Blog Kiosk: 9/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I missed this recent release from Topps yesterday. Featured here is a Topps 2020 Turn Back the Clock online exclusive card made available yesterday, and it celebrates Clayton Kershaw's complete game shutout ten-years ago. Per the description on the reverse:

September 14, 2010 -- In a game where the Dodgers only mustered one run, 22-year-old Clayton Kershaw gave the team a much needed dominant performance. The left-hander fired a complete-game shutout. allowing just four hits and leading the Dodgers to a tight, 1-0 victory over the division-rival Giants.

BTW, this Kershaw win was his first career shutout and complete game. Check out the boxscore here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 the second game of a doubleheader between the Dodgers and Cubs at Ebbets Field is postponed during the fifth inning due to a giant swarm of gnats attacking the field and players and the coming evening darkness. In 1978 the home attendance at Dodger Stadium of 47,188 fans marks the first time in Major League history that a team has drawn more the three million rooters during a season at home.
• Happy Birthday, Doc Bushong, Bud Clancy, Fritz Ostermueller, Charley Smith & Jim Barbieri!

Blog Kiosk: 8/31/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was Jackie Robinson weekend. As you know, ballplayers throughout the league wore #42 to honor the great Dodger. Take a look at the cap the Dodgers wore on the right, via Chris Creamer at Sportslogos.net.

BTW, this weekend was not entirely celebratory. Chadwick Boseman, the fantastic actor who played Jackie in the 2013 film ‘42,’ died of colon cancer at the age of 43 on Friday -- on Jackie Robinson Day.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Gil Hodges became the fourth Major Leaguer to hit four home runs in one game. It was against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Overall, he went 5-for-6 with nine RBI's, five runs scored and 17 total bases. In 1959 Sandy Koufax set a new National League record when he fanned 18 Giants during a nine inning game at the LA Coliseum. It also tied the Major League mark for strike outs, and set a new Major League record with 31 total strike outs over two consecutive games (he struck out 13 Phillies his last time out). In 1985 the Dodgers got Bill Madlock from the Pirates for RJ Reynolds, Cecil Espy and Sid Bream. In 2006 the Dodgers received veteran Marlon Anderson from the Nationals for pitching prospect Jhonny Nunez. Anderson would have a stellar couple of months in Dodger Blue. He slashed .375/.431/.813/1.243 with seven homers, 15 RBI's and 12 runs scored. In 2009 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks for infield prospect Tony Abreu. Garland would get six starts -- going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA.
• Happy Birthday, Duke Farrell, Ray Berres, Ira Hutchinson, Frank Robinson, Cleo James, Jack Perconte, Tom Candiotti, Mike Hartley, Hideo Nomo & Juan Nicasio!

Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends!

As you surely know by now, Vin Scully has consigned a whole bunch of his personal memorabilia to Hunt Auctions, and frankly it's overwhelming. There's a ton of stuff, and bids are starting to reach lofty heights -- after being open for just a day or two.

I have yet to go through the entire catalog, but so far I think the cream of the crop might be his 1955 World Series ring. That's right folks! His championship ring is on the block and right now it sits at $13,750.00 -- with the possibly it'll reach six figured before it's all said and done. Wow! See the ring on the right. Go here to check out the entire auction, and do a search for Vin Scully

BTW, next week I plan on writing and sharing a bunch of his stuff on this blog, so stay tuned for that. I suspect next week will be Vin Scully week here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1942 the oft-injured outfielder Pete Reiser enters the hospital with a torn thigh ligament. In 1945 Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson meet to discuss plans for integrating Baseball. During the three hour meeting Rickey berates Robinson with a flurry of racial epithets to test his mettle and willingness to 'turn the other cheek.' Also on this day, 17-year old Brooklyn shortstop Tommy Brown becomes the youngest person to steal home in Major League history. In 1952 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a National League record when they hit into a double play in their 23rd consecutive game. In 2002 Eric Gagne recorded his 45th save of the season, setting a franchise record and earning a bottle of Dom Perignon autographed by his Dodger teammates. 
• Happy Birthday, Ryan Madson, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!

