Blog Kiosk: 8/1/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu was masterful again. Although he didn't come away with a victory, he did pitch six scoreless innings to reduce his league-leading ERA down to 1.66. His efforts also lead to Dodger victory #71.

Photo above via Matt Faraci/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1906 Brooklyn hurler Harry McIntire lost his no-hit bid in the 10th inning when he yielded a single to Pirates second baseman Claude Ritchey. He and the Dodgers would then lose the game in 13 innings due to an unearned run, 1-0. In 1924 Dazzy Vance struck out seven consecutive Cub batters to set a major league record. The Brooklyn Robins would win the game, 4-0. In 1957 Gil Hodges hit not only his 13th grand slam of his career to set a new National League record, but it also proved to be the last grand slam in the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 2015 Clayton Kershaw battled Mike Trout, marking the first time that reigning MVPs had faced each other. Trout would go 0-for-3 against Kersh; including a first inning strike out, as the Dodgers defeat the Angels, 3-1.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Shaute, Howard Freigau, Myron White, Dave Anderson& Brian Bohanon! 

Blog Kiosk: 3/8/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Seaman Johnny Podres is seen above receiving the 1955 Babe Ruth Award for his exploits during the 1955 World Series. The above pic is currently on auction at Hunt Auctions (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 teammates Joe Medwick and Pee Wee Reese wear protective headgear during a spring exhibition game in Havana, Cuba. They placed plastic inserts -- dubbed a “Brooklyn Safety Cap” -- inside their hats. Both players had missed significant time the previous season due to head injuries; including a scare that sent Medwick to the hospital for fear of a cracked skull. You can see a patent design for the cap on the right, via Baseball Hall of Fame. Click pic to embiggen. In 2011 former Dodger Assistant General Manager Kim Ng is named by MLB as the Senior Vice-President of its baseball operations, making her the highest-ranking woman in the major leagues.
• Happy Birthday, Ollie O'Mara, Carl Furillo, Al Gionfriddo, Dick Teed, Marv Breeding, Willard Hunter,  Dick Allen & Juan Encarnacion!

Blog Kiosk: 10/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - National League West Division Champions!

(pic via Jon SooHoo at Dodger Insider)

Unquestionably, this is the best photo taken of last nights victory party, via a tweet by MLB. Even better, Matt Kemp and his fellow "Boys in Blue" doused Tommy with a beer shower during a postgame interview. You watch a bit of that here. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"What I see now is the same as I saw back then," Roberts said, clutching tightly a bottle of champagne. "With all the adversity we put ourselves in, we knew we could overcome. I never wavered from believing that and they never wavered either. It's a long season. That's why you play 163."

On another note, I'll leave you with this tweet from Jon Morosi of the MLB Network:

Walker Buehler started, and Max Muncy homered. It happened on Opening Day this year for the @okc_dodgers. And it happened in Game 163 at Dodger Stadium. @Dodgers @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 1, 2018

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax become the first pitcher to fan fifteen in a World Series game as he defeated the Yankees, 5-2, during Game 1. Watch highlights of this game as called by Vin Scully here. In 1977 Dusty Baker hit his 30th homer of the year to become the fourth player on the team (along with Ron Cey, Steve Garvey and Reggie Smith) to have hit as many home runs during a season. This is the first time this has happened in the history of the game. In 2004 Steve Finley hit a ninth inning walk-off grand slam against the Giants at Dodger Stadium that clinched the NL West title for the Dodgers. Watch Vin Scully's call here.
• Happy Birthday, Ray Lucas & Maury Wills!

Blog Kiosk: 5/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Wake up! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It doesn't matter what month it is," said Kershaw. "If you're 10 games out, you better start playing well."

Photo above via Joe Cortez at Dodger Insider/MLB.com. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1928 Giants manager John McGraw does the unusual. In that afternoons game against the Dodgers he calls for an intentional walk with the bases loaded and two outs to drive in a run in the ninth inning to make the score 2-1. Giants starter Larry Benton then struck out the next batter, Harry Riconda, to get the victory. In 1975 the Dodgers traded Geoff Zahn and Eddie Solomon to the Cubs for starting pitcher Burt Hooton. In 1995 Hideo Nomo made his first major league start. He would pitch five innings of one-hit ball against the Giants in a no-decision. The Dodgers would eventually lose the game in the 15th inning, 4-3. 
• Happy Birthday, Larry Cheney!

