The Dodgers Will Shake Things Up By Playing Exhibition Game at Rancho Cucamonga

The Dodgers announced today that a special split squad exhibition game between the Dodgers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes has been scheduled for Thursday, March 28th at The Epicenter in Rancho Cucamonga. The Dodgers and the Quakes (the Dodgers Advanced-A affiliate) will take the field at 6:05 pm for a seven-inning exhibition game. The other split-squad will be playing an exhibition game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim at 7:05 pm that same night which kicks off the Freeway Series and preludes the Opening Series to the regular 2013 season for the Dodgers.

What will make it even more special is that the Dodgers’ split-squad will be managed by Tommy Lasorda. The roster will be announced at a later date presumably after some Spring Training games have been played.

The Dodger press release quoted both De Jon Watson, Dodger Vice President, Player Development and Quakes’ Vice President-General Manager Grant Riddle:

"“As an organization, we are excited about strengthening our relationship with the Quakes and the Quakes’ fan base,” said Dodger Vice President, Player Development De Jon Watson. “In this game, the fans will have an opportunity to see not only our Major League players but some of our young rising stars at the best facility in the California League.”"

"“This is an amazing opportunity to showcase our partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers,” said Quakes’ Vice President – General Manager Grant Riddle. “It will be exciting for Quakes’ fans to see the Dodgers up close and personal, and to see them right here at The Epicenter will mark a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”"

August 26, 2012; Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA; Rancho Cucamonga Quakes outfielder Yasiel Puig against the San Jose Giants at The Epicenter. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

I really enjoy these types of exhibition games where Dodger fans can see some of the affiliate teams in action which includes prospects in the farm system. Conversely, Dodger fans in the Rancho Cucamonga area will get a special treat to see the Major League club play at The Epicenter if they attend the exhibition game. I hope this is the beginning of more exhibition mash-ups of the like within the Dodgers’ organization. Batting practice will be open to the public, but tickets for this event are currently only available to Quakes MVPs (Ticket Package Holders). Ticket packages, which include a ticket to the Dodgers’ exhibition game, start at just $89 and can be purchased by calling (909) 481-5000 or on the Quakes website.