Blog Kiosk: 8/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

On Sunday the Dodgers honored the memories of Gianna and Kobe Bryant on what would have been his 42nd birthday. In addition to the pregame ceremony, Gianna and Kobe’s uniform numbers were painted on the pitchers mound for today’s game against the Rockies. See it above. Pic via @Dodgers on twitter:

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 Vin Scully famously had fans at Dodger Stadium wish third base umpire Frank Secory a happy birthday during the game. In 1975 Davey Lopes stole three bases against the Expos to extend his Major League record of consecutive steals to 38. Then in the 12th inning of this same game he is thrown out at second base by Gary Carter. Coincidentally, Carter had been the last catcher to throw Lopes out before starting his record streak -- on June 4th. In 2007 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher David Wells. In 2014 Joc Pederson became only the fourth player in the history of the PCL to have a 30-30 season, and the first to do it in 80 years, when he stole a base for the Albuquerque Isotopes (a Dodgers Triple-A affiliate). He would come up to Los Angeles later that September.
• Happy Birthday, John Brown, Kip Gross, Jeff Kubenka, Kevin Correia & Enrique "Kiké" Hernandez!

Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just another Dodger victory.

Last nights win was brought to you by Clayton Kershaw. He went seven strong innings, struck out a season high eleven batters and allowed just one run to lead the Dodgers in their 6-1 (boxscore) victory over the Mariners. On top of that, Clayton now has the second most strikeouts in Dodger franchise history -- leaping over Don Drysdale's mark of 2,486. Kershaw's 2,493 strikeouts is just 203 short of Don Sutton's record as a Dodger. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Obviously very cool,” Kershaw said. “Just to be a Dodger long enough to accomplish something like that is pretty special.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. This is the first time brothers have collaborated on a shutout. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here. Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts wrote about it today, here. In 2005 the Marlins suspended a bat boy for six games after the 11-year old kid accepted a challenge from Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. He dared the preteen to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without throwing up for $500. The sixth grader drank the milk, but hurled. The Milk Processor Education Program (a lobbying group) offered to pay off the dare and cover his lost wages if he promises to dutifully drink three glasses of milk every day. In 2015 the Dodgers are no-hit by Astro's hurler Mike Fiers, 3-0 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Some Odds and Ends

Seven in-a-row, Baby!

Last night Tony Gonsolin not only extended his scoreless innings streak (14.2), he also helped the Dodgers win their seventh consecutive game. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think I’m just feeling a lot more comfortable up here,” Gonsolin said. “I’m trying to go out there and take advantage of every opportunity that I get.”

Photo above via Tony Gonsolin on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt. As you know, he would go on to have a long career with the franchise. 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. In 2015 the Dodgers traded for "DAD" Chase Utley from the Phillies in exchange for John Richy and Darnell Sweeney. In 2017 the Dodgers received veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson from the Mets for pitcher Jacob Rhame. He would slash just .161/.288/.366/.654 in 36 games for the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Tex Carleton, Lance Cormier, Josh Fields, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke! 

Blog Kiosk: 8/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - The Brothers Seager

As you surely know by now, the Seagers -- Corey and Kyle -- played against each other for the first time in their career last night. Better yet, they both homered in the game -- becoming the first brothers to do so for opposing teams in the same game since 2001. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It was hard almost to stay focused with him out there, you want to go talk to him,” said Corey. “And he’s a talker, he wanted me to go over there. You try to be in the moment as much as possible. You’re still trying to win a game. But when you got around him, it was hard to not see your brother in the opponent. Really enjoyed it, one of those things we’ll remember for a long time.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 former Dodger GM Branch Rickey is named President of the newly formed Continental League. The new third Major League never plays a game, though. Instead, it became a catalyst for the addition of eight more teams to the American and National Leagues over the next decade. In 1977 Dodger Hall of Famer Don Sutton threw his fifth career one-hitter. It was against the hated Giants at Dodger Stadium, 7-0 (boxscore). Sutton recorded seven strikeouts and issued four walks -- on the way to his 11th victory of the season. BTW, he had a no-hitter going into the eighth inning. In 1995 the Dodgers traded for Brett Butler. This would be his second stint with the team.
• Happy Birthday, Burleigh Grimes, William Marriott, Jim Peterson, Bob Kennedy, Paul Popovich, Don Crow & Yimi Garcia! 

