Blog Kiosk: 12/13/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just three Brooklyn Dodgers' having some fun as they prepare for the 1952 season in Vero Beach (eBay auction link).

Vero Beach, Fla., March 5 -- On the Ball -- Three Brooklyn Dodger batters who accounted for a total of 103 home runs last season set their sights for the 1952 season during Brooklyn training camp session here yesterday. Left to right: Andy Pafko, former Chicago Cubs outfielder who had 30 homers in 1951; first baseman Gil Hodges, who led the Dodgers with 40; and catcher Roy Campanella, who clouted 33 homers.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers tried to do the unthinkable. They announced a trade that would send legendary second baseman Jackie Robinson to the hated NY Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $35,000. It would be voided the next day. Jackie then announce his retirement from the game a few weeks later -- opting instead to start his second career as an executive with Chock Full O'Nuts. In 2001 the Dodgers received Cesar Izturis and Paul Quantril in a trade with Toronto for Chad Ricketts and Luke Prokopec. In 2003 the Dodgers traded Kevin Brown to the Yankees for Brandon Weeden,Yhency Brazoban and Jeff Weaver. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent veteran catcher Sandy Alomar. Also, they traded troubled outfielder Milton Bradley and Antonio Perez to the A's for future fan-favorite and Dodger legend Andre Ethier.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Landrum, Steve Wilson, Nate Oliver, Ricky Nolasco, George Shuba, Carl Erskine & Billy Loes! 

Blog Kiosk: 12/6/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Baseball is a game of peaks and valleys.

Above is a 1949 AP wirephoto (eBay auction link) that celebrates the efforts of a little known reliever named Jack Banta. On this day, he would lead the Dodgers to a pennant clinching victory on the last day of the season, but just a few days back he lost a game in spectacular fashion. Such are the trials of the game. Per the descriptor on the photo:

Philadelphia, Oct. 3--VICTORY SMILES--Brooklyn Dodger Manager Burt Shotton (right) hugs Jack Banta, rookie right hander, after the latter had pitched four and a third innings of relief to give the Dodgers a 9 to 7 ten-inning victory over the Philadelphia Phillies and the National League pennant, yesterday.  Banta's was a "goat last week, a hero this week" role.  Seven days earlier, he relieved also against the Phillies, gave up four runs and lost the ball game.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 actor Gene Autry is awarded an American League Los Angeles franchise that would be known as the Angels -- using a team name that once played in the PCL in Los Angeles and was subsequently purchased by O'Malley when he moved the Dodgers West. In 1973 the Dodgers traded Claude Osteen and Dave Culpepper to the Astros for outfielder Jim Wynn. Wynn would go on to have a stellar year the following season in Los Angeles. He slashed .271/.387/.497/.884 with 32 homers and 108 RBI's, and would come in fifth place in MVP voting. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Jason Schmidt. In 2007 signed free agent outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Tony Lazzeri, Tommy Brown & Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis!

Blog Kiosk: 11/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully Collection Coming to Auction in 2020

Holy Moly!

I had suspected, with the MLB All-Star Game scheduled for Dodger Stadium next season, that Hunt Auctions would have something special for collectors to chase. As you may know, Hunt has had an annual MLB All-Star Week auction and it usually includes some historically important memorabilia. For 2020, though they have truly gone above and beyond. According to an announcement this morning, they have secured select items from the personal collection of Dodger Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully -- easily the most iconic Dodger personality in its history.

There's no word yet on how many items will be available, but based on the pic in their email it appears he'll be parting with some items from a Dodgers Tour of Japan, his 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series ring, the 1981 World Series trophy and some personal photographs.

Stay tuned I'll be sure to highlight everything once more information is available. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1972 Dodger first baseman Wes Parker won his sixth consecutive Gold Glove award. He would soon retire from the game, shortly after his 33rd birthday, and become a broadcaster for the Cincinnati Reds in 1973.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Cunningham, Gene Bailey, John Wells, Ben Wade, Tony Brewer, Octavio Dotel & Grant Dayton!

Blog Kiosk: 9/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is an undated, probably circa 1950's, press photo featuring several Dodger players celebrating at Ebbets Field (eBay auction link). As you can see, the players are surrounded by several stadium employees, complete in full Ebbets Field regalia. On the right are a couple of fans milling about. In fact, the fellow on the far right appears to have stolen a Brooklyn cap right off the head of an unsuspecting Dodger player. You can see the Dodger player (who I can't identify) reaching for his missing cap, and an usher forcefully grabbing for said cap.

Unfortunately, we don't have a description of the event to tell us more, but I think it's fair to say that you shouldn't be be like that guy.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1907 the Dodgers are no-hit by Pirates rookie Nick Maddox, 2-1. In 1959 the Dodgers and Giants play the last ballgame ever at San Francisco's Seals Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-2. The Giants would play at Candlestick Park the next season. In 1993 pinch-hitting machine Dave Hansen collected his 18th pinch-hit of the season to set a new franchise record. In 2011 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first Dodger twenty game winner since Ramon Martinez in 1990. He defeats the Giants 2-1. 
• Happy Birthday, Nelson Greene, Vic Lombardi & Chuck Dressen!

Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu got rocked again. Per Jake Rill at MLB.com:

“I understand that it’s three in a row that he hasn’t thrown the way he’s thrown all year, but it’s something for us where it’s not too far off,” Roberts said. “I think, just seeing the way the baseball comes out of his hand, velocity’s still there, missing just off. I don’t think it’s a fatigue thing, just the way he looks and talking to him, he’s very strong. I don’t see that there’s a drop-off in stuff, I think the drop-off is just a little bit of that command.”

I hope you're right, Doc.

Photo above via Joe Cortez/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1918 the Dodgers and Giants play a 56-minute game at the Polo Grounds that saw New York beat Brooklyn, 1-0. In 1952 former Dodger infielder and future Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan dies in a fishing accident. He and a friend drowned in a lake near Eagleville, CA when their boat capsized. In 1953 Roy Campanella tied a NL record for RBI's by a catcher during a season at 122. He did it by going 4-for-5 with five RBI's and three runs scored against the Cardinals. Campy would finish the year with a Major League best 142 RBI's for a catcher. In 2015 Cubs hurler Jake Arrieta no-hit the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. It is the 12th no-hitter ever thrown at Chavez Ravine.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Tooley, Kiki Cuyler, Tommy Dean & Roberto Hernández!

Blog Kiosk: 8/23/2019 -- Dodgers Links -- Just Another Walk-Off

Walk-Offs are fun.

Those pesky Dodgers did it again. For the 12th time this season the Dodgers pulled out a victory from the jaws of defeat. This time it was bobblehead night honoree Kiké Hernandez with the winning hit -- the 8th different Dodger to accomplish the feat so far this season. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“We like to walk off,” Hernandez said after he followed Corey Seager’s game-tying two-run double with one out in the bottom of the ninth, with an RBI single that gave the Dodgers a 3-2 win over Toronto, a sweep of their Interleague series, their 12th walk-off win of the year and the second in as many nights.
...
“Twelve times and you expect it, you don’t know who it’s going to be, but I think even after that walk [Max Muncy, leading off the inning], they felt it,” said Roberts. “You start having that and it manifests itself.”

Photo above via Katie Chin/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodgers Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 Gil Hodges hit his 14th career grand slam. It set a new National League record for grand slams in a career. BTW, Don Drysdale also walloped two solo homers during this game. In 1989 Tommy Lasorda had Expos mascot Youppi! ejected from a game in Montreal during the 11th inning. The mascot was causing too much noise by jumping on top of the Dodger dugout roof during the 22-inning game. You can watch Youppi! get tossed here. BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Expose, 1-0, on an home run by Rick Dempsey in the 22nd inning. 
• Happy Birthday, Red Downs, Phil Page, Lonny Frey, Dale Mitchell & Casey Blake!

Blog Kiosk: 7/11/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun pic of Don Drysdale with Greg Brady.

Learning the Curves -- Famous Baseball hurler Don Drysdale instructs Barry Williams in the art of throwing the curve ball between scenes of "The Dropout" segment of "The Brady Bunch,"in which Drysdale guest stars. Episode airs Friday, Sept. 25, 7:30 pm ET over ABC-TV. Barry Williams becomes a conceited Little Leaguer after Drysdale compliments him on his pitching.

Photo above found on eBay (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodges History: In 1958 the Los Angeles City Council declared this day to be 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game Day' -- celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the iconic baseball song. In a pregame ceremony at the LA Memorial Coliseum, the Dodgers honor lyricist Jack Norworth by presenting him with a lifetime pass to any American or National League game. In 1978 Steve Garvey becomes the first two-time All-Star Game MVP in Baseball history. Garv recorded a game-tying, two-run single in the 3rd inning, a triple and run scored in the 8th inning to help the NL to beat the AL, 7-3. In 1980 the Dodgers sold knuckleballer Charlie Hough to the Rangers.
• Happy Birthday, Pop Schriver, Milt Stock, Clarence Blethen, Binky Jones, Vito Tamulis, Hal Gregg, Dick Gray, Andy Ashby, Billy Ashley & Jon Meleon!

Blog Kiosk: 6/6/2019 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You just have to hope that at the end of the day you experience more celebration than disappointment. Yesterday's game was obviously disappointing, but I think there's still some things to find encouraging. Our starting pitching continues its dominance and Will Smith has been a nice surprise at the plate. Our relief, on the other hand, is still a work in progress. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Baseball’s just a game of adjustments,” Alexander said. “Last year, first month of the season for me, it was really bad. I got sent down, came back up and was pretty solid for the remainder of the year. For me, just keep working. I hate to come in and lose games, give up runs, but it’s a tough job.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1944 the Brooklyn Dodgers received infielder Eddie Stanky from the Cubs for Bob Chipman. In 1957 the first fog-out in major league history occurs during a game at Ebbets Field against the Cubs. After an 86-minute delay the game is halted during the second inning. In 1988 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent slugger Raul Mondesi out of the Dominican Republic. In 1990 the Dodgers recorded their 8,000th franchise victory as they defeat the Braves, 7-5. In 1994 Mike Piazza hit the longest home run ever recorded at Joe Robbie Stadium in Florida. It was off Mark Gardner and is estimated to have traveled 477 feet. In 2006 the number six plays a huge part in the day. The Dodgers, on the sixth day of the sixth month of the sixth year of the century score six runs in the sixth inning during the sixth game of the current homestand.
• Happy Birthday, Fresco Thompson, Jeff Williams & Mark Ellis!

