Dodgers excited about having Magic on their side
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Laughter pierced the air in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ clubhouse. Players shook hands and high-fived. They talked about favorite memories of their new owner.
The idea that Magic Johnson, who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA titles, is one of their new bosses, had the players heading to the nearest sporting goods store to buy basketballs.
“He better get his hand ready because there’ll be 25 guys in here holding basketballs ready to be signed,” said outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr., who remembers crying over Johnson’s retirement in 1991 after his announcement that he had contracted HIV. “I’m probably more pumped than anybody in this room because I’m the biggest Laker fan in the world.”
All-star Matt Kemp entered the clubhouse Wednesday wearing a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor AllStars in honor of Johnson. He could not believe the text messages he got Wednesday night while watching the Phoenix Suns-san Antonio Spurs game, figuring guys were joking. Now, he can’t believe that one of his idols will be signing his checks.
“All I’m thinking about is being on the on-deck circle and seeing Magic in one of those owners’ seats. It’s going to be a little weird, but it’s definitely going to be fun having him around,” said Kemp, who signed an eight-year, $160 million extension over the winter. “He knows what the Dodgers mean to L.A. This is a pretty good day for the Dodgers.”