Who would have thought when November first began that Dodger fans would have so much to be thankful for? It all began on November 2nd, when Frank McCourt agreed to sell the Dodgers. On Nove,ber 17, Clayton Kershaw won the National League Cy Young Award. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Matt Kemp signed an eight year, $160 milion deal on November 18. Really, can it get much better than that that? Absolutely. Tomorrow the National league MVP Award will be given out, and if Dodger fans had their way, it would go to Matt Kemp.
That would be 20 days of baseball euphoria in Los Angeles. I honestly am having a hard time finding something to compare it to. Here we have a down-on-it’s-luck franchise, getting the ultimate gift when a despised owner agrees to sell the city’s beloved franchise, followed quickly by it’s young phenom pitcher receiving the highest award possible, followed by their charismatic and unbelievably talented young outfielder signing a lucrative extension and proclaiming his desire to be a Dodger for life. It kind of makes you think Matt Kemp is due the MVP doesn’t it?
I so want Matt Kemp to be the MVP. I want it for him because he had one of best all-around seasons for any baseball player in decades. I want it for him because he played hard everyday on an average team. I want it for him because he played the game the way it’s meant to be played: with hard work, class and a fantastic attitude. But mostly, I want it for Dodger fans…for their support, passion and believe in this club.
But whether or not Matt wins the MVP, I’m thankful. Thankful that the Dodger organization has turned a corner and that hope is once again on the horizon. A new owner will soon be in place and we’ll have the opportunity to see Kershaw, Kemp and the others for years to come.
As a baseball fan, you really can’t ask for much more than that.
KeMVP, baby.
Photo credit: Jon SooHoo / 2011 LA Dodgers
