Blog Kiosk: 5/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

A hopeful and elated Charley Dressen is seen above in a 1953 AP press photo, from October 3, 1953 (eBay auction link). Per a descriptor on the reverse:

Two's a magic number for manager Charley Dressen of the Brooklyn Dodgers who flashed a happy smile after his club drew even with the New York Yankees by winning the fourth game of the World Series, 7-3. Those two fingers he is holding up could be a victory sign or the number of games he thinks the series will have to go to end in his favor.

Unfortunately, Dressen's smile would turn upside down. The Dodgers lose the next two games and the '53 series. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1888 fan favorite Adonis Terry pitched his second career no-hitter for Brooklyn Bridegrooms at Washington Park, 4-0. It was against the Louisville Colonels -- a club that would eventually fold following the 1899 season. BTW, I just ran into a website dedicated to Adonis Terry. Check it out here. In 2015 the Dodgers traded beloved Juan Uribe, and Chris Withrow to the Braves for Alberto Callaspo, Juan Jaime, Eric Stults and Ian Thomas. Uribe spent over 4 season with Los Angeles -- slashing .260/.306/.381/.687 with 28 homeruns, 155 RBI and an overall WAR of 6.8.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Crane, Lefty Hopper, Jacob Brumfield & Todd Hundley!

Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun UP press photo, dated 8/7/1952, of a pregame event for a former Dodger -- Leo Durocher. (eBay auction link)

Wreathed in Smiles... New York: Giant manager Leo Durocher (right) smiles as he bears the easy weight of a huge floral wreath presented to him at the polo grounds, Aug. 7, while Dodger pilot Chick Dressen looks on. Durocher, who holds a plaque given to him by the Section-5 Club, received honors and gifts in a give-away program, as New York met the Brooklyn squad in a night game, the third and last of their current series. Brooklyn won the contest, 7-5.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Dodgers righty Ed Head threw a no-hitter against the Boston Braves, 5-0. He said after the game: “I knew I had it all the time – don’t ask me how, but I knew it.” (boxscore) It was his first appearance after returning from the military. In 1958 Dodger first baseman Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run on the same day that Pee Wee Reese played his 2,000th career game. In 1999 Cardinals third baseman Fernando Tatis becomes the first player in MLB history to hit two grand slams in one inning when he did it against Chan Ho Park at Dodger Stadium, 12-2. You can watch it here.
• Happy Birthday, James Mulvey, Dolph Camilli, Bob O'Brien & Andruw Jones!

Blog Kiosk: 4/22/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This past Saturday marked the 74th anniversary of the historic handshake between Jackie Robinson and Youngstown, Ohio native George Shuba. As you may know, on April 18, 1946 Jackie hit his first homer as a member of the Montreal Royals, and George was at the plate to greet him with a smile and a handshake -- a first during integrated Baseball. Today, a statue is being created to memorialize the happening, and it will be publicly unveiled in Youngstown on April 18, 2021 -- its 75th anniversary. Per robinsonshuba.org:

“While we’re still in the early stages of developing the statue, our progress on these models is very exciting,” said Marc Mellon, the world-class Connecticut-based sculptor crafting the statue. “In the upcoming months I’ll be working on the George Shuba figure. When both figures are completed later this summer, we will first cast them in plaster, refine the surfaces, and then cast them in bronze.” 

The 1946 handshake at home plate after a Robinson home run in his debut professional game has been hailed as the “handshake of the century,” as it marked the racial integration of pro ball, which helped accelerate the breakdown of racial barriers in other areas of American life.
...
“When George Shuba stepped up to shake Jackie Robinson’s hand at home plate, at a time when racism was rampant in our country, he taught America an important lesson and made Youngstown very proud. The statue marking this moment will be a huge source of pride in Youngstown for generations to come.”

