Dodger fever has taken over Los Angeles.
Fans across the city are eager to watch their L.A. team take it all – possibly tonight– as the Dodgers are a win away from clinching the World Series against the New York Yankees.
For vendors across Boyle Heights, it’s a chance to capitalize on the beloved team and sell shirts, jerseys, hats and even baby onesies in the signature shade of Dodger blue.
Juan Romero has been selling Dodger gear out of his mobile truck shop on the corner of 4th and Soto streets for over a decade. He sells windbreakers, panchos and jerseys.
“The more they win, the crazier people get,” the 64-year-old vendor said. “It’s more demand.”
A lifelong Dodger fan, Romero hopes to celebrate a World Series championship, both as a supporter and as a business owner.
“As a fan, it would be amazing, because this time we get to celebrate the parade, something we could not do back in 2020,” Romero said, recalling the pandemic. “For business, it’s even better because people are going crazy for all the Dodger merchandise at the time.”
Over on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, a sea of blue and white shirts, sweaters and jerseys hang from a tiny storefront between Chicago and St. Louis streets.
“What we sell depends on the sports season,” said Maria Altamira Cabrales, who runs a merch business that spills out from Giromex Money Transfer. “But when it comes to the Dodgers, we have things all year round here.”
Cabrales says game wins are a chance to make a profit.
“I know I’m going to get emotional [if they win], just like everyone here, all the Angelenos,” she said. “We’re excited and waiting for tonight’s game too so we can make back what we’ve invested into the business.”
She says business has been good for her because it’s one of the few shops on the street selling authentic gear and more affordable options. “People have come to know us, that we’re here all year and they come here to support.”
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