angelino sports guide

It’s simple guys and gals.  When you are from Los Angeles, you have no choice in who to root for when it comes to the sporting world.  Our Angelino lexicon need not include terms like “Clippers” or “hockey”.

BASEBALL:  Dodgers

broke the will of the oakland a's on two busted knees.

The hat is blue.  The color is Dodger blue.  The stadium is Dodger Stadium.  Get there late.  Leave early.  Eat a Dodger Dog.  Farmer John makes them.  They integrated baseball.  They won five titles since moving to LA from Brooklyn.  The stadium is at Chavez Ravine.  They let the owner fly over 1950s Los Angeles in a whirlybird and pick out the spot.  If you hate the parking lot, don’t come.  Be an Angels fan.

BASKETBALL:  Lakers

more are in the works.

One city.  One voice.  Laker nation is the pride and joy of the city.  Too many titles to count and a three-peat this decade.  Shaq and Kareem and Kobe and man name Magic.  Jerry West was a Laker and he is the logo for the NBA.  We turn off the lights over the fans at Staples Center and black out the competition.  Smack in the center of downtown and LA Live, celebrities on the sidelines.  Jack Nicholson at every game.  Laker tickets are the hottest tickets in town.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL:  USC Trojans

the army of troy.

We’re all lucky to be in the presence of greatness.  11 National Championships, 7 Heisman Trophy winners.  The Song Girls in their white sweaters.  Traveller sprinting the sideline.  The lighting of the Olympic flame in the four quarter.  The intimidation of the Coliseum at night.  Tommy Trojans stabbing his sword into the 50 yard line.  This is Troy.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL:  UCLA Bruins

the wizard of westwood and his hardwood hardware.

As much as it pains a Trojan to say this, UCLA basketball is legendary.  The Wizard of Westwood John Wooden.  11 National Titles.  Pauley Pavilion.  The powder blue and gold storming the court.  The frenzied fans.  The 8 Clap.  Even a Trojan knows Westwood is legendary on the hardwood.