Blog Kiosk: 6/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & Mews - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic 1913 vintage photographs featuring a "Bloomer" girl -- a female ballplayer/team who would barnstorm around the country taking-on all competition. The photographs is via the Shorpy blog -- easily my favorite of all vintage photography websites. Check it out here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1990 Fernando Valenzuela no-hit the Cardinals, 6-0, at Dodger Stadium. With 119 pitches he struck out seven and walked three. Also, on this same night, former Dodgers starter Dave Stewart threw a no-hitter against the Blue Jays -- thereby marking the first time in modern Baseball history that two no-hitters were thrown on the same day. In 1995 Hideo Nomo struck out thirteen Rockies to give him a then team record of 50 strike outs in four consecutive starts. In 1996 Mike Piazza hit three home runs against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. He became the fifth Dodger to hit three homers in a game. In 2012 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Yasiel Puig. 
• Happy Birthday, Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson, Farmer Steelman, Bobby Morgan, Rick Honeycutt & Pedro Guerrero!

Blog Kiosk: 12/19/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

What the heck?

Check out the above undated (likely 1950's) vintage photograph featuring the Dodgers pitching staff being directed by backstop Roy Campanella (eBay link). What Campy is doing exactly, I do not know. He's got his hands cupped over his ears, like he's expecting a loud sound.

As for the pitchers in the photo, I can clearly see Don Newcombe (third on the left), and according the a notation on the back Ralph Branca is there too. Unfortunately, I can't quite place Branca. I think he might be just to the right of Newcombe. I also think Johnny Podres is the second person to the left of Newcombe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal to a three year/$39 million contract and Nomar Garciaparra to a one year/$6 million contract. In 2014 the Dodgers received veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins from the Phillies in exchange for minor league pitchers Tom Windle and Zach Eflin. 
• Happy Birthday, Lou Koupal, Gordie Windhorn, Tom Wilson, Welcome Gaston, Wally Gilbert, Rex Barney, Geoff Zahn & Mike Fetters!

An eBay Auction Win - Don Newcombe Fan Taken Photo Snapshot

There's nothing I love more than an oddball Dodger collectible to add to my collection. Featured above is circa 1949-50 fan-taken snapshot of Dodger hurler Don Newcombe with two fans. Originally taken during Spring Training, we do not know much about who the two gents are, or the circumstances surrounding the photo, but I think it's fair to say that this is one-of-a-kind. Best yet, this purchase was probably one of my best ever -- I took it home for less than $10 delivered.

On a side note, the seller had one other snapshot available for sale that featured Jackie Robinson and his son playing a little bit of ball. I had hoped to take that one home too, but bidding was furious. It ended up selling for $174. Check out that photo below.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Cody Bellinger just keeps rolling along. Last night he went two-for-three, recorded his fourth outfield assist of the season and drove in his 37th run -- a new Major League record for RBI's before May 1st. Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough as the Giants ended the Dodgers four game winning streak last night, 3-2.

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 1935 the Dodgers signed 21-year old amateur free agent Rod Dedeaux. He would later on go on to become the head baseball coach at the University of Southern California (USC) for 45 season -- winning 11 national titles and 28 conference championships. In 1940 Brooklyn tied a Major League record for consecutive wins to start a season at nine victories when Dodgers hurler Tex Carlton no-hit the Cincinnati Reds, 3-0. In 2014 the Dodgers won their 10,000th game in franchise history when they defeated the Twins, 6-4, behind the pitching of Zack Greinke.
• Happy Birthday, Paul Wachtel, Phil Garner, Jeff Reboulet & José Peraza!

Pirates Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info, Autographs and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Friday, April 26th at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 4/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kershaw was great... Joc was outstanding... But its Belli who stole the show. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“He’s just playing incredible baseball,” Roberts said of Bellinger. “All the way, across the board — today with the bat, with the glove — he just impacts the game so many ways.”

Cody knocked in three runs -- on two singles and a solo homer -- to lead the Dodgers offense in their 6-5 (boxscore) victory over Milwaukee. He also made a game-saving catch to steal a home run from the equally impressive Christian Yelich.

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 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 on a single in the fifth inning.
• Happy Birthday, Sandy Burke, Tom Long, Ray Benge, Lew Riggs, Jake Daniel, Jack Savage & Dee Gordon!

Blog Kiosk: 3/29/2019 - Dodgers Links - Homer Happy

Do you remember all that talk this Spring about how the Dodgers would play more small-ball this season?

Yeah, about that...

