Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Featured is 1951 ACME press telephoto showing a bunch of fanatic Dodger fans lining up for tickets (eBay auction link). Below is what's written on the reverse:

10/1 - Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn's Ebbets Field is besieged by determined baseball fans, who line up early to get tickets for the crucial National League playoff opener between the Dodgers and Giants.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 Giants rookie Bobby Bonds hit a grand slam against Dodger righty John Purdin in his third at-bat of his first major league game -- becoming only the second player to have ever done so. In 1984 infielder Bill Russell played his 1,953rd game to become the LA Dodgers' all-time leader in games played. He would finish his career in Blue with a total of 2,181 games played -- second best all time in Dodger history. Hall of Famer Zack Wheat best him with 2,322 games played as a Dodger.
• Happy Birthday, Barney White, Don Demeter, Alejandro Peña, Aaron Sele & Paul Maholm!

Blog Kiosk: 5/8/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun Herb Scharfman International News press photo from the first day of spring training at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, 1954, and as you can see it features a rather nimble Duke Snider. Don Newcombe, who was on the mound, was aiming for Snider's rear-end, and the Duke had to do a jitterbug to get out of the way. Per the descriptor attached to reverse (eBay auction link):

Pitch went Wild
Vero Beach, Florida -- Brooklyn outfielder Duke Snider isn't going into his dance as might be supposed from his gyrations in this picture. A pitch by Don Newcombe tagged Duke on his trouser seat in Opening Day workouts at Vero Beach yesterday. A sartorial note was added to the scene by Snider who appeared in a polo shirt of violent scarlet, trousers of a golden hue, two-tone shoes and a straw hat modeled like a long-ago box baseball cap. The Dodgers spring training underway under the guidance of their new manager, Walter Alston.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Giants and Dodgers play an Army-Navy Relief exhibition game that raises over $60,000 for the Navy Relief Fund in front of 24,000 fans. Brooklyn edged out their rivals, 7-6, on a Dolph Camilli home run in the seventh inning. BTW, everyone, including the umpires, coaches and players, paid admission to enter Ebbets Field. In 1973 Willie Stargell hit an Andy Messersmith pitch out of Dodger Stadium. This was the second time he had accomplished the feat at the stadium and only the second time it had ever happened in its history. In other words, Willie Stargell owned Dodger Stadium. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela pitched his seventh straight victory to open the season -- shutting out the Mets by a score of 1-0 at Shea Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Dan Brouthers & Adrian Gonzalez!

Blog Kiosk: 4/6/2020 - Dodgers Links & News -- Some Odds and Ends

Check out this 1939 spring training AP press photo featuring three Dodgers' wearing Brooklyn pinstripes as they prepare for the upcoming season (eBay auction link - please ignore the watermark). I just love their socks and imagine that there's a whole lot of red in there. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Clearwaterm FLA. March 9th -- These three sentries are likely choices to patrol the outfield for the Brooklyn Dodgers this season. Left to right: Oscar "Ox" Eckhardt, up from the Missions of the Coast Leaguel; Freddie Lindstrom, former Chicago Cub; and John Cooney, who came from Indianapolis of the American Association. Cooney has been showing well in spring practice and Eckhardt hit .395 last season.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers raise their 1981 World Series banner at Dodger Stadium. In 1989 Orel Hershiser's consecutive scoreless innings streak ends when he give up a run in the first inning to the Reds during his first start of the new season. In 1996 Chan Ho Park becomes the first pitcher born in Korea to win a Major League game. He threw four inning of shutout relief to earn a 3-1 victory over the Cubs. In 2002 Japanese hurler Kazuhisa Ishii made his Major League debut against the Rockies at Dodger Stadium, and proceeded to throw 5.2 innings of scoreless ball to earn his first Major League win. In 2004 Dodger third baseman Adrian Beltre becomes the 36th player in history to hit 100 home runs before the age of 25. He hit it off of Antonio Osuna of the Padres.
• Happy Birthday, Red Smith, Tom Fitzsimmons, Ernie Lombardi, Dee Moore, Jim Romano, Don Elston & Phil Regan!

Blog Kiosk: 3/31/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

The look of despair is palpable. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Rough Afternoon in Brooklyn, NY ...
Brooklyn rightfielder Carl Furillo wipes his brow after watching Elston Howard's home run sail over the right field scoreboard in the fourth inning of the final World Series game here Oct. 10th, to increase the Yankee lead to 5-0. New York went on to take the series with a 9-0 rout, as Yogi Berra clouted two consecutive homers, and Bill Skowron slugged a grand-slammer, while young Johnny Kucks blanked the Brooks with three hits.

