Some fans of the team may not know, but the Los Angeles Dodgers’ story began many years before the team set up shop at Chavez Ravine. As early as the mid-1800s, the team existed in some shape or form, beginning in Brooklyn as part as the first professional baseball league.

When Charles Ebbets took ownership in 1905, he made efforts to bring the Dodgers to promise. After financing the famous ballpark that bore his name, he orchestrated a series of moves that eventually led to the team’s first pennant in 1941. Since then, the Dodgers’ continued success has marked them as one of baseball’s most revered organizations. Needless to say, their appeal and history have given birth to one of the most passionate fan bases in the country – a vibrant portion of which resides in Santa Clarita.

The support is practically unavoidable, as witnessed by the constant stream of Dodger hats, jerseys, and bumper stickers present in our city’s complexion. The fan presence has certainly grown over the years, and nowhere is this more evident than at the restaurants that carry the games. Step into BJ’s, Islands, or Vincenzo’s when the Boys in Blue are playing and you’re bound to see and hear a few Dodger nuts acting like they’re at the stadium. The experience is only augmented during the playoffs, of which the Dodgers are becoming routine guests.

Truth be told, the Dodgers have always been Santa Clarita’s favorite baseball team. As the stadium sits a mere 40 minutes down the I-5, most of us have had the chance to see the Dodgers in a live setting. It’s an experience unlike any other, and can plant the seeds for a lifelong devotion to the team.

The thing is, the relationship is mutual. Santa Clarita has affected the Dodgers and vice versa. Just as our city’s youth goes through Hart baseball dreaming of one day playing for the Dodgers, the team has actually made it happen, as they’ve signed Santa Clarita athletes such as Todd Zeile, Jon Garland, Jimmy Rohan, and Kyle Wilson. And of course, there’s Santa Clarita Valley Dodger Day. The event, now in its 33rd year, allows fans the opportunity to attend a game knowing the proceeds will benefit a Santa Clarita non-profit or school.

The Dodger community is alive and well in Santa Clarita. We here at KHTS recognize this and are pleased to present the Dodger Express – the new monthly newsletter tailored to Dodger fans in the SCV. Featuring updates on Dodger-related events in the City, team analysis, and interactive features, this is a Dodger experience that comes to you.

By Christopher Glotfelty