Blog Kiosk: 5/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's an April 18, 1967 AP press photo featuring Sandy's return to Dodger Stadium -- after retiring from the game after last season (eBay auction link).

And on the Mound, Sandy Koufax -- Sandy Koufax, now a sports broadcaster for NBC, throws the opening "pitch" as the Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds opened the Los Angeles home season at Dodger Stadium tonight.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1929 the Brooklyn Dodgers out-slugged the Phillies, 20-16. Hilariously, Dodger hurler Ray Moss allowed ten earned runs and still recorded his first win of the season. In 1931 Dodger outfielder Babe Herman hits for the cycle against the Reds at Ebbets Field. Herman would hit his second cycle of the season on July 24th. In 1942 all night games in New York are banned for the duration of WWII. The city would not host a night game until 1946. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela finally loses, 4-0 (boxscore). It was against the Phillies. Valenzuela now has an 8-1 record to start the season.
• Happy Birthday, Bob Clark, Cy Barger, Don Lund & Eric Young!

Blog Kiosk: 10/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic UPI press photo featuring the Dodgers' three co-MVP's from the 1981 World Series -- Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager and Ron Cey (eBay auction link). Dated October 28, 1981 and taken by Pat Benic/UPI.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1965 the Dodgers released Wally Moon -- whose famed "Moon Shots" over the short left field wire fence at the Coliseum helped propel Los Angeles towards a championship in 1959. In 1984 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Brian Holton. He would eventually be an important cog to the Dodgers 1988 World Championship team -- going 7-3 on the season with an 1.70 ERA, a 2.72 FIP, 2.1 WAR, 49 strikeouts, 26 walks, one save in 45 appearances. In 2013 the Dodgers signed Cuban ballplayer Alex Guerrero.
• Happy Birthday, Kid Carsey, Oscar Jones, Mike McCormack, Johnny Morrison, Sam Bohne & Jumbo Elliott!

Blog Kiosk: 3/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another one of those photos that used to reside within the collection of famed sports broadcaster George Michael. Featured above is a live view of Pistol Pete Reiser stealing home (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Brooklyn, May 16, 1946... The Dodgers great Base stealer Pete Reiser shows his style in this sequence of photos ar Ebbets Field today. With Stan Rojak at bat, Reiser makes his dash for home. He leads the league in steals and stealing home has become his specialty.

In 1946 Reiser stole home seven times. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1917 Dodger skipper Wilbert Robinson performed some spring antics on the field. After hearing that Gabby Street caught a Baseball thrown from the Washington Monument, Robinson bragged that he could catch a ball dropped from an airplane. So, the stunt was set up, but as legend has it young outfielder Casey Stengel had something else in mind. He substituted a grapefruit for the Baseball. Said fruit was then gloved by Robinson as it fell, but it exploded on his chest. Having seen the fruits red innards splashed all over himself Wilbert exclaimed, "Help me, Lads, I'm covered with my own blood!" Then, he tasted it. On a side note, it has since been revealed that Stengel was not the genius behind this prank. Ruth Law, the pilot, substituted part of her lunch when she realized she forgot to bring a baseball.
• Happy Birthday, Chappie McFarland, Tom Flood, Mal Eason, Lew Malone, Don Bessent, Don Miles & Mariano Duncan!

Blog Kiosk: 3/4/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton and son spent part of this weekend playing ball. Adorable!

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1912 Charles Ebbets breaks ground on his new ballpark in the Pigtown section of Brooklyn. It was origianlly named Washington Park, but will be renamed Ebbets Field. In 1984 Pee Wee Reese is elected into the Hall of Fame by the Special Veterans Committee. In 2009 the Dodgers re-signed outfielder Manny Ramirez to a two-year $45 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Korwan, Jeff Pfeffer, Johnny Enzmann, Dazzy Vance, Lefty O'Doul, Bill Hart, Leron Lee, Giovanni Carrara, Bruce Aven, Hiram Bocachica, Sergio Romo & Rubby De La Rosa!

Blog Kiosk: 3/1/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night was Dodgers Night at the LA Kings game, and as you can see in the pic above (via LA Kings on twitter) our nightmare-inducing mascot was on-hand to celebrate the occasion with Bailey of the Kings. Stay tuned, I'll have more pics from last nights event shortly.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Father Vincent Powell of the Brooklyn Catholic Youth Organization released a public statement declaring that the group, "is withdrawing from the Dodgers' Knothole Club." He goes on to say that he cannot allow the kids to be associated with Leo Durocher -- a fellow deemed to have low moral character. Several weeks later (April 9th) the National League would levy a one-year suspension against Durocher. The reasons vary from the Catholic boycott, his close association to known gamblers and an off-field spat with Charlie Dressen. As you know, this was Jackie Robinson's first season in the Majors, so Durocher's absence caused quite a stir in the club's front office. Leo was seen as the perfect manager to handle the expected rancor that Jackie would experience. Jeffrey Marlett at SABR provides a fantastical write-up on Durocher's suspension, here.
• Happy Birthday, Peter Guber, Tim Thompson, Bert Hamric, Omar Daal & Blake Hawksworth!

