Blog Kiosk: 2/4/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out these Brooklynites celebrating with Carl Erskine in the above UP press photo (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Erskine Does It Again -- Brooklyn, NY: Dodger pitcher Carl Erskine is congratulated by admiring fans, after the trim Indiana righthander hurled the second no-hit game of his career, a brilliant 3-0 win over the New York Giants here May 12th. Erskine's other no-hitter came against the Chicago Cubs on June 19, 1952. Erskine's feat makes him the 17th pitcher in Major League history to have pitched at least two no-hitters, and by coincidence, the Major League's last no-hitter was pitched exactly one year ago on this date by Chicago's Sam Jones in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. 5/12/1956. (boxscore)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1861 the Brooklyn Atlantics defeat the Charter Oak Club, 36 - 27, playing Baseball while wearing skates on a frozen Litchfield Pond in South Brooklyn. In 1956 Commissioner Ford Frick introduces the Cy Young Memorial Award in memory of the Hall of Fame pitcher who died the year before. As you know, Dodger hurler Don Newcombe would be the first to win the award later in the season. In 1985 the Dodgers traded 6' 5" righty Pat Zachery to the Phillies for aging slugger Al Oliver. 
• Happy Birthday, Lefty Davis, Eddie Ainsmith, Possum Whitted, Pat Perry & Steve Schmoll!

Blog Kiosk: 1/20/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Sandy got a ticket. This is hilarious. Per a descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Sand Koufax lifts a parking ticket from the windshield of the car which was given him for being outstanding player in recent World Series. Sandy appeared at a downtown restaurant in New York Tuesday to get his prize and the car was driven up on the sidewalk for the benefit of photographers. When Sandy came out he found a decoration -- which cost $15 -- on his windshield. (10/9/1963)

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Bill Schardt, Bill Zimmerman, Denny Sothern, Camilo Pasqual & Cecil Espy!

Blog Kiosk: 1/16/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - FanFest Tickets On Sale Now!

FanFest tickets are now for sale to the general public. Go here to check it out. From a Dodgers press release:

Due to construction, this year’s event will be held in Dodger Stadium Parking Lots P and N (outside of Top Deck and Right Field Reserve). FanFest is free and open to the public, but digital tickets are required and can only be claimed at Dodgers.com/FanFest. Fans must also download the MLB.com Ballpark App on their smart phones, which is the exclusive way of presenting their digital tickets for admission. Parking is free, and parking gates will open for the event at 9:30 a.m. 

FanFest features appearances and autograph opportunities from Dodger players, coaches and alumni in addition to a live stage program, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation’s Mystery Bag Fundraiser and ‘Yard Sale’ – featuring past promotional items, t-shirts and more - and family-friendly activities such as batting cages, game inflatables, a rock wall, carnival games, video games, live music, photo opportunities, food and beverages. In addition, season tickets, premium tickets, individual and group tickets will be on sale during the event.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Brooklyn Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Freddie Lindstrom. This would be his final season of Major League ball. As a Dodger he got into only 26 games, slashing .264/.297/.302/.599. In 1996 interleague play is approved by Major League Baseball's executive council.
• Happy Birthday, Ferdie Schupp, Bob Ramazzotti & Rod Miller!

Blog Kiosk: 10/31/2019 - Dodgers Links - Happy Halloween and Congrats Nats!

I would like to extend a big Blue Heaven congratulations to the Nationals for their World Series Championship. Out of curiosity, if Kershaw is a choker then what is Verlander? He's 0-6 in World Series games. I must confess that there's a little bit of joy in knowing that Bryce Harper will not be celebrating with that team. BTW, the Dodgers were the only team to win a postseason home game against the Nationals during these playoffs. I can't believe Fernando Rodney finally won a championship. Lastly, a congrats to former Dodgers Brian Dozier, Howie Kendrick, Javy Guerra and Dan Hudson on their new rings.

