For years, the instant on-off capabilities of LED technology have allowed stadium operators to create lighting effects during games, but the Arizona Diamondbacks felt those in control of Dodger Stadium's new system Thursday during Opening Day in Los Angeles went too far.
As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the lights dimmed and flickered while Arizona's Jake McCarthy fielded a fifth-inning RBI single off the bad of L.A.'s Will Smith, and they flickered again while Diamondbacks relief pitcher Carlos Vargas warmed up for his Major League debut. Vargas complained to home plate umpire Marvin Hudson, who immediately turned to the light operators up above home plate and signaled to return the lights to normal.
βI wasnβt too pleased about that,β Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said of the lighting distractions. βItβs the first game for everybody. Hopefully they figure it out. Iβll definitely bring it up with my group here in the front office here and just see what they think about doing. I donβt think anything was done maliciously. I just think they hit the wrong button at the wrong time and they need to be better at that.β
The lighting system upgrade is the first since Dodger Stadium opened in 1962, according to the Times, and the franchise touted its possibilities during a FanFest in January. βYou can watch baseball and go to a nightclub,β Dodgers president Stan Kasten said at the time. βItβs great. Every night here is fun, but this year is going to be more fun than ever.β
After the Dodgers' 8-2 win Thursday, manager Dave Roberts provided his own review. βI loved them,β Roberts said. βThe lights were amazing. In the middle of a play, we got a little aggressive with the dimmers. But better them than us.β
Zac Gallen, who surrendered Smith's single while on the mound the Diamondbacks, wasn't sure what to make of the effects. βIs that like scheduled? Is that a thing that theyβre doing?β Gallen said, as reported by the Times. βI donβt know. I havenβt seen that before. I was kind of shocked. I mean, it doesnβt seem like it would be something that MLBβs going to allow."
βChalk it up to miscommunication, I guess,β Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker said, according to the Arizona Republic. βI donβt think anybody is that slimy to try to intentionally mess with things. It happens all the time. Sometimes they play music at the wrong time. Itβs probably just a press box thing.β
The Republic cited reports that Dodger Stadium's light fixtures had last been replaced in 2008, and writer Nick Piecoro noted that the "playing field was noticeably brighter than in previous years."