Dear Santa Letter from a Bakersfield Sports Fan

Dear Santa,

First, I'd like to thank you for another great sports year. I'm mailing this letter early because I was afraid you wouldn't get it in time, what with the government budget cuts at the post office and all. I hope all is well with you and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole. All is good here in Bakersfield, and the weather is cooling just in time for your arrival.

I love the holiday season. If holidays were sports teams, I'd be a Christmas fan. I would wear licensed Christmas apparel, and buy Christmas season tickets. I would start collecting Christmas trading cards, and would search the card section inside Russo's Books for a Frosty the Snowman rookie card.

Having said that, I want you to give me everything I ask for this year. I helped an old lady across Chester Avenue, I gave a few pints down at the Houchin Blood Bank, I volunteered to feed the homeless, and I tossed a bear at the Condors game. With the exception of a few minor naughty infractions, I think I should be placed on the nice list this year.

So, here is my Christmas list.

I want the Jam to finish better than an 11-39 season. You really delivered on last years Christmas list with Mateen Cleaves, Trey Johnson, and Nick Lewis, returning in 2008-2009. Thanks big guy.

I want you to let CSUB Athletic Director Rudy Carvajal live another 67 years. I know, that means he'll be in his mid-130s, but Santa, if anyone deserves to be alive that long, it's Rudy. He's an icon of Cal State Bakersfield sports. Not to mention winning an unprecedented 30 national championships in seven different sports, and the national Sears Directors' Cup for the overall excellence of CSUB's athletic program. The world would truly be a lesser place without him.

I want you to renovate Sam Lynn Ballpark. Thus keeping the tradition of professional baseball alive in Bakersfield. I was going to ask for a new ballpark, but I know things are tough this year so just some improvements to the ole ballpark would probably do it.