Dodgers Open Workout - Christian Signs Dee's Cast

This past Thursday, during the All-Star game break, the Dodgers held a open workout for season ticket holders.  It was a early evening affair as the entire team came out onto the field for practice.  As you can see, there were plenty of Dodgers fans there.

The above pic comes from Reddit.  The original poster, Frustrate (what an apt name for a Dodger fan), describes the scene as awkward "backwards flail running".  Then, Frustrate follows up by saying,

"Ya, they all came over at different times to sign. Kasten spoke for a while, as did Mattingly, and we booed a cameraman from KTTV who wore a Giants hat. All around good time."

Sounds like a great time.  Even with the weather being unusual, I'm sure everyone in attendance doesn't regret going. 

Below are more pics of the event passed along by Blue Heaven reader Cathy.  She is Christian's Mother who I had previously featured in a story a month ago.  (See that post here.)

Above, Don Mattingly speaks to the fans on hand.  Below, several Dodger players congregate in the dugout before stepping on the field.

Best yet, Christian ran into Dee Gordon.  As you know, Dee recently had surgery, so he was sporting a new cast in need of some decorating.  Naturally, a precocious tyke like Christian was more than happy to help.   He gave Dee Gordon his John Hancock.

How cool is that!

We Sure are an Ugly Bunch

The Onion has some fun at our expense.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were forced to stop play Sunday against the Chicago White Sox to allow the grounds crew to come out and pull a tarp over the unsightly Dodger Stadium crowd. "You hate to stop the game, but it was getting next to impossible for the guys to play in conditions like that," manager Don Mattingly said.

Check out the rest here.

The Sinking Ship

We are truly on a sinking ship. ESPN just came out with their 2011 Ultimate Team Rankings for every North American major sports franchise and, as you would expect, the Dodgers are near the bottom. In fact, they have us at 99 out of 122 different teams. I guess our only saving grace is that our team is better off than the Clippers.

To add to the misery, the two Orange County franchises (Angels and Ducks) rank far higher than any other LA team. This might cause you to ask, which LA team ranks highest? Well, my beloved Kings is the best Los Angeles franchise at #55. Go Kings Go!

Freeway Series Starts Tonight

(pic Link: Luscious Liz)

Not much to say other than "Let's Go Blue!"

In Case You Missed This Afternoons Game

Dodgers lose to the Rockies 5 to 3.

eBay: A Mug, Radio, Banner and a Starting Lineup

Once again eBay is a treasure trove.

Below is a great rare beer mug from Don Drysdale's restaurant & bar in Van Nuys called the Dugout. It sold for a very affordable $9.99. Below is an interesting story concerning the Dugout.

Before the 1966 season, as Drysdale and his fellow pitcher Sandy Koufax held out together to pressure the Dodgers for more money, the Dugout received some unwanted publicity when the restaurant's employees demanded higher pay.

eBay Auction Link: Don Drysdale's Dugout mug:

This radio must be rare. About a month ago the below vintage Dodgers/ Pepsi souvenir transistor radio sold on eBay for $61.00. I don't know if it was a stadium give-away or a promotional mail away item through Pepsi, but three bidders battled to outdo each other. It looks to be in pristine working condition and probably dates to the 1960's. Heck, maybe it's something that dates all the way back to the Coliseum.

eBay Auction link: Vintage Dodger Transistor Radio:

This is an incredibly rare official banner celebrating the Dodgers 1981 World Series Championship. The seller says it comes directly from the collection of a Vice President of the Dodgers in charge of Stadium Operations. It sold for $408.00 and is one of two given to the Dodgers.

eBay Auction Link: 1981 World Series Banner:

I use to love these sports figures. I would run over to the local Toy's R Us and cruise through the aisles searching for my favorite players. Unfortunately, several of the players in the 1989 set ended up being short printed including this Dodger favorite Mike Scioscia. I could never find this one. It sold for a lofty $84.75. What's great about this piece is that it still comes in its original packaging which I'm sure is the reason for the high price. If I had bought this, though, I could not stop myself from opening it up.

eBay Auction Link: 1989 Mike Scioscia Starting Lineup:

Vintage Pics: The Coliseum and the Dodgers in the 60's

Below are more vintage Dodgers pics from Richard featuring the Dodgers. One of the nicest things about his photos are that a majority of them come from color slides. So, the quality tends to be very sharp and clear. When you want to zoom in on a certain spot the clarity couldn't be better. Go ahead and click the photos below for a larger view.

