Blog Kiosk: 6/9/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Featured above is a October 2, 1951 Sporting News press photo featuring a rain delayed Polo Grounds -- just before the Dodgers and Giants would play Game 2 of the three-game playoff to decide the pennant. This pic is found on Ebay (link) and was originally taken by Paul Tepley.

As you know, the Dodgers would eventually win this game, 10-0, before losing to the Giants the following day, on Bobby Thomson's miraculous walk-off homer.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 Dodgers starter and Hall of Famer Rube Marquard breaks his leg running the bases during the game against Cincinnati, ending his season. This next one is wild. In 1945 it was alleged that a recent medically discharged soldier was assaulted by Dodger manager Leo Durocher as he was being held by a Brooklyn patrolman during the sixth inning of that afternoons ballgame at Ebbets Field. He sustained a fractured jaw and other wounds. It is alleged that he was heckling Brooklyn's manager during the game. Durocher would be arrested the next day on felonious assault, but charges would be dropped soon thereafter after the fan receives over $6,000 from the Dodgers for his injuries. Branch Rickey would later defend Durocher, saying we are a "team of ferocious gentleman." In 1955 the Dodgers traded Joe Black to the Reds for Bob Borowski. In 1990 Eddie Murray hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the game against the Padres in San Diego.  Having done this for the tenth time in his career, he ties a MLB record with Mickey Mantle.
• Happy Birthday, Duke Esterbrook, Zac Rosscup, Mack Wheat, Joe Kelly & Irish Meusel!

Blog Kiosk: 2/14/2019 - Dodgers Links and News - Happy Valentine's Day!

This is a good sight.

On Tuesday, former batterymates Clayton Kershaw and Russell Martin were reunited after an eight year separation. It's like they got part of the band back together. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"We both have a certain amount of miles on our body from the last time we worked together, but what a career he's had," said Martin. "I remember the last time I caught him he was just fastball, curveball. Now, one of the best pitches he has is the slider. That's the cool thing about baseball, the best players stay the best because they're willing to make adjustments, and Kershaw is one of those guys who's going to do what it takes to stay at the top. It's nice to get back there and reminisce a little bit."

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. BTW, Jon SooHoo has shared a whole bunch of pics from yesterdays going-on's at Camelback Ranch, here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Baseball History: In 1957 the Georgia State Senate approved a bill, introduced by state senator Leon Butts, that prohibits blacks from playing baseball with whites except at religious gatherings -- ten years after MLB had integrated. 

"Anything that tends to break down the bulwarks of segregation must be forcibly met by this general assembly. We have a situation in Georgia which has come about because of a national situation. I am referring to the Negroes in organized baseball in this state. It is unfortunate that some few people would participate in the destruction of our institutions for a few dollars."

• Happy Birthday, Mike Hechinger, Candy LaChance, Tim Jordan, Abe Kruger, Len Gabrielson & Takashi Saito!

Blog Kiosk: 1/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just one more win.

Featured above is an AP wirephoto showing an overjoyed Clem Labine (eBay Auction Link). Per the description on the reverse:

Clem Labine, Brooklyn's relief artist, leaps for joy as catcher Roy Campanella and first baseman Gil Hodges rush to congratulate hm at the of Sunday's fifth game of (1955) World Series. Labine, fourth game winner, recued Roger Craig in Sunday's game. Dodgers won, 5-3, to take series edge three games to two.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2003 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Ron Coomer. He would get into 69 games for the Dodgers; slashing .240/.299/.368/.667 with four homers and 15 RBI's. In 2008 pitcher DJ Houton is sold to the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (Japan Pacific). In 2017 the Dodgers traded Carlos Frias to the Indians for cash. 
• Happy Birthday, Davey Johnson, Red Smyth, Mal Mallette, Sandy Amoros, Charlie Neal & John Lindsey!

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kershaw is back to his old ways. Last night he threw six two-hit scoreless innings, struck out five and allowed just one walk to record an 8-2 victory over the Padres. He also reached a career mark of over 2,000 innings pitched as a Dodger -- the 13th Dodger to do so and the first Dodger to achieve the milestone since Orel Hershiser in 1993. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It was a good day," said Kershaw, as he held 3-year-old daughter Cali in his arms. "Definitely a step in the right direction. They were patient, got my pitch count up there, but for the most part, made some good pitches when I needed to."

