Blog Kiosk: 11/3/2016 - Dodgers Links - Congratulations, Cubbies!

Congrats, Chicago Cubs fans!  

I truly didn't believed I'd ever see this happen.  And now I must find all of those Cubs fans I've teased over the years and five them a high-five.

Photo above via AM570 on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1965 Sandy Koufax is named the Cy Young Award winner by unanimous vote.  It is his second Cy Young in his career.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Lennox and Bob Welch!

Blog Kiosk: 10/11/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Scully and Kershaw to Pitch Game 4

It just wasn't Kenta's day.  Per Ken Gurnick and Jamal Collier at MLB.com:

"I felt fine physically. I thought I had my stuff today, but again, they executed, they really executed today," said Maeda. "It was very regrettable that it didn't turn out to be a good outing. I understand it was a big situation, I went in there as a must-win situation in terms of preparing for this. I wasn't nervous at all, it just wasn't my day today."

Heck, even our ace closer had it tough.  Kenley Jansen gave up four runs in the ninth inning:

 "I was fighting with myself a lot today," said Jansen. "Just clearly was trying to fight and get out of the inning. It definitely was tough to get a rhythm."

The Dodgers got embarrassed, 8-3, and now are on the brink of elimination. 

BTW, tonight's Game 4 match-up with the Washington Nationals will be at 2:05 PM.  The 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 Dodgers History:  In 1965 Willie Davis became just the second player to steal three bases in a World Series game.  He did it against the Twins in Game 5 of the '65 series.  The other person to do it was Honus Wagner on this exact same day in 1909.  In 1978 Bob Welch struck out Reggie Jackson on a full count with two outs in the ninth in Game 2 of the World Series to dramatically preserving a 4-3 Dodger victory over the Yankees.  In 1981 Jerry Reuss threw a five shutout against the Astros to win the best-of-five divisional series and advance to the National League Championship Series against the Montreal Expos.

Blog Kiosk: 6/17/2016 - Dodgers Links - Urias, White and a Dugout Confrontation

Scott Kazmir was not sharp last night.  He consistently fell behind on the counts and ended up getting pulled after throwing 93 pitches in four innings.  Overall, Kazmir gave up five hits, three earned runs and struck out eight. Watch him talk about his evening here.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"That's on me," (Kazmir) said. "I put my team in a bad hole. Having the bullpen cover five innings, it's never good in a ballgame. Not getting ahead of hitters, I think 20-something foul balls, that'll do it. Could have minimized the damage making some quality pitches with runners in scoring position, but a couple hits and they get those three runs. Short outing, that's disappointing."

Unfortunately, a Dodgers bullpen, that had been one of the best of late, reverted to their old ways.  They gave up five runs to lose the game to the Brewers 8-6.  On a side note, there was a bit of a tussle in the Dodgers dugout during the game.  Justin Tuner confronted Yasmina Grandal for a boneheaded running mistake that almost cost the team the tying run in the sixth inning.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It was one of those baserunning mistakes, I guess I had a brain [cramp]. I think this is first baserunning mistake I've made in two years here. Obviously, if the score was affected by it, we would have been down. I kind of just [messed] up. It's just the way it happens. Teammates want to make sure you play smart and the right way. I feel if they're getting on you, they care about the fact you should know better. We all make mistakes. It's not the first time I'll make a mistake and not first time weird things happen."

Grandal also said he was not disappointed that emotions got heated in the dugout between teammates.

"I think we need to play with some fire," he said. "If we fight, we fight. It doesn't matter if it's between each other or with the other team. I feel like if we get some fire within the team to get us going, its fine. At times I feel like we're better than the other team and we lay back and relax instead of making it happen."

Via Kyle Glaser/AP at the Miami Herald:

"It was just one of those things where (Turner) thought Yaz should've went back to first and not continued and made that play as close as it was," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "Yaz would tell you, as the ball goes into second base he's gotta stop.

"Obviously with emotions it can get heated, but we cleaned it up."