Below is a photo taken from September 1959 at the Coliseum in a game against the Milwaukee Braves.
The photo below is from May 30, 1965 in a game against the Reds. The Dodgers won the game 12 to 5. They won the World Series that year against the Twins.Here are some great bullpen shots taken during Dodger Stadiums inaugural year in October 1962. I can spot Drysdale (with his hand at his mouth), Koufax (walking into the bullpen with his glove on) and Wills (walking past the outfield fence talking with fans). Is there anyone else there you recognize?

Vintage Pics From Dodger Stadiums Grand Opening

We now have some brand news photos from Richard featuring the Grand Opening of Dodger Stadium from April 10, 1962. It looks like it was a typical beautiful Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles as we see the Dodgers taking batting practice below. The Reds players are warming up in foul territory. The stadium is brand-spanking new with the seats showing off their freshly painted colors. Get a look at the lady on the left with the hat. It looks like she put a giant straw flower pot upside down on her head.
Below is a great shot of the color guard in the outfield during the National Anthem. The stadium is slowly filling up as the Southland tradition of arriving late has its roots to the very first game. Richard mentioned that traffic that day was horrendous as the parking lot was much smaller than it is today. In the background the hills are freshly carved and cars are packed in like sardines. The building with a Spanish tile roof in the distance is believed to be a old schoolhouse, a reminder of the community that once resided in Chavez Ravine.
It is minutes before the start of the game. Both teams have been introduced as they stand to gaze at the still growing crowd.
Play Ball! Johnny Podres is on the mound. The photograph below captures the very first pitch. The field above is in pretty poor shape as the grass appears to be still filling in. That winter was very wet and caused delays in the stadiums construction. They were almost forced to postpone the grand opening.
The nearly 2 hour and 47 minute match is over as the first Dodger game in their new home has ended. Unfortunately, they lost to the Reds 6 to 3. Cincinnati left fielder Wally Post hit the first homerun at the stadium which also happened to be a 3 run game winner that put the Reds up front for good in the 7th inning.

Vintage Southland Pics

The greatest thing about having this blog is that every once in awhile I run into someone with a great collection that they want to share. Recently, I was contacted by Richard who is an avid collector of vintage photos and slides of the Los Angeles area. He has been kind enough to share some of his Baseball related pics with all of us.

Hopefully over the next few days I'll be able to post more photos, but for now, we'll start with a Coliseum teaser, a Wrigley pic and vintage shots of Anaheim Stadium. I know, I know! Anaheim Pics? I know those photos might disappoint the Dodger fan in all of us, but, from my perspective, I am fascinated by how much things have changed. Check out the pics below. The outfield area is bare without any seating- no bleachers to be found. The freeway backdrop we have come to expect is not there and the classic "Big A" sign is in its original spot. You can't tell me your not fascinated. Anyway, let's start with the photo parade.

Below is a pic from the 1958 season. This was the Dodgers first year at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
Below is a photo of a stadium long forgotten. It is of Wrigley Field that was once located on the corners of Avalon Boulevard and 41st Street in South Los Angeles. The old PCL team Los Angeles Angels (and Hollywood Stars) played here, as well as, the California Angels in 1961 when they became a MLB expansion team. It was eventually torn down in the mid-'60's. The photo below features the New York Yankees during a exhibition game at Wrigley Field. Also, Richard tells me that the homes in the background are still there today.
Below is a collection of four photos featuring a vintage Anaheim Stadium- The Big A. Above is from April 1966. Richard doesn't say exactly, but I suspect this photo is from the "Grand Opening" of Anaheim Stadium on April 19, 1966. After all, what other day would you have a parade of people on the field like that? (I stand corrected. Opening day was against the White Sox and the game below and above is against the Twins. Most likely from Friday April 22, 1966.) (Rob from 6-4-2 comments that it is actually from the following day, Saturday, April 23, 1966.) Below is from the same day during the game against the Twins.

Videos: What's My Line?

Roy Campanella on What's My Line?

YouTube Link: What's My Line?:

Marckymarc71 shows off a model of Dodger Stadium made of Basswood.

YouTube Link: Marckymarc71 :

Here is the last of four KABC interviews I've posted created during the Spring Coliseum game of Chuck Essegian and Ron Fairly.

Online Videos by Veoh.com
Video Link: KABC:

Can you ever get enough of Vin Scully's call of Gibson's homerun? How about Scully's call featuring Baseball cards.