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

• This Day in Dodger History: In 2017 the Dodgers forced a Game 7 in their World Series matchup against the Houston Astros by defeating Houston and Justin Verlander, 3-1 (boxscore). Kenley Jansen pitched two innings of scoreless relief to earn the save.
• Happy Birthday, Stephen McKeever, Hardie Henderson, Leo Dickerman, Fred McGriff, Oreste Marrero & Javy Guerra!

Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I am already thinking of Spring Training, so I thought sharing this photo would be apt. Featured is a March 12, 1937 International News press photo (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"TIME OUT FOR BREATHER.  Clearwater, Fla...All work and no play does things to a ballplayer as well as other folk, so this trio of Brooklyn Dodgers takes time out from training to sit and chat for a bit.  They are, left to right, Woody English, who came from the Cubs; Harry Lavagetto, a former Pirate 2nd baseman, and Roy Henshaw, former Cub pitcher.".

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1978 the Yankees defeated the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series to win their second consecutive title. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Montreal Expos in Game 4 of the NLCS at Olympic Stadium, 7-1. Steve Garvey hit a two-run homer in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie, then the Dodgers scored four more runs in the ninth to run away with it. They are tied at two games a piece in the series with a deciding Game 5 two days later.
• Happy Birthday, Pop Dillon, Mike Sandlock, Johnny Klippstein & Jim Gilliam!

Blog Kiosk: 10/1/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is another fantastic press photo, originally from the George Michael Collection, featuring a close play at the plate, dated 9/16/1951 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Chicago: Dodger catcher Roy Campanella puts the ball on Ransom Jackson as the Cub infielder tries to score from third on Chuck Connors' fourth inning grounder to first baseman Gil Hodges who fumbled the ball, but Jackie Robinson grabbed it and threw Jackson out. Brooklyn won 6-1.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 the very first playoff series to determine a league champion is played between the Dodgers and Cardinals. Today is Game 1 of a three game set and is played in St. Louis. Unfortunately, Brooklyn would lose Game 1, 4-2, and lose the series a couple of days later at home, 8-4. In 1974 Dodger reliever Dr. Mike Marshall set a Major League mark when he made his 106th appearance of the season. In 1993 Mike Piazza set a Dodgers new record for RBI's in a season for a rookie when he plated his 107th run during an 8-5 victory over the Astros.
• Happy Birthday, Duster Mails, Jim Russell, Fred Kipp & Roberto Kelly!

Blog Kiosk: 9/6/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another great sliding photograph from the George Michael Collection. It is dated May 19, 1943 and features a slide that would be banned today. (eBay auction link) Below is a description of the play:

Harry Walker, of St. Louis, is out at second in the first inning of the game at Ebbets Field with the Dodgers. On the slide, Walker managed to roll into Alex Kampouris, Dodgers' second baseman, upsetting the throw to first to catch Stan Musial in a double play. Action took place on Musial's grounder to Kampouris. The took the game, 3 to 2 (boxscore).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1943 the Dodgers signed 19-year old amateur free agent Gil Hodges out of  St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, IN. In 1950 Don Newcombe started both ends of a doubleheader against the Phillies at Shibe Park. In Game 1 he threw a complete game three-hit shutout. In Game 2 he left the game behind by two runs in the seventh inning. The Dodgers would eventually win that game on a three-run single in the ninth inning by Gil Hodges. In 1953 Giants manager and Dodger-traitor Leo Durocher is heard yelling "stick it in his ear" before his pitcher Ruben Gomez struck Dodger outfielder Carl Furillo on the wrist with a pitch. As Furillo took first base he suddenly sprinted to the dugout to get at Durocher. In the subsequent melee Furillo fractures a finger -- ending his season. In 1976 catcher Steve Yeager is injured on the on-deck circle when a jagged end of Bill Russell's broken bat struck him in the throat. It pierced his esophagus, necessitating surgery. Soon thereafter, Dodger trainer Bill Buhler invented a device that hung down from a catchers mask to protect a players throat. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela threw his seventh shutout as a rookie -- tying a National League record. In 1996 the ever-popular Brett Butler defied the odds by returning to the field for the first time after being diagnosed with cancer of the tonsils, having surgery and intensive radiation therapy earlier in the year.
• Happy Birthday, Dustin May, Oyster Burns, Pete Gilbert, George Hildebrand & Del Bissonette!

Blog Kiosk: 8/29/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Casey Sadler recorded his first save of his career last night. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“This was a lot of fun,” said Sadler. “In a word, indescribable. Emotional. I thought Kenley would slam the door. But in the ‘pen, you always have to be ready. This is the first time I’ve ever pitched back-to-back-to-back days. You want to be in those situations where it’s game-changing. When the phone call came, I got up and did what I wanted to do. What makes a championship team is that you pick up the next guy.”

Casey ain't wrong. When a teammate struggles others have to pick up the slack. Last night that's exactly what happened -- from Hernandez's overall play to a bullpen that just find a way to get it done on most days.

Photo above via Raymond Gorospe/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 1948 Jackie Robinson hit for the cycle against the Cardinals during the first game of a doubleheader. He completed it in reverse -- hitting a homer in the 1st, a triple in the 3rd, a double in the 4th and a single in the 8th inning. The Dodgers won 12-7. In 1980 Dodgers coach Manny Mota is reactivated by the Dodgers to be their top pinch-hitter off the bench. He would go 3-for-7 with two RBI's. In 1987 the Dodgers traded Rick Honeycutt to the A's for young starting pitcher Tim Belcher. As you know, Belcher would be an important cog to the eventual world championship in 1988.
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Stricklett, Jack Warner, Buck Marrow, Billy Cox, Reggie Williams, Henry Blanco & Chris Taylor!

Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Have no fear, Muncy is here! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I can’t count how many big hits he’s had for us,” manager Dave Roberts said of Muncy. “When we’re at home, we feel if the game’s tied, we have a good chance to finish it with a walk-off.”

Last nights game winning homer was the Dodgers 11th walk-off of the season. Photo above of Muncy receiving a powder bath via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 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 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, Sandy Koufax, while at the same time making sure it barely missed Marichal's face -- who took offense. 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: 8/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers are obviously trying to prepare rookie hurler Dustin May for some relief pitching -- just in time for the playoffs. Unfortunately, his first attempt yesterday did not go so well. He struggled after coming into the game in the sixth inning with the Dodgers leading 3-1. He would go on to allow three hits; including a grand slam to Rafael Ortega. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I would contribute it mostly to a lack of command,” May said. “A little amped up, a little excited, but you’ve still got to go out and execute. I didn’t execute very well today, for really any pitch. There’s really only room for improvement from here.”
...
“As far as the role, this is something new we didn’t expect to just be seamless,” Roberts said. “Give him an opportunity to learn and get his feet wet. … My faith, my confidence in Dustin hasn’t wavered.”

Photo above via Adam Hagy/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 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt. As you know, he would go on to have a long career with the franchise. In 1990 Jose Offerman became the first Dodger in franchise history to hit a home run in his very first Major League plate appearance. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Greg Maddux (for a second time) to help the team during their playoff run. In 2015 the Dodgers traded for "DAD" Chase Utley from the Phillies in exchange for John Richy and Darnell Sweeney. In 2017 the Dodgers received veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson from the Mets for pitcher Jacob Rhame. He would slash just .161/.288/.366/.654 in 36 games for the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Tex Carleton, Lance Cormier, Josh Fields, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke!

Blog Kiosk: 8/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Youngest to 40

Cody Bellinger launched his 40th homer of the season last night to become the youngest Dodger in franchise history to hit as many home runs -- he is 24-yeas old. Via Christina De Nicola at MLB.com:

Per Andrew Friedman: “Obviously, incredibly talented player who’s had a lot of success, but for him to take that other big step forward has been awesome. Just the maturation that we've seen over the offseason into this year, we think it's a big contributing factor to that.”
...
“He's a special player, when you think about it,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “This guy plays center. He plays first. He's a really good outfielder. He can steal a bag. He has power. The whole thing. It's a different look. He does everything. When you're talking about one of the top guys in the league, they're guys that can do that. It's not just home runs. It's not just average. It's a little bit of everything.”

Photo above via Michael Reaves/Stringer 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 1950 Giants third baseman Hank Thompson hit two inside-the-park home runs off Dodger pitchers Don Bankhead and Carl Erskine at the Polo Grounds. Brooklyn got pummeled 16-7. In 1964 Cardinals great Curt Flood recorded eight consecutive hits against the Dodgers during a doubleheader in Los Angeles; including four hits against Sandy Koufax. Unfortunately, Koufax injured his elbow while on the basepaths and would not pitch again that season. In 1988 the Dodgers traded fan favorite Pedro Guerrero to the Cardinals for starting pitcher John Tudor. This move would prove to be an impactful one. In nine starts Tudor would solidify the rotation by going 4-3 with an 2.41 ERA as the Dodgers head to the World Series.
• Happy Birthday, Hub Northen, Billy Rhiel, Roger Cedeno & Yu Darvish!

Blog Kiosk: 7/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Jackie and Pee Wee had a little bit of fun during their 1949 pennant run.

Bear Mountain, NY - August 15, 1949 - Jackie to Pee Wee but Nobody on Base -- With coach Herman Hickman and his Eastern College All-Stars in pursuit, Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson (left) whip pass to his baseball teammate Pee Wee Reese (right) at training session of the footballers for game with the New York Giants at Polo Grounds, Sept. 1. The Baseballers, guests of the New York baseball writers at an outing, dropped in on training session nearby. 

Photo found on eBay (link here) Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 the Dodgers receive shortstop Pee Wee Reese from the Red Sox in exchange for $35,000, three minor leaguers and a player to be named later. It is later discovered that a poor scouting report filled out by then Boston shortstop Joe Cronin had purposefully downplayed Reese's abilities for fear of losing his job with the team. In 1949 Jackie Robinson testified in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities to express his disagreement with actor Paul Robeson's assertion that African-Americans would not fight a war against Russia due to America's history of racial animus. In 1957 Gil Hodges hit his 12th career grand slam to tie a National League record held by both Rogers Hornsby and Ralph Kiner.
• Happy Birthday, Johnny Hopp!

Welcome to the Blue, Casey Sadler!

It seems likely that the Dodgers will try to find a solution to their bullpen woes during the second-half of the season -- by calling up some youngsters or guys recently traded for. First up is right-hander Casey Sadler. He was acquired by the Dodgers a couple of weeks ago from the Rays, and has appeared in two games for the Oklahoma City Dodgers before being called up yesterday. Although he had given up four runs in those two appearances, he did it by striking out nine batters while walking only one. Per a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today recalled right-handed pitcher Casey Sadler from Triple-A Oklahoma City and designated left-handed pitcher Zac Rosscup for assignment. Sadler will wear number 65.

Blog Kiosk: 7/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I can't help but smile at the thought of the Dodgers destroying the Phillies. It just warms my heart. Per Paul Casella at MLB,com:

“I drank two Red Bulls and took a lot of Advil," said Bellinger, who went 4-for-6 with two RBIs and four runs. "So I was feeling all right."

So, that's his secret.

Photo above via Mary Snyder/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 1936 the game between the Dodgers and Reds in Cincinnati is postponed due to a heat wave that crippled much of the Midwest. The extreme weather, exacerbated by the Dust Bowl, results in over 5,000 deaths in the United States. In 1948 Brooklyn agrees to a deal with the Giants that releases their manager, Leo Durocher, so that he may become the skipper for the Giants. Burt Shotten would take over the managerial position for the Dodgers. BTW, Phillies manager Ben Chapman, infamous for his racist tirade against Jackie Robinson, is fired by Philadelphia on this same day. In 2000 Dodgers skipper Davey Johnson is hospitalized after experiencing dizziness caused by an irregular heartbeat. Per a CBS story:

"He's very unhappy about being in the hospital," Dr. Mellman said. "And he's not very happy with me, because I told him to go to the hospital instead of coming to the game tonight. That's Davey Johnson."

• Happy Birthday, Don Ross, Tommy Tatum, Norm Sherry, John Purdin & Eric Surkamp!