Dodgers Paid Psychic to Channel Positive Energy to Team: The Los Angeles Dodgers paid a Russian psychic for five years to send his positive energy to the team to help its on-field success, the Los Angeles Times reports. Vladimir Shpunt, 71, a scientist who claims he can heal people with the heat in his hands and heal them over long distances, was paid a six-figure bonus if the team won the National League West. Neither owner Frank McCourt nor his estranged wife Jamie will acknowledge hiring Shpunt, who watched games to channel positive "V energy" to the team. When the Dodgers in 2004 clinched their first playoff spot in eight years, the consultant who introduced Shpunt to the team emailed to Jamie, "The miracle finish was the result of V energy. Frank was privileged to actually feel the energy."
That's not the first time I've made that mistake. East, West, same difference. ;-).
posted by rcade at 07:39 PM on June 10, 2010
Given my won/loss record when rooting for sports teams, maybe they should pay me not to watch?
posted by mr_crash_davis at 08:18 PM on June 10, 2010
Given my won/loss record when rooting for sports teams, maybe they should pay me not to watch?
Don't root for the Dodgers, then send them a bill for $100,000.
posted by roberts at 08:39 PM on June 10, 2010
Gotta like the name, Shpunt. With the dough he made from the Dodgers, he should be able to buy a vowel.
The article said he had a letter of reference from a Nobel Prize winner.
That must have been the difference maker that got him in the door with the McCourts.
I wonder what Nobel winner wrote the letter of reference.
Yasser Arafat or Henry Kissinger?
Hell, when I get around V energy, I can feel the heat in my hands too.
posted by beaverboard at 08:41 PM on June 10, 2010
Hiring a psychic? The McCourts may be from back east, but it looks like they embody the worst stereotypes of Southern California.
posted by Newbie Walker at 02:15 AM on June 11, 2010
Gotta like the name, Shpunt.
It rhymes with bank manager.
posted by owlhouse at 03:19 AM on June 11, 2010
He's doing it wrong.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 08:33 PM on June 11, 2010
Shpunt...was paid a six-figure bonus if the team won the National League East.
Fuck, if he could help them with the East, he deserves more than that! I know, I know, typo
I would like to let those jackasses in LA know that, for a hundred grand, I'll get the MLB package on my DirecTV, and cheer real, real, hard for the Dodgers (once hockey season is over). Just look at the continued and striking success of the Reds, Bengals, and Devils if you want evidence of my effectiveness.
posted by tahoemoj at 07:37 PM on June 10, 2010