Showing posts with label Darrell Thomas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Darrell Thomas. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

My 2019 FanFest Day -- With Pics and Links


The Dodgers FanFest has come and gone, and like in past years there was plenty of fans in attendance, a lot to do and lines everywhere. Heck, it would be entirely appropriate to just call this event the Dodgers LineFest. Nevertheless, I have no doubt that a majority of fans enjoyed the spectacle more than it annoyed them.

There were some minor tweaks to this years FanFest. The kid friendly activities (slides, wall climbing, etc.) were placed in the parking lot area instead of on the playing field, like in past years. Also, we were introduced to this coming seasons slogan -- "LA Bleeds Blue".

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Blog Kiosk: 1/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Dodger Alumni Dennis Powell and Derrel Thomas participated in the 33rd annual Kingdom Day Parade in Los Angeles yesterday. They were joined by players and coaches from the Los Angeles Dodgers (RBI) Reviving Baseball In Inner Cities baseball and softball youth development program.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1936 the Brooklyn Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Freddie Lindstrom. This would be his final season in Major League ball. As a Dodger he got into only 26 games, slashing .264/.297/.302/.599.
  • Happy Birthday, Ferdie SchuppBob Ramazzotti & Rod Miller!

Wednesday, September 06, 2017

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Turner, Hershiser and Hough

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.


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

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Ron Cey and Derrel Thomas

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.

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

The Hollywood Park Casino is hosting a Dodgers watch party tonight, Wednesday, May 24th, and Ron Cey will be there to meet and greet fans. Go here for more information.
7:00pm 10:00pm
Hollywood Park Casino
3883 West Century Boulevard
Inglewood, CA, 90303
(310)330-2800

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Mike Singletary and the Dodger Holiday Sale

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.

---------------------------
Football great Mike Singletary will be signing autographs at Sports Authentics in the Puente Hills Mall.  Go here for more information.
Sports Authentics
Puente Hills Mall 
1600 South Azusa Avenue, Suite 518
City of Industry, CA 91748626.581.2016
---------------

This coming Saturday will also be the last 2016 Dodger Holiday Sales Event of the year at the "Top of the Park" store at Dodger Stadium.  It will include merchandise discounts, player autographs, photo ops and more.  Go here for more information.  Unfortunately, a player signing schedule is not available yet, so stay tuned.  I'll be sure to update this post once it has been announced. 

Saturday, December 17
Autograph Schedule

10:00am-12:00pm: Derrel Thomas
12:00pm-2:00pm: Kenny Landreaux
2:00pm-4:00pm: TBD

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Wednesday, December 07, 2016

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Austin Barnes and the Dodger Holiday Sale

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 backup catcher/utilityman Austin Barnes will be signing autographs at Sports Authentics in the Puente Hills Mall.  Go here for more information.
Sports Authentics
Puente Hills Mall 
1600 S. Azusa Ave. 
City of Industry, CA 91748
---------------------------

This coming Saturday will also be the 2016 Dodger Holiday Sales Event at the "Top of the Park" store at Dodger Stadium.  It will include merchandise discounts, player autographs, photo ops and more.  Go here for more information.  Unfortunately, a player signing schedule is not available yet, so stay tuned.  I'll be sure to update this post once it has been announced.  (FYI, last week Mickey Hatcher, Lee Lacy and Kenny Landreaux signed)

UPDATE:  Here is the autograph schedule for this weekend:
Matt Luke: 10:00am-12:00pm
Derrel Thomas: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Lee Lacy: 2:00pm-4:00pm

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Wednesday, October 05, 2016

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Tommy Davis, Darrel Thomas, Bill Russell, Kenny Landreaux, Jay Johnstone 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.

---------------------------
Tommy Davis, Darrel Thomas, Bill Russell and Kenny Landreaux will be signing autographs at the Southern California Fair in Perris, CA on Wednesday (tonight), October 5th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the The Press-Enterprise Stage.

