Blog Kiosk: 7/9/2014 - Dodger Links - Bogus Commemorative Ticket, Dodgers All-Star Teacher and Finding Baseball Treasure in LA

Yasiel Puig is definitely ready to represent the Dodgers and the National League at the All-Star Game next week.  Check him out all decked-out in his All-Star gear - except, that's not the Dodger All-Star cap.  That atrocity has that horribly ugly grey in it.  Pic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

• Are you frick'n kidding me!  This is the most laughable thing I've ever read.  The Dodgers idea of a commemorative ticket for Kershaw's no-hitter is another print-at-home paper ticket.  Goodness, there's not a single collector/fan in the upper-reaches of that organization.  They just don't understand what makes a lot of Baseball fans tick.  You must read Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA's post, "Season ticket holders miffed over Kershaw no-hitter commemorative tickets" for a good... no, a sad and feeling unappreciated, laugh.  
• Come on... Really?  The DL revolving door will not stop.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Josh Beckett heading to disabled list."  Beckett has a left hip impingement - whatever that is.  In his place will be former infielder turned reliever Pedro Baez.  Per a Dodger press release:

Baez was previously recalled for one game earlier this year, May 5 at Washington, and allowed two runs on two hits in 1.0 inning of relief in his Major League debut. The converted infielder opened the year at Double-A Chattanooga and went 2-1 with six saves and a 2.79 ERA (6 ER/19.1 IP) in 17 games to earn a May 25 promotion to Albuquerque. The 26-year-old last pitched on Saturday, allowing three runs on two hits in 1.0 inning vs. Las Vegas, and has posted a 4.50 ERA (8 ER/16.0 IP) in 17 appearances with the Isotopes.

• Via Howard Cole at LA Weekly, "The 10 Best Dodger Beards — Or Are They the Worst?"
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers' All-Star teacher finalist announced."  What a great story.

Isagani Celzo, a math instructor at the School of Social Justice in Huntington Park, has been selected by fans to represent the Dodgers in the "Target Presents PEOPLE All-Star Teachers" campaign, which celebrates current and retired teachers who make an impact on the lives of their students and communities.

Celzo earned an academic scholarship while working as a janitor and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in mathematics at age 20. A National Board certified math teacher, he is a founding member of the School of Social Justice, where he teaches geometry and AP calculus.

• If you don't check out Jim Campanis' anecdotes that he writes on his facebook page then you are really missing out.  As you may know, he is the grandson of former Dodger GM Al Campanis and a former professional Baseball player himself.  He was drafted by Seattle in 1988, but never reached higher than AA ball.  As a member of a connected Baseball family he has plenty of stories about his experiences in the game, and he consistently shares them on facebook.  Yesterday, he wrote a great piece about the first manger he played for in pro-ball, Ralph Dick.  Check it out here.  He is worth a follow.  BTW, you can also follow him on twitter here: @JimCampanis.  Another favorite story I've read from him is about Bobby Castillo:

Bobby was immediately a clubhouse favorite. He was always very cool with me and used to do this Cheech Marin imitation…the guys would crack up. His laid back personality was a perfect compliment to some of the more intense personalities on the team and he helped break the tension on many occasions using his wit and humor.

• Via David Seidman at Forbes, we find out about an woman who found some real treasure.  This lady came upon a Babe Ruth signed letter at an estate sale in Los Angeles for $1.00.  Why can't I find stuff like this?  Wow!

On her rounds she had paid a $1 for a scrapbook filled with letters which celebrities had written to an Elk Lodge Leader, presuming they were replicas.

In fact they were real and included a letter typed and signed by Babe Ruth from the film set of Pride of the Yankees in 1942 where he was working as a consultant. 

• This might be the greatest thing ever!  Via @Dodgers on twitter.

