Freeway Extension Doesn’t Pan Out

For the first time in two decades, the Dodgers and Angels are not scheduled to meet in a Freeway Series exhibition game next spring.

The Angels were irked last spring when the Dodgers slashed the Freeway Series from the traditional three games to one, citing the chance to play host to the New York Yankees instead. The Angels scrambled to fill their schedule for the final weekend of spring training, eventually adding exhibition games against a Mexican League club and Cal State Fullerton.

The Angels, taking no chances this time around, have scheduled two games with the San Diego Padres for the last weekend of exhibition play.

“It wasn’t our intent in 1999 to break away from tradition,” said Tim Mead, Angel vice president of communications. “After the events of last season, we’ve chosen to move ahead.”

The Dodgers have not completed their spring schedule, but General Manager Kevin Malone said he hopes the traditional series can be revived.

“I’m optimistic, somewhere down the road, we can do that,” he said. “I think it’s great for the Southern California baseball fan. I think it sets the tone for the excitement of the season.”