Blog Kiosk: 4/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers decided to celebrate National High Five Day by defeating the Brewers for their fifth consecutive victory last night. Best yet, it all came about as a result of the clubs fifth straight quality start -- this time by Julio Urias, who went 6 innings of scoreless one-hit ball. He also struck out a career high nine batters. (boxscore) Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“When your fastball is working, when it’s being placed well, the batter has to think about three pitches to worry about,” said Urías, who also got five swinging strikes with his changeup. “When you throw it with conviction, things go well.”

Photo above via Joo SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1890 the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers) play their very first game as a member of the National League. In 1938 Dodgers outfielder Ernie Koy hit a home run in his first major league at-bat. In 1956 Roy Campanella recorded his 1,000th career hit at New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium - a tenth inning double. This was also the first ever MLB game played in New Jersey. The Dodgers would play several home games here just prior to moving to Los Angeles. In 1968 Met's hurler Nolan Ryan throws an Immaculate Inning (three strikes out on nine pitches in one inning) against the Dodgers in the third inning.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Greenwood, RJ Reynolds, Brett Mayne, Jose Cruz, Dennys Reyes, George Sherrill, Joe Beimel & Alberto Callaspo!

Blog Kiosk: 2/15/2019 - Dodger Links and News - Some Odds and Ends

"Will you be mine?"

Some of the cutest photos ever popped up on twitter yesterday, in celebration of Valentine's Day. It featured a bunch of youngsters and their favorite Dodgers'. Above, via Camelback Ranch on twitter, is Cody Bellinger and on the right is Justin Turner getting his valentine.

BTW, you can check out a bunch of pics from Day 2 of Dodgers Spring Training, via Jon SooHoo and Sue Jo, here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2012 MLB sets up a vetting committee, headed by Braves chairman emeritus Bill Bartholomay, to evaluate the various bids to buy the Dodgers from Frank McCourt.  In 2017 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever, former Giants closer and native son Sergio Romo to a one-year $3MM contract. He would not pitch well in Blue. He got into 30 games and recorded a 6.12 ERA, 5.76 FIP while allowing 7 home runs. Romo would eventually be traded to the Rays in late-July.
• Happy Birthday, Hal Lee, Charlie Irwin, George Earnshaw, Joe Moeller, Ron Cey, Rick Auerbach, Russell Martin & Russ Mitchell! 

Blog Kiosk: 2/8/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a 1972 photograph of Frank Robinson with Dodger speedster Maury Wills. It comes from the Los Angeles Times Photographic Archives at UCLA and was taken by Bill Varie (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1916 National League owners voted down a proposal by Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets to impose a limit of 2,000 seats that a club can sell for 25 cents. In 1933 the Dodgers traded their soon-to-be Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance to the Cardinals for a couple of scrubs. In 1982 the Dodgers traded longtime second baseman Davey Lopes to the A's for a minor leaguer. This trade broke up the longest-playing infield in major league history. In 1995 the Dodgers signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo. He would have a fantastic rookie campaign -- going 13-6 with an 2.54 ERA, a league leading 236 strike outs and three shutouts.
• Happy Birthday, Bruce Caldwell, Bert Haas, Charlie Householder & Joe Black!

Blog Kiosk: 2/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic view of Dodger Stadium in the mist of being built, via RMY Auction (link here).

It is dated to 1958 and was taken by Delmar Watson -- a onetime child actor and news photographer.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers announced that on May 16th Dodger Stadium will host a regular season game between Mexico City Diablos Rojos and the Monterrey Sultanes of Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) summer league. Unfortunately, the game was postponed due to a week-long closure of the Mexican League in April due to a swine flu outbreak. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe they ever rescheduled the game.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Hutcheson, John Gaddy, Cy Buker & Don Hoak!

Blog Kiosk: 1/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out who's on the cover of the most recent issue of Baseball America -- stud catching prospect Keibert Ruiz

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1984 Don Drysdale was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame; along with Luis Aparicio and Harmon Killebrew. It was Drysdale's tenth year on the ballot. In 2006 the Dodgers hire Hall of Famer Eddie Murray to be their hitting coach. He would remain a Dodger til June 2007. In 2017 the Dodgers signed closer Kenley Jansen to a five-year $80 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Ed MacGamwell, Gary Rath, Marty Hermann, Johnny Peacock & Adam Kennedy!