Since relocating to Los Angeles in 1958, the Dodgers have established many traditions over the course of their rich history in the city. A popular one is the playing of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.” after every home win at Dodger Stadium.
The song, released in 1983, has become symbolic of the Dodgers’ successful run in recent years. While many fans adore the tune, the same can’t be said for Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.
When speaking to Mark Kiszla of The Denver Post, Gonzalez revealed that he despises the song and immediately leaves the field when the Dodger Stadium speakers start blasting Newman’s hit:
“I try to run really fast into the clubhouse whenever they play that stupid song. I don’t want to hear it. Nobody wants to hear it,” outfielder Carlos Gonzalez said Sunday, after Colorado routed Washington 12-0.
After posting identical 91-71 records through Sunday, the Dodgers and Rockies squared off for perhaps the final time in 2018 in a Game 163 tiebreaker at Dodger Stadium.
Propelled by Walker Buehler’s dominant outing, the Dodgers defeated the Rockies with ease and captured their sixth consecutive National League West title. The win improved Los Angeles to 13-7 on the year against Colorado, including a 7-3 mark at home.
Unfortunately for Gonzalez, that’s seven times he’s had to hear Newman’s “I Love L.A.” this season. The latest playing of the song was especially painful, as now the Rockies must fend off the Chicago Cubs in Tuesday’s win-or-go-home NL Wild Card Game.