Also, former Rams Vince Ferragamo, Reggie Doss, Ron Brown and LeRoy Irvin will be signing for fans on Thursday, October 6th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the The Press-Enterprise Stage. 

Friday, September 30, 2016

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Jay Johnstone in Anaheim and Some Dodgers at SoCal Fair in Perris

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.


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


On Saturday, October 1st from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm former Angels and Dodger outfielder Jay Johnstone will be signing autographs at The OC Dugout in Anaheim.  Instead of charging for his autograph, all the OC Dugout ask is for anyone who attends the signing to make a donation to Make-A-Wish at the event.  (The amount of money you donate is completely up to you.)  All funds taken in will go to granting the Wish of an Orange County/Inland Empire child with a life-threatening medical condition.
The OC Dugout
1515 S. Sunkist St. Ste. G
Anaheim, CA 92806
---------------------------

Tommy Davis, Darrel Thomas, Bill Russell and Kenny Landreaux will be signing autographs at the Southern California Fair in Perris, CA on Wednesday, October 5th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the The Press-Enterprise Stage. The 2016 Southern California Fair is a 9-day event that runs October 1st through October 9th at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds. The annual event will feature concerts, motorized events, exhibits, entertainment, carnival rides and games and of course, delicious fair food!  Go here or here for information.
Southern California Fair
18700 Lake Perris Drive
Perris, CA 92571

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Wednesday, July 06, 2016

Padres Series Starts Thursday - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Thursday against the San Diego Padres, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans during Sundays Viva Los Dodgers event.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The San Diego Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Padres at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features a bacon-wrapped dog with house-pickled red onion, cilantro and fresh jalapeño.

The seventh 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring a salute to the Old-Timers Game on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. 

---------------
Thursday, July 7th at 7:10 PM
LHP Drew Pomeranz vs. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Diamondback's Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts tomorrow evening with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and several old-time Dodgers will be in the house to sign free autographs for fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.
---------------
Monday, September 21st at 7:10 PM
RHP Jhoulys Chacin vs. LHP Brett Anderson
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Dodgers sleeved blanket.  See it on the left.

Marcia Gay Harden will throw the ceremonial first pitch and Raza Jaffrey will sing the national anthem. Harden and Jaffrey both star in CBS’ “Code Black.” 

Dodger alum Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Navy Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Dave Bennett and U.S. Navy Petty Officer Homero Carrillo.

----------------
Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:10 PM
LHP Robbie Ray vs. LHP Alex Wood
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.

It is Running Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive commemorative "Dodger Stadium Running Club" T-shirt.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

The national anthem will be performed by actor Alan Thicke. Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure founder Ed Randall will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure, a charity dedicated to saving lives by increasing awareness of prostate cancer and the life-saving value of early detection, is supported by Steve Garvey.

The Dodgers will pay tribute to 76 employees with 25 or more years of service in pregame ceremonies. Headlining the list of those to be recognized are Hall of Famers Tommy Lasorda (66 seasons) and Vin Scully (66 seasons), and Special Advisor to the Chairman Don Newcombe (58 seasons), Spanish-language Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrín (57 seasons), Dodger broadcaster Manny Mota (46 years), 1965 World Series hero “Sweet” Lou Johnson (34 years), Dodger alum Ron Cey (31 seasons), Dodger broadcaster Rick Monday (30 seasons) and organist Nancy Bea Hefley (28 seasons).

Others with 40 or more years of service include Security Assistant Manager Edward Gonzales (52), Stand Captain Robert Natelborg (49), Ticket Taker Miguel Yanez (46), Batting Practice Pitcher Peter Bonfils (45), Usher James Harvey (45), Ticket Taker captain Eduardo Becerril (45), Vice President of Ticket Operations Billy Hunter (44) and usher Howard Levine (43).

Dodger alum Dennis Powell will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Guillermo Martines.

----------------
Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:10 PM
RHP Chase Anderson vs. RHP Zack Greinke
SNLA & ESPN / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Vin Scully bobblehead.  See it on the left.

