-aches and pains, levels of fluctuating confidence, emotions and chemistry found within the confines of a clubhouse.

This collection of interviews conducted by Dale Parsons gives fans a chance to "drop in" on familiar names at various points in their career. Relive the early days of first-year closer Eric Gagne in 2002 when the "Game Over" craze was gaining momentum and would lead to a major league record streak of converting 84 consecutive save opportunities through 2004. Or the early impressions of back-to-back National League Rookies of the Year Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger.

None of the active players had a crystal ball to put their respective careers in perspective, so their feelings are "in the moment." Other voices include alumni, broadcasters, managers, and celebrities. The random chronology of the interviews and the question-and-answer format provides a verbal buffet of stories and insight from different eras in franchise history.

Dodger Stadium opened in 1962 and eventually became the third-oldest MLB ballpark, entertaining generations of fans as the building underwent a series of improvements to remain an ideal sports and entertainment destination. Thanks to Dale Parsons and his audio recorder, the voices of past seasons and pennant races come alive in the dugout, the press box, and the batting cage.

Enjoy the ride down Dodger memory lane!"