Return to Dodger Stadium

I think it's gonna be a long, long time

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is one of the few days when baseball tends to take it easy. And with enough football and futbol to keep us entertained, I’m happy to bask in the afterglow of my visit to Dodger Stadium last Saturday.

It was the second time I found myself at that ballpark this calendar year. My first visit was in July when LA played host to the Futures Game as part of the All-Star festivities.

On Saturday, well, it was more of an old-timers’ game. Sir Elton John graced the stage on U.S. soil for the penultimate time, returning to the scene of his American debut some 47 years ago.

Dodgers fans remained true to their reputation: Whether it’s Kershaw or the Rocket Man in control of the evening, many ticket-holders rolled in during the third inning.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a leadoff homer from Mookie Betts or Elton’s opener “Bennie and the Jets,” only two-thirds of the crowd witnessed it.

Regardless, Elton left it all out on the field.

We certainly shouldn’t expect to see him legging out any infield singles. When he got up from his piano between songs, I felt my sciatica burn.

Undeterred, Sir Elton left his bench between almost every song and weebled across the stage, soaking in the adulation not unlike one of today’s players after safely reaching second base.

And — let’s give the man credit — over the course of his three-night stand at Dodger Stadium, Elton pounded out more hits than Cody Bellinger.

In a venue where calls to the bullpen have arrived infamously late, Elton knew exactly when to hit the showers.

In July, it was future stars like Gunnar Henderson and Corbin Carroll in the spotlight. Last weekend, it was first-ballot Hall-of-Famer Elton John. It felt like a good way to tie a sequin bow on the season.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I hope you’re enjoying the day with family and friends.

If you feel so inclined, please share your favorite part of the day — tradition, food, or otherwise — with us in the comments. Thank you!