Todd and Kevin Scully will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Dodger alum Billy Ashley will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Alex Thomson.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Wednesday include a Adrian Gonzalez autographed photo, Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball and Zack Greinke autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

-------------
Thursday, September 24th at 12:10 PM
LHP Patrick Corbin vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Thursday's game starts at 12:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 9:40 AM, and stadium gates open at 10:10 AM.
 
Jazz trumpeter Jens Lindemann will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alum Matt Luke will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Alex Thomson.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Reds Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts tomorrow evening against the Cincinnati Reds, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

---------------
Thursday, August 13th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Thursday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Sandy Koufax bobblehead.  See it on the left.

Dodger alum Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Bailey Whitlow of Midlothian, TX, and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Carlos Rivera of Oxnard.
---------------
Friday, August 14th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Friday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game to watch the spectacle. The theme will be set to songs chosen by Dodger players with a playlist put together by Scott Van Slyke.  Go here for information about future firework themes.

There will also be a balloon artist in the left-field plaza. DJ Adam will provide musical entertainment in the right-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. As part of ThinkCure! weekend, Jacob Lusk will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alum Matt Luke will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Andy Smirnov of Los Angeles and U.S. Army Sergeant Blake Blaney of San Pedro.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the Club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Zack Greinke autographed photo, Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball and Joc Pederson autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.
  • The Dodgers will also celebrate NeedleArts at the 10th annual Stitch N’ Pitch Night at Dodger Stadium and part of their group outing, hundreds will be in attendance to knit, crochet, embroider, cross-stitch and needlepoint during the game. Tickets are still available for purchase by visiting www.dodgers.com/stitchnpitch.
  • #ThinkCureWeekend 2015 will take place Friday and Saturday at Dodger Stadium and will raise both awareness and funds for ThinkCure!, an official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Throughout the weekend, courageous cancer patients and survivors will be recognized. A tribute will also be paid to the hard-working healthcare workers and researchers that are on the front lines of the fight against cancer.

---------------
Saturday, August 15th at 6:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Saturday's game starts at 6:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 3:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 4:10 PM.  It is Movie Night at Dodger Stadium.  The club will treat fans to “Back to the Future,” and it will be screened for fans following Saturday’s game. Screenings are free with a game-day ticket. Fans sitting in the right field pavilion and left field pavilion will be invited down to the field postgame for a better viewing experience.

It is also Girl Scout Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive Girl Scout patch with your ticket.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

DJ Adam will provide entertainment in the right-field pavilion plaza, DJ Lady Sha will provide music in the left-field reserve plaza and classic rock band, The Trip, will play in the right-field reserve plaza from 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Fans can take photos with the DeLorean car from “Back to the Future” behind the right-field pavilion from 3:10 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“Back to the Future” star Leah Thompson will throw the ceremonial first pitch. As part of ThinkCure! weekend, Terron Brooks will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Al Ferrara will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Tyler Richards of Temecula.
  • #ThinkCureWeekend 2015 will take place Friday and Saturday at Dodger Stadium and will raise both awareness and funds for ThinkCure!, an official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Throughout the weekend, courageous cancer patients and survivors will be recognized. A tribute will also be paid to the hard-working healthcare workers and researchers that are on the front lines of the fight against cancer.

---------------
Sunday, August 16th at 1:10 PM
SNLA/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:40 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:10 AM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Dodgers spray bottle with fan.  See it on the left.

Viva Los Dodgers will take place in lot 6 starting at 11:10 a.m. Dodger alum Mickey Hatcher will sign autographs for fans from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by Mariachi Flor De Toloache and Quitapenas.

Stunt performer, comedian, actor, screenwriter and film producer best known as a co-creator and star of “Jackass” Johnny Knoxville will throw the ceremonial first pitch. The Katinas will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alum Al Downing will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Dodgers will present their annual Christian Faith Day on Sunday. All fans are invited to bring their gently used clothing and shoes to be donated to the Dream Center and stay after the game to celebrate family and fellowship with Dodgers A.J. Ellis, Adrian Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw and Scott Van Slyke, who will share their personal testimonies on faith. A special postgame performance is scheduled by the Katinas. 