On another note, Kershaw also faced good friend and former battery-mate AJ Ellis last night for the first time ever.

"That was miserable," Kershaw said. "I've faced a lot of ex-teammates and friends in this game, but probably nobody with the history I have with A.J. We both decided it's probably the last time I have to do that." 

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Dodgers collectively hit a home run in 24 consecutive ballgames. This homer was hit by Roy Campanella against Giants pitcher Sal "The Barber" Maglie. Unfortunately, that would be the only run Brooklyn scores. They would lose 6-1. In 1971 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Fame reliever Hoyt Wilhelm. He would retire about a year later at the age of 49. As a Dodger he got into 25 games, recorded four saves, a 1.047 WHIP and an 3.14 ERA. Not too bad for a guy in his middle-ages.
• Happy Birthday, Scott Alexander, Larry Burright & Bob Bailor!

Blog Kiosk: 5/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another fantastic photo tweeted out by Baseball Cathedrals of the Ebbets Field facade featuring a "V for Victory" logo during WWII. As you may know, the "V for Victory" campaign started in the early 1940's in Belgium and quickly spread among allied countries throughout the decade. Per Victor de Laveleye, the man who started it all:

"The occupier, by seeing this sign, always the same, infinitely repeated, [would] understand that he is surrounded, encircled by an immense crowd of citizens eagerly awaiting his first moment of weakness, watching for his first failure."

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Phil Gallivan, John Kennedy, Eric Davis, Trever Miller & Jerry Hairston!

Blog Kiosk: 2/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is a good beginning.

Today is the first full squad workout for the Dodgers, and as you can see in the pic above (via @Dodgers on twitter) they began the morning huddled in the clubhouse like a team on a mission. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think it is a good sign,” (Dave) Roberts said. “It’s a good sign as far as those guys showing up wanting to work, and it’s our jobs as coaches to really understand we have a long way to go, so we’ve got to temper it a little bit. 

“It’s funny. Outside of the kind of normal pleasantries of seeing guys you hadn’t seen, it’s sort of business as usual, and I like that mindset here. It’s very workman-like, methodical, and that’s kind of what we want our ball club to be.”

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 22-year old Dodger hurler Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first ballplayer awarded an $1,000,000 salary during arbitration.
• Happy Birthday, Oscar Roettger, Dick Siebert, Gail Hopkins, Dave Stewart, Josh Reddick & Fabio Castillo!

Blog Kiosk: 5/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Could this be a regular thing?

Last Night the Dodgers tried something a little different. Kenta Meda started the contest by giving up three runs in the first inning, but quickly settled down to finish the night with only three runs scored on seven hits, two walks and four strike outs in five innings. Then Hyun-Jin Ryu, in long-relief for the first time, completed the game by throwing a four inning save. He allowed just two hits, walked one and struck out two to earn the first save of his major league career. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It worked tonight, and I'd like to think the more he does it, the more he can kind of get comfortable with the role," Roberts said, praising Ryu's unselfishness for accepting the assignment. "Again, this is not something that we plan on being permanent. It's just to make sure we build his pitch count up and get him consistent innings and tonight it was a win for all of us."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the Dodger got back Tommy Lasorda. After having been drafted by Brooklyn in 1948 he bounced around from the Phillies to the Browns to the A's and then to the Yankees before returning home. He would remain with the franchise for the remainder of his Baseball career. In 1970 the Dodgers knocked out 20 hit against the hated Giants at Candlestick Park during their 19-3 victory. This is the all-time highest runs scored total against our rival. In 1971 Maury Wills recorded his 2,000th career hit at Dodger Stadium against Gaylord Perry and the Giants. It was a run-scoring single in the fifth inning. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost the game, 6-4.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Cronin & Rob Murphy!
  

Blog Kiosk: 5/19/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was nice to see several former Dodgers back in town. AJ Ellis, Dee Gordon former manager Don Mattingly. Photos above all via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Tim Leary threw his second shutout of the season against the Montreal Expos.  He had been winless in his past five starts. Leary would go on to be an important cog in the World Series championship team. He would be the #2 man in the rotation - going 17-11 with an 2.91 ERA, nine complete games and six shutouts. In 2015 the Dodgers officially signed Cuban defector Héctor Olivera to a six year/$62.5 million contract (including a $28 million signing bonus). He would then be traded a couple of months later to the Braves in a three team trade that netted the Dodgers Alex Wood and a bunch of other players not worth mentioning.
• Happy Birthday, Dutch Schliebner, Jim Hickman, Earl Naylor & Bill Antonello!
  

