Blog Kiosk: 12/16/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

(AGon in Dubai, via his twitter)

Once again, the Dodgers prove that they are willing and able to spread the gospel of Baseball to far off places.  This weekend, both Adrian Gonzalez and Dave Roberts are in Dubai visiting the Dubai Little League.  They will inaugurate the Emirates Airline Dubai Little League Park, hold a players clinic, sign autographs and watch a friendly match between the Dubai Dodgers and another local club.  Per an Emirates press release:

John Fekete, President of the Dubai Little League commented: “The objective of the Dubai Little League is teach our 500 players the fundamentals of baseball and foster a team environment that gives them the opportunity practice good sportsmanship and we have no better partners than the Los Angeles Dodgers and Emirates Airline to help us achieve these goals. We are thrilled that our youth will have the opportunity to enhance their skills through the mentorship of some of the most respected players in Major League Baseball and we are looking forward to more visits from the Los Angeles Dodgers.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1990 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Juan Samuel.  In 2007 the Dodgers signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda to a three year/$35.3 million contract.  In 2014 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Brandon McCarthy to a four year/$48 million contract.  In 2015 the Dodgers received Micah Johnson, Frankie Montas and Trayce Thompson in exchange for Brandon Dixon, Jose Peraza and Scott Schebler in a three way trade with the Reds and White Sox.
• Happy Birthday, Paul DePodesta, Pete Hotaling & Sammy Strang!

Blog Kiosk: 10/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends -- Game 6

Game 6 is now.  Above is today;s starting lineup.

Graphic above via SportsNet LA on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1965 the Dodgers released Wall Moon, whose famed "Moon Shots" over the short left field wire fence at the Coliseum helped propel Los Angeles towards a championship in 1959. 

Blog Kiosk: 10/14/2016 - Dodgers Links - WooHoo! Dodgers Win

Wow!

That game was epic.  Maybe the best ever.  And I'm not saying that 'cause the Dodgers won... Okay, maybe I'm far more enthusiastic about it 'cause my guys won, but really... Wasn't it the best ever!

• "One of the best games in history," said Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. (Link Here)
• "That's probably one of the craziest, if not the craziest, games I've ever been a part of in my career," Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer said. "Man, this is a tough one to be on the wrong side of."  (Link Here)
• "I'm like, wait a minute, am I dreaming right now?" Jansen said, exhausted on the floor of the visiting clubhouse. "It's an awesome feeling to know the best pitcher in the game has your back."  (Link Here) 
• “It was crazy,” Pederson, who finished this NLDS 5 for 15 with two walks, a double and the homer, said on the field after the game in a televised interview. “I’m kind of at a loss for words right now. Washington played great. They fought us to the end, but it just shows what kind of team we are. We stuck together, we believed in each other, we came back.”  (Link Here)
• “I came to [Roberts], you know, once Kenley went out there in the seventh,” Kershaw said. “I was just kind of doing the math. I don't think Kenley's ever done a six-out save, let alone a nine-out save. He threw 20 pitches in that seventh inning, and I just said, 'I'm going to go get loose, see how I feel and I'll let you know, but I might be able to do this.' That's kind of what happened.  (Link Here)
• “I thank God for being able to be at his side,” Urias said through an interpreter. “When I saw him come in the clubhouse and put on his spikes, I knew he was ready to go and I learned a lot about him at that moment. He’s about winning and all that goes through his mind is winning, winning, winning. I’m so glad that everything worked out.”  (Link Here)
• "This encapsulated our season, yeah," manager Dave Roberts said. "It takes 25 guys to win a game [and] that’s what we did [in Game 5]."  (Link Here)

Dave Roberts managed the gutsiest game of Baseball I've ever witnessed... Bar none!  And as a viewer, I am exhausted.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game and celebration.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1965 Sandy Koufax, on just two days rest, masterfully pitched a 2-0 complete game shutout to defeat the Twins in Game 7 of the World Series to win their fourth championship.  He was named MVP of the series.
• Happy Birthday, Hugh Casey and Ivy Olson!  

Blog Kiosk: 10/3/2016 - Dodgers Links - Urias, Ethier and Vin Scully

Thank you, Vin!

BTW, the LAFD were first to welcome Vin back home after yesterday's game.  They performed their own unique salute at the airport to the retiring Hall of Famer.  Go here to watch a bit of it.  The photo on the right via the LAFD on flickr.

