The Los Angeles Dodgers held their annual Alumni Game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, with the exhibition event featuring several fan favorites from multiple eras. SportsNet LA analysts Nomar Garciaparra and Jerry Hairston Jr. served as de facto captains, with players assigned to “Team Nomar” and “Team JHair.”
Garciaparra’s team appeared to have the advantage on paper, as their lineup consisted of Steve Sax, Dave Roberts, Shaw Green, Scott Van Slyke and Steve Yeager, among others. However, with Tommy Lasorda, Maury Wills and other Dodgers dignitaries looking on, it was Team JHair that ran away with a win.
Orel Hershiser failed to retire the firs two batters faced and was replaced on the mound by Garciaparra, because the recently-retired James Loney was due to hit. Garciaparra joked on the broadcast Hershiser was worried about his ability to get out of the way of a potential comebacker.
Sure enough, Loney lined a single up the middle to the load the bases. His next at-bat was more memorable, as Loney launched a grand slam into the paivilion in right field.
A reunion to remember. #DodgersAlumni pic.twitter.com/BAIL9V2X4I
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 2, 2019
Loney was joined by Van Slyke as players who only recently wrapped up their Major League careers. Loney was drafted 19th overall by the Dodgers in 2002 and made his MLB debut with the club in 2006.
He spent seven seasons with the Dodgers and memorably hit a grand slam against the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the 2008 National League Division Series. Loney recently said he’s had conversations with Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman about potentially joining the front office in a player development role.