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 John Kennedy becomes the first African-American to play for the Phillies, making Philadephia the last National League teal to integrate (not a huge surprise, really). He would pinch run during their 5-1 loss to the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. In 1981 rookie Fernando Valenzuela hurled his third shutout in four starts to start the season -- defeating Houston, 1-0. Best yet, he was responsible for driving in the Dodgers lone run with a single in the fifth inning off of then-Astro Don Sutton.
• Happy Birthday, Sandy Burke, Tom Long, Ray Benge, Lew Riggs, Jake Daniel, Jack Savage & Dee Gordon!

Blog Kiosk: 4/20/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic AP press photo featuring Pistol Pete's follow-through at the plate -- dated 9/20/1941 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Brooklyn, NY -- Pete Reiser, hard-hitting young center-fielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers, who will be in there swinging for his team during World Series play, if they win the National League flag. 

The Leo Durocher managed Dodgers did win the pennant (with a 100-54 record), but lost to the Bronx Bombers in October. Below are more links to checkout:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1995 Peter O'Malley donates the Brooklyn Dodgers' 1955 World Championship banner to the borough in which it was won, saying, "The flag belongs in Brooklyn." In 1999 the Dodgers surpass the 100 million mark in attendance at Dodger Stadium. In 2011 it is announced that MLB will be taking over the operations of the Dodgers due to concerns over the finances of team owner Frank McCourt. 
• Happy Birthday, Don Mattingly, Germany Smith, Pat Hannivan, Dave Bancroft, Hal Peck, Tom Hutton, Todd Hollandsworth & Ian Thomas! 

Blog Kiosk: 2/13/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Pitchers & Catcher Report Day!

Welcome!

Per Sarah Wexler at MLB.com:

"To be able to jump on to a team like the Dodgers, a team that has had the amount of success they've had the last couple years, and then add a player like Mookie Betts, and then to be able to add myself to that mix as well?” Price said. “That's something special to be a part of, and we're both very excited for that.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 the Dodgers completed a rare trade with the Giants. In fact, it would be 17 years before another trade is consummated between the two clubs. They shipped Ron Hunt and Nate Oliver to San Francisco for catcher Tom Haller and a minor leaguer. Haller would play four seasons in LA; slashing .276/.344/.393/.737. He would also garner MVP consideration his two first seasons in Blue -- coming in 22nd in '68 and 29th in '69.
• Happy Birthday, Wayne LeMaster, Gilly Campbell, Todd Williams, Ernie Rudolph, Eddie Pye & Nathan Eovaldi!

Blog Kiosk: 6/3/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I missed another 2019 Dodgers' Topps Now card released over the weekend. This time it is of rookie catcher Will Smith and it highlights his walk-off home run on Saturday. Check it out above and on the right. Per Sarah Wexler at MLB.com:

“That’s going to be a memorable homer for Will,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Man, you know, the first one is always a good one and memorable, but at home, packed house, a walk-off ... that was fun. That was a lot of fun.”
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“That was awesome,” said Smith. “I mean, first walk-off I’ve ever had, first home run in the big leagues, couldn’t have asked for a bigger stage and a bigger moment. I’ll remember that forever.”

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1888 the first publication of Ernest L. Thayer's poem Casey at the Bat appears in the San Francisco Examiner.  In 1958 Los Angeles residents approved a referendum by a slim margin of 24,293 votes that would honor a contract negotiated between the City of Los Angeles and the Dodger to allow the city to sell 300 acres of Chavez Ravine to the Dodgers. In 1989 the Dodgers and Astros play a 22-inning game at the Astrodome that is the longest game in National League history -- it last seven hours and 14 minutes. The game featured Fernando Valenzuela playing first base and center fielder John Shelby going 0-for-10 at the plate. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost 5-4 (boxscore)
• Happy Birthday, John Dobbs, Jim Gentile, Barry Lyons & Nelson Liriano!

Blog Kiosk: 5/29/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers lost last night, 7-3, so let's not dwell on that. Instead, we should accentuate the positive... like, Will Smith's fantastic debut. He singled in his first at-bat, recorded a double in the seventh and threw out a baserunner in the sixth. Best yet, his at-bat walk-up song was exactly what you would guess it would be (watch it here). Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Just looked composed,” manager Dave Roberts said. “It was exciting to see him get his first Major League hit … legs out a double, just squared up the ball all night. and he was taking some tough pitches to get in hitter’s counts. … You would never have guessed watching him tonight that it was his first Major League game.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1905, according to legend, Dodger hurler Elmer Stricklett introduces Baseball to the spitball -- beating the Giants, 4-3. Of course, this is a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. Although, many do credit Stricklett with being one of the first -- having built a reputation for throwing the pitch much earlier in his career on the west coast. In 1957 tough-talking New York Mayor Robert Wagner, following the leagues announcement allowing the Dodgers and Giants to leave New York, states that the city will not be "blackjacked" into doing a deal. In 1980 Dodgers starter Bob Welch throws a one-hit shutout to defeat the Braves, 3-0. He faced the minimum of 27 batters in the game. In 1983 Dodger reliever Steve Howe is readmitted to a drug treatment center after suffering a relapse from his cocaine addiction.
• Happy Birthday, Phil Gallivan, John Kennedy, Eric Davis, Trever Miller & Jerry Hairston!

Blog Kiosk: 5/2/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu was fantastic last night. He battled Madison Bumgarner pitch-for-pitch -- throwing eight innings of four-hit ball, allowing just one run and striking out six. Unfortunately, the Dodgers offense decided to take May Day off. All they could do was scatter six hits and score one run to eventually lose on a walk-off single to Buster Posey, 2-1. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“Hyun-Jin was outstanding. It’s unfortunate that you don’t win a game when he pitches the way he did,” said manager Dave Roberts. “He had command of everything … Kept those guys off balance. Certainly his best outing of the year.”

Photo above via Michael Urakami/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 1928 Giants manager John McGraw does the unusual. In that afternoons game against the Dodgers he calls for an intentional walk with the bases loaded and two outs to drive in a run during the ninth inning to make the score 2-1. Giants starter Larry Benton then struck out the next batter, Harry Riconda, to get the victory. In 1975 the Dodgers traded Geoff Zahn and Eddie Solomon to the Cubs for starting pitcher Burt Hooton. In 1995 Hideo Nomo made his first major league start. He would pitch five innings of one-hit ball against the Giants in a no-decision. The Dodgers would eventually lose the game in the 15th inning, 4-3.  
• Happy Birthday, Larry Cheney!

Blog Kiosk: 3/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic vintage pic taken by famed Baseball photographer Charles Conlon of the Brookyn Dodgers outfield, circa 1932-33. Featured are Johnny Frederick, Lefty O'Doul and Hack Wilson. It is currently available at Love of the Game Auctions.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1966 the Dodgers and Astros are the first Major League teams to play on artificial grass when they face each other for a spring training game in the Astrodome.
• Happy Birthday, Mysterious Walker, Bill Lamar, Jim Hughes, Tommy Davis & Carlos Monasterios!

2019 Topps Opening Day - Dodger Insert Cards

Below is a look at most of the Dodger inserts found in packs of 2019 Opening Day. Go here to check out the base cards.

As you'll notice, several of the insert sets are basically photo variation cards that use the same base card design but puts in a unique photo. The one twist is that these cards are not short-printed. My favorite of which is they Clayton Kershaw 'Rally Time' card. As you'll see further down, that card not only featured Kershaw, but also includes Manny Machado, Matt Kemp and Chase Utley.

BTW, there are two Max Muncy autographed inserts available, but I have yet to see either.

Opening Day Relics

#ODR-CK Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 3/14/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Happy Birthday, Charlie!

Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Billy Cox and Bob Milliken surround skipper Charlie Dressen with enough cake to feed all of Brooklyn. This pic was taken following the clubs doubleheader against the Phillies, dated September 20, 1953.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1932 the Dodgers sent 23-year old future Hall of Famer Ernie Lombardi, the still very effective Babe Herman and Wally Gilbert to the Reds for Joe Stripp, Tony Cuccinello and Clyde Sukeforth. In 2010 the Dodgers crush an All-Star team from the Chinese Professional Baseball League, 11 - 1, at Kaohsiung Stadium to complete their three-game tour in Taiwan.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Holbert, Jud Daley, John Miller, Mike Strahler, Kevin Brown & Jose Nunez!

Blog Kiosk: 2/15/2019 - Dodger Links and News - Some Odds and Ends

"Will you be mine?"

Some of the cutest photos ever popped up on twitter yesterday, in celebration of Valentine's Day. It featured a bunch of youngsters and their favorite Dodgers'. Above, via Camelback Ranch on twitter, is Cody Bellinger and on the right is Justin Turner getting his valentine.

BTW, you can check out a bunch of pics from Day 2 of Dodgers Spring Training, via Jon SooHoo and Sue Jo, here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2012 MLB sets up a vetting committee, headed by Braves chairman emeritus Bill Bartholomay, to evaluate the various bids to buy the Dodgers from Frank McCourt.  In 2017 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever, former Giants closer and native son Sergio Romo to a one-year $3MM contract. He would not pitch well in Blue. He got into 30 games and recorded a 6.12 ERA, 5.76 FIP while allowing 7 home runs. Romo would eventually be traded to the Rays in late-July.
• Happy Birthday, Hal Lee, Charlie Irwin, George Earnshaw, Joe Moeller, Ron Cey, Rick Auerbach, Russell Martin & Russ Mitchell! 

Blog Kiosk: 12/21/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Folks have been complaining about 'juiced' baseballs for years. Per the descriptor on the reverse of the 1950 press photo above (eBay Auction Link):

Artful Dodgers-- Two of the Brooklyn boys, Campanella and Snider, examine the inside of the controversial pill. Liveliness of the ball is causing more debate on the diamonds than the possibility of flying saucers.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 beloved Dodger first baseman Steve Garvey signed a five-year free agent contract to play for the San Diego Padres. In 1989 the Dodgers signed veteran free agent outfielder Hubie Brooks and reliever Mike Maddux.  In 2001 the Dodgers re-signed free agent starting pitcher Hideo Nomo - he had been traded by the Dodgers in 1998.  
• Happy Birthday, Buddy Carlyle, Howie Reed & Roger McDowell!

Blog Kiosk: 12/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

During his two terms as President, Dwight D. Eisenhower attended 13 Major League Baseball games -- all of which were at the Senators home field in Washington DC, with exception of just one time. To open the 1956 World Series he gracefully threw out a ceremonial first pitch at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Featured above is a Osvaldo Salas photograph of the event, via the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution. As you can see managers' Casey Stengel and Walter Alston were by his side.

On a side note, following the series loss for the Dodgers Ike spoke with Don Newcombe, saying:

"I think I know how much you wanted to win a World Series game. I for one was pulling for you, but I suggest that when you think over this past season you think of the twenty-seven games you won that were so important in bringing Brooklyn into the World Series."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 the Dodgers traded Ted Sizemore to the Phillies for catcher Johnny Oats and a minor leaguer. In 1989 the Dodgers traded Mike Marshall and Alejandro Peña to the Mets for infielder Juan Samuel. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Kenny Lofton.
• Happy Birthday, Branch Rickey, Erik Goeddel, Harry Stovey, Bob Hall, Butch Henline, Fred Merkle & Snooks Dowd!

Blog Kiosk: 12/14/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun 1943 International Press photo featuring Dodger first baseman Dolf Camilli on the set of the movie Whistling in Brooklyn (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor o the reverse:

MAKING DOLF PURTY FOR THE MOVIES.  New York...Dolf Camilli, Brooklyn first baseman, has some makeup applied as he works out with the Dodgers.  He was photographed by a movie camera for a part in a new Red Skelton movie."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1954 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Sandy Koufax to a contract - a $6,000 salary and $14,000 bonus. This made Sandy a "bonus baby" (having a bonus over $4,000) and required the Dodgers to keep him on the Major League roster for two years. As a result, the Dodgers would option Tommy Lasorda to the Montreal Royals. In 1990 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Brett Butler to a four-year $13 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Deacon Van Buren, John Anderson, Charlie Hargreaves, Chris Heisey & Bill Buckner! 

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: 11/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I don't know if I've ever seen a photo like this of Ebbets Field. Featured above is said to be a 1956 UPI press photo showing a gaggle of Brooklyn Dodger fans milling about within the bowels of Ebbets Field (eBay Auction Link).

Clearly under that stadium grandstands, there appears to be a ticket sales booth in the background and a large advertisement telling fans to send your kin to Dodgertown Camp in Vero Beach over the winter.

"For The Summer of His Life"

Best yet, a 'No Gambling' sign is seen, as well.

The only other photo I've seen of the innards of the historic stadium was of the famed rotunda, so this pic is a welcomed change. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1952, on a local NBC TV program called "Youth Wants to Know," Jackie Robinson charged that the New York Yankees management is racist for its failure to scout, sign and bring up black players. GM George Weiss of the Yanks denied the allegations, saying that the team welcomed black ballplayers, "good enough to make the team." (The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 12/1/1952, p. 11)  Elston Howard would become New York's first black player in 1955. In 1995 the Dodgers signed free agent shortstop Greg Gagne to a two-year $5.6 Million contract. The speedy infielder slashed .253/.315/.359/.673 with an 1.9 WAR for Los Angeles.
• Happy Birthday, Tacks Latimer, Win Ballou, Gary Wayne, Clyde Sukeforth & Shane Victorino! 

Blog Kiosk: 11/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

A contingent of three Dodgers - Chris Taylor, Kike Hernandez & Kenta Maeda - are in the Japan All-Star Series, and they appear to be having a great time. Per Alyson Footer at MLB.com:

"The fans have been amazing so far," Hernandez said to the crowd. "Japan has always been a place that I have wanted to come visit. I get to experience this amazing culture that you have here. Playing at the Tokyo Dome has been great."

Per Kenta Maeda:

"It's been a little while since I've pitched in that stadium (Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium)," Maeda said. "I want to show all my fans in Japan something that they would enjoy. I'll do my best to get as many hitters out as I can and have a good performance."

Pic above via Kike Hernandez on Instagram. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1986 the Dodgers officially released longtime shortstop Bill Russell -- in order to facilitate his recent retirement from the game. He had an 18-year career with Los Angeles and ranked second in franchise history for games played (behind Brooklyn Dodger Zack Wheat). In 2014 Clayton Kershaw is the unanimous winner of the National League Cy Young Award. It is his third Cy Young. He went 21-3 with an 1.77 ERA, 1.81 FIP, six complete games and two shutouts. He will be named the MVP the next day.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Ryan, Red Evans & Greg Gagne!

Dodgers 60th Anniversary Sets - The 2010's - #36 to #42

Lastly, here is a look at the final 2018 Dodgers 60th anniversary baseball card set. This time it features the design from this years flagship set - 2018. Furthermore, the mystery seventh card in this set is of Yasiel Puig. He debut as a rookie in Dodger Blue in 2013.

Additionally, I'd like to thank Andy from the Stadium Fantasium blog for sending me a complete set. Thanks, Andy!

#36 Cody Bellinger

Dodgers 60th Anniversary Sets - The 2000's - #29 to #35

Now that the season is officially over I figure it is now time to finally put up pics of the last two Dodger Stadium giveaway 60th Anniversary sets. Featured below are the cards from the 2000's -- using the Topps 2001 Baseball design. I'll have scans of the final set tomorrow.

As with the prior three sets, the first six cards highlight Bellinger, Turner, Seager, Jansen, Taylor and Utley. The seventh card honors Clayton Kershaw -- whose rookie cards hit the market in 2006 in Bowman and 2008 as a part of Topps flagship set.

Lastly, I'd like to thank Andy from the Stadium Fantasium blog for sending me a complete set. Thanks, Andy!

#29 Cody Bellinger