Let’s just say I had no idea what I was getting myself into. 4 years ago this month as I started watching more baseball games than I had since my teens, I discovered the wonderful land of Twitter, and my life hasn’t been the same since…in the very best way possible. As the journey progressed, I began to learn that there were many people out there – sportswriters, fans, employees of the Dodgers – and all from different walks of life, who love the Boys In Blue as much as I do, and I haven’t looked back since.

Twitter can be an educational, entertaining and combative place, sometimes all at once. With more and more fans joining in, the many personalities and approaches only add to the experience. Some report on the facts only and are especially skilled at the art of “live tweeting”, meaning you could easily follow along with game action without actually watching. Others wear their hearts on their sleeves while living and dying on each pitch, roster move or in-game decision. Some among us are pure entertainment, mixing in unique humour with actual observations on what the team is or isn’t doing well. From time to time over the last few years, I’ve watched the better part of a game on what used to be called “tape delay” and can attest to the fact that regardless of the game outcome, watching is not nearly as fun without Dodgers Twitter to experience it with.

We all have our own social media journeys, beliefs and philosophies, and mine has never been to share much information about myself or to use these venues as a personal outlet for my own issues. We all have problems and challenges to deal with in our everyday lives and I had decided a long time ago not to be one who spreads negativity and bad online aura to the world. Gradually, though, especially after I started contributing to Dodgers Nation, I started to feel connected with many in the “Dodger Fam”, and felt more comfortable to be myself, as though I was truly among friends. Last fall when I lost my job unexpectedly while dealing with the failing health of a family member, I found myself reaching out to the Twitter world and asking for positive vibes – something I had never done before. The response and support was overwhelming, as I heard from Dodger fans across Canada and the US with job recruiting leads, offers of assistance, and plenty of positive energy and support. Though I live more than 3,500 miles from Dodger Stadium, I no longer feel alone out here.

After we all took the 2018 playoff rollercoaster ride together and survived the despair of the off-season, Opening Day approached this season and it occurred to me – just 4 short years ago I didn’t know a single one of these people, didn’t know about the wonderful world of Dodgers fandom beyond my own little corner of the world. Even with the continuous ups and downs of adulthood, my life is better for being able to call myself a proud, loyal Dodger fan, and Dodgers Twitter is a big part of it.

As the Dodger Fam learned this week that one of our own is dealing with a cancer diagnosis in her immediate family, and the resulting outpouring of support, I think about the connection some of us have made online over the years, with our love and passion of the Dodgers being the trait that unites us. I have been lucky enough to meet some of these people in person, but even though I will never meet most of them, that won’t change the bond.

Here, in no particular order, are just a few of the great individual Dodgers Twitter follows that I have discovered along my journey:

JP Hoornstra | Follow @JPHoornstra

Andy McCullough | Follow @McCulloughTimes

Eric Stephen | Follow @truebluela

Brandon Knudsen | Follow @Knudervalve

Michael Wittman | Follow @Wittman7

Dodgers Reddit | Follow @DodgersReddit

Andy Lane Chapman | Follow @AndyLChapmanLA

Jason Davidson | Follow @JasonD79

Jim Peel | Follow @peelerjim

Burt Calderon | Follow @TheRealArcalde

Blue, The Dodger Dog | Follow @DodgersBluePen

Jon Weisman | Follow @JonWeisman

Ron Cervanka | Follow @ThinkBlueLA

pls | Follow @doyerspls

David Young | Follow @DavidYoungTBLA

Rebekah Shibley | Follow @DodgerFoodie

Jody Wahl | Follow @JodyWahl

Dieter Ruehle | Follow @DieterRuehle

Trevor Vernola | Follow @tvern16

Stinkerbell | Follow @OriginalCynic

DontLookAtAngie | Follow @4Ev3rblue

Ducks and Dodgers | Follow @LADuckLove

Amanda Smith | Follow @AmandaRTubbs

Sarah Wexler | Follow @SarahWexler32

Jeremy | Follow @x_Th3_Truth_x

Lauren Mora | Follow @morasee

These are just a few of the personal connections and great follows that make my Dodgers Twitter as special as it is. Who are some of yours? Please let us know in the comments!

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