Dirtbags.

Los Angeles is a great sports city. During our week there, there might be any of three different pro sports teams playing. Two basketball teams (sure, the Lakers mighta got bounced in the second round of the playoffs this year, but they remain one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. Two hockey teams. Two baseball teams (sure, the Dodgers are going through some grief right now, but they remain one of the most... uh, you know). A couple of professional soccer teams. Several major colleges, with their own notable sports histories. 'Course, you know about Southern Cal and U.C.L.A., but how 'bout Long Beach State baseball? Officially they are "The 49ers", and they've made four trips to the College World Series, and are regulars in post-season play. Unofficially they have one of the greatest nicknames in college sports: the
Dirtbags, (second, in my mind, only to the U.C. Santa Cruz Banana Slugs). Jason Giambi's a dirtbag. So is the Tampa Ray's Evan Longeria. Jared Weaver's a lucky dirtbag, because he gets to play only a few miles away from his college for the Angels.

Long Beach State plays right across the street from the school where our hostess teaches, so we took in a game. The stadium wasn't full of fans early, but there were plenty of pro scouts.