It's rare when a Spring Training game elicits emotion and nostalgia. Generally, the mood is relaxed. Winning isn't as important as getting into shape and regaining the feel for the game. Yet, on this glorious sunny afternoon in Vero Beach, Florida, the day was all about history and memories. Sixty years of memories.

The Los Angeles Dodgers today played their final Spring Training game in Vero Beach after preparing for seasons in Dodgertown for the past 60 years. In a sense, it was a sad day. For those who were around when the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, today probably had an eerily similar feeling. Those who reside in the area will wonder where they will go next season to watch spring baseball. And what about the economic factor of the move? This little town on the Florida coast is bound to suffer a bit of a downturn...even if the Orioles come to Vero Beach.

There's a reason this complex, or campus as I like to identify it, is called Dodgertown. It's not Orioletown or Devil Raystown or whatever. It just won't be the same around these parts without the Dodgers. Don't get me wrong, though. The move to Arizona makes a lot of sense, both from the standpoint of logistics and facility upgrades. Nevertheless, it's still sad to see the Dodgers leave the town that has supported them for so long, much like it was sad to see the team leave Brooklyn many years ago.

Stadium Notes

There's not much I can say about Holman Stadium that hasn't already been said before. It's a great place to watch a baseball game. The fans are practically on top of the players, who sit in roofless dugouts. The landscape is beautiful and being in the park makes you feel like you're part of an experience, not just a baseball game.

The concession stands are set up along the sidewalk and you feel as though you're walking through a fairground instead of a ballpark. The booths are staffed by some of the town's "old-timers" and quite possibly the nicest people in all of Florida. All in all, it's an experience I won't forget.

- As you can imagine, with today being the final spring game for the Dodgers at Holman Stadium, the turnout was quite impressive. There was standing room only...for both the media and fans!

I originally had a seat until I was asked to move and make room for former Major League umpire (and future Hall of Famer) Bruce Froemming. I guess he’s more important than me!

- The National Anthem was played by former Dodger great, Carl Erskine, who played the entire song on his harmonica. It gave me chills. If you never read my interview with Mr. Erskine, you should take a look when you have a chance. It’s my personal favorite.

- In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, everyone and everything was green. The Dodgers wore green hats, and all the bases were green…yes, the bases. That’s the first time I’ve seen that.

- Tommy Lasorda, who is filling in as manager of the Dodgers while Joe Torre is out west, gave a farewell and thank you speech prior to the game. It was quite moving even for Lasorda.

- During the game, the Dodgers issued a press release stating that the “Dodgers will not leave Dodgertown; we will take Dodgertown with us to Los Angeles.”

The plan is to incorporate many elements of Dodgertown into Dodger Stadium or on its surrounding grounds.

Game Notes

- I had a chance to speak with Hunter Pence briefly before the game. He said he’s fully recovered from the cuts and scrapes he got when he went through a glass window several weeks ago. I complimented him on his blog, and he said, “Thanks. It’s hard for me, you know. I (usually) hate writing.” I had to smile…he was so honest and sincere. Just a good kid.

- The wind was surely blowing out today as the two teams combined to hit 10 home runs. Andre Ethier went 4-for-5 with a double, home run, and 3 RBI. Juan Pierre went 0-for-5, making it more and more apparent that Pierre’s days as a starting outfielder in Los Angeles are numbered.

- Chad Billingsley looked strong in his first 2 innings of work, spotting his curveball nicely. But once the wind picked up, that was about the end for Billingsley who left after allowing 3 home runs.

- This was a road game for Houston so there were some obvious players, like Lance Berkman, who were missing from the lineup. Still, there’s just so little to like about this club.

All photos are by Joe Hamrahi and property of Baseball Digest Daily