Blog Kiosk: 8/17/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

We are in the midst of experiencing a Dodgers' catching renaissance. First, we saw Will Smith wow the fans. Now, it's Keibert Ruiz's turn. In his first career at-bat yesterday afternoon he smashed a home run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It was very exciting,” Ruiz said after the Dodgers’ 8–3 win that swept the series in Anaheim. “First time being in the big leagues, I just was focused on getting a fastball and making contact. Happy to be here with all these guys and keep learning.”

You can also watch him speak with the press after the game, via SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers and Cubs played a 17 inning game that was temporarily halted at a tie, 1-1, because of darkness (this was before Wrigley Field had lights). The next day they begin where they left off. The Dodgers would eventually win on a sacrifice fly by Dusty Baker in the 21st inning. In 1992 Dodgers hurler Kevin Gross no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. Watch the last out of the game, as called by Vin Scully, here. Per a NY Times article:

"The later it got, the more the adrenaline started pumping," Gross said. "It was just a blur when that last out was made."

• Happy Birthday, George Harper, Doug McWeeny, Joe Bradshaw, Boog Powell, Brad Wellman, Jeff Fischer & Kyle Farmer!

Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Look who got their awards last night -- Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Unfortunately, Cody has been struggling at the plate this season. Mookie, on the other hand, is heating up... big time! He celebrating yesterdays award ceremony by walloping three homers to tie a Major League record for three-homer games in a career at six (6) -- tying Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers and Cubs play a doubleheader that last a total of only two hours and seventeen minutes. In the opener, the Cubs blanked Brooklyn 2-0, in one hour and ten minutes, and in the nightcap it takes the Dodgers one hour and seven minutes to shut out Chicago, 1-0. In 1980 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent pitcher Tom Niedenfuer out of Washington State University. In a couple of years he would be a mainstay in the Dodgers bullpen -- recording 64 saves as a Dodger.  
• Happy Birthday, Magic Johnson, Frank McCourt, Mark Loretta, Scott Stewart, McKay Christensen & Juan Pierre!

Blog Kiosk: 8/11/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here is a fantastic 1956 Spring Training pic of 1955 World Series hero Sandy Amoros re-creating his series winning catch at Dodgertown in Vero Beach. As you can see, he is in front of the outfield berm at Holman Stadium - at centerfield. This photo recently sold at RMY Auctions at what I thought was a steal at $26.98.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 the Dodgers were no-ht by Vern Bickford of the Boston Braves, 7-0. He needed only 97 pitches to accomplish the feat. In 1951 the first color televised broadcast of a ballgame is aired on WCBS-TV. It featured a game at Ebbets Field between the Dodgers and the Boston Braves. Unfortunately, the Boys of Summer lose the contest, 8-1. In 1962 the Dodgers protest the Giants tactic of wetting down the basepaths in order to slow down speedster Maury Wills at Candlestick Park. The Dodgers would lose 5-4. Giants manager Alvin Dark would forever earn the nickname "The Swamp Fox." In 1969 Don Drysdale announced his retirement from the game. In 2015 every home team won their game -- making that a first in the live-ball era with a full slate of games.  
• Happy Birthday, Bobo Newsom, Luis Olmo, Dennis Lewallyn, Rex Hudson, Mike Huff & Bubba Crosby!

Blog Kiosk: 8/6/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Chris Taylor, Baby! Per Matthew Moreno at Dodger Blue:

“It was a huge play. Chris has done so much to help us win baseball games,” Robert said. “Even the play before, to cut it off and keep the guy at first base. Then come in and make a strong, accurate throw. He does so many things. The triple that he got.