This afternoon is also Carnita Asada Sunday after the game at Dodger Stadium.  Go here for information.  Fans can enjoy an authentic Mexican Carne Asada cookout hosted by Justin Turner and presented by Chef Merito.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Kyle Potter of Newbury Park.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the Club level. The items up for auction on Sunday include a Kenley Jansen autographed photo, Yasiel Puig autographed baseball and Adrian Gonzalez autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 2:45 p.m.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Thursday, July 09, 2015

Brewers Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts tomorrow against the Milwaukee Brewers, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

------------------
Friday, July 10 at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game to watch the spectacle. The theme for the evening will be 70's music.  Go here for information about future firework themes.

The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Special Olympics World Games commemorative Pin.  Prior to the game, the Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America will culminate at Dodger Stadium.

Local musician and lyric soprano Gretchen Anderson will perform the national anthem as part of Mormon Night at Dodger Stadium. Pregame entertainment will also include DJ Adam in the right-field plaza and a strolling magician in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dodger alumnus Lee Lacy will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Corps Petty Officer Second Class Brian Escamilla.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Kenley Jansen autographed photo, Yasmani Grandal autographed baseball and Howie Kendrick autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

------------------
Saturday, July 11th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Saturday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Juan Uribe bobblehead.  See it on the left.

Anderson da Silva, mixed martial artist and former UFC middleweight champion will throw the first pitch. Sophie Simmons, daughter of rock legend Gene Simmons, positive body image activist, fashion designer, actress and singer, will perform the national anthem.

Pregame entertainment will also include pop band Everett Coast in the left-field plaza, singer Michael O. in the right-field reserve level, DJ Adam in the right-field reserve plaza and a strolling yo-yo artist the left-field reserve plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dodger alumnus Billy Ashley will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Eric Quintanar.

------------------
Sunday, July 12th at 1:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:40 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:10 AM.  The first 15,000 ticketed kids 14-years old or younger will receive a Kids' hamper.  Check it out on the left.

Viva Los Dodgers will be at the historic 76 station beginning at 11:00 a.m. and will celebrate Cuban Heritage. Viva Los Dodgers will feature  photos with fans from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal. Outfielder Alex Guerrero will take photos with fans from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Outfielder Yasiel Puig will greet fans on stage at 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and take part in a Q&A session alongside reliever Paco Rodriguez.  musical entertainment will be provided by The Arsenio Rodriguez Project and Buena Onda. Dodger scout Mike Brito will also partake in a meet and greet with fans at 12:00 p.m.

Also exclusive to Viva Los Dodgers will be the Cuban Dog.  The Cuban Dog features a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog topped with ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard and pickle chips and will be available at Viva Los Dodgers while supplies last.

Cuban music mogul and 19-time Grammy award winner Emilio Estefan will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.  The Dodgers will present a community hero award to the Gavina family at Viva Los Dodgers. Gavina Coffee, a Cuban-owned business, has been a coffee tradition in Los Angeles since 1967. Cuban-American Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, will throw Sunday’s honorary first pitch.

Singer, actress, R&B Divas L.A. star and “X-Factor” finalist Stacy Francis will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army E-7 Nicholas Cottrill and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Pastor McGill.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Sunday include a Don Mattingly autographed photo, Orel Hershiser autographed baseball and Justin Turner autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 2:45 p.m.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Rangers Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts tomorrow against the Texas Rangers, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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

Wednesday, June 17th at 7:10 PM
LHP Wandy Rodriguez vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Dodgers beach bag.  See it on the left.

It is also Korea Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive Korean/ Hyun Jin Ryu themed t-shirt with your ticket.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

Try the Kimchi Dog on Korea Night. The Kimchi Dog, a quarter pound all-beef Super Dodger Dog topped off Kimchi, will be available tomorrow only at Extreme Loaded Dog locations on the field, loge and reserve levels.

