I think a common fantasy of most sports fans is to actually become a member of their favorite team.
It usually begins when you’re a kid. You imagine getting out there and hitting the game-winning shot or home run alongside your favorite players and coaches.
There’s just something about sports stars; they give off a hero vibe. Even older fans would still be as giddy as a 10 year old if they met their favorite player.
Well, one guy in California appeared to have been literally chasing that dream last Wednesday.
The man, identified as Ronald Higgins, 47, was found on the field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles Wednesday wearing a Dodgers uniform.
According to an Associated Press report, Higgins allegedly had a glove and baseballs in his hands and claimed to be a member of the Dodgers when he was discovered by a guard, who recognized Higgins from “an earlier incident.”
Higgins pleaded not guilty to burglary and trespassing Friday, along with some other charges. If found guilty, Higgins could face up to four years in prison.
After reading this, I tried to piece his whole thought process together.
Was he expecting to go to the stadium before the game and somehow make it into the lineup against the Padres that night?
Was he planning on facing San Diego’s Shawn Estes at the plate or catching some balls in the outfield?
I think he’s simply a 10-year-old Dodgers fan trapped in a 47-year-old body. I think that’s how a lot of sports fans are.
Put yourself in his shoes. Who wouldn’t want to suit up and play on the field in Nashville this weekend when Auburn faces Vandy? Well, I’ll take that back — I don’t know a ton of people who want to get hit by linebackers.
But you know what I mean: the cliché countdown to the buzzer when kids are shooting hoops.
Most people probably think Higgins is insane, but I’m not so sure. The incident seems harmless (alleged burglary and trespassing aside.)
He’s probably just a life-long Dodgers fan who wanted to see what it was like to be on the field his favorite team plays on.
I just hope he was able to catch the Dodgers’ 12-4 win that night in jail.
Wes Sinor is the Assistant Sports Editor of The Auburn Plainsman. You can reach him at 334-844-9104.