Blog Kiosk: 2/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a look at the Dodgers 2019 Yearbook above. Go here to order.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1952 Dodgers all-star pitcher Don Newcombe is sworn into the Army to serve in the Korean War. The 26-year old would miss the next two seasons, and struggle on the field his first year back in 1954. Then, he would go on to regain his old form over the next two seasons by winning a collective 47 games and leading the Dodgers to its first World Series championship in 1955.
• Happy Birthday, Preacher Roe, Ron Negray & Matt Luke!

Blog Kiosk: 2/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It has begun.

Spring is officially upon us as the first games of the preseason started in earnest this weekend. Before you know it, it'll be Opening Day.

Pic above via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019. Check out pics by Jon SooHoo and others on Dodger Insider from Friday (here), Saturday (here) and Sunday (here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2002 84-year old broadcaster Ernie Harwell announced that this season would be his last as the Tiger's play-by-play man. As you may know, Harwell is the only announcer to have been traded for a ballplayer. Branch Rickey, in 1948, needed a substitute for an ailing Red Barber, so he traded catcher Cliff Dapper to the Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association for his services. Ernie would broadcast in Brooklyn for two years.
• Happy Birthday, Al Hollingsworth, Andy Pafko, Cesar Cedeno & Xavier Paul!

Blog Kiosk: 12/28/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic 1957 International News Spring Training press photo, taken by the legendary Herb Scharfman, featuring a couple of Dodgers with some visiting Tokyo Giants' (eBay Link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Dodgers host to Tokyo Giants Players
Vero Beach, Florida... Brooklyn Dodger coach Joe Becker (third from left) and pitcher Don Newcombe (left), discuss pointers of the game with two visitors to the Dodger camp from Japan. They are Sho Horincho, pitcher with the Tokyo Giants (second from left) and Tokyo Giants' manager Shigeru Mizuhara (right). Dated 3-1-1957.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers traded for 6' 5" tall reliever Pat Zachry in exchange for utilityman Jorge Orta. In 1993 the Dodgers traded pitcher Isidro Márquez for utilityman Ron Coomer of the White Sox.
• Happy Birthday, Einar Díaz, Don Thompson & Austin Barnes!

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

At one point, Walter O'Malley had dreams about building a domed stadium in Brooklyn. Featured above is a May 11, 1957 AP press photo featuring O'Malley showing off his design (eBay Auction Link). Strangely, with him are New York Giants president Horace Stoneham, San Francisco Mayor George Christopher and SF County Cupervisor Francis McCarty. As you know, the Dodgers would soon announce their intention of leaving the Brooklyn borough for Los Angeles.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers traded for soon to be Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan from the Pirates in exchange for Pete Coscarart, Luke Hamlin, Babe Phelps and Jimmy Wasdell. In 1998 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Kevin Brown to a seven year $105 million contract -- thus becoming the first $100 million man in Baseball. In 2012 the Dodgers received Skip Schumaker in a trade with the Cardinals -- sending Jake Lemmerman to St. Louis in return.
• Happy Birthday, Buzzie Bavasi, Peter O'Malley, Phenomenal Smith, Derrell Griffith & Orlando Hudson! 

Blog Kiosk: 12/4/218 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Not only is Justin Turner our star third baseman, he's also an international ambassador for the team. He is seen above providing a personal tour of Dodger Stadium to the Polish National Baseball team. Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded John Pintar (minors), Gus Mancuso and $65,000 to the St. Louis Cardinals for soon-to-be All-Star catcher Mickey Owen. In 1941 the Dodgers traded Tony Giuliani and Van Lingle Mungo to the Minneapolis Minors of the American Association for pitcher Joe Hatten. In 1958 the Dodgers traded Gino Cimoli to the St. Louis Cardinals for former "Rookie of the Year" winner Wally Moon and Phil Paine. In 1979 the Dodgers signed outfield free agent Jay Johnstone to a two-year $300,000 contract. In 1988 the Dodgers traded Juan Bell, Brian Holton and Ken Howell to the Baltimore Orioles for Eddie Murray. In 2002 the Dodgers traded  Mark Grudzielanek and Eric Karros to the Chicago Cubs for Chad Hermansen and Todd Hundley.
• Happy Birthday, Chuck Corgan!

Blog Kiosk: 10/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Game 1 Today!

Who knew Maeda had such style? Check out Kenta sporting a rather stylish outfit with the Dodgers resident fashion maven, Matt Kemp, while on the plane as they head out to Milwaukee for today's game, via the Dodgers on twitter. BTW, the Dodgers released their roster for the NLCS this morning and there is only one notable change. Lefty Julio Urias will replace fellow-lefty Scott Alexander in the bullpen. Check out the entire roster below.

On a side note, I am very excited about this series, and not for why you might think.

One of my favorite teams growing up (other than the Dodgers) was the Brewers, and the reason isn't really all too surprising. The very first little league team I played on was the Brew Crew, so as a child I gravitated, just a bit, towards that club. I followed them in the standings and would collect players like Cecil Cooper, Ben Oglivie, Ted Simmons and Gorman Thomas. But there was one player I was absolutely smitten with. It was Robin Yount, and to this very day I still collect his cards. So, this matchup brings up all kinds of weird feelings -- most of which is utter excitement at seeing a boyhood dream finally come true. As I'm sure you know, this is the very first time the Dodgers and Brewers have ever faced each other in the playoffs.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1916 the Brooklyn Robins lost Game 5 against the Boston Red Sox to lose the World Series. As a side note, Boston played their games at the home of their NL rival, Boston Braves, since their stadium held more patrons than Fenway Park. In 1920 the Cleveland Indians defeated the Brooklyn Robins to win the World Series. In 1949 Vin Scully, after being recruited by Red Barber, worked his very first broadcast of his career when he does play-by-play for a college football game between Maryland and Boston University. He famously called the game from atop the roof during a very frigid day at Fenway Park. In 1988 Orel Hershiser threw a five-hit shutout victory, 6-0, against the NY Mets in Game 7 of the NLCS to advance to the World Series.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Householder, Steve Shirley, Sid Fernandez, Jose Valentin, Tanyon Sturtze & Nick Tepesch!

Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Stop dawdling! We are running out of time.

The Dodgers lost again last night, 5-2, and the culprit was the lack of timely hitting. They went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Per Ken Gunick at MLB.com:

"It's more than just putting really good players together and now you're going to score seven or eight runs a night," said manager Dave Roberts. "The players we've acquired have done a great job, it's getting everybody else synched up. We get guys on base, now it's moving the line, and we're having a hard time doing that, let alone the two-out hit."
...
"As you're mired in this, it doesn't feel good," Roberts said. "It's a little contagious. You look around the room, these guys have a track record and that's something we expect them to come out of it. We have very good players. They're going to hit. They understand what's at stake."

I still have faith, but there's also a growing sense of fear. BTW, I mean to distract with the pic of Hello Kitty above, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 the Dodgers recorded a triple steal in the fifth inning of their game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Jackie Robinson stole home, Gene Hermanski took third and Pee Wee Reese swiped second base. In 1965 Giants hurler Juan Marichal attacked Johnny Roseboro with his bat while at the plate. He had been buzzing Dodger batters all day, so Roseboro - with Marichal at the plate - decided to throw the baseball back to his pitcher while at the same time making sure it barely missed Marichal's face. Quickly, benches cleared and a brawl commenced. See the pic on the right to see what I mean. In 2000 Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger in franchise history to hit two home runs in one inning. It was against the Expos.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Hanlon, Al Bashang, Jeff Weaver, Randy Wolf & David Huff!

Blog Kiosk: 4/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

There's nothing like a father teach his son the game.

As you can see, featured above is Jackie Robinson teaching Jackie Robinson Jr. the finer points of the game in a March 1, 1953 Associated Press photo. It is currently available at auction at RMY Auctions (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 the Dodgers officially announced, during the sixth inning of an exhibition against the Royals, that they had purchased the contract of Montreal Royals infielder Jackie Robinson.  He would be the first African-American to be on the roster of a modern Major League club. In 1962 the Dodgers played their very first home game at the newly built Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine. There were 52,564 fans on-hand to watch Johnny Podres throw the first pitch to infielder Eddie Kasko -- who promptly doubled in the at-bat. Duke Snider would record the first Dodger hit with a single in the second inning.  Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose the game to the Reds, 6-3. Reds outfielder Wally Post hit the first homer in the stadium during the seventh inning to lead Cincinnati.
• Happy Birthday, Bob McGraw, Chuck Connors, Lee Lacy, Mike Devereaux, Alberto Reyes, Andre Ethier & Charlie Culberson!