For many of us, we are approaching the most exciting part of the season. And like me, I'm sure many of you have plenty of stories to tell of past exciting pennant chases. And with the Dodgers closing in on their 4th playoff appearance in the last 6 seasons, it's easy to understand why many of us here in L.A. are filled with Blue Fever. Of course, we all know that the excitemet in many cases starts before the season even ends, with teams still vying for that ever so elusive playoff spot. One of my recent favorite memories goes back 5 years ago. Going into the final weekend of the season, the Dodgers had lead the hated Giants by 3 games with 3 to play at Dodger Stadium. One win, and the Blue were champions of the NL West. The Jints took the first game and were leading 3-0 heading to the bottom of the 9th inning of the second game. ( Yes, I write this as a Dodger fan, not an objective reporter, until I get my own column, I'm sticking to my unabashed love for the BLUE !!!! ) A Dodger loss, and the NL West deficit falls to one game with one to play. But the Blue Crew, whom had a penchant for many a come from behind victory that season, would load the bases and their 1st run would be on a bases loaded walk to Hee-Sop Choi. Than, with one out and the bases still loaded, Cesar Izturis hit what appeared to be a game-ending double play, only to have Giants SS Cody Ransom boot it, allowing another run to score and the bases remained loaded. Up next, Jason Werth, whom still has a place in the heart of some of us Dodger fans


After fouling off several pitches, Werth would line a sharp single to center to knot the score at 3. Then of course, Steve Finley, and the grand-slam walk off to knock off the Jints and give the good guys the NL West. Do you really need me to describe the atmosphere at The Ravine after the homer ?

One final note on that afternoon, I'll never forget was taking a picture with my phone of some fans banner that read 2004 NL WEST CHAMPS and sending it to a Giants buddy of mine, who was " celebrating " a birthday the following day. Before sending the pic, I showed the pic off to the usher and fellow Dodger fans around me, telling everyone..." It'd be rude of me not to send a birthday greeting , wouldn't it ? " OK, what are your favorite memories of past pennant chases of your favorite team ?