Popular Korean rock band YB will present a pregame mini-concert. The five-member Korean band led by Yoon Do Hyun will perform four songs, followed by the Korean and U.S. national anthems. YB is currently on tour in the U.S. with alternative rock band the Smashing Pumpkins. Schoolboy Records and YG Entertainment recording artist CL will throw the ceremonial first pitch. CL, member of the global mega group 2NE1, is currently in the U.S. promoting her new hit single, “Doctor Pepper.” Following pregame festivities, both CL and YB will be signing autographs for fans at the KTO tent in the right field plaza. CL is set to sign at 7:30 p.m. and YB will sign for fans at 8:00 p.m.

Dodger alumnus Kenny Landreaux will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
  • The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army CIB Purple Heart Korean War Citations recipient Joseph A. Del Rio and U.S. Army Corporal Roman Morales. Del Rio fought in the Korean War in 1951. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and awarded a Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster and Korean Campaign Citations. He is now the commander of the Long Beach Chapter 210 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Morales fought in the Korean War in the early 1950s. Morales, along with others from the 40th Infantry Division, built a high school to honor the first American casualty of the Korean War. Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles Hyun-myung Kim will present the military heroes with a commemoration plaque.

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

Thursday, June 17th at 7:10 PM
RHP Colby Lewis vs. RHP Zack Greinke
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Thursday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Cy Young Collectors' Pin of Mike Marshall.  See it on the left.

Kelley Jakle, star of “Pitch Perfect 2” and great-granddaughter of Baseball Hall of Fame executive Branch Rickey, will perform the national anthem.


Dodger alumnus Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army E3 Robert “Bud” Salisbury of Glendora. Salisbury joined the U.S. Army to be a paratrooper, then volunteered to go to Vietnam as a Forward Observer which placed him in combat. Two months later, he was wounded. Salisbury was presented with the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and earned a Purple Heart for his sacrifices in Vietnam. Salisbury currently resides in the City of Orange as an attorney, with his wife of 45 years, Connie.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Monday, May 25, 2015

Blog Kiosk: 5/25/2015 - Dodger Links - Ryu, Rally Banana's and AJ Ellis


I love how sometimes social media can do some good - instead of being the terrible one-headed monster it always seems to be.  Above is the veritable "Dancing Man," also known as Sean O'Brien, and he threw out the first pitch before yesterday's game.  Go here to learn a little bit about him.

The above pic is via the @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are some links to check out:
  • Via Harry Pavlidis at ESPN, "Measuring MLB's best game-callers."  It's always been tough finding a metric that appropriately values the defensive part of a catchers job.  Sure, there's "pitch-framing," but that's just one small part of what a field general is suppose to do.  Another skill, something I would argue is the most important, is "game-calling."  
Most experienced catchers will work closely with a starting pitcher in coming up with a game plan, and will be the principal person in charge of decided what pitches to throw at any time.  So, identifying those who are best at this is an important metric to develop.  Apparently, that metric has been found and it shows that AJ Ellis is the best "game-caller" in the league.
That Ellis is one of the best at this should not come as a surprise.  Dodger pitchers for years have been singing his graces. BTW, you can find out more about the methodology and math behind this new metric here and here.  Apparently, it's derived from their DRA metric.
4. The guide to the best game caller of them all: little-known 34-year-old Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis

A.J. Ellis, in a vacuum, is a below-average catcher. His career batting average is .240. His career OPS is .689. He's made 396 starts in eight seasons. The Dodgers, of course, know all this. But they also know that two of the game's best hurlers, Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke, absolutely love pitching to him. Why? Because Ellis is the best game caller in the business, and now we can actually prove it. His game-calling alone saved the Dodgers 38 runs from 2012 to 2014, though he gave back 19 of those runs with everything else he did behind the plate . Does it hurt to be Ellis? At times, perhaps. But at least now, when that ninth foul tip slaps his once-unheralded (but now-appreciated) inner thigh, it might not sting quite so much.
But Ryu, his left arm in a sling during a Dodger Stadium news conference, said he was always able to pitch with it and figured he'd be able to again after it flared up in Spring Training.

