Blog Kiosk: 12/6/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Baseball is a game of peaks and valleys.

Above is a 1949 AP wirephoto (eBay auction link) that celebrates the efforts of a little known reliever named Jack Banta. On this day, he would lead the Dodgers to a pennant clinching victory on the last day of the season, but just a few days back he lost a game in spectacular fashion. Such are the trials of the game. Per the descriptor on the photo:

Philadelphia, Oct. 3--VICTORY SMILES--Brooklyn Dodger Manager Burt Shotton (right) hugs Jack Banta, rookie right hander, after the latter had pitched four and a third innings of relief to give the Dodgers a 9 to 7 ten-inning victory over the Philadelphia Phillies and the National League pennant, yesterday.  Banta's was a "goat last week, a hero this week" role.  Seven days earlier, he relieved also against the Phillies, gave up four runs and lost the ball game.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 actor Gene Autry is awarded an American League Los Angeles franchise that would be known as the Angels -- using a team name that once played in the PCL in Los Angeles and was subsequently purchased by O'Malley when he moved the Dodgers West. In 1973 the Dodgers traded Claude Osteen and Dave Culpepper to the Astros for outfielder Jim Wynn. Wynn would go on to have a stellar year the following season in Los Angeles. He slashed .271/.387/.497/.884 with 32 homers and 108 RBI's, and would come in fifth place in MVP voting. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Jason Schmidt. In 2007 signed free agent outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Tony Lazzeri, Tommy Brown & Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis!

Blog Kiosk: 2/6/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love the pure unadulterated joy on their faces.

Above is a September 24, 1947 AP press photo featuring a Dodger celebration unlike anything I've ever seen (eBay Auction Link). Per the description on the reverse:

Julibant Brooklyn Dodgers gather around the piano in the clubhouse at Ebbets Field in their impromptu celebration over the clinching of the National League pennant. Playing the piano for the musically inclined team is catcher Bobby Bragan. Seated on the end of stool in the foreground with a broad grin is Manager Burt Shotton.

Can you just imagine the Dodgers, or any team for that matter, pulling out instruments during a clinching celebration? UPDATE: Who's the guy (with his face cut-off) on the top-left corner with the fantastic mustache? I need to know!

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley, in a last ditch effort to save baseball in Brooklyn, lends his public support for a Wagner-Cashmore plan to build a $30-million Brooklyn sports center -- promising to purchase $4 million worth of the bonds. Unfortunately of them, lack of funding from the city's Board of Estimates killed the plan. In 2014 the Dodgers signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner. He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers. To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season and become an important leader in the clubhouse.
• Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!

Blog Kiosk: 10/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As I've said many times before, there's nothing cooler than seeing some fan taken vintage snapshots of our legendary Dodger players. More often we see them in Dodger duds. On this occasion, however, we see several players in their travelling suits at the Terminal Train Station in Cincinnati. They were in town for a four-game series in late August 1950.

According to the auction listing at BST Auctions (Auction Link) they were taken by a porter at the train station and eventually gifted to a 16-year old kid who had his own dreams of Major League ball. His name was Herb Shavers and he eventually played African-American semi-pro ball. I'm sure that although he never reached that eventual goal I think it's fair to say that if not for Jackie he could not have dreamed so large.

Featured are Pee Wee Reese and Gil Hodges on the top left; Jackie Robinson on the top right; manager Burt Shotten and his wife on the bottom left; and Don Newcombe and Gene Hermanski on the bottom right.

Below are more links to check:

• This day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Leo "The Lip" Durocher is named the new manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  In 1974 Dodgers closer Mike Marshall picked off A's designated runner Herb Washington to get the second out in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the World Series.  He would eventually record a save to preserve the Dodgers only win in the series.  Oakland would win the title in Game 5.  You can watch the pick-off here.
• Happy Birthday, "Wild" Bill Donovan, Jim Roberts, Ray Hathaway, Bob Bailey & Chris Gwynn!

Blog Kiosk: 11/28/2016 - Dodgers Links - Dodgers Debt, King on Castro and Vin Scully

Check out this fantastic photo of the famous Dodgers infield, dated to spring training 1979.  It includes Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey.  The photograph was taken by famed photographer Alex Traube, and is a part of an limited print-run of just five copies.  (eBay auction link)

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.  In 1970 starting pitcher Rick Sutcliffe is named the NL Rookie of the Year.
• Happy Birthday, Ken Howell, Frank O'Rourke & Pedro Astacio!

Blog Kiosk: 10/18/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kuroda to Retire, Urias in Game 4, and Game 3 Tonight

Dodger Stadium sure looks ready for today's Game 3.  It all begins at 5:08 PM tonight.  BTW, both the auto and stadium gates open at 2:08 PM.

The photo at the very top via Petros & Money on twitter.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  This is one of the worst days in Dodger history.  In 1977 Reggie Jackson slammed three home runs against the Dodgers in Game 6 at Yankee Stadium to win the World Series. 
• Happy Birthday, Alex Cora and former manager Burt Shotton!

Blog Kiosk: 9/29/2016 - Dodgers Links - Urias, Kershaw and an Congressional Resolution for Vin Scully

Check out an fantastic candid press photo found in the current RMY auction above.  It features an obviously dejected Dodger manager Burt Shotton (left) being consoled by team president Branch Rickey (right) after being defeated by the New York Yankees in the 1947 World Series.  It was taken by local New York photographer Bill Meurer.  Go here to check it out.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1966 Sandy Koufax struck out 13 Cardinals' batters to become the first pitcher to record three 300-strike out seasons since Amos Rusie in 1892.  In 1976 Tommy Lasorda is named the new manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.  In 1979 Manny Mota set a Major League record with his 146th career pinch hit at Dodger Stadium against the Chicago Cubs.  In 2000 Gary Sheffield tied the Dodgers franchise mark for home runs in a season at 43.  He hit is against the Padres in San Diego. 

Vintage Dodgers Newsletter - Line Drives from the Dodgers - 1947, Vol. 9, #2

Here is an other look at an issue of "Line Drive from the Dodgers".  This time we take a peek at the June 1947 newsletter that takes the time to introduce several new faces to the fans.  As you may know, this is the season that features the debut of Jackie Robinson in the Major Leagues.  Per the headline story as seen at the very top:

Even when basepaths were soggy during the Spring and it was more hazardous than usual to try to take that extra base, Pete Reise, Jackie Robinson and other fleet-footed runners in the Dodgers cast gave enemy catchers and outfielders the jitters.  The Dodgers were always ready to run, to test the other fellow's arm.

Here is the Shotton figures it: "We got caught a few times on the bases," he said, "But we put the fear into the other fellow.  Now he knows we're a running team, and he'll have to hurry every throw.  It'll start to pay off for us now if we keep on running, for they'll make bad throws and we'll outrun that ball more often than not."

Blog Kiosk: 7/16/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ethier, Thompson and Chris Taylor's Big Night

Chris Taylor had a heck of a game last night.  The young infielder went 3 for 5 with a double, triple, grand slam, for his first career home run and six RBI's.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Taylor became the first Los Angeles Dodger, and only the fourth in franchise history, whose first Major League home run was a grand slam. The others are Chico Fernandez (1956), Irv Palica (1950) and Preston Ward (1948).

"That's pretty cool, that's awesome," Taylor said.

In eight inning of the game Chris came up to the plate with an opportunity to record an elusive cycle.  He was just a single short.  The last time a Dodger had done it was Orlando Hudson in 2009 against the Giants in the home opener.  Having proven his muscle with the bat Taylor attempted to sneak a bunt single past the deep infield on the left side.  Unfortunately, he just missed getting it past a sprawling pitcher, who eventually threw him out.

"I thought it was a good time," said Taylor. "They had the third baseman back and it's always been part of my game, regardless of the hits. In that situation again, I'd try it again. Unfortunately I didn't have good angle and the pitcher made a nice play."

The photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out a bunch of more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1948 Brooklyn released their manager, Leo Durocher, so that he may become the skipper for the Giants.  Burt Shotten would take over the managerial sport for Brooklyn.

Today is 52nd Anniversary of Koufax's 3rd Career Immaculate Inning

There are few pitching feats as grand as a no-hitter.  Still, it is not as rare as the Immaculate Inning.

What's this, you ask?

An Immaculate Inning is when a pitcher records three straight outs, via strike outs, using nine consecutive strikes during a single inning.  It has been done only 80 times, and today marks the third time Sandy Koufax had accomplished the deed.

It happened on April 18, 1964 against the Cincinnati Reds.  Koufax, in his second start of the season, faced off against Leo Cardenas, Johnny Edwards, and Jim Maloney in the third inning, and quickly sent them to their seats.  Unfortunately, Koufax's next inning wouldn't be as good.  He would give up a three-run homer in the fourth, and eventually lose the game 3-0 (boxscore). 

Regardless of that result, Sandy would set a record that has yet to be beat.  He is the only pitcher to record three Immaculate Innings in his career, and he would do it over three consecutive years.

Blog Kiosk: 1/5/2016 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Haren and Scott Kazmir

This is the kind of incentive players got in the 50's.

Featured above is a September 30, 1950 press photo from the Associated Press showing Dodger manager Burt Shotton hand-feeding hurler Erv Palica after a complete game victory against the Phillies.  It was the second to last game of the season, and Brooklyn was two games behind Philadelphia for the National League pennant.  Palica's effort lowered the deficit to just one game, and the last deciding game would be the next day against the Phillies in Brooklyn.  Unfortunately, Don Newcombe couldn't hold off the inevitable.  Newk would lose the game after being bested by Robin Roberts.  Both pitchers went ten innings.  Photo via eBay.

Below are more links to check out:

• Listen to Clayton Kershaw on Game Night with Matt Perrault to talk about his foundation and the Dodgers (link here).  Matthew Moreno at Dodger Blue recaps the interview here.

Kershaw: I think expectations are great. I just think you need to know when to celebrate and when to enjoy a moment. For me, that’s the most important thing.

• Dan Haren is a crack up.  Via Chris Cwik at Big League Stew, "Dan Haren reflects on his career during hilarious Twitter rant."  Cwik points to several tweets, but I think the one below is most pertinent to Dodgers fans:

My threat to retire didn't quite work last offseason

— dan haren (@ithrow88) January 4, 2016

• Via August Fagerstrom at FanGraphs, "Scott Kazmir, the Dodgers, and Health."
• Via an AP story at ESPN, "Scott Kazmir's $48M deal with Dodgers includes payments through 2021."

Los Angeles will defer $8 million of each year's salary without interest, money payable in equal installments each Dec. 15 from 2019-21. Because of the deferred money, Major League Baseball calculates the deal's present-day value at $44,954,652.

• Former Dodger GM is moving on to the gridiron.  Via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors, "Paul DePodesta Leaves Mets For NFL."

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Burt Shotton's 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers Championship Ring

As the story goes...

The Dodgers were about to change the Baseball landscape.  Branch Rickey had formulated a plan to integrate his ballclub, and there was nothing the league could do about it.  He searched and scouted ballfields throughout North America and settled on a Southern California former 4-sport collegiate athlete named Jackie Robinson.  By the Spring of 1947, he was ready to change the nation.

Unfortunately, the league put up plenty of roadblocks along the way.  One of which included suspending Dodgers manager Leo Durocher before the season.  Officially, it was for "association with known gamblers" and "conduct detrimental to baseball," but some think those were just red herring excuses. 

Branch Rickey was dismayed.  Who could better handle the Dodgers during this time of change than the man they call The Lip?  He had showed his mettle for the job when he told his players that Spring that he would not tolerate any dissent from those who opposed Jackie Robinson.  Now, he would need to find someone to replace him.

That replacement, after being rebuffed by respected retired Yankees skipper Joe McCarthy, would be Dodger scout and long-time friend of Rickey, Burt Shotton. 

Shotton was a mild mannered man with a calm demeanor, and soon his quiet leadership would prove to be exactly what the Dodgers needed.  He steered the club through rocky waters and won the National League Pennant; outclassing St. Louis by 5 games.  Unfortunately, they would lose the subsequent World Series to the Yankees that Fall.

Worthridge Auctions currently has Burt Shotten's 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers National League Championship ring up for auction.  Check out photos of it below.  Considering what it represents, I hope it finds itself in a place where all fans alike can have an opportunity to check it out in person.  It's a testament to a challenging time in our history; both as Dodger fans and as Americans. For once, the good guys won... And, heck... They even won a pennant as a reward.

(Auction Link)

(Auction Link)

(Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2013 - Dodgers Links - A Ethier Bobblehead, Lilly to Pitch Relief and Vote Puig!

The Sun sure shines bright when you're winning.  Pic above of Don Mattingly via twitter @Dodgers.

• Via Paulson at Sports Media Watch, the Dodgers hit a 4-year high in local tv ratings on Monday.
• Orel at Sons of Steve Garvey notes down Vin Scully's story that he told on Sunday about former Dodger manager Burt Shotton's difficult All-Star game decision.
• Awesome!  The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are giving away a Andre Ethier bobblehead before this coming Friday's ballgame.  The First 1,500 fans get one.  Go here for more information.

• "Lilly asks Dodgers to move him into relief role," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

"Ideally, I'd like to be a starter and be effective in that role," said Lilly. "I've had a hard time staying healthy. I pitched Saturday [rehab start at Class A Rancho Cucamonga], and it was sore Sunday. Yesterday, it was pretty good."

• Apparently, this is on the Staples Center in downtown LA, right now.  Via a tweet by DodgersBeat.

Thanks @STAPLESCenter #VotePuig http://t.co/FM3cZblKit text N5 to 89269 #Dodgers @Lakers @LAClippers @LAKings pic.twitter.com/RKcOl5borz
— DodgersBeat (@DodgersBeat) July 9, 2013

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts/ESPN chats a bit about the Dodgers policy on retiring numbers and he includes a poll.  For the record, I voted no non-Hall of Famers.
• Busting Packs provides a preview of some of the 2013 Topps Tier One Baseball cards that includes an autographed Sandy Koufax card (seen on the right).  It will arrive in stores next week.
• GCRL shares the 2013 Dodgers cards from the factory set that includes a bonus Dodger Stadium card not available in packs.
• Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times writes, "Dodgers' Matt Kemp has irritation in shoulder, MRI exam confirms".
• Panini shares a bunch of preview pics from their the 2013 National Convention card set that they'll be giving out at the show.  See the Clayton Kershaw card on the left.
• Via Paul Hagen at MLB.com, "Baseball possesses rich history in Australia: Dodgers, D-backs to add to legacy Down Under with 2014 opener in Sydney".
• For the hockey fan who is missing Kings hockey, Jason Lewis at Hockey's Future takes a close look at the teams recent draft picks.  Then, Jon Rosen at the LA Kings Insider provides an update on the current Kings rookie development camp happening in El Segundo right now.
• Via Sports Collectors Daily, through this coming Friday 6 different lots from the collection of Kobe Bryant memorabilia currently on auction through Goldin Auctions will be on display at the Newport Sports Museum in Newport Beach.

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