Blog Kiosk: 3/11/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this vintage photograph I ran into while perusing eBay. It is a Barney Stein photo of the 1956 Brooklyn Dodger team at the Atomic Memorial in Hiroshima during their Tour of Japan series that fall (eBay link). I suspect it was originally found in one of those presentation photo albums the team made for the players and staff that headed for the Far East. You can also see this exact image at the Walter O'Malley.com website, where it says:

A bronze plaque from the Dodgers was presented at the Hiroshima stadium with the following legend: “We dedicate this visit in memory of those baseball fans and others who died by atomic action on August 6, 1945. May their souls rest in peace and with God’s help and man’s resolution peace will prevail, forever, amen.” Among those attending the presentation were Dodger President Walter O’Malley, manager Walter Alston, and Dodger players as Pee Wee Reese, Roy Campanella, and Duke Snider.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the very first spring game is played at the newly built Holman Stadium at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. The Dodgers faced off against the A's and defeated then, 4-2. In 1972 Dodgers Hall of Fame legend Zach Wheat dies at the age of 83. He was a Brooklyn Dodgers for 18 seasons -- slashing .317/.367/.452/.819 with 131 home runs, 2,804 hits and a batting title in 1918.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Pounds, Joe Dunn, Bobby Abreu, Rich Hill & Pedro Baez!

Blog Kiosk: 12/14/2016 - Dodgers Links - Holt, Anderson and Jansen's Wedding

I am not sure if I've ever seen what the scoreboard looked like during Dodger games at the LA Coliseum.  So, when I came across the above pic I knew I had to make note of it.  Featured above is the Dodgers scoreboard from Game 5 of the 1959 World Series.  (eBay Auction Link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1954 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Sandy Koufax to a contract - a $6,000 salary and $14,000 bonus.  This made Sandy a "bonus baby" (having a bonus over $4,000) and required the Dodgers to keep him on the Major League roster for two years.  As a result, the Dodgers would option Tommy Lasorda to the Montreal Royals.  In 1990 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Brett Butler to a four-year $13 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, John Anderson, Charlie Hargreaves, Chris Heisey & Bill Buckner!

Blog Kiosk: 9/6/2016 - Dodgers Links - Seager, Puig, Hill, McCarthy and Kenta Maeda

What more can you say about Kenta Maeda?

He has been fantastic and easily counts as the Dodgers best acquisition of this past year.  Given early fears that he would be susceptible to an arm injury you wouldn't be blamed for being skeptical.  Thankfully, Maeda was extremely confident in his abilities and was willing to sign with us on an performance based contract, and now we understand why.  Kenta Maeda is the Dodgers ace in the absence of Clayton Kershaw.

Last night he barrelled over an unmatched Diamondbacks club by going 6.1 innings, giving up just three hits and a lone earned run.  Furthermore, eight Arizona batter struck out and only one batter was given a walk.  Per Jack Baer and Steve Gilbert at MLB.com:

"Kenta threw the ball great," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I think you could see with those hitters and their approach, sitting soft. He was effective with his fastball tonight and locating it inside, outside. Kept those guys guessing and made his slider that much more effective. We tried to get through that seventh inning, but he gave us a great, great effort. Something we really needed."

At one point he retired 18 batters in a row.  Not lost on the evening was the Dodgers power surge at the plate against former teammate Zack Greinke.  They pounded out five home runs against the highest paid pitcher in the game; including four in the fifth inning alone.  Last nights 10-2 victory gives the Dodgers a four game lead over the Giants

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

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1924 the Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) recorded their 15th consecutive win, establishing the longest winning streak in franchise history.  In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela recorded his seventh shutout of the season, tying a National League rookie record for shutout.  In 1996 Brett Butler returns to the Dodger lineup four months after having surgery for throat cancer.  You can watch a news report on his first game back here.

Blog Kiosk: 8/18/2016 - Dodgers Links - De Leon's Immaculate Inning, AJ on Vinny and Adrian Gonzalez

What he said!

Joc Pederson tweeted the above photo after the Dodgers, with the help of Adrian Gonzalez, defeated the Phillies, 7-2.  He added the following caption,

"@Adrian_ElTitan put the team on his back"

Last night AGon hit a three-run homer in the third to give the Dodgers a lead.  Then, for good measure, he blasted a two-run home run in the seventh as insurance.  Joc Pederson, for his part, went three for four on the evening.  Per Todd Zolecki and Evan Webeck at MLB.com: 

"Everybody's made some great adjustments," Gonzalez said. "For the most part, I feel like [Joc Pederson has] made some great adjustments, [Howie Kendrick has] made great adjustments. The guys who were already swinging it well have continued swinging well. When you've got one through eight swinging it great and taking great at-bats, it makes it really tough on the opposing pitcher."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger 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 1995 the Dodgers traded for Brett Butler.  This would be his second stint with the team.

Blog Kiosk: 6/15/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Venable and Kenta Maeda

Oh noes!

In a season filled to the brim with injuries seeing Kenta Maeda crumble on the field after being struck on his right knee was distressing.  My immediate thought was, "what else could go wrong?"

At the start of the sixth inning Paul Goldschmidt lined a comebacker that was recorded at an exit velocity of 95 MPH.  Unable to catch it on the fly, the ball struck Kenta just below the knee.  Obviously in pain, Maeda still had the presence of mind to grab the errant ball and throw out the All-Start first baseman to record the first out of the inning.  Soon thereafter, he fell to the turf and writhed in agony.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"He's feeling better actually now," Roberts said. "It was something with a nerve that just lit him up."

"What I know for sure is that it didn't hit the bone," Maeda said through a translator. "But I wasn't able to put any strength or flex it at all, so I was a little bit in shock."

Fortunately, x-rays later on were negative and only revealed a very bad bruise.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's hard to tell at this point, but I will reevaluate [Wednesday]," Maeda said through his interpreter. "My hope is to make the next scheduled start. What I know for sure is it didn't hit the bone, but I wasn't able to put any strength or weight on it and I was kind of shocked. Among all the hits taken in the past, it hurt the most. "

I don't know if this team could have survived another major injury to its starting rotation.  So I think it's fair to say we dodged a bullet.  BTW, the Dodgers were victorious over the Diamondbacks, 7-4.  They slugged four home runs; including a pair by Joc Pederson.

Photo 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:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Johnny Vander Meer pitched his second consecutive no-hitter, beating the Dodgers at Ebbets Field.  He had no-hit the Braves four days prior.  In 1951 Buzzy Bavasi made his first trade as the Dodgers GM.  He received Andy Pfako, Johnny Schmitz, Wayne Terwilliger, and Rube Walker in exchange for Bruce Edwards, Joe Hatten, Eddie Miksis, and Gene Hermanski. In 1996 the Dodgers turned their first triple play in 47 years.  It was against the Braves in the first inning.
• Happy Birthday, Brett Butler and Dusty Baker!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Dodgers Night in Bakersfield & the SoCal Baseball and Sports Collectors Expo

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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Dodgers Night at a Bakersfield Condors Hockey Game

On Saturday, January 12th the Bakersfield Condors will be hosting Dodgers Night at their evening game at 7 PM.  Go here for more information.  Maury Wills be in attendance to sign free autographs for fans.

Hat Tip to Jose for passing this information along.

UPDATE:  I've just been told that a mystery Major Leaguer will also be on-hand to sign autographs for fans.  It is suppose to be a current Dodger.  Stay tuned!

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The SoCal Baseball and Sports Collectors Expo from January 11th to 13th

This is a big show with plenty of guest.  there will also be a bunch of tables selling cards and memorabilia, as well. Below is a list of players, times and prices.  General admission is $10.00 a day.  Go here for more information, or call 909-590-3713.

*****Times subject to change*******

Bill Mueller 1/11 4 pm – 5 pm Sm: $29 Lg: $49 Ins.: $15

Hubie Brooks 1/11 5 pm – 6 pm Sm: $29 Lg: $49 Ins.: $15

Lisa Fernandez 1/11 6 pm – 7:30 pm Sm: $39 Lg:$59 Ins.: $20

Rudy Law* 1/11 7pm – 8 pm One free per person/family Additional: $10

Brett Buttler 1/12 10 am – 11 am Sm:$29 Med: $39 Lg:$49 Ins.: $15

Matt Kemp 1/12 11 am – 1pm Sm: $79 Med: $89 Lg: $109 Ins.: $39

Bobby Castillo* 1/12 1 pm – 2 pm One free per person/family Additional:$10 Ins.: :$5

Luis Cruz 1/12 1 pm -2:30pm Sm:$29 Med: $39 Lg:$49 Ins.: $15

Adrian Gonzalez 1/12 2 pm – 3:30 pm Sm: $69 Med: $79 Lg: $99 Ins.: $30

Jered Weaver 1/12 3pm – 4:30 pm Sm: $89 Med: $99 Lg: $119 Ins.: $39

Jesse Orosco 1/13 10 am – 11 am Sm: $25 Lg: $35 Ins.: $10

Tony Gwynn 1/13 10:30am – 12pm Sm: $69 Lg: $99 Ins: $30

Kevin Mitchell 1/13 11am – 12 pm Sm: $25 Lg: $35 Ins.: $10

Paul LoDuca 1/13 12pm - 1:30PM sM: $25 lG: $35 Ins: $10

Robin Ventura 1/13 12 pm – 1:30 pm Sm: $59 Fight Photo $99 Lg: $89 Ins.: $25

Dave Justice 1/13 1:30 pm -3 pm Sm: $39 Lg:$59 Ins.: $20

Robb Nen 1/13 2:30 pm – 4 pm Sm: $25 Lg: $35 Ins.: $10

Dick Nen* 1/13 3 pm – 4 pm One free per person/family Additional: $10

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UPDATE:  I cen't believe I forgot to list this event down.

 

Go here for information.   Several MLB stars will be their including Mike Trout Mark Trumbo and Steve Garvey.

Join Trinity Bat Company this January ^12th and experience the Second Annual Trinity Bat Co.  Home Run Challenge hosted at Mater Dei High School Baseball.  Come out for this exclusive event and help support Cory Hahn with all proceeds being donated to the Cory Hahn Fund.   Only $10.00 will get a ticket into a community fighting with Cory and a front row seat to a big league derby.  High school, college and open (adult), will compete for the ultimate prize. 

Following the competition will be an opportunity to watch big league batters up close and personal, competing for bragging rights while putting on an unforgettable hitting display. Event participants will dine on some of Southern California’s best food trucks, have the opportunity to get autographs from MLB players and get a chance to have their photo taken by the Orange County Register, and be on FOX Sports West - Angels Monthly.  Be a part of our silent auction and raffle and have a chance to win signed memorabilia. Come on out with the baseball community and help Cory fight!     #CORYHAHN

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Celebrating the Number 12 on the Day of 12's

Isn't December 12, 2012 (12/12/2012) suppose to be one of those days that denotes the end of the world?  Was it Nostradamus, or was it the Mayans who predicted that?

I dunno.  All I do know is that this rare combination of numbers and dates on the calendar won't be happening again for like a thousand years, so you better enjoy the day.

With that in mind, I thought I would commemorate this fine Wednesday afternoon by going through the various Dodgers that have worn #12.  See that list below

Bobby Abreau 2012
Justin Sellers 2011-2012
Brad Ausmus 2009-2010
Jeff Kent 2005-2008
Steve Finley 2004
Mike Devereaux 1998
Jim Eisenreich 1998
Karim Garcia 1995-1997
Brett Butler 1995
Jeff Treadway 1994-1995
Dave Anderson 1992
Greg Smith 1991
Luis Lopez 1990
Willie Randolph 1989-1990
Danny Heep 1987-1988
Bill Madlock 1986-1987
Mariano Duncan 1985
Jay Johnstone 1985
Dusty Baker 1976-1983
Paul Powell 1975
Von Joshua 1969-1971, 1973-1974
Jim Fairey 1968
Bob Bailey 1967
Tommy Davis 1959-1966
Babe Birrer 1958
Frank Kellert 1955
Erv Palica 1948-1951, 1954
Ralph Branca 1952
Eddie Stanky 1944-1947
Bob Chipman 1942, 1944
Rex Barney 1943
Rube Melton 1943
Babe Dahlgren 1942
Luke Hamlin 1937-1943
Jimmy Jordan 1934-1936
Val Pacinich 1932-1933
Watty Clark 1931

37 different Dodger players have worn this number.  Of those 37, only one player has any chance of making the Hall of Fame.  Jeff "the grumpy one" Kent wore the number during his Dodger days.  Another notable #12 was Steve Finley, who belted a walk-off grand slam to win the pennant in 2004.  Two of the more popular Dodgers to ever wear the number are Dusty Baker and Tommy Davis.  Although they are unlikely to be enshrined in Cooperstown, I think it's fair to say that they are both stars in our eyes.

Strangely, in 1931 Baseball Reference indicates that only one player wore a number that season and that was Watty Clark with #12.  I wonder why that is?  Also, Ralph Branca, Brett Bulter and Dave Anderson were all longtime Dodgers known for wearing other numbers, but for a short time sported #12.

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Sunday Dodger Videos

For a lazy Sunday afternoon, here are your Sunday Dodgers Videos.

This is vintage.  Joe Carter jokes around with first-time All-Star Brett Butler.  They were both teammates with the Indians.

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Get to know your Dodger DJ.  Reporter Nick Hamilton interviews Dodger Stadium DJ Severe. DJ Severe talks about how he started with the Dodgers, other LA teams he DJ's for, clubs, his 2013 prediction for this Los Angeles Dodger team & more....

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Here is another classic.  Rick Monday mimics Tommy Lasorda in the Los Angeles Dodgers dugout!

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MartyTimeTV interviews Vin Scully on decision to return in 2013, the impact of the O'Malley family on Major League Baseball & why the NL West will be even more competitive next season

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Finally, Luis Cruz sits down with Nacion TV on ESPN.

Video Link:

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