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out a bunch of great pics from Vin's last here by Jon.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1951 Bobby Thompson of the NY Giants hit the most infamous home run in Dodgers franchise history.  He whalloped an Ralph Branca pitch in the ninth inning at the Polo Grounds for a walk-off victory, 5-4, during the deciding game of a three-game series to decide who would go to the World Series.  The homer has since been dubbed the "shot heard ’round the world."  In 2005 manager Jim Trace is fired by the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Brock Stewart!

Blog Kiosk: 9/16/2016 - Dodgers Links - Alvarez, Buehler, Jansen and Rich Hill

Things got a little overheated at yesterdays Dodger game. 

Ageless wonder Rich Hill, who had pitched 19 scoreless inning since becoming a Dodger, had finally given up a couple of runs to the lowly Diamondbacks, and apparently he didn't like that one bit.  He was in full-on game mode and made sure everyone in the stadium knew he wouldn't take an inside pitch, which he claims nicked his index finger, lightly.  He chirped and they chirped, the benches cleared, and then things went back to normal.  Per Jake Rill at MLB.com:

"It was just being competitive, just wanted him to get the ball over the plate and really that was the end of it," Hill said. "There was no ill will or anything like that. Just got excited. I saw the pitch, it was supposed to be inside and he just missed. I guess being a pitcher, I just got excited."

Opposing pitcher Archie Bradley said this, per Kevin Zimmerman at Arizona Sports.com:

“It’s just two guys playing the game hard, nothing more than that,” Bradley told the media after the game. “I was going in before he squared to bunt. Maybe the pitch was more in than it should have been.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers were unable to capitalize on the emotion of the evening and lost the first game of the series, 7-3.  

Pic above via ESPN LA on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1957 the Los Angeles City Council approved the sale of Chavez Ravine to the Dodgers.  In 1988 Reds pitcher Tom Browning throws a Perfect Game, 1-0, against the Dodgers in Cincinnati.  Browning is the second pitcher to throw a perfect game against the Dodgers - Don Larson threw his perfecto during the 1956 World Series.
• Happy Birthday, Orel Hershiser!

Blog Kiosk: 9/2/2016 - Dodgers Links - Lux, Buehler, Seager, Puig and Vin Scully to be Broadcast on Channel 5

Finally!

We have some good news regarding televised Dodgers games.  Per Tom Hoffarth at the OC Register, local channel KTLA 5 will simulcast six Dodgers games towards the end of the season.  This will allow fans of Vin Scully to listen, watch and experience the last six games broadcasted by him:

The package of simulcasts will start with the final weekend of home games against Colorado, which run Sept. 23-25 and includes Friday’s Vin Scully appreciation night. KTLA will also have the pregame ceremony starting at 7 p.m. to honor Scully. The Sept. 30-Oct. 2 games in San Francisco end the regular season.

Should the Dodgers make the playoffs, the team expects to make arrangements for Scully to call the games on KLAC-AM (570) radio while they will be televised by a national carrier (ESPN, Fox or TBS).

This far from assuages the anger and frustration that many fans, who have been unable to watch Vin and the Dodgers over the past three season, feel.   That being said, this is an fantastic gesture, and it's greatly appreciated.  But make no mistake, there remains a dark stain.

Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1971 Astros outfielder Cesar Cedeno hit an inside-the-park home run against the Dodgers when infielder Jim Lefebvre and right fielder Bill Buckner collided while trying to catch a short fly.  In 1979 Manny Mota became Baseballs all time pinch-hit leader at 145.  In 2003 Eric Gagne set a Major League record for consecutive saves over a two season period at 55.  It was also his 47th consecutive save to start a season.
  

Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is something you don't see everyday.  Featured above is a vintage 1939 International News press photo of Dodgers third baseman Cookie Lavagetto tagging out Reds outfielder Wally Berger, and emblazoned across the top are the words, "Thrown Out!"  It is quite a rarity to see words like that in a press photo.

BTW, the pic above was once part of the George Michael Collection of sliding press photographs.  It is currently available for sale through eBay (Auction Link Here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt.  In 1990 Jose Offerman became the first Dodger in franchise history to hit a home run in his very first Major League plate appearance.  In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Greg Maddux (for a second time) to help the team during their playoff run.  It would be several more weeks before the Dodgers finalize and publicly announce their plans to move to Los Angeles.
• Happy Birthday, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke!

Blog Kiosk: 7/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Seager, Maddux and Hyun-Jin Ryu

After months of waiting the Korean "Monster" finally got back onto the Dodgers mound.  In late May, nearly 14 months ago, Ryu underwent surgery on his left shoulder to repair a torn labrum.  Since that time he's worked tirelessly to get back to Los Angeles, and I think it's fair to say that the Dodgers are pleased.  Regardless of the lackluster results they received last night. Per Sarah Wexler at Dodgers Digest:

“Getting him back out there was a victory in itself,” Dave Roberts said. “I think the bigger answer will be how he feels tomorrow and the next day going forward. But to see Ryu take the mound tonight was great.” 

