President's Day

Some say to not mix politics with sports.  If you truly think about it, polar opposites on the political spectrum can unify in heart when it comes to rooting for the Dodgers.  I can imagine Rob Reiner embracing Arnold Schwarzennegger following an emotional Dodger victory.  In fact, it may have actually happened.  

In the course of my participation in Dodger related message boards and blogs, from time to time political discussion has raised its ugly head. I have found it surprising that someone that I get along and agree with 100% when it comes to Dodger baseball may have a political position or opinion that is 180 degrees apart from my own.

Baseball does indeed unify the strangest of bedfellows.  I figure that if I ever want to lose readership, all I need to do is start expressing political opinion over here.

So on this President's Day, without pointing to political ideology , I'll keep things down the middle and we'll look at photographs of Presidential connections to the Dodgers over the years.

Ronald W. Reagan

Vin Scully and Ronald Reagan at the 1989 All Star Game, Anaheim, CA.

Photo with Ronald Reagan and the 88 Dodgers who presented him with a bat and jersey.  Interesting to note that Don Sutton, who the Dodgers released at mid-season , was present at the Rose Garden meeting.  Others identified are Mike Scioscia, Jay Howell, Tommy Lasorda and Orel Hershiser.

William Jefferson Clinton

1997 Shea Stadium, Bill Clinton addresses the first ever jackie Robinson day crowd with Rachel Robinson and Bud Selig looking on.

2005 photo of Pres. Clinton with Tommy Lasorda and George Steinbrenner

Dwight D. Eisenhower

President Dwight D. Eisenhower throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the 1956 World Series at Ebbets Field.  Looking on are managers Casey Stengel and Walter Alston.

Barack H. Obama

President Obama and Don Newcombe meet in Los Angeles in April, 2010.  Obama is quoted as saying, "I would not be here if it were not for Jackie and it were not for Don Newcombe."