The Dodgers need a catalyst.  Will this be it?  Can they find that burning fire deep within?  Will they now take on the season with the kind of determination required to win?  They need something to wake them up, and this incident is just the kind of thing to do it.  But they'll need a leader to rally the troops.  Who will do it?

Photo above of Scott Kazmir via SportsNet LA on twitter.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1885 Dodgers shortstop Germany Smith committed a Major League record 7 errors on the field. In 1983 Dodgers starting pitcher Bob Welch hit his first Major League home run.  It would be the deciding run in the game.  The Dodgers defeated the Reds 1-0.

1982 Union Oil Dodger Player Portraits - The Complete Set

It occurred to me recently that I had never bothered to scan and share this set on this blog - which kind of puzzles me.  After all, it's probably a set most Dodger fans in their late-30's or older remember the most, and in my opinion it is the one set all Dodger collectors should own.  Featured here (finally) are scans of the 1982 Union Oil Dodger Player Portraits featuring artwork by Nicholas Volpe.

As you may know, Volpe had lent his work to the Dodgers for several 1960's portrait photo sets, so this promotional item was meant to reintroduce the artist to the teams newest fans.  Check out my previous post on a couple of those sets here (1962 & 1969).  The set consist of 26 sheets and features a player portrait against a black background.  They measure 8.5" x 11", has a reverse filled with all kinds of biographical information (as seen below) and were distributed by Union 76 gas stations throughout the Southland.  If I remember right, you received a free portrait for every 8 gallon fill-up.  The set is very plentiful in the collectors market, so it shouldn't cost much to purchase.  My price guide indicates $15.00 for the set, but that's from over 10 years ago.  Still, I don't expect it to sell for much more than that today.

As you can see, the set I have has been autographed by every member of the team; including Vin Scully.  As you can imagine, this set is a favorite in my collection.

Below is the rest of the set. Click any pic to embiggen.  Go below the fold to check them all out.

Blog Kiosk: 7/21/2014 - Dodger Links - Sending a Message with a Pitch to the Backside

So, this happened.  This weekends series against the Cardinals was a hit-by-pitch marathon.  Now, I'm not saying it was all purposeful, but some of it was reckless.  As Jerry Hairston Jr. mentioned on twitter, the Cardinals have reputation for hitting batters.  They want to intimidate by throwing up-'n-in, but they need (as Clayton Kershaw said) to have a better idea about where the ball's going. Obviously, that's something they lack.

Kershaw, in retaliation, threw an obvious purpose pitch against the buttocks of Matt Holliday.  He didn't throw anything dangerous.  It wasn't anywhere near the guys face.  The ball had the luxury of landing on the part of the body that would do the least damage, so it didn't hurt.  No x-rays were needed.  The pitch was just a message that their pitchers need to get their ship in order... And, you know what?  I don't have a problem with that.

Maybe it's the hockey fan in me, but I do believe there is a time and place for purpose pitches to get a message across.  This game is such that a reckless play can get someone really hurt, and if a player doesn't stay cognizant of that then I feel it's important for the opposition to remind them.  That's what Kershaw did.  He is just politely reminding them to be more conscious of what they are doing.  If you want to throw up-'n-in then you better have the ability to do so.  Heck, if this was hockey there'd be a few hard checks, a couple slashes to the skate or a fight instead.  So, the Cardinals should feel lucky.

BTW, the photo above is of Matt Holliday jawing with AJ Ellis after being plunked in the rear-end, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  That baby should just stop whining.  He got off easy.

• The Cardinals must hate Hanley Ramirez.  What did he ever do to you?  As you likely know Hanley was hit twice by the Cardinals last night; once on his left hand.  He eventually left the game and had x-rays.  LA Times reporter Dylan Hernandez let us know on twitter that they were negative, so he should be ready to play tomorrow against the Pirates.  Hanley had this to say on twitter:

Stuff happens. Let's keep on, there's a title to chase. Thank you all for your wishes and prayers.
— Hanley Ramirez (@HanleyRamirez) July 21, 2014

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Don Drysdale is smiling down on Clayton Kershaw."

