Skip to Content
Los Angeles

Mystical Russian “V” Hired by Dodgers

10:02 AM PDT on June 10, 2010

Did somebody dare Frank and Jamie McCourt to appear as publicly ridiculous as possible? As if the beleaguered ownership duo couldn't have come off any creepier, Bill Shaikin reports in the L.A. Times this morning that for the entirety of their ownership the daffy pair have employed a reclusive Russian mystic to will the team to victory. That is correct -- the estranged Tsar and Tsarina of Dodgertown have their very own Rasputin on the payroll.

Reportedly earning bonuses well into the six-figures depending on Dodger playoff performance (and presumably exiled to Siberia following the team's dreadful 91-loss 2005 campaign), Vladimir Shpunt, a mysterious 71-year-old Russian émigré physicist and faith healer, is paid by the Dodgers brain trust to sit in a room in (ugh!) BOSTON and meditate the team to victory. Well, hats off to the two for developing a winning strategy in the absence of actually spending money on team payroll, as I understand there was a much more expensive Vladimir that some unenlightened fans hoped the team would pursue.
Shaikin's full story can be found here.

Already a user?Log in

Thanks for reading!

Register to continue

Become a Member

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Echo Park’s Own Xochitl Gomez Wins The Finale of Dancing With the Stars

The young Marvel star shared the importance of showcasing her Mexican heritage in her ballroom dances through her song choices, set design, and wardrobe. Gomez is a constant advocate for representation both on movie sets and now in the ballroom.

December 6, 2023

‘These Animals Saved My Life:’ L.A.’s Equestrian Communities Fight Ordinance Seeking to Ban Local Rodeos

After three hours of public comments from both sides, the City Council decided the ordinance be sent back and reviewed before it officially can be voted on. L.A.'s cowboys and cowgirls who were present at the meeting took this as a small win for the city's rodeo culture.

December 6, 2023

Woman Brings Claim Against City, Alleging Former LAPD Assistant Chief Put Tracking Device on Her Car

While on a trip with friends in September, the plaintiff discovered an Apple Airtag in a black box attached to the undercarriage of her vehicle, the claim states. Her friend scanned the Airtag and found that the serial number and owner information matched the last four digits of former Assistant Chief Alfred Labrada's city cellphone, according to her claim.

December 6, 2023

Exclusive: Macheen and Horchatería Rio Luna to Open New School Torta Shop in Paramount

Expect a tender beef barbacoa torta served with guajillo consomé to dip, a torta ahogada de camarón (shrimp) with a yuzu avocado puree drowned in a spicy lobster stock, and a "Mexi-Italian" sandwich with panela, hot pistachio salsa macha, and mortadella. This innovative torta venture in SELA is set to open next week on Monday.

December 5, 2023
See all posts