Blog Kiosk: 1/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - RIP, Kobe Bryant

RIP. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Altobelli, Bryant, Chester, Mauser and Zobayan families. Photo above via @MLB on twitter.

Below are more link to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1933 the Dodgers signed aging veteran first baseman Joe Judge. He would slash just .214/.261/.250/.511 in 42 games before being released by the club. 
• Happy Birthday, Gil Hatfield, Bert Inks, Bob Barrett, Fred Heimach, Bob Borkowski, Nick Willhite & Angel Berroa!

Blog Kiosk: 12/19/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

What the heck?

Check out the above undated (likely 1950's) vintage photograph featuring the Dodgers pitching staff being directed by backstop Roy Campanella (eBay link). What Campy is doing exactly, I do not know. He's got his hands cupped over his ears, like he's expecting a loud sound.

As for the pitchers in the photo, I can clearly see Don Newcombe (third on the left), and according the a notation on the back Ralph Branca is there too. Unfortunately, I can't quite place Branca. I think he might be just to the right of Newcombe. I also think Johnny Podres is the second person to the left of Newcombe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal to a three year/$39 million contract and Nomar Garciaparra to a one year/$6 million contract. In 2014 the Dodgers received veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins from the Phillies in exchange for minor league pitchers Tom Windle and Zach Eflin. 
• Happy Birthday, Lou Koupal, Gordie Windhorn, Tom Wilson, Welcome Gaston, Wally Gilbert, Rex Barney, Geoff Zahn & Mike Fetters!