Dodgers ace and two-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw had seen enough. It wasn’t that Ramirez was hit by Martinez’s pitch, it was that the pitch just missed Hanley’s head. Reminiscent of the good ol’ Don Drysdale days, Kershaw hit leadoff hitter Matt Holliday “on the wallet”, as Dodgers Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully would have said if he were calling the game.

• Via Kim Tae-Jong at Korea Times, "Farewell for Park Chan-Ho."  Park was honored at the Korean Baseball League All-Star Game this weekend.

"I will never forget this graceful moment," Park said on the mound after the ceremonial pitch at the Champion's Field stadium in Gwangju. "Since I retired in 2012, I have dreamed of standing on the mound again, and I have really wanted to pitch again."

• As Orel at Sons of Steve Garvey notes, Don Mattingly prefers Joc Pederson in centerfield.

Don Mattingly prefers Joc Pederson in center field, but he’s not yet on the active roster. In Pederson’s favor, there’s little doubt that he’s the best defensive option. Some within the organization worry about his minor league strikeout rate, and believe he’ll benefit from further seasoning. If Mattingly gets his way, the Dodgers outfield will become even more crowded, further increasing the likelihood of a trade.

• Via Justin Perline at Beyond the Boxscore, "How productive can Joc Pederson be?"
• Via Alex Halsted at MLB.com, "Crawford joins Holliday in AFL (Arizona Fall League) Hall of Fame."
• The A's 1989 reunion included a nice tribute to Bob Welch.  Via Daniel Brown at the San Jose Mercury News, "1989 Oakland A's get to celebrate."

The last act by the former players in attendance was for each to drop a yellow rose at the pitcher's mound, where a large No. 35 had been etched into the dirt. That was Bob Welch's number. The popular starting pitcher died June 9 at age 57.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/15/2014 - Dodger Links - Billingsley Looks Done, Hanley Goofs on Uribe and Bat Flip Gone Bad

Adrian Gonzalez was enjoying his Father's Day at Dodger Stadium yesterday with his two daughters, pic via @Dodgers on twitter.  Check out a bunch of photos from Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo from yesterday, here.

• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, " Chad Billingsley's season appears over; career as a Dodger may be too."

“It’s very, very, very, very, very, very, very slim that I would pitch again" this year, Billingsley said. “If I do the rehab I would have a chance, but the risk would be . . . tendon fails, that’s a six-month rehab after surgery. Doing three years' rehab would be a grind.”

• Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew, "Hanley Ramirez strikes again — puts snake in Juan Uribe's shoe."
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Lasorda, coaches attend funeral for Welch."
• A bat flip gone bad courtesy of Yasiel Puig, via Dodgers tumblr.

• Via Chad Moriyama at Dodgers Digest, "Dodgers sign 10 more 2014 draft picks, including Taylor, Freeman, Wolfe, Vela, Allen."
• Via 25Stanley.com, check out some photos from the Kings celebration the evening they won the cup at the North End in Hermosa Beach.  It's a French website, so I apologize in advance.
• The LA Kings Insider shares a whole bunch of photos from each game of the Stanley Cup Final.  Check them out here.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/11/2014 - Dodger Links - Remembering Welch, Kershaw and the Shift

Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo posted up some great photos of Bob Welch on his blog.  Check them out here.  My favorite is above, and features Welch and Pedro Guerrero on a big slide during Christmas at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida in March 1986.

• Via Manny Randhawa at MLB.com, "Lasorda, others fondly remember Welch."

"I just got over [Don] Zimmer's death and now we got another one real quick," said former manager Tommy Lasorda. "Bobby Welch was just one of my all-time favorite pitchers. He had a lot of heart … He had tremendous ability, he was a great guy and everybody loved him."

• Check out this great auction that benefits the LA Dodgers Foundation:  "Josh Beckett Autographed 'No-Hitter' Game-Used Baseball and Dodger Stadium Experience"  It's for a great cause and it includes an unique experience.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Clayton Kershaw: 'If you don’t like Taylor Swift, you’re just lying to yourself'"
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Gonzalez one of many 'victims' of the shift."