YouTube Link: GaryOyer:

Fan Satisfaction Ratings

ESPN put out their annual fan satisfaction ratings covering every team in North America's four largest leagues- MLB, NFL, NBA & NHL. As you can see, the Dodgers ranked 77th overall and just 4th against other LA (and vicinity) based franchises.
How sad is it when the OC teams not only beat all of the LA teams, but well outpaced the group? The Ducks and Angels are in the top 10 in the nation.

ESPN summarizes the Dodger fan experience.

Last Year's Rank: 60
Title Track: 41
Ownership: 64
Coaching: 21
Players: 76
Fan Relations: 85
Affordability: 65
Stadium Experience: 48
Bang for the Buck: 107

Looks like Dodgers fans haven't minded going back to their East Coast roots. The replacement of Grady Little with Brooklyn native Joe Torre vaulted the Coaching ranking 45 points. It's also clear Angelenos didn't appreciate every change this year. The Dodgers faithful endured, but clearly hated (given the 31-place Affordability plummet), a 26.9% spike in average ticket prices (up to $26.28, the biggest bump in the bigs), plus a 50% rise in parking costs, to $15. An upper-deck seat behind home plate is still just $9, but fans must save pennies to enjoy the newly renovated Field Level. "It makes me thankful for two things," wrote Xeifrank on dodgerthoughts.baseballtoaster.com. "Home games are televised and parking in my driveway is free." This season marks the Dodgers 50th b-day in the City of Angels, but not everyone feels like celebrating. - Doug Mittler

McCourt continues to have a lot of work to do. Not only that, the Kings, my other sports team passion, of the NHL have a long way to go.

Story Link: ESPN Ratings:
Hat Tip: Inside The Kings:

eBay: Scarfs and Games

Here are some Dodger treasures recently found on eBay.

I had seen a silk scarf like this years ago at a card show in the early 1990's. It was framed and matted in a nice display along with some autographs. I think they wanted a few hundred dollars for it then. The scarf dates from 1951 and has bright blue borders with a green infield frame. It measures approximately 32" square. There are drawings, done by famous sports cartoonist Willard Mullin, of the Brooklyn Bum, Ebbets Field, a map of the Brooklyn borough and a scoreboard. This particular scarf recently sold on eBay at a very reasonable price of $56.25. In fact, this was really a steal. I wish I had spotted this auction sooner.

eBay Auction Link: 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers Scarf:

Here is a board game made in the late 50's to early 60's featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers. It comes with a game board, some disk and several deck of cards. Now, I'm not sure how the game is played, but it clearly has been well used. Or as my sister would say, "It has been well loved." I'm sure there are several "kid at heart" grown-ups out there who can let us all know about the game.
A great feature to this game is that it includes head shots of several Dodger players along the edge of the board game box. I see Gill Hodges and Roger Craig. Anyone see anyone else?
This game board did not sell in the eBay auction. In fact, I can't figure out why the seller placed such a high reserve price. It received a high bid of $89.59. I think that is more than generous for the item considering its condition.

eBay Auction Link: 1960's LA Dodgers Board Game:

Dodgers, Angels, Giants, Padres and A's Get Together for Charity Auction

All five California Baseball teams have gotten together to help raise money for Southern California's fire victims. The auction runs through November 25 and can be found here, at MLB.com auction website.

My favorite items is the Dodgers St. Patrick's Day Jersey. There is also a team autographed jersey, ball and bat of the SF Giants, and, get this, Barry Bonds signature is not included! (Just another reason to hate the guy.)

So help out if you can and get some cool stuff too.

Hat Tip: Sports Collectors Daily:

This One Hurts

Incredible. Unbelievable. Unfathomable. A slow roller, a couple flubbed plays and just plain bad luck did us in tonight. I fell in love with Baseball because of games like this. Unfortunately, the Blue Crew was on the losing end. Oh Well.

It's hard to place any blame on any singular player. Broxton got some ground balls that, if not for the misalignment of the planets, would have resulted in a couple of outs. Kent would have had to make an great play on that first groundball. Nomar is probably the largest contributor to tonight's ninth inning loss, but his desire to turn two and a high chopper can hardly be blamed on him.

I guess at the end of the day we should try to forget this game. Of course, that's easier said than done.

BP Sings Little's Praise

In the relatively short amount of time we have gotten to know Grady Little as manager of the Dodgers I must say that I am glad he is here. He has been a calming force in an organization that has seen nothing but strife since the FOX ownership and subsequent sale to the McCourt's. For the first time in years the Dodgers feel like the team I remember as a kid. Sure, I can barely understand him when he is being interviewed, but I think his deep southern accent and home-spun nature has rubbed off on the players and the fans.

