Dodgers' Tony Gwynn remembers LA Kings '93 playoff run

Last month Dodgers' first baseman James Loney and outfielder Matt Kemp stopped by MayorsManor to share a few thoughts on hockey.

As you may recall, Loney is eager to not only come out to Staples Center for a game, but he wants to suit up and take part in warm-ups. Meanwhile, the always laid-back Kemp indicated he was more the 'ceremonial first puck' type of guy.

Then, there's outfielder Tony Gwynn, Jr. - perhaps a superfan in disguise...

Growing up, he says he spent summers in Long Beach with his grandparents. And although he never made it down to the old Forum for a game, that didn't stop him from cheering for the local hockey team.

"I was a huge Kings fan back when they went to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993," Gwynn recently shared. "Back when they had Luc Robitaille and Wayne Gretzky, they had a bunch of good players. I remember watching the Vancouver series and when they won that series I was pumped up!"

Nearly 20 years later, is he still interested in the Kings?

Matt Kemp unwilling to follow James Loney onto Kings ice

Over the past several seasons the Kings and Dodgers have maintained a friendly marketing relationship.

Players from both sides have visited the home turf of the other sport and helped promote their team and a greater sense of community between their fans.

Prior to last night's Kings-themed evening at Dodger Stadium, I spoke to first baseman James Loney - who was eager to come down to Staples Center and not just watch a game, but take part in warm-ups on the ice.

After the Dodgers downed the Diamondbacks 9-5, Matt Kemp didn't exactly share his teammate's enthusiasm for participation - "Nah, them boys are pretty rough, man. I don't think I'm too good on ice either. I'm a little clumsy. So, they got me on that. I'll definitely come watch a game. But, I don't think I'm going to get on that ice."

Like Loney, he hasn't formally been introduced to the NHL yet. "I've never been to a pro hockey game," said Kemp. "The first game I went to was a CHL game, the Oklahoma City Blazers. That was a long time ago."

James Loney eying LA Kings, thinking Bo Jackson v2.0?

Deion Sanders did it. Brian Jordan did it too. Most famously, Bo Jackson did it.

They were all two-sport stars.

However, that was football and baseball. To the best of my knowledge, no modern pro athlete has ever gone from the playing field to a sheet of ice in the NHL.

Could the Dodgers' James Loney be the first?

Prior to last night's Dodger game, I spoke with the first baseman to talk a little hockey. After all, it was 'Kings Night' at the ballpark.

"I haven't made it out to a game yet," Loney admitted. "I know at Spring Training in Arizona, they have hockey playing right next door too. I want to get out to one. So, hopefully it happens pretty soon."

He's not a complete hockey novice though. "I've been to a minor league game, the Houston Aeros (AHL)," Loney shared. "I remember a fight breaking out right after the National Anthem. It was pretty insane."

Unlike Andre Either, he doesn't want to just visit Staples Center to drop a ceremonial first-puck before the game. "I want to come and shoot some goals," Loney exclaimed with a huge smile and eyes wide open. "I want to come early. I want to put some gear on."

He even confirmed it wouldn't be the first time he's seen the ice - "I've been on skates, yeah!"

Then, Loney must have had a moment of clarity. "Maybe I can just be a goalie or something, just kind of move around back there. But, I want to get down and dirty with those guys."

As for the Dodgers and their weekend series with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Loney said, "I'm feeling pretty good. We've been playing pretty well over the last few weeks. Maybe not getting as many wins as we'd like, obviously. But, we're coming off a pretty hot streak this last week. So, we're hoping to keep that rolling."

And they certainly did, beating the D-backs 9-5.

After the game, Loney mentioned to me again how serious he was about coming to a Kings game this winter.

Somebody order this guy a jersey and get him some skates.   We'll just need to see if Rob Scuderi is willing to give up his #7 for the night.

The Mayor
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up later - comments from Don Mattingly and Tony Gwynn Jr

Kings Take The Field For Opening Day at Dodger Stadium

Dustin Brown - captain or catcher?

Over the last few seasons, the Kings and Dodgers have developed a more-than-friendly relationship.

In fact, when cross promoting each other, the home team had a perfect 6-0 record until just a few months ago.

Later this afternoon the boys in blue will take the field at Dodger Stadium against the hated San Francisco Giants to begin their new season.

After writing many times over the last few years about the parallels of these two teams - i.e. GMs from division rivals, tons of young talent, just one key player away from a possible run at a championship, etc. - I thought I'd go a different route in honor of Opening Day.

Which Kings players would step in for the Dodgers if they took over the starting line-up? Here's a quick look...

First Baseman, James Loney is... Dustin Brown - the all around, solid ball player that is under appreciated and underrated, even in his own town.

Second Baseman, Juan Uribe is... Justin Williams - somebody who put up good numbers with a different club, but you never truly appreciate how good he is until he's on your team.

Shortstop, Rafael Furcal is... Drew Doughty - either of these players could easily be called the best players on their team and be recognized as league MVPs in any year.