My Picks for the 10 Best Dodgers' Cards of 2016

With the new year upon us it is now time to share my picks for the ten best Dodgers' cards of 2016.  As you know, this is the fifth consecutive year I've put this together.  Check out my past list in the below links:

• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015

For this list I've tried stayed away from the glitzy and super-rare relic and autographed cards, and stuck to the more common and easily achievable base and insert cards found in packs.  There are some exceptions, of course, including some online exclusive cards.  Furthermore, at the very bottom I included some "Honorable Mentions" that barely missed the cut.

-----------------

#10

I begin this list by making note of an minor league insert card found in packs of Topps 2016 Pro Debut Baseball.  It is from the "Promo Night Uniform" insert set and it celebrates Hawaiian Shirt Night held by the Ogden Raptors -- a Dodgers Rookie League Affiliate.  As a man who has more of these shirts than I care to count I couldn't help but be drawn to this card. 

2016 Topps Pro Debut

Promo Night Uniform Insert

#PNU-8 Hawaiian Shirt-Ogden Raptors

#9

There's nothing like a Baseball celebration -- except for a card that highlights a Baseball celebration.  Card #9 on my list features Joc Pederson and Adrian Gonzalez with arms entangled on a Topps 2016 Heritage High Numbers "Combo Card" insert card.

2016 Topps Heritage High Numbers

Combo Cards Insert

#CC-6 Adrian Gonzalez & Joc Pederson 
"Dodgers Duo"

Blog Kiosk: 12/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ellis, Kershaw and the Handsome Dave Roberts

I guess you never get football out of your system.

Featured above is a fantastic AP press/publicity photograph that features Jackie Robinson in the midst of being tackled by two college gridiron all-stars.  (eBay Auction Link)  This photo was taken on August 15, 1949 at a BBWAA get-together in Bear Mountain, NY.  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Note that Jackie, a guest at the outing, is wearing a slipper on his left foot injured in a recent game.  The footballers, Goble Bryant (left), Army, and Scott Emerson, Navy, are members of the Eastern College All-Star Team which is training at Bear Mountain for their tilt with the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds in New York, Sept. 1.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1947 the Dodgers made a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates that netted them Billy Cox, Gene Mauch and Preacher Rowe for Hal Gregg, Vic Lombardi and Dixie Walker.
• Happy Birthday, Alan Foster, Jolbert Cabrera & Reed Johnson!

Blog Kiosk: 11/30/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I've got spring training on the mind.  So much so that I actively seek out spring Baseball photos featuring Dodger players to share on this blog.  Case in point, check out the above vintage press photo, dated March 31, 1940, featuring Reds Manager Bill McKechnie and Brooklyn Dodgers Manager Leo Durocher shaking hands prior to a spring exhibition game at Tampa. (eBay Auction Link)

No doubt this is a friendly match between two rivals in the National League.  Unfortunately, one team far exceeds the other in talent on the field.  The Cincinnati Reds had won the pennant the prior season, and was destined for championship glory in 1940.   They defeated the Detroit Tigers later that fall to capture their second crown in their history.

As for the Dodgers, they would finish twelve games back of the Reds in second place.  Always the bridesmaid never the bride, I suppose.  On another note, ain't that jacket worn by Durocher keen? 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1952, on a local NBC TV program, Jackie Robinson charged that the New York Yankees management is racist for its failure to scout, sign and bring up a black players. George Weiss of the Yanks denied the allegations, saying that the team welcomed black ballplayers, "good enough to make the team." (The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 12/1/1952, p. 11)  Elston Howard would become New York's first black player in 1955.
• Happy Birthday, Clyde Sukeforth & Shane Victorino!

2016 Topps Update Baseball - The Dodgers Base Cards & Variations

Following up on my post sharing the Dodgers "first Pitch" insert cards found in packs of 2016 Topps Update, below are photos of all the Dodgers base cards in the set; including variations.  Go here for a complete checklist.  BTW, there may be more Dodger variations beyond the Thompson and Urias cards indicated below.  So, if more do pop up I'll update this post.

Of note, Austin Barnes, Bud Norris and Josh Reddick (not counting Topps Now) receive their very first cards in a Dodger uniform.  The base set also includes what is likely to be the last card of AJ Ellis in Dodger Blue -- at least until he decides to join the club later on in his career when he's coaching/managing. 

Base Set

#US9 Ross Stripling

#US21 Austin Barnes

Blog Kiosk: 10/18/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kuroda to Retire, Urias in Game 4, and Game 3 Tonight

Dodger Stadium sure looks ready for today's Game 3.  It all begins at 5:08 PM tonight.  BTW, both the auto and stadium gates open at 2:08 PM.

The photo at the very top via Petros & Money on twitter.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  This is one of the worst days in Dodger history.  In 1977 Reggie Jackson slammed three home runs against the Dodgers in Game 6 at Yankee Stadium to win the World Series. 
• Happy Birthday, Alex Cora and former manager Burt Shotton!

Blog Kiosk: 9/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Newcombe and Vin Scully

I was planning on saying a few words about last nights game but got distracted when I came across a a particular news article came out featuring the words and comments from the friends and colleagues of Vin Scully.  Per Jayson Starks article at ESPN:  From AJ Ellis:

"You can catch him (in the clubhouse) on Sunday mornings on the way to Mass. He comes in and gets coffee. (One Sunday,) Brandon (McCarthy) and I are the only two guys in the clubhouse. And Vin comes in and starts chatting. ... And all of a sudden his phone rings, and he says, 'Sorry, boys, excuse me.' He's always so polite. So he says, 'Yes, dear. Oh thank you for reminding me. Yes, dear.' (Then he says,) 'Gentlemen, if you would excuse me, today is one of my grandchildren's birthdays. We have a tradition in our family that I have to sing to her.' And he steps into the players' bathroom and you can hear him singing 'Happy Birthday' over the phone to his grandchild. Me and Brandon are looking at each other like, OK, this is unbelievable. Here's Vin Scully in his great baritone voice, singing 'Happy Birthday' as it echoes through the bathroom of the clubhouse."

It's hard to remember, since I've heard countless Scully stories over the years, but the one above might be my favorite of all time.  Thanks for sharing that AJ.  BTW, you should definitely check out the rest of Stark's article.  There are several more great comments.  Oh... And the Dodgers lost a close on to the Giants last night, 2-0.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more great pics by Jon and Jill Weisleder from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1934 the Dodgers were no-hit by Paul "Daffy" Dean of the Cardinals, 3-0.  His brother, Hall of Famer Dizzy Dean, pitched the first game of that days doubleheader, and kept the Dodgers hitless for eight innings.  Overall, the two brothers threw an 18-inning two-hit shutout against Brooklyn that day.

Giants Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Monday evening against the San Francisco Giants. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The twelfth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Vin Scully on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The 96-page September 19-25 issue of Dodger Insider magazine is devoted entirely to Vin Scully, in honor of the Hall of Famer’s final homestand with the Dodgers after 67 seasons.  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation.  

---------------

Monday, September 19th at 7:10 PM
Madison Bumgarner vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Blog Kiosk: 9/7/2016 - Dodgers Links - AJ Ellis, De Leon, Ethier and the Vin Scully Coin

ICYMI:  The Dodgers recently added a new game giveaway to their schedule, and it commemorates the career of retiring legend Vin Scully.  It will be given out on Saturday, September 24th against the Colorado Rockies, and that is the second to last home game of the regular season.  Check out what it looks like in the graphic above, via @Dodgers on twitter. 

As for the game, the Dodgers won their fourth game in row by taking advantage of Diamondback starting pitcher Shelby Miller, 5-2.  They recorded eleven hits and scored five runs in the 4.1 innings he pitched.  Per Jack Baer and Steve Gilbert at MLB.com:

"We put some at-bats together and got a lot of hits out there, got a lot of baserunners," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I thought it was really good. Jumped on Miller early, stressed him early. It was just a well-played baseball game."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1903 the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) and the NY Giants play a two-stadium, same-day doubleheader.  The first game began at 10:30 AM at Washington Park (Giants won, 6-4), and the second game got underway later that afternoon (Brooklyn won, 3-0).  In 1962 Maury Wills stole four bases against the Pirates to break the modern National League record for stolen bases at 82.  In 2001 Shawn Green broke the Dodger record for home runs in a season at 44.
• Happy Birthday, Willie Crawford!

Blog Kiosk: 8/29/2016 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully Team Photo Day

It was team photo day for the Dodgers Friday afternoon, and as you can see in the pic above (via @Dodgers on twitter) they had a lot of fun with Vin Scully.  Per Courtney Schellin at ESPN:

What you're looking at is 88 Vin Scully masks on the Los Angeles Dodgers and one smiling Vin Scully in the flesh.

In honor of the broadcasting great, the team wore photo masks of Scully, who will retire this year after having announced for the Dodgers since their days in Brooklyn. That's 67 years in the booth for the franchise.

Go here to check out a bunch of pics taken during team photo day by Jon SooHoo and Juan Ocampo.  BTW, Saturday was the Hollywood Stars game, and you can check out some photos from Jon SooHoo here.  Below are more links to check out.

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1948 Jackie Robinson hits for the backward cycle when he homers in the first inning, triples in the fourth, doubles in the sixth, and completes the rare event with a single in the eighth.
  

Blog Kiosk: 8/26/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ruehle, Ethier, Puig, Seager and the Shocking Ellis Trade

It never felt so good to lose to the Giants.

After the emotional roller coaster that we all felt following the announced trade of AJ Ellis no one would blame the Dodgers for being a little deflated for that evenings game. 

But a near no-hitter?

I don't think anyone expected to see that. 

Giants hurler Matt Moore, acquired less than a month ago from Tampa Bay, got on the mound and was brilliant.  He masterfully took advantage of an less than enthused clubhouse by weaving a series of off-speed pitches that kept the Dodger bats out of kilter.  Eight and two-thirds innings later, not one Dodger had a hit.  Then, Corey Seager came up and brought the entire stadium to their feet by blooping a single to right field to end any chance of a humiliating evening.  Per Ken Gurnick and Chris Haft at MLB.com:

"In some weird way, it does," said Roberts. "They really wanted to salvage the series. For us to potentially get no-hit, and for Corey to break it up, it salvages it for us in a strange way."

No kidding.  Dodgers fans everywhere were able to breathe a sigh of relief.  Best yet, Dodger fans, not typically known for being gracious to our neighbors up north, gave the Giants pitcher a standing ovation after being pulled from the game.  Of course, that didn't stop a handful of fools from basking in breaking up a no-no (check out this link to see what I mean).

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

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1939 the Dodgers and Reds played in the first Major League game to be broadcast on television.  It was a doubleheader.  The Reds won game 1, 5-2, and the Dodgers won game 2, 6-1.  In 1947 Dodgers pitcher Dan Bankhead became the first African-American Major League pitcher when he got on the mound in relief against the Pirates.

Welcome to the Blue, Carlos Ruiz!

As much as I want to lament to loss of AJ Ellis, I do want to take this moment to welcome veteran catcher Carlos Ruiz to the Dodgers family.  As you may have heard, the front office just traded one veteran catcher for another.  AJ Ellis has been sent to Philadelphia for Carlos Ruiz.  Per a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired catcher Carlos Ruiz and cash considerations from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for catcher A.J. Ellis, minor league pitcher Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named later or cash considerations.

2016 Topps The Mint - All the Dodgers Cards

Last week Topps unveiled a new Baseball card brand called "The Mint," and as the name suggest it is a super high-end product for collectors with money to burn.  The pricey cards will cost collectors roughly $800 a box for only five cards - all of which are autographed (on-card).  Go here for a complete checklist.

Unfortunately, most of the Dodger cards that are available can only be found as a redemption card - Kenta Maeda and Sandy Koufax are the lone exceptions.  Nevertheless, it is notable that there is a Vin Scully autographed card inserted into these packs.  An example of what the Scully redemption card looks like is on the right.  I suspect this card will prove to be the most sought after card in the set.  One of these cards has recently sold on eBay at $1,999.99 (auction link here).  Other notable cards include game-used batting glove relics from both AJ Ellis and Chase Utley.

Gem 10 Autographs

• #G10A-VS Vin Scully - redemption card

UPDATE:  Here is is:

#G10A-VS Vin Scully

Arrivals Autographs

• #AA-CS Corey Seager - redemption card
• #AA-JU Julio Urias - redemption card 
• #AA-KM Kenta Maeda

#AA-KM Kenta Maeda