You don't believe me. Well, let's see what Nomar has to say.

“He’s a great manager,” said Garciaparra, who joined his hometown Dodgers prior to the start of last season and made the transition from shortstop to first baseman. “What makes him great is how he handles people. He has a lot of respect for all the players. He understands how difficult this game is to play, and he also understands the strengths and weaknesses of his players. He sets a very good tone in the clubhouse. He keeps things nice and relaxed, and that’s the attitude you need to be successful. Teams that are uptight usually don’t perform well.”

It is about RESPECT.

Jason Schmidt knows Grady pretty well also.

Schmidt had played for Little while coming up through the Atlanta Braves’ farm system. “He tells it like it is, and I think every player, deep down, appreciates that,” Schmidt said. “He’ll tell you when you’ve done good things, but he’ll also lay it on the line when things are bad. Maybe you don’t want to hear the bad, and you’ll go in the corner and cry about it for a day, but you also realize and appreciate that you’re being dealt with honestly. And the record shows he’s a winner.”

It is about HONESTY.

What does Grady Little have to say about all of the accolades.

“The thing is that we have a good team,” Little said. “We’re really solid in every area and have a bunch of guys who fit well together. Ned Colletti has done a good job of building a winning team, and we have a good farm system backing it up.”

It is about MODESTY.

RESPECT, HONESTY, MODESTY

Check out the rest of the article from Baseball Prospectus here.

YouTube: Dodger Videos

For your viewing and listening pleasure.



YouTube Link: Ramsas:

How can you go wrong with Nancy Bea playing "High Hopes"


YouTube Link:SootikinCharlie

And part 2.


YouTube Link: SootikinCharlie:

Keep them come'n Charlie!

So Far So Good

Saito passes the first test.

Injured Dodgers closer Takashi Saito tested his strained left hamstring before Tuesday night's game, playing catch and doing some light jogging and cross-over drills.

Saito threw softly and landed on his left leg gently, but didn't back off the workout and seemed to be satisfied with his progress in the two days since suffering the injury. Before the workout, he said he does not feel discomfort while doing normal everyday motions.

"The final checkpoint will be when I can throw off a mound," Saito said. "It's throwing off the incline and the twisting, that's where the discomfort was. If I can do that, I can pitch in a game."

Story Link:

Alyssa Makes a Call to Arms

Alyssa Milano wants all of you to vote and she wants you to vote often. Russel Martin is in 4th place in All-Star balloting and that just ain't right. Click here to vote.Since my childhood crush has yet to dissipate I will do anything she wants. I suggest you do the same. Vote here.

Pierre has Finest Game of Dodger Career!

Juan Pierre has a big game in this evenings blowout against the Nationals.

"Anytime you have a night like that, you're able to slow the ball down and see the pitches real good," Pierre said. "It was just one of those nights when I was hitting the fastball, curveball, change up -- I hit every pitch good. It was one of those nights you have to take advantage of."

Pierre, who had a career-high 13 triples last season with the Chicago Cubs, entered Tuesday's game with six extra-base hits this season -- including five doubles. His 4-for-5 night raised his average 12 points to .286.

"It was probably the best I've felt at the plate as a Dodger," Pierre said.

Let's hope Pierre proves all of his detractors wrong. I know I would be happy to be proven wrong.



Story Link: Yahoo:

Baseball Draft Hits Big Time

Baseball is trying to hype up their draft. The only possible consequence are higher priced contracts and bonuses for unproven talent. When will the madness stop.

"Take note of the pomp and circumstance, the hype, the glitz, and the complete production that Major League Baseball will attempt to make of its annual first-year player draft when, in the grand tradition of the NFL, the event is nationally televised for the first time in its 43-year history."

"Pay attention to Tommy Lasorda, the legendary Dodgers manager who will attend the league-wide event in Orlando, Fla., and will be the face of the organization as it makes two of the first 39 selections."

MLB.com has more.

"Lasorda will again be at the microphone to announce the Dodgers' selection when MLB.com broadcasts every pick of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, which takes place June 7-8 at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando. Day 1 coverage begins at 11 a.m. PT with a simulcast of ESPN2's broadcast of the first round and compensation picks. Video coverage of the remaining rounds on Day 1 will air at MLB.com, with live interviews and analysis from Orlando by Casey Stern, Jonathan Mayo and Perfect Game USA's Dave Rawnsley."

Story Link:Press-Telegram:
Story Link: MLB.com: