As has become a tradition in Los Angeles, the 2012 Dodgers Home Opener was yet again a spectacular event, but this year’s version was even far more incredible as it also marked the 50th anniversary of the Grand Opening of Dodger Stadium, now the third oldest stadium in Major League Baseball.

In addition to the usual Opening Day ceremonies that Dodger fans have come to know and love, they were also treated to a performance by Southern California’s own Beach Boys, who are also celebrating their 50th anniversary.

The Beach Boys entertained fans during the Home Opener’s pre-game ceremonies. They also performed the National Anthem

Also on hand were several members of the original 1962 Dodgers who returned to their beloved stadium to kick off a year of celebration for the stadium’s 50th anniversary. Those returning were: Larry Burright, 1963 NL Batting Champ Tommy Davis, Tim Harkness, Ken McMullen, Wally Moon, Ron Perranoski, Pete Richert, Ed Roebuck, Norm Sherry, Daryl Spencer, Stan Williams and 1962 NL MVP Maury Wills; all of whom received a warm Dodger Stadium standing ovation.

Members of the original 1962 Opening Day Dodgers

And what has become a tradition at not only Dodger Stadium but throughout all of baseball, a huge football-field size American flag was stretched out across the outfield by members of the U.S. Military for the National Anthem. Topping off the ceremonies was a flyover by two F-18 Hornets out of Lemoore Naval Air Station as one hundred white doves were released over the stadium.

On hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch was Terry Seidler, the daughter of former Dodger owners Walter and Kay O’Malley. Terry was accompanied to the mound by her brother and former Dodger owner Peter O’Malley and catching for Terry was none other than lifetime Dodger Tommy Lasorda. Ironically, it was Kay O’Malley who threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the stadium’s official Grand Opening on April 11, 1962.

Terry Seidler throws out the ceremonial first pitch, just as her mother Kay O’Malley did 50 years ago

And of course the frosting on a great day of celebration was a dramatic 2-1 Dodger victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, with defending Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw pitching a strong seven innings (but getting a no decision) and a game-winning 8th inning solo home run by Andre Ethier.

(Photo courtesy of Jon SooHoo)

Beyond all of the hype and hoopla of the Home Opener, it was the bottom of the first inning that truly brought Dodger Stadium back in time to 1962 as Dee Gordon led off with a single, stole second on the first pitch to Mark Ellis, advanced to third on Ellis’ ground out, and then scored on a ground out by Matt Kemp. This was uncannily reminiscent of the top of the 1962 Dodgers lineup of Maury Wills, Jim Gilliam, Willie and Tommy Davis who made popular the phrase “Get ‘em on, Get ‘em over, Get ‘em in.” Based on what we saw at the 2012 Home Opener, one has to feel that the spirit of the 1962 Dodgers is going to play a big role for the 2012 Dodgers; and to this I say “It’s time for Dodger baseball!”