Ryu could only go 4 2/3 innings; having given up eight hits, six earned runs, two walks and four strike outs on 89 total pitches thrown.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

But the Dodgers were realistic and not expecting total domination, just a baseline from which to move forward. They got that, seeing Ryu work through an opponent with a fastball that ranged from 89-92 mph, and offspeed pitches that sometimes dipped into the upper 60s.

"That's how he was before, pitching in all spectrums of velocity when he was so dominate for us in 2013, 2014," said catcher A.J. Ellis, who was pleased to see his old battery-mate make a return to the mound. "He knows how to pitch. He's such an amazing athlete out there on the mound, he has such an amazing feel and great body control. He adds and subtracts really well. I'm just really excited to see him out there today."

Dodgers lost to the Padres, 6-0, and are now 6.5 games behind the Giants.  They are also effectively ties with the Mets for the Wild Card spot.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1949 Giants infielder Hank Thompson faced Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe at the plate; marking the first time a black batter hit against a black pitcher in Major League history.  In 1980 the All-Star Game is played at Dodger Stadium.  The National League wins for the ninth consecutive time.
• Happy Birthday, Ferdinand Abell (one of the original founders of the Dodgers)!
  

Blog Kiosk: 7/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kenta Maeda killed it yesterday.  In six innings of work he scattered three hits and gave up the Brewers lone run of the day to lead the Dodgers to a victory over Milwaukee, 8-1.  Per Ken Gurnick and Adam McCalvy at MLB.com:

"Kenta had his breaking ball working, he threw good changeups," said manager Dave Roberts. "For him to give us six innings [was] huge for the 'pen."

No doubt he was aware what he needed to do.  Via Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“It hurts to lose Kershaw,” Maeda said afterward through an interpreter. “But my job is to throw as many innings as possible regardless and help the team win.”

BTW, Corey Seager continues to rake.  He slammed his 17th home run of the season (a two-run shot), walked and singled to extend his hitting streak to thirteen games.  Watch him chat about his day with Alanna Rizzo here.

The pic above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1948 Roy Campanella made his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He caught Ralph Branca and hit a double and two singles.  In 2011 Dee Gordon completed a stolen base cycle.  During the seventh inning he reached base on a force out, stole second, then stole third, and finally swiped home with Casey Blake at the plate.  Gordon is the 40th Major Leaguer to accomplish this in the same frame.

Blog Kiosk: 6/24/2016 - Dodgers Links - Jackie Robinson Memorial Highway

Check out who came by.

Former Dodgers starter Ismael "Rocket" Valdez was at Dodger Stadium to visit with old friends.  In the photo above (tweeted by Ismael) he is sandwiched by Fernando Valenzuela and Pepe Yniguez in the pressbox.

 Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1947 Jackie Robinson stole home for the first time in his career.  It was in a game against the Pirates and left-hander Fritz Ostermueller was the pitcher.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA; "Dodgers sign Randy Choate to minor league contract."
• Yesterday Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) introduced a bill that would name a portion of the I-210 freeway between State Route 2 and Orange Grove Boulevard the "Jackie Robinson Memorial Highway.”  It is along a commonly used route to Dodger Stadium for fans coming from the Eastern Los Angeles County.  Per a press release:

Blog Kiosk: 6/10/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Four Dodger rookies stare out into the stands at Ebbets Field in the vintage United Press photo shown above.  Dated April 16, 1956, it reads on the reserve:

"ROOKIES AT EBBETS FIELD.  New York: Gathered for the last day of Dodger workouts, April 16th, before the official opening game of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 17th are four rookies a good look at Ebbets Field.  They are, left to right: Charlie Thompson; Don Drysdale; Gino Cimoli; and Charlie Neal.  Neal has earned himself a starting position as second baseman in the opener."

Photo via an eBay auction (Auction Link Here).  BTW, the 2016 Draft continues today, and the Dodgers have eight picks to announce.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 John Shelby's hitting streak is stopped at 24 games.  He batted .360 (32-for-89) with two home runs and 12 RBI during the streak that lasted from May 14-June 9.  His endeavors propelled the Dodgers into first place - where they stayed the remainder of the season.  In 2012 Dodgers outfielder Bobby Abreu surpassed Mickey Mantle on the all time hit list at 2,416. 
• It is with great sadness that I report that the great Gordie Howe has passed away.  Mr. Hockey was 88.  Here's a great video on Howe's career (link here).