“The shift comes from you hitting the ball to one part of the field and they’re just playing percentages, so I think the more you use the whole field, the less they’re going to shift you and I always feel like the ball tells you where to hit it,” Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. “When a left-hander hits a ground ball to the right side, it just tells you he’s a little bit out front. Hanley (Ramirez) does the same thing when he’s struggling, just hits too many ground balls to short and third. 

• How great is this?  Topps has just produced a 60th Anniversary 5-card 5" x 7" Dodger set using the vintage 1955 Topps Baseball design, and it's only available direct from Topps.  Go here to check it out.  It's limited to only 99 copies and it's suppose to be just as thick as a vintage Baseball card.  It even comes in a old-style wax pack.  Wow!  I just had to order it.

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RIP, Bob Welch

I am both shocked and saddened to find out this morning that former Dodger hurler Bob Welch has died.  He was 57 years old.

He may have had his best season on the mound as an Athletic, but I will always remember him as a Dodger.  Bob Welch was the Dodgers 1st Round Draft Pick (20th overall) in 1977 out of Eastern Michigan University.  The Chicago Cubs had originally drafted him in the 14th Round in 1974, but he chose the collegiate route. 

Welch didn't pitch in the minors for long.  A year after being drafted by the Dodgers he found himself in Dodger Blue, and eventually started his first game against the Reds in late June.  He pitched 6 shut out innings in his first start for a win, and soon worked his way towards being an everyday starter.

In 1978, Welch pitched out of the bullpen in the World Series; having recorded a save in Game 2 and a loss in Game 4.  In 1980, he became an All-Star for the first time.  In 1987, Bob Welch was traded to the A's as a key part of a multiple player deal that would prove in providing key ingredients for both teams eventual World Series Championships.  As a Dodger he won 115 games, lost 86, had a ERA of 3.14, recorded 23 shut outs and completed 47 games. 

Overall, he won the Cy Young Award in 1990 and was a member of two World Series Championship teams - the Dodgers in 1981 and Oakland A's in 1989.  Welch was also the pitching coach for the Champion Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001. 

Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares a great fan memory of welch that is worth your time to check out, here.  Below are his career stats, via Baseball Reference.

(pic above via @Dodgers on twitter)

Update:  Per a Dodger press release:

Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland A's pitching great Bob Welch died of a heart attack Monday night at his home. He was 57.

Welch, who pitched 17 years in the Major Leagues, is survived by three children-Dylan, Riley and Kelly.

"The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Welch," said Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten. "He was one of the greatest competitors to wear the Dodger uniform. Dodger fans will always remember his confrontation with Yankee great Reggie Jackson in Game 2 of the 1978 World Series, when the 21-year-old rookie struck out Jackson to end the game. "

Welch was a first-round draft choice of the Dodgers in 1977 from Eastern Michigan University and was promoted to the big league team in 1978, spending 10 seasons in Los Angeles. In 1988, he joined the Oakland A's with whom he spent his last seven years in the Majors. Overall, Welch compiled a 211-146 record with 1,969 strikeouts and a 3.47 ERA in 3,092 innings.

The right-hander was a part of three World Series champions (1981 Dodgers and 1989 A's as a player, and 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks as their pitching coach). In addition to the '81 Dodgers championship, he was a key contributor to four division-winning (1978, 1981, 1983 and 1985) and two pennant-winning Dodger teams. He was named to the All-Star team twice (1980 and 1990) and earned the American League Cy Young Award in 1990.

Welch was the last pitcher to win at least 25 games in a single season, winning a career-high 27 in 1990 for the A's.

Following his retirement in 1994, Welch turned his attention to coaching and community work. He most recently served as a spring training instructor with Oakland this season.

Funeral services are pending.

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Take a Look at the 1983 Dodgers Postcard Set

I recently purchased another decent sized lot of Dodgers postcards and found a complete 1983 Dodgers postcard set within it.  What luck, eh?

Check them all out in this post.  Click any pic to embiggen.

The 1983 Dodgers Postcard set features 12 postcards.  They were produced by Mike Roberts Color Productions out of Oakland, California.  They are numbered from #C35508 to #C35519.  A complete checklist is at the very bottom.

Below is an example of what the reverse of the postcards look like.  As you can see, the card number can be found on the lower left side.  Here is a complete checklist of the 1983 postcard set:

#C35508 Dusty Baker
#C35509 Burt Hooton
#C35510 Steve Howe
#C35511 Dave Stewart
#C35512 Mike Marshall
#C35513 Bob Welch
#C35514 Bill Russell
#C35515 Fernando Valenzuela
#C35516 Mike Scioscia
#C35517 SteveSax
#C35518 Steve Yeager
#C35519 Greg Brock

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 7/19/2012

You can't argue with the success of a good promotion.  There will be a second Hello Kitty Night coming to Dodger Stadium and the above tote bag will be the give-away.  It will be on Wednesday, September 5th against the Padres.  Only the firs 30,000 fans will get one.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts, check out a new book (with Jon as a contributor) called "The Hall of Nearly Great".

The Hall of Nearly Great is an ebook meant to celebrate the careers of those who are not celebrated. It’s not a book meant to reopen arguments about who does and does not deserve Hall of Fame enshrinement. Rather, it remembers those who, failing entrance into Cooperstown, may unfairly be lost to history. It’s for the players we grew up rooting for, the ones whose best years led to flags and memories that will fly together forever. Players like David Cone, Will Clark, Dwight Evans, Norm Cash, Kenny Lofton, Brad Radke, and many others.

• Matt Kemp provided some encouragement last night- in more ways than one.

(pic via twitter @Dodgers)

• You should be checking out John Thorn's blog called "Our Game"every day.  He provides a wealth of knowledge about the history and origins of Baseball.  BTW, he happens to be the Official Historian of MLB.  see his most recent blog post, here. 
• Nomo's Sushi Platter shows a couple of Bob Welch autographs he got at autograph alley this past Tuesday.
• Eye on LA Sports recaps the Padres series with some autograph "gets".
• MLB is currently auctioning off the 2012All-Star Workout Day/Home Run Derby worn jerseys.  Check out the Matt Kemp signed jersey (here), and Clayton Kershaw jersey (here).

(MLB Auction Link)

(MLB Auction Link)

• BTW, a card I featured a couple of years ago as a "Card of the Week" has just hit eBay.  It is a very rare Manny Ramirez 2000 Pacific "corked bat" relic card.  See the auction here.  This is the card that took down Pacific as a card company.
• Oooohhh!  Crapola!!!  Ya know, I would normally find this bit of news/rumors extremely distressing, but since the Kings won The Cup this past season I'm strangely ho-hum about it.  The NHL and players union are currently negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement and according to a source at Comcast Sportnet you should expect a full work stoppage.

“Last time around, the NHL made its salary cap proposal and barely moved off it,” the source, speaking under the condition of anonymity, told PHT. “This is not an initial proposal. The league is shutting down and it’s ‘come back when you’re ready to accept.’

“This is exactly what happened last time. You heard it here first, we will not play next year.”

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: The Alley, Fernando, and the Shrine of the Eternals

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities 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.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Autograph Alley at Dodger Stadium is accessible through the Center Field entrance (Behind Dodger Stadium).  Below is this coming homestand's signing guest.

Friday, July 13
Bill Russell
5:10 PM - 6:30 PM

Saturday, July 14
Paul Lo Duca
4:10 PM - 5:30 PM

Sunday, July 15- at Viva Los Dodgers
Al Downing
11:10 AM - 12:30 PM

Tuesday, July 17
Bob Welch
5:10 PM - 6:30 PM

Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy

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(pic Credit: Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis will be at South Bay Cards in Lomita on July 14th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for an autograph signing!