"I wanted to try to do it without surgery. That was my main intention," said the 28-year-old left-hander, who said he now intends to be healthy by next Spring Training, as doctors have indicated.
"I said, 'I'm on the bench, I've got to help my team somehow, we've got to come up with something,'" Hernandez said. "So I look around and the first thing I see is a banana and I said, 'This banana is going to be a rally banana.'"
Despite his objective struggles behind the plate, the Dodgers adored Thomas’ effort.

“Show me another guy who could do what he did today,” Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda told Littwin. “I’ve been in baseball nearly all my life, and I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m so grateful to him. He’s a great athlete, but more than that, he’s courageous.”

    * Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
    * Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

    Sunday, April 26, 2015

    Giants Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


    The next homestand starts Monday evening against the San Francisco Giants.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

    During this series against the Giants the Think Blue BBQ located in the left-field pavilion plaza will be making Caribbean Sticky Ribs from Monday through Wednesday. The dish features pork spare ribs with pineapple barbeque sauce, ghost pepper and molasses marinade and it will be served with tropical cole slaw.  Yum! 
    ---------------

    Monday, April 27th at 7:10 PM
     
    SNLA, MLB Network/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

    Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  The second of eight Cy Young Collectors' Pin Series giveaways is this night.  The first 40,000 fans will receive an Don Drysdale pin.  See it on the right.

    (Photo via Jon SooHoo)
    Hip hop artist Kendrick Lamar will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Also, to commemorate Drysdale’s collector pin giveaway, Drew Drysdale, Don Drysdale’s daughter, will perform the national anthem. Members of the Drysdale family, Ann Meyers Drysdale, Drew, DJ and Darren will also participate in the ceremonial first pitch.

    Dodger alumnus Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 PM. to 7:00 PM.
    • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army Corporal Anthony Guitron of West Covina.
    • As part of their focus on education & literacy, LADF will recognize the 2015 Roy & Roxie Campanella Scholarship recipients from California State University Northridge (CUSN)’s College of Health and Human Development, Department of Physical Therapy. Joni Campanella Roan, the daughter of Dodger great Roy Campanella, will also be recognized. The Roy & Roxie Campanella Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to physical therapist students with outstanding clinical potential as they proceed through the physical therapy program. For more than 20 years, the Campanella family has supported physical therapy scholarships at CSUN, providing financial support to 30 students. In 2014, LADF expanded on Campanella’s legacy by committing to the growth from 10 scholars in 2015 to 25 by 2017.

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

    Tuesday, April 28th at 7:10 PM
      
    SNLA, MLB Network/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

    Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  It is USC Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive USC Dodger T-shirt with your ticket.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

    California-born and Nashville country artist Cam will perform the national anthem. Rae Sremmurd, Interscope hip-hop duo Swae Lee and Slim Jimmy, will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

    Dodger alumnus Billy Ashley will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 PM. to 7:00 PM. AM 570 LA Sports’ Petros and Money show will broadcast live from left-field pavilion from 3:00 PM. to 7:00 PM.
    •  The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jeffery Duron of Menifee.

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

    Wednesday, April 29th at 7:10 PM
      
    SNLA/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

    Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. The first 40,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a Clayton Kershaw Fleece Blanket.  See it on the left.

    Former Dodger pitcher Kazuhisa Ishii will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Disney Channel star Coco Jones will perform the national anthem.

    Dodger alumnus Al Downing will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 PM. to 7:00 PM. AM 570 LA Sports’ Petros and Money show will broadcast live from left-field pavilion from 3:00 PM. to 7:00 PM.
    • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Luis Repreza, a native of El Salvador.
    • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Zack Greinke autographed photo, Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball and Joc Pederson autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

    * Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
    * Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *