eyes on the prize

as another season kicks off, here's a reminder of what the boys in blue (and every other major leaguer) are playing for.

this is the last one that the dodgers have won, coming in 1988 and displayed on a card from the 1989 mother's dodgers set of cards.

back then, it was kirk gibson

who was the mvp of the regular season and made the impossible happened.

that was thanks to a big walk that mike davis

coerced from dennis eckersley

and also made possible by an rbi single from mike scioscia

earlier in the game, although it was rick dempsey

who would finish the series behind the plate and get to be the one to rush the mound and hug orel hershiser after the final out was recorded.

it was the second world championship for fernando valenzuela

although he was hurt and did not pitch in the postseason.

after the dodgers won, they attracted a few new faces - veterans who wanted to win - like mike morgan

old foe willie randolph

and eddie murray

each of whom joined the dodgers hoping to help the team repeat as world champions, because as lou piniella will tell you...

...the ring is the thing.

expectations are high this season.  i'm hoping they are realized.