Get the Vin Scully 65th Anniversary Microphone on July 29th. Tickets: http://t.co/HaBQrExlOj https://t.co/plNN7GvsTL
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 8, 2014

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 7/2/2014 - Dodger Links - Bid on a Kershaw No-Hit Ball, Humble Robinson and a Replay Triple Play

Josh Beckett is seen chatting it up with his teammates before yesterday evenings game.  Unfortunately, he wasn't his typical self on the mound.  He gave up 5 earned runs in 5 innings of work.  The Dodgers are now a half game behind the Giants.  You didn't think winning the division was going to be a cake walk, did ya?  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Game-used Kershaw no-hitter ball up for auction."  Bidding starts at $10,000.00.  Wow!  BTW, all proceeds go the LA Dodgers Foundation.  See the ball on the right.
• Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo shares a whole bunch of great photos featuring Bobby Castillo - who passed away on Monday.  Go here to check them out.
• Via Jordan Bastian at MLB.com, "Replays in LA lead to Tribe's 7-2-4 triple play." A video is included in the link.

"That was awesome," Indians right fielder David Murphy said. "I don't know if we'll ever see one like that again."

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Humble Robinson is Dodgers' unlikeliest hero."

"Everybody wants to talk about being 29 years old and being in the Minor Leagues for eight years and all that, but I really enjoy my job," said Robinson after the Dodgers' 1-0 win over the Indians. "I still get paid to come to the ballpark every day and play baseball. Everybody says it's such a grind in the Minor Leagues, but it's something that I love to do, so just to get to come up here and contribute is icing on the cake for me."

• Panini America's blog shares some early pics from their newest upcoming product, 2014 Golden Age Baseball, here.  The set officially goes live today.  Check out a Steve Yeager autographed card and some base cards below; including a Tommy Lasorda card.

• Ned Colletti recently visited with Jay Mohr on AM570, "Ned Colletti hasn't seen a trade offer yet worthy of making a deal."  Listen to it here.
• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Dodgers’ prospect Darnell Sweeney quickly becoming a ‘Guy,’ maybe."
• Via Eric Vrsalovich at Dodgers-Lowdown, "Dodgers Acquire First Baseman/Outfielder Brock Peterson From Nationals."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "International signing period: Dodgers sign Felix Osorio, per report."
• Zero Hedge has a great graphic about the cheapest and priciest countries for beer.
• This is just plain awesome.  OYO Sportstoys, which is basically player/team themed Lego's has been making videos showing off their wares.  Last week they released their LA Kings Stanley Cup Champions video and I am smitten.  Watch it below.  BTW, they have Dodger OYO characters.  Go here to check them out.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

RIP, Babo - Dodger Pitcher Bobby Castillo has Passed Away

The Dodgers family has just lost a good one.  It has just been announced that former Dodger pitcher Bobby Castillo has passed away.  Babo was 59 years old.  Mark Langill at Dodger Insider has a phenomenal write up on his career here.  You should go check it out. 

(graphic via Dodger Insider)

It should be noted that it was Castillo who taught Fernando Valenzuela the screwball.  If not for him that magic we experienced in the early 80's may never have happened.

Per a press release from the Dodgers:

Former Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Robert “Bobby” Castillo passed away this morning in a Los Angeles hospital after battling cancer. He was 59.

Castillo pitched in Los Angeles from 1977-81 and again in 1985, his last season in the Major Leagues. The right-hander also was a member of the Minnesota Twins from 1982-84. Castillo is survived by his mother, Nellie, his daughter, Mellanie, his daughter, Sara, and her husband, Andrew Sanchez, his son Robert III, and his sister, Lorraine, and her husband, Peter Gonzalez. Castillo had three nieces and nephews, nine grand nieces and nephews and two grandchildren, Jackson and Lila.  

The Los Angeles native was widely credited with teaching Dodger pitching great Fernando Valenzuela how to throw his famous screwball, a pitch Castillo also threw.

“I was very saddened to hear about Bobby’s passing this morning,” said Valenzuela. “He was a great teammate and friend. I’ll always be grateful for his influence on my pitching. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

“Babo” as he was affectionately called, was a sixth-round draft choice by the Kansas City Royals in 1974 and was purchased by his hometown Dodgers on June 16, 1977. The then 22-year-old Castillo made his big league debut for Los Angeles on Sept. 19 of that year and retired Hall of Famer Johnny Bench for his first big league out.

Castillo, who attended Lincoln High School in Los Angeles, finished with a career record of 38-40 with a 3.94 ERA in 250 games (59 starts). He pitched for the Dodgers in the 1981 National League Championship Series, the ’81 World Series and the 1985 NLCS.

Since his retirement, Castillo has been a dedicated member of the Dodger organization, participating in countless events through the years and was a familiar face on Dodger hospital visits, autograph signings and at kids’ holiday parties and baseball clinics, to name a few. 

Funeral services are pending.

Below are his career Baseball stats, via Baseball Reference:


And, here is a video from 2009 where Bobby talks a bit about his career and Baseball.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

A Quick Autograph Announcement: Bobby Castillo and Mike Brito in Whittier

I thought I should make this quick post about an autograph opportunity I just found out.  It happens tomorrow afternoon in Whittier.

Former Dodger Bobby Castillo and famed Dodger scout Mike Brito will be at the Radisson Hotel in Whittier on Sunday evening, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

$10 - any item

$5 - inscriptions

This is a part of the Sports Viewing Venue put together by Kenny De Baca.  Go here for more information.

Radisson Hotel

7320 Greenleaf Avenue

Whittier, CA

Hat Tip: True to the Blue

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Carl Crawford, Bobby Castillo & Paco Rodriguez

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.

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

Carl Crawford will be meeting with fans at the Sony story at the Beveryl Center on Saturday, August 31, 2013 from 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM.  Go here for more information.  From my understanding, this is a free signing event, but I suspect there will be a long wait.  Be sure to call the store to confirm everything, and get there early!

Sony Store @ Beverly Center
8500 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048

310-657-4428

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

Sunday is Cuban Heritage Day at Dodger Stadium. (1:10 p.m. vs. SD). As part of this cultural celebration, Dodger outfielder Yasiel Puig and reliever Paco Rodriguez will make a special appearance at Viva Los Dodgers. 

Auto gates open early at 10:45 a.m. and fans are encouraged to arrive to lot 6 early. 

Both players are scheduled to attend at 11:00 a.m. 

Paco Rodriguez will sign autographs (11:00AM - 11:30AM) for fans and Puig will be on stage to greet fans and partake in a Q&A session with fans. Legendary Dodger scout and native Cuban Mike Brito will also be on hand. Player appearance time subject to change.

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

Bobby Castillo will be signing autographs at Manuel's El Tepeyac in the City of Industry on Sunday, September 1, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Manuel's El Tepeyac
13131 Crossroads Pkwy South
City of Industry, CA 91746
(626) 488-9432

Hat Tip: Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy

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

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Wills, Castillo and some Angels

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.

 ---------------------------

This coming Sunday a couple of former Dodgers will be visiting T-Mobile stores in the Southland for a meet and greet with fans.  At the Los Feliz store, Maury Wills will come out on Sunday, June 23rd from Noon to 1:00 PM.  323-666-3488

T-Mobile
2919 Los Feliz Blvd. Suite E1
Los Angeles CA 90039

Hat Tip: True to the Blue

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

Then, Bobby Castillo will arrive at a T-Mobile in Panorama City for a signing on Sunday, June 23rd from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  818-895-8799

T-Mobile
Panorama Mall
8401 Van Nuys Blvd.
Panorama City, CA 91402

Hat Tip: True to the Blue

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

Hank Conger, Mark Trumbo & J.B. Shuck will be signing autographs at the OC Dugout on Saturday, June 22nd from 10:00 PM to Noon.  This is a pay event.  Go here to purchase tickets. 

The OC Dugout
1238 S. Beach Blvd., Ste. K
Anaheim, California 92804
(714) 527-6319

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 12/24/2012

Matt Luke, Paul LoDuca, Sweet Lou Johnson and Bobby Castillo are at the Holiday Ham Giveaway at Dodger Stadium on December 18, 2012.  Photo Credit: Larry Goren/ LA Dodgers 2012.

• Murray Chass writes of the "Battle for LA in Baseball and Geography."

Finding the name intellectually offensive from the day Moreno announced it, I bring it up now because of recent developments. If the name the Angels have usurped were legitimate, Major League Baseball could promote one of the highlights of the coming season as the battle for Los Angeles. The Angels and the Dodgers have certainly spent a lot of time and money creating that picture.

• The Jackie Robinson game-used jersey on auction through Lelands that I featured in a post last week closed at an astounding $401,968 (including the 19.5% buyer's permium).

• David Laurila at FanGraphs interviews Dodgers pitching prospect Chris Reed.



(credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept.)

• Former Angels wunderkind slugging prospect Dallas McPherson has just been signed by the Dodgers to play in AAA, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.
• Come on man!  Why do you have to disrespect the uniform like that?  Some idiot has been roaming East LA robbing stores decked out in LA Dodgers gear.  This guy really sucks. Story at CBSLA.com.  See the suspects photo to the right.
• The Dodgers wish you a happy holidays!

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Police: 1981 Set - Part 4

I am back with the final installment of cards from the Dodgers 1981 Police set. Check out Part 1, Part 2, or Part 3.
I don't remember Pepe at all, but your afro is awesome! Plus, your helpful tip on the reverse of this card is surprisingly simple and needs to be taught to every kid out there.
Hey, Bobby. 1981 was Castillo's last year with the Dodgers.
Skateboarding is not a crime!
I love Mickey Hatcher, and I will never forget his incredible performance during the 1988 World Series run. Unfortunately, Mickey was traded to the Twins for Kenny Landreaux just before the start of the 1981 season. So, this card is a bit prematures and we would have to wait a few more years before experiencing the magic from the man who would lead "The Stuntmen."
RIP Steve.

A Monumental Dodgers Night at the Kings Game

The Kings are in first place. Yes, you heard that right. The team than has been in rebuilding mode for what seems like an eternity is finally seeing the fruits of their labor come to fruition. And there was no better night than Saturday night for the team to take their place at the top.

It was Dodger Night at the Staple Center as the Kings faced off against the Dallas Stars. Eric Karros dropped the opening puck to start the game and former Dodgers Bobby Castillo and Ken Landreaux were on hand to sign for the fans.

I haven't been much of an autograph hound in the past, but since I would already be there I decided to go to the game with a baseball to get some signatures.
The line was short and I was able to get a group photo with the former Dodger stars. As pre-game events go this was easily the best of the year. The game couldn't start any better.Unfortunately, the Kings didn't play their best game. They were sluggish and not in tune, but managed to keep it close. Like many games last season for the Dodgers, the Kings came out and struggled, but found a way to win due to some game ending heroics. They scrambled and held on to tie the Stars, 2 to 2, to end regulation and overtime play. Then, they went to a shoot out and won as winger Michael Handzus potted the winning goal in the 4th round.

This put them in a virtual tie at 45 points, but makes them the division leader due to tie-breaking rules. So, on a night when my beloved Dodgers are represented the Kings end the evening winning in dramatic fashion, and claim 1st place. This Dodger fan/Kings fan couldn't imagine a better evening.

Below is a video I shot of the Kings pregame Happy Holidays video and light show.

YouTube Link:

UPDATE: Orel at the Sons of Steve Garvey was kind enough to link to this post (Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy also linked here), but also adds some great photos of the event from the Dodgers here. The Dodger photo album of the event is here. Below is the ceremonial face-off.(photos by Juan Ocampo/Dodgers)