“He’s just a manager’s dream. He’s always ready when called upon and he seems to impact the game any time he’s in there.”

As you know, he recorded an assist on the last out of last nights game to help the Dodgers defeat the Pads, 7-6 (boxscore). Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1908 St. Louis Cardinals hurler Johnny Lush throws a six-inning no-hitter to beat the Dodgers, 2-0. The game was halted due to rain, but still deemed an official game. In 1961 Maury Wills hit his first career home run when he hit a fourth inning solo homer off Cubs pitcher Jack Curtis to give the Dodgers a 5-1 lead. It only took 1,167 at-bats to hit his first dinger. (boxscore) In 1981, after a seven-week strike, a split-season format is approved by the players; such that the Yankees, A's, Phillies and Dodgers are declared the first-half champions of their respective divisions. They all would then qualify for the divisional series at the end of the season. In 2009 Andre Ethier hit his fifth walk-off hit of the season when he walloped a three-run home run against Braves closer Rafael Soriano to give the Dodgers a 5-4 victory. 
• Happy Birthday, Jake McGee, Clem Labine, Andy Messersmith & Ron Davis!

Blog Kiosk: 8/3/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

It was good to see Kershaw out there, and even better that he did well. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think there’s a lot of things involved,” Kershaw said. “First time pitching in eight, nine months of a game that actually mattered. There’s some relief, some thankfulness for sure. Just grateful to be back out there again.”

he went 5.2 scoreless innings, with six strikeouts and no walks to win in his first outing of the season. 

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 a second All-Star Game of the year is played at the LA Coliseum. Don Drysdale gave up a third inning two-run homer to Yogi Berra to lose the game, 5-3. In 1980 Duke Snider, along with Al Kaline and Chuck Klein, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1997 Tommy Lasorda, along with Phil Neikro, Nellie Fox and Willie Wells, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2013 the Dodgers set a franchise record when they won their 13th consecutive game on the road by defeating the Cubs, 3-0. 
• Happy Birthday, Gus Getz, Jim Gott, Sid Bream & Kevin Elster!

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - #FreeJoeKelly

I just had to make these. Featured here are a handful of Joe Kelly "pouty face" fantasy custom Baseball cards. Enjoy.

#FreeJoeKelly -- Via Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"I don't think anyone's too happy about it," Pollock said. "It's not our call; it's obviously the commissioner's call. But I don't think anyone's too happy about that. I just don't think it's very good feel on his end."
...
"There's a lot of guys that were upset about the severity of it," Roberts said, noting that Kelly never admitted to throwing at Bregman on purpose.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 Dodger skipper Walter Alston is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1984 Baseball as an Olympic demonstration sport begins its Olympic tournament at Dodger Stadium. In 2004 the Dodgers receive outfielder Steve Finley and backstop Brent Mayne from the Diamondbacks for Koyie Hill, Reggie Abercrombie and southpaw Bill Murphy. They also traded outfield speedster Dave Roberts to Boston for Henri Stanley. In 2006 the Dodgers traded shortstop César Izturis to the Cubs for future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox (including a three team trade with Pittsburgh) for Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris (who goes to the Pirates). Pirates outfielder Jason Bay goes to Boston.
• Happy Birthday, Pembroke Finlayson! 

Blog Kiosk: 7/30/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Sweep!

That sweep felt good!

Thank you, Edwin Rios! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s great,” Ríos said. “All the guys, they were pumped. Just ready at all times. Be ready for every opportunity I get and take advantage of them.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2004 the Dodgers received Brad Penny, Hee Seop Choi and Bill Murphy from the Marlins for Paul Lo Duca, Guillermo Mota and Juan Encarnacion. In 2015 as part of a 3-team trade the Braves sent Bronson Arroyo, Luis Avilan, Jim Johnson, Jose Peraza and Alex Wood to the Dodgers; the Dodgers sent Zachary Bird, Hector Olivera and Paco Rodriguez to the Braves; the Dodgers also sent Victor Araujo, Jeff Brigham and Kevin Guzman to the Marlins; and the Marlins sent Mat Latos and Mike Morse to the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Vic Davalillo, Casey Stengel, Chuck Ward, Johnny Rizzo, Carl Doyle, Paul Minner & Ricky Horton!

Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I just thought I'd share this photo that I saw on eBay. It's Don Drysdale (undated) leading a horse on a motorcycle. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Triumphant pitcher now can safely lead the costly jumper behind the bike, and thereby will save dozens of walking miles a week. Training process took about 15 minutes.

Photo above via an eBay listing. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 Montreal Expos hurler Dennis Martinez throws a perfect game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. This is the first no-hitter by an opposing pitcher in Dodger Stadium's history. In 2010 the Dodgers get outfielder Scott Podsednik from the Royals for Elisaul Pimentel and Lucas May. In 2014 the Dodgers received infielder Darwin Barney from the Cubs for minor leaguer Jonathan Martinez.
• Happy Birthday, Freddie Fitzsimmons & Walker Buehler! BTW, he starts tonight's game against the Astros.

Blog Kiosk: 7/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Dodgers win. Baseball wins.

Game one of the shortened 2020 season began in earnest last night, and fortunately the Dodgers came out united and ready to mash. They banged out 12 hits -- including a four-for-five night from Kiké Hernandez (who is slowly but surely turning into "The Jet") -- to score eight runs to defeat the pumpkin's from up north, 8-1 (boxscore).

The Dodgers also joined numerous other players/teams in peacefully protesting for change. Via Alyson Footer at MLB.com:

“Everybody's here, we’re all on the same team. We're all here for change,” Betts said. “Even their team -- even the Giants -- I definitely tip my cap to the support. We have a great group of guys here, we're all supportive of each other. It definitely doesn't surprise me that [Bellinger] and [Muncy] were there with me.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) outfielder Babe Herman hit for the cycle against the the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1939 the Brooklyn Dodgers selected Dixie Walker off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. He would go on to play nine season in Brooklyn -- slashing .311/.386/.441/.827 for the Dodgers. In 1967 Dodgers President Branch Rickey is posthumously inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1993 Mets outfielder Vince Coleman tossed a M-80 firecracker from his car as he was leaving the Dodger Stadium parking area. It is reported that three people are injured; including an 11-year old boy and a two-year old girl. Coleman eventually pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of an explosive device and is sentenced to 200 hours of community service. The incident, along with many others, leads the Mets to announced a month later that he would never play for the team again. 
• Happy Birthday, Tommy McCarthy, Joe Wall, Joe Schultz, Preston Ward, Norihiro Nakamura & Scott Van Slyke!

Blog Kiosk: 7/23/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Mooooookie!

Wow!

Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I’m here to win some rings and bring rings back to L.A. -- that’s all I’m focused on,” Betts said after signing a landmark 12-year contract extension that runs through 2032. 

“This is what I’ve been working for my whole life. I know the Dodgers are going to be good for a long time. I love being here, everything about being here. The people here made me feel so comfortable. Everybody’s amazing. This organization is a well-oiled machine. I love it.”

I need a Mookie jersey. Photo on the right, via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 the Dodgers once again used yellow-colored baseballs during a game at Ebbets Field. This time it was against the Cardinals, and Brooklyn lost the game, 12-0. In 1962 Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. You can listen to his induction speech here. In 1974 Steve Garvey, who was a write-in candidate, had a single, double and an RBI during the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh. He would be named the MVP of the game. In 1975 Willie Crawford and Lee Lacy hit pinch-hit home runs in the ninth inning in a loss against the Cardinals, 5-4. The homers tied a Major League record for pinch-hit homers in the same inning.
• Happy Birthday, Hod Ford, Paul Chervinko, Pee Wee Reese, Don Drysdale, Nomar Garciaparra, Larry Barnes & Hung-Chih Kuo!