South Bay Cards 
1751 Pacific Coast Hwy 
Lomita, CA 90717 
310-530-5818 or 1-888-889-7575 

Pre-Order your items here: Small Items: $24.95 Large Items: $34.95 Inscriptions: $10.00 

Hat Tip: LA Inspiration

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Fernando Valenzuela Signing!  He will be signing at The Shops at Montebello on Saturday, July 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm.  Go here for information.  Only the first 150 people get to meet Fernando and get his autograph.  So, expect to get there early.

The Shops at Montebello 
2134 Montebello Town Center Drive 
Montebello, CA 90640 (map)

If you’re wondering what the L.A. Dodgers and The Shops at Montebello have in common it just so happens they’ve hit a home run in the fun department! No kidding. Here’s the game plan. Spend $100 at The Shops at Montebello and receive four ticket vouchers AND a free parking credit to a L.A. Dodgers Home Game this season! Just for spending $100! Limit one package per customer, per day. Promotion begins on July 12, 2012, while supplies last. Some restrictions apply. See Guest Services for details. Meet Dodger Legend Fernando Valenzuela on Saturday, July 14th from 11am to 12pm in Center Court. The first 150 people get to meet Fernando and get his autograph. It’s going to be “Fernandomania” and a shopping grand slam at The Shops at Montebello!

Hat Tip: True to the Blue:

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Steve Garvey is signing on Saturday, July 14th at Tire Discount Store in Studio City, starting at 11:00 AM.

Tire Discount Store
11550 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA
(818) 732-8292

Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy

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This coming Sunday is The Shrine of the Eternals 2012 Induction Day in Pasadena.  Go here for more information.

Donald R. Wright Auditorium in the Pasadena Central Library
285 E. Walnut Street
Pasadena, California

The inductees will be Dr. Frank Jobe, Jim “Mudcat” Grant, and Luis Tiant.  The keynote address will be delivered by Kelly Candaele.  In addition, the Baseball Reliquary will honor the recipients of the 2012 Hilda Award, Arnold Hano, and the 2012 Tony Salin Memorial Award, Dave Kelly.

1982 Dodgers Police Set

I've finally gotten around to scanning the next Dodger Police set. Here are pics of the entire 1982 Dodger Police set that celebrates the 1981 World Series Championship team. The first four cards below are definitely the best ones. Click any of the photos to enlarge.

I really love these cards. They are inexpensive to get and provide a really good look at the team that hit the field that year. The backs have a short biography.

(click any of the pics to enlarge)

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Auto Collection: Welch & John

You can't go wrong with these two vintage former Dodgers. Bob Welch was drafted by the Dodgers in the 1st round of the 1977 draft. Then went on to pitch 10 glorious years for the team, compiling a 115-86 record and a 3.14 ERA. Before the magical 1988 season he was a part of a 3 team trade that netted us some needed pieces for that improbable World Series win- Jesse Orosco, Afredo Griffin and Jay Howell.

Tommy John was phenomenal for the Dodgers. In 6 Dodger season he recorded a 87-42 record with a ERA of 2.97, and even won 20 games for us in 1977. On top of that, he is probably one of the more well known Ballplayers outside of Baseball fandom circles. After all, how many folks have a surgery named after them?

Here are the front and reverse of the 2006 Topps Co-Signers card featuring autos of Bob Welch and Tommy John.

Dodgers Police: 1981 Set - Part 4

I am back with the final installment of cards from the Dodgers 1981 Police set. Check out Part 1, Part 2, or Part 3.
I don't remember Pepe at all, but your afro is awesome! Plus, your helpful tip on the reverse of this card is surprisingly simple and needs to be taught to every kid out there.
Hey, Bobby. 1981 was Castillo's last year with the Dodgers.
Skateboarding is not a crime!
I love Mickey Hatcher, and I will never forget his incredible performance during the 1988 World Series run. Unfortunately, Mickey was traded to the Twins for Kenny Landreaux just before the start of the 1981 season. So, this card is a bit prematures and we would have to wait a few more years before experiencing the magic from the man who would lead "The Stuntmen."
RIP Steve.