Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Our 2015 #1 Draft Pick Walker Buehler did a Reddit AMA


The Dodgers fanatics on Reddit somehow convinced Walker Buehler to join them on an AMA ("Ask Me Anything") session, and it's filled all the craziness you might expect.  Sure, there were some serious questions.  But let's face it, you shouldn't expect a Pulitzer to emerge from this exchange.  Instead, it was a fun little chat with a kid who has the expectations of Dodger Nation behind him.  Go here to check out the entire thread on the r/Dodgers subreddit.

Below are some of my favorite Q&A's.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

Of course it would start off with an Chuck Norris reference. 

Then this came up.

What?  No ducks!

Oh...

2015 Panini National Treasures - The Notable Nickname, Made In and Die-Cut Dodgers Cards

Here are even more Dodgers cards that can be found in packs of Panini's 2015 National Treasures packs.  This time I share pics of the Notable Nickname, Made In, Game Ball Signatures and various other Die-Cut Dodgers cards.  Go here to see all of my previous post on this set.

Notable Nickname

#29 Adrian Gonzalez (#/25)                 #44 Frank Howard (#/25)

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Osteen, Burright, Hines, Scioscia, Valenzuela and Julio Cesar Chavez

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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This event happens tomorrow, so if you're interest I suggest getting a hold of the organizers right away.  Go here for information.

Art of the Game, those folks with the memorabilia kiosk at Dodger Stadium, is hosting an evening talk with Fernando Valenzuela and Mike Scioscia.  It should be an interesting night.

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Three old time Dodgers will be at El Tepeyac Cafe in the City of Industry on Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.  Go here for information. 
El Tepeyac Cafe
13131 Crossroads
City of Industry, California 91746

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Fernando Valenzuela and Julio Cesar Chavez will usher in the opening of a brand new WSS Shoes store in Los Angeles on Sunday.  The festivities begin at 10:00 AM.  I am uncertain how long they will be there to sign with fans.  Needless to say, you should probably be there early.  Go here for more information.
WSS Shoes
2711 E. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90023
(310) 715-9300
Hat Tip: Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy

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Blog Kiosk: 1/20/2016 - Dodgers Links - Koufax, Maeda and Jose DeLeon


Immediately following his retirement from the game in 1966, Sandy Koufax signed a 10-year contract for $1 Million to broadcast games on NBC's Saturday Game of the Week.  He was paired with fellow former Dodger Pee Wee Reese to do color commentating til 1968.  Unfortunately, Sandy would only stay on the job for six years; having walked away before the beginning of the 1973 Baseball season.  It is said that he never felt comfortable in front of the camera.  Featured above is an NBC press photo of Koufax as a rookie broadcaster in 1967 that was for sale at an RMY Auction recently. 

Below are more links to check out:
“I call it the greatest team never seen,” he said, noting his own anger over Scully’s absence from LA airwaves. “I mean, this guy is a national treasure. That $8.35bn is what’s most important, not the fans.”
"We're talking about very few (black) coaches, very few managers ... so there's room for real progress, where people can come into the sport and feel they're going to be respected and given opportunities," Rachel Robinson said.
“One of the nicest young men that I met over there. He’s also like a big kid, likes to have a lot of fun. Joking around with him is easy. He had a Hi-Chew (candy) rep on speed dial. I asked him to hook it up. Each sleeve has five (candies), each box has 12 sleeves, each case has 12 boxes. He comes back with four cases. I was handing them out left and right. That’s just off the field stuff. 
  • Blowout Buzz has some preview pics from Topps 2016 Archives set; expected to be in stores in June.  One of the insert sets will focus on the movie Bull Durham.  Check out the Nuke LaLoosh card on the right.  Check out more preview cards here.
  • Dodgers prospect Jose DeLeon was named by MLBPipeline.com as the #5 top right-handed pitching prospect in the game.  Via Jim Callis at MLB.com:
De Leon has skyrocketed from his lowly Draft status and a 6.96 ERA in his pro debut to leading the Minors with 12.8 strikeouts per nine innings and reaching Double-A in 2015, just two years later. De Leon's stuff and command have gotten a lot better since he improved his conditioning and mechanics, giving him a riding 92-96 mph fastball, a plus changeup and an effective if inconsistent slider.
  • Just a fun story about the kid who got away.  Via Mark Sandritter at Lookit, "Dee Gordon signed a $50 million contract and immediately went to get McNuggets."
  • Ha!  Via Blowout Buzz, "Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton among politicians getting Garbage Pail Kids treatment from Topps."

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *