Blog Kiosk: 11/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

A contingent of three Dodgers - Chris Taylor, Kike Hernandez & Kenta Maeda - are in the Japan All-Star Series, and they appear to be having a great time. Per Alyson Footer at MLB.com:

"The fans have been amazing so far," Hernandez said to the crowd. "Japan has always been a place that I have wanted to come visit. I get to experience this amazing culture that you have here. Playing at the Tokyo Dome has been great."

Per Kenta Maeda:

"It's been a little while since I've pitched in that stadium (Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium)," Maeda said. "I want to show all my fans in Japan something that they would enjoy. I'll do my best to get as many hitters out as I can and have a good performance."

Pic above via Kike Hernandez on Instagram. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1986 the Dodgers officially released longtime shortstop Bill Russell -- in order to facilitate his recent retirement from the game. He had an 18-year career with Los Angeles and ranked second in franchise history for games played (behind Brooklyn Dodger Zack Wheat). In 2014 Clayton Kershaw is the unanimous winner of the National League Cy Young Award. It is his third Cy Young. He went 21-3 with an 1.77 ERA, 1.81 FIP, six complete games and two shutouts. He will be named the MVP the next day.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Ryan, Red Evans & Greg Gagne!

Blog Kiosk: 11/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Dodgers alumnus Ron Cey, Manny Mota, Billy Ashley and Dennis Powell came out to Dodger Stadium on Saturday to help train 300 active duty service members and veterans in honor of Veterans Day for an afternoon of batting practice. Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA:

“To watch these families come in, we have over 300 families, they’re veterans and active military,” explains Dodgers vice president of external affairs and community relations Naomi Rodriguez. “But it’s not just the actual veteran or the military, it’s their mother, and their father, and their daughter, and their grandparents. Those are the people also that are supporting our military that serve our country. 

“So when I see them walk into the stadium, there’s this …  it’s like amazing feeling in their eyes. Kids are walking into Dodger Stadium, this beautiful stadium, on the field. How many people get to walk on the field and then enjoy it the way our players enjoy it? So that, for me, is just a great way to say ‘thank you’ to them, to honor their service, and I know they look forward to coming every year.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1974 Steve Garvey was named the National League MVP; receiving 13 of 22 first-place votes. Lou Brock was the runner-up. In 2003 Eric Gagne becomes the ninth reliever to be named a Cy Young winner. He recorded 55 consecutive saves this season.
• Happy Birthday, Andrew Friedman, Moose Clabaugh, Alex Kampouris, Steve Lembo, Steve Bilko, Wes Parker, Tony Abreu & Carlos Frias!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Blue Friday Sale and Dodger Autographs

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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On another note, the Dodgers will be hosting a Blue Friday sale at Dodger Stadium this coming Friday, November 25th.  Go here for more information.

From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Top of the Park store in Dodger Stadium they will offer a day of merchandise sales, player autographs, fun photo ops and more!  Below is the currently announced schedule of autograph signers:

Dennis Powell
10:00am - 12:00pm

Al Ferrara
2:00pm-2:00pm

Billy Ashley
2:00pm - 4:00pm

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2017 Dodgers Home Promotional Schedule - Blue Friday Sale!

The Dodgers have officially released their 2017 home promotional schedule, and it includes ten bobbleheads, a chips and salsa dish, kids replica Corey Seager bat, a kids trash can, and eight Great Dodger Moments collectible coins. On Jackie Robinson Day fans will receive a Jackie Robinson replica statue -- which means the long promised statue that was supposed to be put at the stadium this past season will finally be going up.

Of special note, on May 3rd against the Giants, the Dodger will honor Vin Scully on the field and fans will receive an yet unannounced commemorative item.    Go here to check it all out. 

Unfortunately, none of the ten bobblehead subjects or eight Great Dodger Moments coins have been unveiled.

(Schedule above, via Dodger Insider)

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On another note, the Dodgers will be hosting a Blue Friday sale at Dodger Stadium this coming Friday, November 25th.  Go here for more information.

From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Top of the Park store in Dodger Stadium they will offer a day of merchandise sales, player autographs, fun photo ops and more!  Below is the currently announced schedule of autograph signers:

Dennis Powell

10:00am - 12:00pm

Al Ferrara
2:00pm-2:00pm

Billy Ashley
2:00pm - 4:00pm

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Pirates Series Starts on Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The Pittsburgh “Primanti” Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Pirates at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an all-beef hot dog topped with French fries, provolone cheese, coleslaw and tomatoes.

The ninth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Howie Kendrick on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) 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. 

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Friday, August 12th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Blog Kiosk: 7/11/2016 - Dodgers Links - Piazza, Cotton and Kenta Maeda

What a fantastic way to end the first half of the Baseball season.  Kenta Maeda was on the mound and absolutely stymied the Padres. With 97 pitches he recorded a career high 13 strike outs, two hits, no walks and a single lone run on a homer by Derek Norris in seven innings pitched.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"You could see the look in Kenta's eye after that last outing. He was set to dominate and that's what he did, and it was just what we needed," said manager Dave Roberts. "Even for his psyche, for the starters, and to go into the break so strong, it was great for him."
...
"We chased offspeed out of the zone," (Padres manager Andy) Green said. "He pitched us backwards all day long and we didn't seem to make an adjustment. He could spin us early, hard and late, mix in a fastball periodically, but it was pretty much all offspeed."

BTW, Maeda is the ninth Dodger pitcher in history to ever record at least 13 strike outs and zero walks in a game.  On another note, Yasiel Puig is once again surrounded by persistent trade rumors (link here).  I have doubts anything will get done since management clearly will not take a discount, and rightly so.  Since coming back from the DL in late June Puig is slashing .317/.417/.467/.883 with two home runs, eight RBI's and a BABIP of .347.

Photo of Kenta and Yasiel on the bench 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 1978 Steve Garvey becomes the first two-time MVP in All-Star history.  In the game played in San Diego Garvey hit a game-tying, two-run single and a triple to help the NL beat the AL, 7-3.
• Happy Birthday, Hal Gregg, Dick Gray and Billy Ashley!

Brewers Series Starts on Thursday - Autograph Guest, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including a couple of veteran Dodgers' coming out to sign for fans on Sunday at Viva Los Dodgers.

The Milwaukee County Stadium Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Brewers at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features a quarter-pound, all-beef hot dog topped with fried cheese curds and county stadium secret sauce.

The sixth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Corey Seager on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) 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. 

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Thursday, June 16th at 7:10 PM
RHP Junior Guerra vs. LHP Scott Kazmir
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Blog Kiosk: 11/25/2015 - Dodger Links - Time Warner, Roberts and Turkeys

The Dodgers came out to the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton yesterday to hand out turkeys as a part of the 11th Annual Healthy Family Update and Turkey Giveaway.  Via Ben Platt at MLB.com:

"This is my first time at this event," said (Billy) Ashley. "I enjoy giving back to the community, and Thanksgiving is all about being thankful and I'm thankful to be a part of this and to put some smiles on people's faces and some food in their belly."

"This is my second year doing this," said (Tim) Leary. "I find it really rewarding and it's great that the Dodgers are involved, helping to keep families together or help putting someone who doesn't have a family with some food and other people is awesome."

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

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "UCLA, USC (and maybe one big arm) highlight 2016 Dodger Stadium Classic."

Four heavy-hitter college baseball programs make up the field at the 2016 Dodger Stadium Classic.

The games will be played on March 6 at Dodger Stadium and will feature a 3 p.m. clash between crosstown and Pac-12 rivals UCLA and USC, after the Big 12’s Oklahoma Sooners play the SEC’s Mississippi State Bulldogs at 11 a.m.

• Well this sucks.  Topps just announced their 2015 MLB All-Star Rookie Team and Joc Pederson did not make the cut.  Therefore, he will not be getting the ever-popular Topps Rookie Cup logo on his cards next year.  Check out the complete list here.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kasten: Roberts' hiring a 'collective process'" 

"At the very end with the last two guys, the owners met them as well, but it's fair to say we made a collective decision," said Kasten. "If there was one person whose decision mattered the most, I'd say it was Andrew. It really was a collective process, but most of it by Andrew along with Farhan and Josh."

• What this guy says.  Via Anthony Irwin at Dodger Nation, "Dodgers Fans Right To Be Optimistic About Roberts Hire."

So, as the vast majority of fans are celebrating the Dodgers’ first minority hire in its incredible history who also happens to have battled cancer and overcome being drafted in the 28th round, what better way to make Dilbeck feel better about himself than to tell everyone to calm down?

Again, though, everyone is aware of everything Dilbeck points out. We just don’t care at this particular moment.

• Via Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, "Mark McGwire expected to become Padres bench coach."
• Here's some Time Warner/Charter news.  Unfortunately, it ain't great.  Via Reinhardt Krause at Investors Business Daily, "Charter-TWC OK May Slide To June, Thanks To Calif."  

Jonathan Atkin, an RBC Capital analyst, in a research report Tuesday, said that "state regulatory bodies are taking on more of an active role in the CHTR/TWC cable merger. In California, an administrative law judge decision is slated for May, with a vote slated for June 16, 2016. This delay of approximately two months vs. the original timeline reflects the (law judge) acceptance of public interest group arguments to introduce evidentiary hearings."

In other words,  since the deal won't close til the middle of summer, at the earliest, you shouldn't expect any movement on the expansion of SportsNet LA until then.  Heck, we might be looking at another year of Dodger baseball not being on TV.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/19/2015 - Dodger Links - Saito, Gordon and Veteran's Batting Practice

A group of 300 military veterans visited Dodger Stadium yesterday for batting practice with Kenley Jansen, Dodger alumni like Billy Ashley and Al Downing and fellow veterans Don Newcombe and Roy Gleason. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"The players understand we're not as young as we used to be, but to give us the attention makes me feel happy," said (Ret. Lt. Col. David) Friend, who retired after 30 years of service. "I was particularly happy to see Don Newcombe. When I was going overseas, I saw him at a base in Virginia."

Via Anthony Irwin at Dodger Nation:

Kenley Jansen, who was at the park for conditioning, also took in the festivities before getting to work. He ran the stairs as the batting practice took place on the field. 

“It’s just great to be here for them. They’ve given so much for us, I just want to give back,” he said.

Featured in the pic above is Don Newcombe welcoming the crowd, via the Dodgers on twitter.  Check out more photos from the days activities by Jon SooHoo here.  Below are more links to check out:

• Congrats to Jake Arrieta for being selected the 2015 NL Cy Young winner, via BBWAA.  He edged out Zack Greinke by just 22 points.

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA shares the final numbers on the Dodgers 2015 payroll.  It's striking how many of the top paid players didn't play for the Dodgers at all... So many dumped contracts.
• An old friend to join San Diego - Takashi Saito.  Via Dennis Lin on twitter:

Former All-Star closer Takashi Saito will be an intern in the Padres' FO. Padres exec Logan White was a key figure in signing Saito in '06.

— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) November 18, 2015

• Here's a fantastic story via Clark Spencer at the Miami Herald on Dee Gordon; "Loss of his mother to domestic violence spurred Dee Gordon to comfort others."

Gordon, through his Flash of Hope program, is working with children in Miami-Dade County who have lost a parent from domestic abuse, just as he lost his mother 20 years ago.

“I went through it, and when I went through it, I didn’t have anybody,” Gordon said. “Nobody could relate to me. So now I just want to relate to kids and give back my time.”

• Via Bob Elliott at the Toronto Sun, " Blue Jays could have interest in Dodgers executive Byrnes as GM."   Elliott also mentions that Ned Colletti interviewed for the President job in July.
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy tells us all about getting the autograph of former Dodger John Werhas.

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Diamondback's Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts tomorrow evening with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and several old-time Dodgers will be in the house to sign free autographs for fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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Monday, September 21st at 7:10 PM
RHP Jhoulys Chacin vs. LHP Brett Anderson
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Dodgers sleeved blanket.  See it on the left.

Marcia Gay Harden will throw the ceremonial first pitch and Raza Jaffrey will sing the national anthem. Harden and Jaffrey both star in CBS’ “Code Black.” 

Dodger alum Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Navy Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Dave Bennett and U.S. Navy Petty Officer Homero Carrillo.

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Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:10 PM
LHP Robbie Ray vs. LHP Alex Wood
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.

It is Running Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive commemorative "Dodger Stadium Running Club" T-shirt.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

The national anthem will be performed by actor Alan Thicke. Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure founder Ed Randall will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure, a charity dedicated to saving lives by increasing awareness of prostate cancer and the life-saving value of early detection, is supported by Steve Garvey.

The Dodgers will pay tribute to 76 employees with 25 or more years of service in pregame ceremonies. Headlining the list of those to be recognized are Hall of Famers Tommy Lasorda (66 seasons) and Vin Scully (66 seasons), and Special Advisor to the Chairman Don Newcombe (58 seasons), Spanish-language Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrín (57 seasons), Dodger broadcaster Manny Mota (46 years), 1965 World Series hero “Sweet” Lou Johnson (34 years), Dodger alum Ron Cey (31 seasons), Dodger broadcaster Rick Monday (30 seasons) and organist Nancy Bea Hefley (28 seasons).

Others with 40 or more years of service include Security Assistant Manager Edward Gonzales (52), Stand Captain Robert Natelborg (49), Ticket Taker Miguel Yanez (46), Batting Practice Pitcher Peter Bonfils (45), Usher James Harvey (45), Ticket Taker captain Eduardo Becerril (45), Vice President of Ticket Operations Billy Hunter (44) and usher Howard Levine (43).

Dodger alum Dennis Powell will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Guillermo Martines.

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Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:10 PM
RHP Chase Anderson vs. RHP Zack Greinke
SNLA & ESPN / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Vin Scully bobblehead.  See it on the left.

Todd and Kevin Scully will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Dodger alum Billy Ashley will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Alex Thomson.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Wednesday include a Adrian Gonzalez autographed photo, Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball and Zack Greinke autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

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Thursday, September 24th at 12:10 PM
LHP Patrick Corbin vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Thursday's game starts at 12:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 9:40 AM, and stadium gates open at 10:10 AM.
 
Jazz trumpeter Jens Lindemann will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alum Matt Luke will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Alex Thomson.

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Nationals Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Monday evening against the Washington Nationals.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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Monday, August 10th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. The fifth of eight Cy Young Collectors' Pin Series giveaways is this night.  The first 40,000 fans will receive an Fernando Valenzuela pin.  See it on the left.

Ranchera and mariachi superstar Pepe Aguilar will throw the ceremonial first pitch and his 11 year-old daughter, Angela, will perform the national anthem. Aguilar, winner of 9 Grammys and Latin Grammys, has an album “Pepe Aguilar: MTV Unplugged” which has been awarded Gold and Platinum Records for its sales.

Dodger alum Billy Ashley will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is retired U.S. Army Corporal Armando Barron of Los Angeles.

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Tuesday, August 11th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.

It is Lakers Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive Lakers t-shirt.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

As part of Lakers Night, the Lakers’ 1988 NBA Larry O’Brien championship trophy will be on site in commemoration of the only year to date in which both the Lakers and Dodgers brought championships to L.A. The Lakers’ 1988 trophy along with the Dodgers’ 1988 World Series trophy will be set up for photo opportunities in the right-field plaza from 5:10 p.m. through the second inning. The Laker girls will also be on hand for photos, DJ Adam will provide musical entertainment in the right-field plaza and Levy Restaurants will feature a special Lakers drink in the plaza bar.

Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Clarkson and the Laker girls will officially start the game with “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” Singer, songwriter and trumpeter Spencer Ludwig, from the band Capital Cities, will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alum Dennis Powell will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Thomas Seago of Gilbert, AZ.

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Wednesday, May 12th at 4:50 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. 

It is Kings Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive Kings t-shirt.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

As part of Kings Night, Bailey, the Kings’ mascot, and Kings girls will take photos with fans in the right-field plaza from 5:10 p.m. through the second inning. DJ Adam will also provide musical entertainment in the right-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Kings players Jeff Carter, Matt Greene, Alec Martinez and Tyler Toffoli will throw the ceremonial first pitch. They will also officially start the game with “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” Recording artist Stephen Amerson will perform the national anthem.

Also on Wednesday, a representative from Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, will throw out an honorary first pitch.  Beginning in Denver and ending in San Diego this 12-day, multi-stop charity ride takes place August 4-15. Kiehl’s will donate a total of $150,000 over the course of the ride.

Dodger alum Tim Leary will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Victor Montanez of Calexico.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

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Angels Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Friday evening against the Anaheim Angels.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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Friday, July 31st at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Friday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game to watch the spectacle. The theme will be 80's music.  Go here for information about future firework themes.

Actor Shemar Moore will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Dodger alumnus Lee Lacy will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Rodriguez of Los Angeles and U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Joseph Henneman of Toledo, Ohio.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Zack Greinke autographed photo, Howie Kendrick autographed baseball and Joc Pederson autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

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Saturday, August 1st at 1:05 PM

 SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Saturday's game starts at 4:05 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 11:10 PM.  The first 5,000 ticketed kids 5-years old or younger will receive a Dodgers sippy cup.  Check it out on the left.

Actor Frank Grillo will throw the ceremonial first pitch. DJ Adam will provide entertainment in the right-field pavilion plaza, DJ Anthony Valdez will provide music in the left-field reserve plaza and a classic rock band will play in the right-field reserve plaza from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Dodger alumnus Billy Ashley will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army National Guard Warrant Officer Kyle Brantner of Camarillo and U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Brian Huff of Los Angeles.

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Sunday, August 2nd at 1:10 PM

 SNLA/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:40 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:10 AM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Dodgers cap.  See it on the left.

Viva Los Dodgers will be at the historic 76 station at Dodger Stadium starting at 11:10 a.m.  Dodger alumnus and broadcaster Manny Mota will sign autographs for fans from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided with BB Bronx and Sinverguenza. 

Caroline Wozniacki, professional tennis player, will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Cruel Intentions the musical singers will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Mickey Hatcher will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army E-7 Nicholas Cottrill and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Pastor McGill.
• The first-ever Dodger Wives Mystery Bag fundraising event benefiting the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF), will take place when stadium gates open at 11:10 a.m. For a $40 cash donation, fans will get to pick a mystery bag containing an autographed baseball from one of more than 20 Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Several Dodger wives along with LADF staff will be working the sales booths located at the left-field plaza, right-field plaza and the club level by the Vin Scully press box. There are more than 1,400 mystery bags available with baseballs featuring signatures from Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Adrian Gonzalez, Joc Pederson, Kiké Hernandez, Mark McGwire, Davey Lopes and Steve Yeager, just to name a few.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Sunday include an Adrian Gonzalez autographed photo, Yasiel Puig autographed baseball and Clayton Kershaw autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 2:45 p.m.

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Scott Van Slyke and the Homestand Auto' Schedule

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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Here's a listing of Dodger free autograph guest appearing prior to the start of each game during the current brief homestand against the A's and Angels:

• Wednesday, July 9th against the A's: Tim Leary will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
• Friday, July 11th against the Angels: Lee Lacy will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
• Saturday, July 12th against the Angels: Billy Ashley will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  
• Sunday, July 13th against the Angels: Mickey Hatcher will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Sunday, July 13th against the Angels: Manny Mota will sign autographs for fans from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Viva Los Dodgers

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Hopefully his recent incident in a New York taxi cab doesn't hamper his ability to show up.  Dodger outfielder Scott Van Slyke will be making a free autograph appearance at a Food 4 Less in Pasadena this coming Friday, July 31 from 11:00 AM - Noon 12:00 PM.  Go here for more information.

    Kellogg's Appearance
    Food 4 Less
    1329 N. Lake Ave.
    Pasadena, CA 91104

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Brewers Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts tomorrow against the Milwaukee Brewers, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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Friday, July 10 at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game to watch the spectacle. The theme for the evening will be 70's music.  Go here for information about future firework themes.

The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Special Olympics World Games commemorative Pin.  Prior to the game, the Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America will culminate at Dodger Stadium.

Local musician and lyric soprano Gretchen Anderson will perform the national anthem as part of Mormon Night at Dodger Stadium. Pregame entertainment will also include DJ Adam in the right-field plaza and a strolling magician in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dodger alumnus Lee Lacy will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Corps Petty Officer Second Class Brian Escamilla.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Kenley Jansen autographed photo, Yasmani Grandal autographed baseball and Howie Kendrick autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

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Saturday, July 11th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Saturday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Juan Uribe bobblehead.  See it on the left.

Anderson da Silva, mixed martial artist and former UFC middleweight champion will throw the first pitch. Sophie Simmons, daughter of rock legend Gene Simmons, positive body image activist, fashion designer, actress and singer, will perform the national anthem.

Pregame entertainment will also include pop band Everett Coast in the left-field plaza, singer Michael O. in the right-field reserve level, DJ Adam in the right-field reserve plaza and a strolling yo-yo artist the left-field reserve plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dodger alumnus Billy Ashley will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Eric Quintanar.

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Sunday, July 12th at 1:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:40 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:10 AM.  The first 15,000 ticketed kids 14-years old or younger will receive a Kids' hamper.  Check it out on the left.

Viva Los Dodgers will be at the historic 76 station beginning at 11:00 a.m. and will celebrate Cuban Heritage. Viva Los Dodgers will feature  photos with fans from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal. Outfielder Alex Guerrero will take photos with fans from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Outfielder Yasiel Puig will greet fans on stage at 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and take part in a Q&A session alongside reliever Paco Rodriguez.  musical entertainment will be provided by The Arsenio Rodriguez Project and Buena Onda. Dodger scout Mike Brito will also partake in a meet and greet with fans at 12:00 p.m.

Also exclusive to Viva Los Dodgers will be the Cuban Dog.  The Cuban Dog features a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog topped with ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard and pickle chips and will be available at Viva Los Dodgers while supplies last.

Cuban music mogul and 19-time Grammy award winner Emilio Estefan will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.  The Dodgers will present a community hero award to the Gavina family at Viva Los Dodgers. Gavina Coffee, a Cuban-owned business, has been a coffee tradition in Los Angeles since 1967. Cuban-American Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, will throw Sunday’s honorary first pitch.

Singer, actress, R&B Divas L.A. star and “X-Factor” finalist Stacy Francis will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army E-7 Nicholas Cottrill and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Pastor McGill.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Sunday include a Don Mattingly autographed photo, Orel Hershiser autographed baseball and Justin Turner autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 2:45 p.m.

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