Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Opening Day is around the corner.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 DodgerVision at Dodger Stadium relays a message to Mets outfielder Ron Swoboda during the game. It says, "Congratulations, Ron Swoboda. Your new son is born tomorrow morning". Cecilia Swoboda gave birth to Chipper, the couple's first child, at 1:05 a.m. EST, making it the next day on the West Coast. In 2005 Yhency Brazoban breaks Steve Howe's Dodger rookie record for saves when he works a perfect inning against the Mets to record his 18th save. He would finish with 21 saves during the season. 
• Happy Birthday, Sheldon Lejeune, Elmer Knetzer, Lindsay Brown & Kevin Pasley!

Blog Kiosk: 12/4/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another great moment from the Dodgers first ever championship in 1955. Featured is outfielder Sandy Amoros crossing home plate after hitting a two-out, two-run homer to give Brooklyn an opening lead in Game 5 of the World Series that they would not relinquish. It was taken by legendary photographer Herb Scharfman. Per the descriptor on the bottom:

Sandy Amoros is greeted at the plate by Gil Hodges (14) and the Dodger bat boy after hitting a two run homer over the rightfield wall in the second inning.

I believe the bat boy is the famed Charlie "The Brow" DiGiovanna. He is well known in the collector world for being the ghost signer (secretarial signature) for many of the Brooklyn Dodger players (something that is very common throughout the league). In fact, a Brooklyn Dodger team signed ball known to be signed by his hand sell decently well -- even when you know they aren't real. You can find the above via via eBay (link here). 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: 9/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

New York Giants skipper John McGraw decided to take a photo of his counterpart, Dodger manager Wilbert Robinson. Per a description on the reverse (eBay auction link):

John McGraw takes Wilbert Robinson's picture but Robinson and his Brooklyn Baseball team took the first game (boxscore) from the New York Giants on the opening game of the (1926) season at the Polo Grounds, New York. McGraw evidently wanted to see if rotund Robby had gotten any thinner since they last met last fall.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 a fan instigated a fight on the field with the games home plate umpire. Following a dismal season and a bad call that resulted in another Dodger loss, 21-year old fan Frank Germano jumped on the field and proceeded to sucker-punch a retired heavyweight boxer, umpire George Magerkurth. I wrote about the incident here. In 1957 the LA City Council votes to approve a 300-acre site in Chavez Ravine for a ballpark if the Dodgers will finance a public recreation area. In 1988 Reds starter Tom Browning throws a perfect game against the Dodgers, 0-1 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, George McVey, Dick Robertson, Buster Mills, Mike Garman, Orel Hershiser & Paul Shuey!

Blog Kiosk: 10/4/2018 - Dodgers Links - March to 11 Victories

It'll take 11 wins for the Dodgers to capture a championship, and tonight's starter, Hyun-Jin Ryu, will have an opportunity to get things started right. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I’m very happy that the team trusted me, and I would like to say that I’m going to go full throttle from the very first pitch in the very first inning tomorrow, make sure that I get my job done as the starting pitcher and put the team in the position where it can win,” Ryu said.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 the day Dodger fans had been waiting for finally happened. On this day the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the World Series to win a championship for the very first time in its franchise's history. In 1959 the Dodgers won the teams very first playoff game in Los Angeles when they defeated the Chicago White Sox, 3-1.  92,234 fans attended the game at the LA Coliseum, setting a new record for attendance for a World Series game. This win put them up two games to one in the series.  They would win the World Series in the sixth game four days later. In 2006 the worst play in Dodgers playoff history happened (in my opinion) when two runners are thrown out at home plate on the same throw during Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets. You can relive the horror here.
• Happy Birthday, Rip Ripulski, John Duffie, Mike Sharperson, Dennis Cook, Adam Riggs, Tony Gwynn, Jr. & Stephen Fife!

Blog Kiosk: 9/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

During the Dodgers impressive victories this weekend in St. Louis -- that brought the Dodgers within half-a-game of the Rockies in the NL West and a tie for the last Wild Card playoff spot -- the Dodgers' farmclubs in Tulsa and Rancho Cucamonga won their respective league titles.

Congrats, Drillers! Congrats, Quakes!

Hopefully this is an omen, not only for this season, but for the future of the franchise.

Craig Minami at True Blue LA provides a nice write-up on both victories, here. Check out the Drillers boxscore here. Check out the Quakes boxscore here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1912 Brooklyn outfielder and future Hall of Fame Manager Casey Stengel made his Major League debut. He collected four hits, drove in two runs and swiped a pair of stolen bases. In 1979 Dodger catcher Joe Ferguson hit his 20th homer of the season against the Atlanta Braves, which gave the team their fifth player with at least 20 homers on the year for the first time in franchise history. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela ties a Major League record for shutouts by a rookie at eight when he defeated the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. In 1996 Hideo Nomo threw the Dodgers 20th no-hitter in franchise history. He defeated the Colorado Rockies, 9-0. Watch the last out of this game here.
• Happy Birthday, Butts Wagner (older brother of Honus Wagner), Maury Kent, Ernie Koy & Dan Haren!

Blog Kiosk: 6/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers held their fourth annual Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala at Dodger Stadium last night, and by all accounts fun was had by all. John Legend provided the entertainment

Photos above via @Dodgers on twitter. You can check out even more pics by using the hashtag #LADFGala on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 the Dodgers made one of the biggest trades in their history. They received 1937 Triple Crown winner Joe "Ducky" Medwick and pitcher Curt Davis from the Cardinals for outfielder Ernie Koy, pitcher Carl Doyle, two minor leaguers and $125k in cash (a huge sum in those days). The Dodgers would win the pennant the following season for the first time since 1920. In 1955 Don Newcombe, having won his first ten decisions of the season, lost his first game of the year when Brooklyn loses to the Cubs, 9-5. In 2005 first baseman Hee-Seop Choi hit home runs in his first three at-bats this evening against the Twins to propel the Dodgers over Minnesota, 4-3. Watch all three here.
• Happy Birthday, Jack O'Brein, Roger Bernadina & Damon Hollins!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Max Muncy and Charlie Culberson

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.

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My Picks for the 10 Best Dodgers' Cards of 2017

With the new year upon us I figured it is now time to share my picks for the ten best Dodgers' cards of 2017. Obviously, this list is purely subjective, so please don't get mad if I left off your favorite. Although, I would love to know which cards I should have included. BTW, this is the sixth consecutive year I've put this list together.  Below are links for those previous posts:

• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• 2016 

As always, I've tried stayed away from the glitzy and super-rare relic and autographed cards, and stuck to the more common and easily achievable base and insert cards found in packs. There are some exceptions, of course, including some online exclusive cards and promos.

Now, on to the cards!

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#10

I thought the best way to start this list would be to include the Topps Now card that celebrates the opening of the 2017 World Series between the Dodgers and Astros. Best yet, this card features the Blue Angels flyover at Dodger Stadium and the Dodgers' lined up along the third base line on the reverse. Awesome!

BTW, this card has a print run of 1,062 copies.

2017 Topps Now - #813

Thank You, Charlie Culberson!

You gotta love an unsung ballplayer like Charlie Culberson. Most of us -- no, all of us -- didn't expect him to have an impact on the Dodgers when we first signed the minor league free agent castaway in late-2015. Thankfully, he showed us that we were wrong to doubt him. Sure, he wasn't a superstar or even a starter, but he was effective when put into games. Heck, he even helped win a few; including a league championship series.

Blog Kiosk: 12/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

(Via tweet from AGon)

Do you know what happens when you spend all weekend shopping and don't bother lifting a finger to check out any news?

Something big happens, like a blockbuster trade, that you don't discover until a couple days later.

That's what I experienced this morning. I dutifully got up and prepared for work, headed to the office and finally decided to check out my news feed -- something I chosen to ignore all weekend long. To my utter surprise, I discovered that old-friend Matt Kemp is back in LA. (For how long? I dunno.) And just as shockingly, the Dodgers shipped high-priced talent Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir, along with utilityman Charlie Culberson and some cash to the Braves in return.

Wow! Stay tuned as I think about some "thank you" and "welcome" post with fantasy Baseball cards.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers traded outfielder Juan Pierre to the White Sox for pitchers John Ely and Jon Link. In 2014 the Dodgers traded Tim Federowicz and Matt Kemp to San Diego for Zach Eflin, Yasmani Grandal and Joe Wieland. 
• Happy Birthday, Dave Oldfield, Hub Knolls, Jimmy Pattison, Bill Skowron, Gino Cimoli, Zoilo Versalles, Lance Carter & Micah Johnson!

2017 Topps Now - World Series Edition - #820, #821, #825, #826 & #829 - Game 2 Cards

After last nights game the Dodgers are saying all the right things. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"If you thought it was going to go 4-0, you're crazy," Puig said. "These are the two best teams in American baseball. That's what you get." 

Jansen agreed. 

"No, we're not frustrated," he said. "Nobody tells us it's going to be easy. The Houston Astros, the best team in the American League, we got to flat-out earn it. We'll go to their place and battle."

Wise words from two very important Dodger cogs. Following that, here are today's crop of Dodgers' 2017 Topps Now cards highlighting the Dodgers Game 2 loss. Although we are all clearly disappointed, we must all reflect on the fact that last nights multiple comeback efforts is proof that this team does not know how to quit. We just need to persevere, and I have faith that this team can do just that.

Blog Kiosk: 10/23/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Are you ready for some World Series Baseball!

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 Dodger President Branch Rickey announced that the team has signed two black players, shortstop Jackie Robinson and pitcher John "Needle Nose" Wright, to play with Brooklyn's Triple A team in Montreal. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series, 5-4. Fernando Valenzuela threw a nine-hit complete game. In 1998 Davey Johnson becomes manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 
• Happy Birthday, Lave Winham, Rube Bressler, Lee Grissom, Billy Sullivan, Solly Drake & Jim Bunning!

Fantasy Baseball Cards from Game 3

Clearly, I'm addicted.

Featured here are a bunch of new fantasy Baseball cards I put together that focus on Game 3 of the NLCS between the Dodgers and Cubs. Go here or here to check out the fantasy cards I made of Game 1 and Game 2.

My favorite of the group is the horizontal 2007 Topps card seen directly below. I'll let Chris Cwik at Big League Stew tell you all about what is going on in the pic:

This incident took place in the top of the ninth inning. Puig smacked a line drive single off the ivy out in left field. He wasn’t satisfied with that, however, and decided to test Kyle Schwarber’s defense by charging toward second. Schwarber played the ball perfectly off the wall, and fired a strike to Baez at second. Baez put down the tag, and then put an exclamation point on it with the finger wag.

Ha! Now on to the rest of the cards.

Even More Fantasy Baseball Cards to Enjoy - Game 1 of NLCS

Yesterday, I shared a bunch of fantasy cards I created using pics from Game 1 (link here). Now, here some cards from Game 2. Most of the pic used were grabbed from Dodger Insider (link here); while others were found throughout the 'net.

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.

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Friday, September 22nd at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 3/15/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

As you may know, the Great Lakes Loons, a Dodgers Single-A minor league affiliate, won the 2016 MidWest League Championship.  Yesterday afternoon the guys got together for a special championship ring ceremony at Camelback Ranch.  Above is group picture of the team, via the Loons on twitter.  Go here to see even more pics.  At right is a closer-up look at the ring.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers Baseball:  In 1945 the Dodgers opened their spring camp at Bear Mountain State Park in upstate New York due to wartime travel restrictions.  There were real worries that German U-boats would attack the eastern coast of America.  This is the third straight year the Dodgers would practice here.  In 1975 the Dodgers signed former Giants pitcher Juan Marichal to a free agent contract.  He would retire from the game a little over a month later on April 17th. 
• Happy Birthday, Doc Casey, Ralph Miller, Rosy Ryan, Lou Fette, Dick Scott, Mickey Hatcher & Trayce Thompson!
  

Blog Kiosk: 1/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

With Spring around the corner I can't help but be excited when I see a vintage spring training photograph like the one above.  (eBay Auction Link) Featured are five Dodger pitchers showing off for the camera while training at Dodgertown, dated February 25, 1953.  It was taken by noted International News and soon-to-be Sports Illustrated photographer Herb Scharfman.  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Posing prettily here at the Brooklyn Dodgers Vero Beach camp are the five top flingers of the Dodgers/  In Front: Russ Meyer, latest acquisition; and Carl Erskine (right).  Rear: (from left) Joe Black, Billy Loes and Preacher Roe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2011 the Dodgers signed veteran free agent outfielder Gabe Kapler as a non-roster invitee.  Unfortunately, he didn't make the team and would subsequently be released at the end of March.  As you know, he would soon retire and make his mark in the Baseball front office.
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Moore, Len Koenecke, Billy Grabarkewitz, Brian Falkenborg & Mike Lieberthal!
  

Blog Kiosk: 12/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Duke Snider gives in to the paparazzi and finally shows them some leg.  Featured above is a vintage 1955 International News press photo of "The Duke" sharing his knee warp after Game 6 of the World Series.  (eBay Auction Link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Dodgers' Duke of Swat, Duke Snider, shows his bandaged knee top press photographers in the Dodger dressing room after the sixth World Series game today which the Yankees took 5-1 to even the series 3-3.  Snider told reporters: "It's my left knee that's hurt, the one I pivot on, but I'll play tomorrow of it doesn't stiffen up."  Snider twisted the knee chasing a Skowron fly and left the game after the third inning.

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 with 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.  In 2012 the Dodgers received Skip Schumaker in a trade with the Cardinals -- sending Jake Lemmerman to St. Louis in return.
• Happy Birthday, Phenomenal Smith, Derrell Griffith & Orlando Hudson!

Blog Kiosk: 12/2/2016 - Dodgers Links: Some Odds and Ends

Dodger Stadium now has a new attraction to draw you in this winter.  Starting today and most weekends til early March is a pop-up museum highlighting Dodger history through memorabilia from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the renowned collection of Gary Cypres and the Dodgers own archives.  Go here for more information.  Admission is $10 per person.

In the photo above, via @Dodgers on twitter, Steve Garvey is shown holding up the uniform of his boyhood idol, Gil Hodges.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela is named the NL Rookie of the Year.  He becomes the third consecutive Dodger to win the award -- following Steve Howe (1980) and Rick Sutcliffe (1979).
• Happy Birthday, Chip Hale & Peter Moylan!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Tommy Davis, Trayce Thompson, Charlie Culberson and Some Rams

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.

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