From the 1956 World Series. The above United Press photo is available on eBay here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 the Dodgers played their very first Major League exhibition game at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. They competed against their top farm team, Montreal Royals, and defeated them 5-4. Jackie Robinson hit a first inning home run. Per  HistoricDodgertown.com:

Florida Governor Millard Caldwell threw the ceremonial first pitch at so-called “Ebbets Field No. 2.” A sign reading “You Are Now Entering Dodgertown” welcomed a strong showing of some 6,000 fans, paying $1.25 in the grandstands and bolstered the idea of more games being played on base in the future. Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler, who had suspended Manager Durocher one year earlier, shook hands with “The Lip” and wished him good luck. Vero Mayor Merrill P. Barber looked on and a contingent of the Brooklyn National Guard, who had traveled to Florida to watch the Dodgers, was introduced and went home with a “load of oranges presented to them by the Vero Beach Jaycees.”

• Happy Birthday, Bill Hallman, Gene Snyder & Balvino Galvez!

Blog Kiosk: 9/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kenley's killing me! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I didn’t have it today. I sucked,” Jansen said after backsliding from three solid outings by allowing a pair of runs in the ninth inning. “You can’t control the outcome. Yes, the command wasn’t what it was the last three games, but you just can’t let this one frustrate you.”

I'm frustrated (boxscore). Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 starter Don Newcombe hit two home runs in a game for the third time in his career -- defeating the Cardinals, 17-2. In 2000 a Dodger fan pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of causing a disturbance at a sporting event, and has been banned from attending home games in Los Angeles for 18 months. The irate patron during a May 30th game threw coffee in the face of a Mets fan who was cheering a grand slam hit by New York's catcher Todd Pratt. In 2013 the Dodgers celebrated their NL West Division title in Arizona by climbing the Chase Field right-centerfield wall to party in their outdoor pool. Watch the event unfold here. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw won his 20th game of the season for the second time in his career. He is the first Dodger pitcher to win 20 game twice since Claude Osteen in 1969 and 1972.
• Happy Birthday, Sadie McMahon, Jack Ryan, Red Barkley, Duke Snider, Joe Ferguson, Scott Baker & Charlie Haeger!

Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic, circa 1950's, photograph taken by Barney Stein of the Brooklyn Dodgers "Sym-Phony" Band that is currently available at RMY Auctions.

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: 4/3/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Not only does Cody Bellinger lead the Majors in home runs (5), he also now holds the franchise record for most home runs in the first 300 games of their MLB career -- Bellinger with 69, Piazza with 68 and Howard with 55. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Even that first at-bat, I think he just missed a homer,” Roberts said. “Then he comes up with bases loaded, stays on the cut fastball. His at-bat qualities, his takes are good. He’s just seeing it really well. I think this is as good as I’ve seen him.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 the Dodgers traded for left-hander Hank Aguirre from the Tigers for a player to be named later, minor leaguer Fred Moulder. He played one season in Blue, and is better known for being the worst hitter in Major League history -- slashing .085/.117/.108/.225 and striking out an astounding 61% of the time through a 16-year Major League career. In 1974 the Dodgers traded for soon-to-be fan favorite Pedro Guerrero from the Indians in exchange for pitcher Bruce Ellingsen. In 2004 the Dodgers traded Franklin Gutierrez and Andrew Brown to the Indians for outfielder Milton Bradley. 
• Happy Birthday, Wally Moon & Tim Crews!

Blog Kiosk: 1/31/2019 - Dodgers Links - Happy 100th Birthday Jackie Robinson!

The celebration of all things Jackie Robinson begins in earnest today. The Dodgers will honor this day by hosting a celebration for 250 children and parents from Union Rescue Mission. Per a Dodger press release:

The birthday party runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in partnership with Worthy of Love, a non-profit organization that hosts monthly birthday parties for children living in the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown Los Angeles. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Statue (in Lot B), where participants will sing “Happy Birthday” to Robinson.  Other activities include a tour of the Jackie Robinson exhibit at the club’s Pop-Up Museum Presented followed by DJ/dancing, a photo booth, a balloon artist, face painting and a petting zoo in the Stadium Club.

Photo above via the Daytona Tortugas on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Paul Waner to a free agent contract. In 1972 former Brooklyn Dodger players Rube Marquard (known mostly as a Giant) and Dave Bancroft (also mostly a Giant) were selected by an Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee for enshrinement. In 2001 an article was published in the WSJ related to the most infamous pennant race in National League history. Written by Joshua Prager, he details how the Giants team stole catchers' signs during the 1951 pennant race to help them overcome a Dodgers 13.5 game lead i the National League. You can read the original article here. In 2003 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Wilson Alvarez. In 2005 the Dodgers signed pitcher Scott Erickson as a free agent. 
• Happy Birthday, Hank Aguirre, Ted Power, Stuffy Stewart & Jackie Robinson!

Blog Kiosk: 10/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I apologize for the watermark on the above photo. It's obviously not my pic. It is an 1953 Unit D Press Photo that I just ran into on eBay (link here), and I found it fascinating enough to share here. As you can see, it features Carl Furillo wearing an unusual looking headpiece. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Carl Furillo's head got plenty sore after being hit by pitched balls six times, so the Dodger outfielder's sporting this "Martian-Looking" headgear these days. The plastic gadget fits into Furillo's cap, and saved him from serious injury, July 29, when still another pitched ball made contact during the Dodgers-Cubs game. Furillo says he's quit baseball if he couldn't wear it!

As you'll recall, this isn't the first time a Dodger had sought to protect their head during at-bats. In 1948 Jackie Robinson had done the same -- he had a fiberglass-and-cloth composite sewn into his cap. You can check out a little story where I wrote about it here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 the Mets drafted Dodgers legend Gil Hodges off the Dodgers roster as a part of the expansion draft. In 1978 the Dodgers retired the number of Dodger player/coach Jim Gilliam -- 19.  He had died just two days prior from an cerebral hemorrhage.  The ceremony preceded Game 1 of the World Series against the Yankees.
• Happy Birthday, Ad Gumbert, Fay Thomas, Rich During, Harry Eisenstat, Lee Pfund & Ramon Martinez!

Blog Kiosk: 9/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

On this team everyone takes their turn to lead. Yesterday, the combined efforts of Joc Pederson and Hyun-Jin Ryu resulted in an 8-2 victory over our rival Rockies. Pederson hit a leadoff homer in the first inning, then drove in two more when he hit his second home run of the evening in the fourth inning. Ryu threw seven scoreless four-hit innings to stymie Colorado. Per Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"Joc, he's just really gotten back to when he was really good," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "Looking out and over, staying in the strike zone and using right-center field to left-center field. Today, that's what he did, took a ball off Gray to left-center and did the same thing against a lefty to right-center field."
...
Link Here: "(Ryu's) always been a big-game pitcher and I've seen it from the other side," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "For him to be healthy and set the tone for this series, in complete command tonight. Stuff was really good. We fed off of him and it was good to see."

Photo above of Joc Pederson celebrating his homer with coach George Lombard via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2006 the Dodgers came back from a four run deficit by slugging four consecutive home runs in the ninth inning -- by Jeff Kent, JD Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson -- to tie the game against the Padres at 9-9. They would then win the game in the tenth inning when Nomar Garciaparra hit a two-run homer, 11-10. You can watch highlights of all five round-trippers here.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Tepsic, Dick Dietz, David Sells & Ken Brett!

Blog Kiosk: 1/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

You do not often see a vintage action photo featured Tommy Lasorda as a player, so when you do it's worthy of sharing. Featured above is a June 1955 press photo that was formerly a part of "The George Michael Collection". Per the descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Cards Wally Moon safe at home on passed ball. Dodgers Pitcher Tommy Lasorda spoke on the play left the game. Umpire Augie Donatelli. Cards won 1st game 9-4, Dodgers 2nd 10-6.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded Andy Pafko to the Milwaukee Braves for Roy Hartsfield. 
• Happy Birthday, Tyler Houston, Scott Mullen, Harry Pattee & Don Zimmer!

Blog Kiosk: 1/15/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

-MLK, Jr.

On this #MLKDay, @nlbmprez reflects on baseball's impact on the civil rights movement pic.twitter.com/yGkqS3zwJa

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 15, 2018

Photo above via the Negro League Museum on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the Dodgers extend their lease at Ebbets Field for another three years -- as a fallback in case Los Angeles is unable to secure land for a new stadium. They would leave Brooklyn a year later. In 2002 the Dodgers traded outfielder Gary Sheffield to the Braves for Brian Jordan, Odalis Perez and Andrew Brown. In 2009 the Dodgers nightmare is over. They released outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Dr. Mike Marshall, William Brennan & Delino DeShields!

Blog Kiosk: 11/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

With Black Friday just around the corner I, like much of America, will be spending some time online finding some deals. In order to entice collectors to visit and order from Topps on Black Friday weekend they are offering a special shopping bonus.

The first 1,000 orders for each day over the shopping weekend will receive one of four limited edition Topps Now cards. Blowout Buzz has some details:

The promos will be player-specific to certain days — Aaron Judge (Friday), Mike Trout (Saturday), Carlos Correa (Sunday) and Cody Bellinger (Monday) — and one card will be included with the first 1,000 orders on Topps.com each day. 

There was no posted minimum purchase to receive a card as part of the promotion.

Below are more links to check out:

• This day in Dodgers History: In 1952 Dodgers hurler Joe Black is named the Rookie of the Year. He received 19 of 24 first place votes. 
• Happy Birthday, Simmy Murch, Freddie Lindstrom, Paul Richards, Dick Schofield, Matt West, Andy High & Tripp Cromer!

Blog Kiosk: 10/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

For those who don'e already know, tonight's Game 3 of the World Series in Houston will start at 5:20 PM PT this evening. In fact, all future games in the series has had the start times adjusted to begin at that same time.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1890, the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers), in their first season as a member of the National League, lost Game 6 of an World Series against the Louisville Colonels of the American Association, 9-8.  The loss shrank the Dodgers lead in the series to 3-2-1 -- Game 3 ended in a 7-7 tie due to darkness.  Game 7 will be played the next day.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Mulvey, Al Scheer, Ed Albosta, Hector Valle, Jason Johnson & Onan Masaoka!

Blog Kiosk: 10/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Can you just feel the intensity in that team meeting above? These guys are focused and prepared to take on the Diamondbacks, and I, for one, can't wait for Clayton Kershaw's first pitch to cross the plate tonight.

The above photo via @Dodgers/Jon SooHoo on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 the Dodgers completed their sweep of the NY Yankees in the World Series for their third championship in franchise history.  Sandy Koufax got the win and complete game in the 2-1 victory.  In 1965 Sandy Koufax sat out his scheduled start in the World Series against the Twins due to Yom Kippur. Watch a short video about it here. Don Drysdale pitched instead and lost mightily, 8-2. He remarked after the game: 

"Hey, skip, bet you wish I was Jewish today, too."

• Happy Birthday, Jack Dunn, Jack Snyder, Harry Heitmann, Jerry Grote, Jerry Stephenson, Alfredo Griffin & Scott Schebler!

Blog Kiosk: 7/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I guess you can't win them all.

Last night the Dodgers eleven game winning streak was snapped by the Braves and it just doesn't feel right. Heck, the Dodgers haven't lost at home in almost a month, and they haven't lost to a National League team since the early part of June. Per Austin Laymance and Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"It's a weird feeling," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "It's different. Even to that last out, I thought we were going to find a way to win the game. But I guess we have got to start another one tomorrow."

Photo above of Kenley Jansen, Don Newcombe and Matt Kemp via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon and Jill Weisleder from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers shortstop Pee Wee Reese recorded his 2,000th career hit. Also, fellow teammate Junior Gilliam set a Major League record by handling twelve assist at second base. 
• Happy Birthday, Wally Clement, Claude Corbitt & Earl Mossor!

Blog Kiosk: 6/23/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This series against the Mets was ridiculous. The Dodgers set a new franchise record when they collectively hit 15 homers during the four-game set. The last of which scored the game winning run to help the Dodgers sweep the Mets. It was hit by Joc Pederson on the very first pitch of the seventh inning. I think it's safe to say, after a crushing collision in the outfield a month ago, that he is on the mend. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“I think he’s getting there, and the one gauge for me is seeing his plate discipline,” said Dodger manager Dave Roberts. “And over the last 10 games he’s not offering at everything moving forward. So when balls are out of the strike zone he’s doing a good job taking. And he’s getting on base at an incredible rate right now. The next piece is when he gets balls in the strike zone to do what he did tonight.”

Photo above via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Juan and Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1930 the Dodgers recorded twelve consecutive hits in the sixth inning during their game against the Pirates at Forbes Field. In 1956 Dodgers shortstop Don Zimmer is hit in the face with a pitch thrown by Reds hurler Hal Jeffcoat, breaking his cheekbone. In 1958 the Dodgers traded Don Newcombe to the Reds for Steve Bilko, Johnny Klippstein and players to be named later. The Dodgers also released longtime catcher Rube Walker. He would become a Dodgers minor league manager the next season, and is principally remembered for being the pitching coach for the 1969 World Champion "Amazin'" Mets. In 1973 the much-ballyhooed infield of Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell and Ron Cey begin their 8 ½ years together as they are all inserted into the starting lineup in the second game of a doubleheader at Cincinnati for the first time.  In 1976 they traded reliever Dr. Mike Marshall to the Braves for Lee Lacy and Elias Sosa.  
• Happy Birthday, Jerry Nops, Dick Egan, Karl Spooner, Tom Haller, Dave Goltz & Mark Hendrickson!

Blog Kiosk: 10/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends -- Game 6

Game 6 is now.  Above is today;s starting lineup.

Graphic above via SportsNet LA on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1965 the Dodgers released Wall Moon, whose famed "Moon Shots" over the short left field wire fence at the Coliseum helped propel Los Angeles towards a championship in 1959. 

Blog Kiosk: 8/26/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ruehle, Ethier, Puig, Seager and the Shocking Ellis Trade

It never felt so good to lose to the Giants.

After the emotional roller coaster that we all felt following the announced trade of AJ Ellis no one would blame the Dodgers for being a little deflated for that evenings game. 

But a near no-hitter?

I don't think anyone expected to see that. 

Giants hurler Matt Moore, acquired less than a month ago from Tampa Bay, got on the mound and was brilliant.  He masterfully took advantage of an less than enthused clubhouse by weaving a series of off-speed pitches that kept the Dodger bats out of kilter.  Eight and two-thirds innings later, not one Dodger had a hit.  Then, Corey Seager came up and brought the entire stadium to their feet by blooping a single to right field to end any chance of a humiliating evening.  Per Ken Gurnick and Chris Haft at MLB.com:

"In some weird way, it does," said Roberts. "They really wanted to salvage the series. For us to potentially get no-hit, and for Corey to break it up, it salvages it for us in a strange way."

No kidding.  Dodgers fans everywhere were able to breathe a sigh of relief.  Best yet, Dodger fans, not typically known for being gracious to our neighbors up north, gave the Giants pitcher a standing ovation after being pulled from the game.  Of course, that didn't stop a handful of fools from basking in breaking up a no-no (check out this link to see what I mean).

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon and Jill Weisleder from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1939 the Dodgers and Reds played in the first Major League game to be broadcast on television.  It was a doubleheader.  The Reds won game 1, 5-2, and the Dodgers won game 2, 6-1.  In 1947 Dodgers pitcher Dan Bankhead became the first African-American Major League pitcher when he got on the mound in relief against the Pirates.

Blog Kiosk: 7/27/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ruehle, Kershaw, Ethier and Kenta Maeda

I was going to make note of Bud Norris' fantastic performance on the mound yesterday evening (and I still might), but this is far more fun.  Featured in the photo above and below, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016, is Kenta Maeda with his doppelganger.

From what I understand, this super-fan came to the game in full uniform, which happened to be both Maeda bobblehead night and Japan Night at the stadium, and was immediately noticed by someone with the Dodgers.  Soon, he was invited to the dugout, met with the pitcher himself and even hung out with the rest of the rest of the guys in the dugout.  Check out this fun video of the kid entertaining the "Boys in Blue."

As for Norris, he was fantastic in 6.1 innings of work.  He struck out six, walked two, gave up just two hits and no runs to earn his third victory as a Dodger.  Via Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“I think that even before he came over, he was really throwing the ball well, and I still think the best of Bud Norris, we’re still going to see,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Tonight he was really good. And he’ll say this too: There is even more in there. For him to come here, he wants to be a Dodger and to give us a huge lift, he expects that of himself and of us, the same.”

Go here to check out a bunch of great pics by Jon SooHoo and Juan Ocampo from yesterdays game.  BTW, the Dodgers remain 2.5 games behind the Giants in the West and hold a holds a 2.5 game lead over Miami in the Wild-Card race.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1996 Darren Driefort appeared in a game for the first time since having Tommy John surgery for the first time.  He threw 1.1 innings of scoreless relief against the Astros. 
• Happy Birthday, Leo Durocher!