Blog Kiosk: 3/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Born in Brooklyn in the early 40's, Sen. Bernie Sanders maintains his love for the club -- even as he moved to the northeast and became a Senator in Vermont. Yesterday, he visited the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch and spent plenty of time talking Baseball with Dave Roberts (as shown in the pic above) and hitting with Yasiel Puig (per pic on the right). Both photos are via Sanders' twitter here and here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1989 the Dodgers traded outfielder Mike Devereaux to Baltimore for starting pitcher Mike Morgan. Morgan would stay in LA for three seasons -- compiling a 33-36 record with an 3.06 ERA, 3.38 FIP and a 1.162 WHIP. In 2003 Mets catcher Mike Piazza charged the mound to go after Dodgers reliever Guillermo Mota during a spring training game at Thomas J. White Stadium in Port St. Lucie, FL. Mota plunked Piazza on the shoulder, so Piazza stormed after him -- even going into the Dodgers clubhouse. Both players would be suspended five games. 
• Happy Birthday, Frank Schneiberg, Bob Barr, Jim Wynn, Darryl Strawberry, Shawn Gilbert, Steve Finley, Raul Mondesi & Greg Hansell!

Blog Kiosk: 2/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I like this new motto.

This morning Dodger broadcaster Alanna Rizzo, via her twitter, shared the clubs motto for the upcoming season: "LA: Determined."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Dodgers and Yankees complete their very first trade with each other. Brooklyn sent Buzz Boyle, Johnny McCarthy and $40,000 to the New York Yankees for Buddy Hassett. In 1984 Pedro Guerrero signed a five-year $7MM contract to stay a Dodger. In 2017 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Franklin Gutierrez to a one-year $2.6MM contract. He would only get into 35 games (primarily as a pinch hitter) before shutting down in June due to an recurrence of ankylosing spondylitis.
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Babb & Jack Bolling!

Blog Kiosk: 12/20/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Yasiel Puig #SantaPuig truck made a surprise visit to the Evergreen Recreation Center in East LA yesterday afternoon to hand out toys and gifts to local families. As yo can see, smiles were seen all-around.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 the Dodgers traded Ted Sizemore to the Phillies for catcher Johnny Oats and a minor leaguer. In 1989 the Dodgers traded Mike Marshall and Alejandro Peña to the Mets for infielder Juan Samuel.  In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Kenny Lofton.
• Happy Birthday, Branch Rickey, Harry Stovey, Bob Hall, Butch Henline, Fred Merkle & Snooks Dowd!

2017 Panini Chronicles - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Earlier this week I shared pics of the 2017 Chronicles Dodgers' base cards. Now, here are the rest of the Dodger cards you can find in packs. Please note that the numbering that Panini provides (seen below) for their inserts are entirely inaccurate. They provide just a general listing.

Chronicles Autographs

• #2 Cody Bellinger -- Not Yet Seen -- May Be Redemption

#45 Corey Seager              #49 Joc Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 11/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation has just opened up a new program called, "Dodgers Foundation Blue Circle." A donation will support their mission to create opportunities for children in need through programs that focus on engaging kids in sports, helping kids stay active, and promoting academic success. On top of that, you can get some cool giveaways depending on the level of your donation. Go here for more information.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Burt Shotten is fired as manager of the Dodgers.  Chuck Dressen, who was managing the Oakland Oaks of the PCL, is named as his replacement. In 1969 second baseman Ted Sizemore is named the NL Rookie of the Year. He became the seventh Dodger to win the award. In 1970 starting pitcher Rick Sutcliffe is named the NL Rookie of the Year. He received 20 of 24 first-place votes.
• Happy Birthday, Billy Gasparino, Jose Parra, Ken Howell, Frank O'Rourke & Pedro Astacio!

Giants Series Starts Friday - Autographs, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule

The Brunch At The Park will be available for this homestand only against Giants available Field section 22 and 23 and Loge section 136. It features Kings Hawaiian bun dipped in French toast batter stuffed with Farmer John’s breakfast sausage, fresh berries, maple syrup and powdered sugar. See it on the right.

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

Friday, September 22nd at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Welcome to the Dodgers, Mike Freeman!

Nearly a month after being picked up by the Dodgers on the waiver wire from Seattle, versatile infielder/outfielder Mike Freeman was recalled to Los Angeles to fill a void created when outfielder Franklin Gutierrez was placed on the 10-day disabled list with an episode of ankylosis spondylitis. Mike Freeman will wear #37 for the Dodgers.

As you know, he came into yesterdays game as a pinch-hitter for reliever Luis Avilan in the fourth inning, and subsequently grounded out to short during the eight pitch at-bat.

Blog Kiosk: 2/10/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This will soon be a daily activity at Camelback Ranch.  Featured above is a vintage UPI press photo of veteran reliever Roger Craig (yes, the former Giants manager) getting some work inside a batting cage at Vero Beach, dated February 23, 1961 (eBay Auction Link).  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Roger Craig of the Los Angeles Dodgers lays down a bunt during batting practice at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla.  Keeping a watchful eye on the batters is Leo Durocher, standing behind the batting cage.

Can you already imagine the sight, sounds and smell of the game?  I can, and I couldn't be more happier.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, John L. Smith, Kit McKenna, Randy Jackson, Jack Fimple, Hiroki Kuroda, Cesar Izturis & Luis Cruz!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/8/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is an up-close look at the famous right field wall at Ebbets Field.  The AP wirephoto is dated to August 22, 1955 and features Dodger outfielder Carl Furillo (eBay Auction Link).  Per the caption:

Outfielder Carl Furillo demonstrates in Brooklyn Dodgers workout today why he is master of the right field wall in Ebbets Field.  In this sequence camera series Carl reaches up for ball, starts to turn in mid-air and is prepared to throw as he comes down.  In the last picture the ball is enroute to second base to cut down any ambitious hitter who wants to stretch a single.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1916 National League owners voted down a proposal by Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets that would impose a limit of 2,000 seat that club can sell for 25 cents.  In 1933 the Dodgers traded their soon-to-be Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance to the Cardinals for a couple of scrubs.  In 1982 the Dodgers traded longtime second baseman Davey Lopes to the A's for a minor leaguer.  This trade broke up the longest-playing infield in major league history.  In 1995 the Dodgers signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo.
• Happy Birthday, Bruce Caldwell, Bert Haas, Charlie Householder & Joe Black!
  

Blog Kiosk: 1/3/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I just can't wait for Baseball to get started.  We are a mere few weeks away from the beginning of spring training, and soon thereafter Opening Day will be here.  While we wait join me in taking a look at the above fantastic in-game-action AP Wirephoto, dated July 22, 1954, featuring a sliding Bob Borkowski of the Reds being tagged out by Roy Campanella.  (eBay Auction Link)

On the play Reds second baseman Johnny Temple hit a grounder to shortstop Pee wee Reese, who unfortunately booted the ball.  Borkowski, standing at second base at the time, tried to take advantage of the miscue and rounded third for home.  Jim Gilliam, who was the kind of guy who never missed a play, dutifully picked up the errant ball and threw a strike to home to record the third out of the inning.  The Dodgers would maintain a one run lead in the game, and eventually win it, 8-5.  BTW, Hall of Fame umpire Jocko Conlon is in the background calling the out.  Also, this photograph was originally a part of the George Michael Collection of Baseball sliding press photos.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Brett Tomko to a two year/$8.7 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Frenchy Bordagaray & Chris Van Cuyk!

Blog Kiosk: 10/27/2016 - Dodgers Links - Verdugo, Stewart, Seager, Jansen and Maeda

Check out this World Series action photo.  Per the descriptor:

Dodgers Andy Pafko makes a leaping one-handed catch off Gene Woodling's whistling bid for home run into the right field stands in the second inning of fifth Series game.

The run saving grab would help the Dodgers maintain a small lead in the early going, and prove to be an important catch as the Dodgers would eventually win the game in extra innings, 6-5.  I think the best part of this photo, though, are the hundreds of fans who are seen peering in eager anticipation.

I ran into this United Press Association press photo, taken by Tony Sande, on eBay.  Check out the auction here.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1890, the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers), in their first season as a member of the National League, lost Game 6 of an World Series against the Louisville Colonels of the American Association, 9-8.  The loss shrank the Dodgers lead in the series to 3-2-1 -- Game 3 ended in a 7-7 tie due to darkness.  Game 7 will be played the next day.

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: 10/3/2016 - Dodgers Links - Urias, Ethier and Vin Scully

Thank you, Vin!

BTW, the LAFD were first to welcome Vin back home after yesterday's game.  They performed their own unique salute at the airport to the retiring Hall of Famer.  Go here to watch a bit of it.  The photo on the right via the LAFD on flickr.

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out a bunch of great pics from Vin's last here by Jon.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1951 Bobby Thompson of the NY Giants hit the most infamous home run in Dodgers franchise history.  He whalloped an Ralph Branca pitch in the ninth inning at the Polo Grounds for a walk-off victory, 5-4, during the deciding game of a three-game series to decide who would go to the World Series.  The homer has since been dubbed the "shot heard ’round the world."  In 2005 manager Jim Trace is fired by the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Brock Stewart!

Blog Kiosk: 9/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - De Leon, Kershaw, Puig, Bellinger and Josh Reddick

It's great to see Josh Reddick turn on the heat.  Last night he recorded his first three hit game for the Dodgers - knocking out two singles and his first home run in Blue.  Per AJ Cassavell and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Took long enough," Reddick said of his home run. "I finally got it out of the way. Just to contribute, that's something I've wanted to do for a month now. I hope I'll be able to do it the rest of the year."

Reddick is on a little four game hitting streak.  Over that period he has recorded seven hits in thirteen at-bats, but only one extra base hit (yesterdays home run).  During his first 23 games as a Dodger he was slashing a woeful .139/.200/.152/.352, with just eleven hits in 79 at-bats.  Although we certainly have yet to see the best Reddick has to offer you've got to like that he's starting to perform.  Via Rich Hill when speaking about Reddick's evening:

"That was awesome. Get used to seeing it here. It's exciting."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1924 the Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) sweep their fourth consecutive doubleheader on four consecutive days.  I kid you not!  In 1966 the Dodgers become the first team in Major League history to draw two million fans both at home and on the road.  In 1969 Willie Davis' 31 consecutive game hitting streak streak ends at the hands of Padres. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blog Kiosk: 8/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

That was truly forgettable.  Last nights game was a laugher, and unfortunately it was the fans in Blue who went to bed unhappy.

Maybe it was the Coors Field air, or the general lack of experience the Dodgers threw on the mound that did us in.  After all, it's hard to expect the best when we basically put in a couple young (and still learning arms) to pitch to a suddenly red-hot Rockies club in Colorado.  They had to know the balls would be jumping out of the park, and probably hoped we'd do similar damage to the opposition.  That came to pass, though.  Per Ken Gurnick and Thomas Harding at MLB.com:

"Those guys the last couple of days threw the ball well," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about Colorado's starting pitchers. "You've got to tip your hat to Jon Gray yesterday and this kid today, they threw well and kept us at bay."

And our starting pitcher, Brock Stewart, couldn't figure out how to pitch in the high altitude.

"Before the game in the bullpen, everything was working, and I got in the game and everything stayed flat," said Stewart. "Just an off night, for sure."

That's an understatement.  The Dodgers got walloped by the Rockies, 12-2.  They remain just two games behind the Giants in the division race and continue to hold a two game lead in the wild-card race.  Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1941 Brooklyn Dodger Mickey Owens becomes the first catcher to record three foul popups in one frame.  In 1948 Ernie Harwell, a Hall of Fame broadcaster for mostly the Tigers, called his first Major League game.  He briefly took over for a sick Red Barber in Brooklyn's broadcast booth.