For the third straight season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made their way into the National League Championship series, just one year removed from their first World Series birth since they won the title back in 1988.
After splitting the first two NLCS games in Milwaukee, the Dodgers returned home only to get shutout by the Brewers in Game 3, 4-0.
LA has the second largest media market in the nation with millions of fans from all over the map, including Central Coast resident, Hillary Bouchenot, of Grover Beach, who’s pumped to be back at Dodger Stadium to cheer on her beloved Blue Crew.
“I grew up in LA, I’m from Pasadena. I moved to SLO to go to Cal Poly, and I’m just so happy to come down here and cheer for the Dodgers,” Bouchenot said. “This is the third year I’ve been to a postseason game and it’s super exciting. I’m hoping that this is the year. I keep saying that, but hopefully we can beat the Brewers and advance to the World Series.
Another special fan in the stands is Tyger Pederson, older brother to Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson. Tyger was a volunteer assistant coach for the Cal Poly baseball team last season. Tyger has since moved on and is now the Director of Baseball Operations and Manager of the Duluth Huskies, a collegiate summer baseball team in the Northwoods League.
Tyger, Joc, and their father, Stu, have all been members of the Dodgers franchise at one point in time, so witnessing another trip to the NLCS has been a truly special moment for the Pederson household.
“You know, my dad did a good job when he was apart of the organization and went about his business in a professional manner,” Pederson said. “You know, luckily, the Dodgers took a shot on Joc in the 11th round and it planned out for him. With me getting the opportunity to play with the Dodgers for a few years, it was just an awesome experience. It’s really nice to see the entire family to be able to stay with the Dodgers.”
The Pederson’s added another leaf to the family tree on Sunday during the team’s off-day, Joc and his wife, Kelsey, had their first child, a baby girl, Poppy Jett Pederson. It’s been a busy few days for the Pederson family.