Yesterday afternoon, on Opening Day, the Dodgers cranked out a Major League record eight home runs, including two by Joc Pederson, to defeat the DBacks, 12-5. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We can enjoy that right now, but we’ve got to come back tomorrow and do it again,” said Pederson, who finished 3-for-5 with three extra-base hits. “Enjoy this moment. And move on.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Go here to check out more pics from Opening Day. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2004 the Dodgers purchased outfielder Jason Grabowski from the A's. They also traded reliever Jason Frasor to the Blue Jays for outfielder Jason Werth. In 2008 the Dodgers played a preseason exhibition game at the LA Coliseum against the Boston Red Sox in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the club's move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. A crowd of 115,300 attended -- the largest to ever see a Baseball game. Check out a boxscore here.
• Happy Birthday, Hank Gastright, Rube Dessau, Lee Meyer, Gibby Brack, Tommy Holmes, Mike Ramsey & Brian Jordan!

Opening Day Homestand - Diamondbacks Series Starts Thursday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

Opening Day is here! The first home series of the 2019 season begins on Thursday against our rivals -- the Diamondbacks. Below are some odds and ends for this homestand. Below are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

As you know, Don Newcombe passed away on February 19 at the age of 92. Newcombe was beloved by the team -- having been a mentor to numerous Dodger players over the decades. In honor of his life and legacy the Dodgers will all wear a memorial uniform patch featuring his uniform number, #36, all season long. Furthermore, Morningside, Inglewood, Dominguez and Centennial High Schools will also wear the patch this Spring. You can see the patch on the top right.

Also, at the Top of the Park, fans will notice two new additions to the Retired Numbers plaza, five-foot microphones for Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrín. Check out a pic on the left. Additionally, the Top of the Park store has been remodeled for a modern shopping experience. You can see renderings below.

For expedited entry, fans can transfer their Dodger tickets into their Apple Wallet and gain access to the stadium and suites via near field communication (NFC) ticketing technology stadium-wide via their smart watch or mobile device. NFC for Google devices is expected to be ready mid-season. Fans will also be able to utilize Apple Maps in and around the ballpark to find their favorite food, retail store, nearest restroom or Fan Services location. To expedite ordering at concessions stands, the Dodgers have increased the number of Self Service Concession Kiosks throughout the ballpark.

At the very bottom of this post is some information regarding the various food options available at Dodger concession stands this season. BTW, Stuff in LA shares a nice list of Opening Day restaurant and bar deals at or near downtown Los Angeles. Check that out here.

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Thursday, March 28th at 1:10 PM
Hyun-Jin Ryu vs. Zack Greinke

TV: SportsNet LA, ESPN (out-of-market only), SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Scans of my 1950 Don Newcombe Comic Book

Finally! Here's a look at my dusty, but well loved Don Newcombe comic book. It was published in 1950 by Fawcett Publications -- the same folks who created the Jackie Robinson comics from the same time period (link here) -- following his near unanimous selection as the 1949 Rookie of the Year. 

As promised, I've scanned each page to share here. Check them all out below. Click on any pic to embiggen.

A Don Newcombe Baseball Card/Memorabilia Checklist

With Don Newcombe's recent passing I thought now would be an opportune time to take a closer look at the various Dodger collectibles bearing his name. As you know, he joined the franchise prior to the 1946 season and remained Blue til being traded to Cincinnati in 1958. Following a few more years of play in the Majors and Japan he rejoined the club in the late-70's as the team's Director of Community Affairs -- where he remained until his death this week.

As you can imagine, there are plenty of cards and memorabilia featuring the 6' 4" righty (but not as much as you might think), so sit back and enjoy a more detailed look at some Don Newcombe collectibles. BTW, I decided to include only Dodgers-related items, so you won't see the Reds or Indians anywhere. Furthermore, I wanted to stick to just pre-80's stuff, so you shouldn't expect to find any modern cards in the listing below. On the other hand, I do include the handful of giveaways from Dodger Stadium (and elsewhere). I'll also update this post should any additional items unknown to me be unearthed.

Now, on to the memorabilia.

The very first item I could find that featured Don Newcombe is not a Baseball card. Instead, it's a stamp. Released in 1949 by a chain of Philadelphia gas stations, Eureka Sportstamps features 200 National League ballplayers and a stamp book (measuring 7 ½-by-9 ¼) to put them in. They also include Kodachrome photos on the stamps -- which was rare for collectors at the time. As you know, cards were either in black & white or color paintings. Below is a look at the stamp that has been pasted onto the album.

1949 Eureka Sportstamps 

Blog Kioks: 2/22/2019 - Dodgers Links and News - Some Odds and Ends

So, when does the ping pong tournament start?

Photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday at Dodger Insider, here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: First, I just want to mention that today in 1980 was the "Miracle on Ice" -- when a ragtag group of American college kids defeated the heavily favored USSR in hockey during the Winter Olympics. In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Orlando Hudson to a one-year $3.4 million contract. In 2014 the Dodgers signed Cuban infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena to a five-year $25 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Rocky Gale, Ed Silch, Clarence Mitchell, Bill Hall, Roy Spencer, Bob Wilson & Steve Colyer!

Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2019 - Dodgers Links and News - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday was Photo Day at Camelback Ranch, and as you might expect some great pics were shared all over social media. As you know, everyone from Major League Baseball to Topps Baseball cards came out with their camera's. Featured above, via a tweet from the Dodgers, is Kenley Jansen and little Joe Kelly. Go here to check out more pics from Photo Day by Jon SooHoo.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Tommy Lasorda is sold to the St. Louis Brown. He would then be returned to the Dodgers in late-March. In 1957 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley traded minor league franchises with Phil Wrigley of the Cubs. Brooklyn traded the Ft. Worth club (Texas League) in return for the Los Angeles Angels (Pacific Coast League). In 1984 outfielder Dusty Baker is granted free agency. He played eight season in Los Angeles, slashing .281/.343/.437/.780 with 144 home runs and 586 RBI's. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack Billingham, Franklin Gutierrez, Ted Savage, Sam Fletcher & Norman Plitt!

Blog Kiosk: 2/20/2019 - Dodgers Links and News- Some Odds and Ends

I had never realized this.

Clearly, Don Newcombe was the inspiration for the Washington Senators logo from the 60's, via a tweet from DC Sports Artist.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Dodgers and Yankees complete their very first trade with each other. Brooklyn sent Buzz Boyle, Johnny McCarthy and $40,000 to the New York for Buddy Hassett. In 1984 Pedro Guerrero signed a five-year $7MM contract to stay a Dodger. In 2017 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Franklin Gutierrez to a one-year $2.6MM contract. He would only get into 35 games (primarily as a pinch hitter) before shutting down in June due to an recurrence of ankylosing spondylitis.
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Babb & Jack Bolling!

Don Newcombe -- A legend has passed

This morning we were shook by the news that Brooklyn Dodger hero Don Newcombe has died at the age of 92. As you know, he was a frequent attendee at Dodger games, and is known to be a mentor to numerous Dodger players throughout the years/decades. Per a tweet by David Vassegh:

Koufax: "Mentor at first, friend at the end. Missed by anyone that got to know him."

Don Newcombe spent eight of his ten year Major League career as a Dodger, and in that time he achieved heights and accomplishments rarely experienced by others.  He became the Rookie of the Year in 1949, won both the Cy Young and MVP Awards in 1956 and was a 4X All-Star. Newk was also considered one of the greatest hitting pitchers in the game. In nearly 1,000 plate appearances he slashed .271/.338/.367/.705 with 33 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs and 108 RBI's.

Blog Kiosk: 12/28/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic 1957 International News Spring Training press photo, taken by the legendary Herb Scharfman, featuring a couple of Dodgers with some visiting Tokyo Giants' (eBay Link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Dodgers host to Tokyo Giants Players
Vero Beach, Florida... Brooklyn Dodger coach Joe Becker (third from left) and pitcher Don Newcombe (left), discuss pointers of the game with two visitors to the Dodger camp from Japan. They are Sho Horincho, pitcher with the Tokyo Giants (second from left) and Tokyo Giants' manager Shigeru Mizuhara (right). Dated 3-1-1957.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers traded for 6' 5" tall reliever Pat Zachry in exchange for utilityman Jorge Orta. In 1993 the Dodgers traded pitcher Isidro Márquez for utilityman Ron Coomer of the White Sox.
• Happy Birthday, Einar Díaz, Don Thompson & Austin Barnes!

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!

2018 Sportkings - All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodgers' available in the multi-sport 2018 Sportskings brand made by Sage. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are cards from Dodger legends Don Newcombe and Don Drysdale, and I included cards from Don's wife Ann Meyers Drysdale -- who happens to be a legendary UCLA basketball player. Heck, she was the first and only woman to have every signed a professional contract with an NBA team - Indiana Pacers.

Check out all the cards below.

Base

#20 Ann Meyers Drysdale

#24 Don Newcombe           #30 Don Drysdale

Blog Kiosk: 9/24/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

The final home series of the season kicked off with a bang as the Dodgers welcomed the newest addition to their "Ring of Honor" on Friday. As you can see, broadcasting legend Jaime Jarrin will now be honored for all of posterity. Watch the pregame video montage the Dodgers put together for him here. They then welcome Billie Jean King and Illana Kloss into the Dodger family.

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

The next day Chase Utley was named the recipient of the 2018 Roy Campanella Award, and would then get a hearty ovation from fans the following day when it is announced that Sunday would be his last day on the field as a Dodger during the regular season. You can watch the ovation here.

Lastly, the inaugural class of the upcoming "Legends of Dodger Baseball" were presented to the fans on Fan Appreciation Day -- Fernando Valenzuela, Steve Garvey and Don Newcombe.

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the last Major League game is played at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Pirates first baseman Dee Fondy makes the last out when he grounds to Dodger shortstop Don Zimmer with starting pitcher Danny McDevitt on the mound. The Dodger win, 2-0. In 1971 Dodger lefty Al Downing wins his 20th game of the season against the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. He would finish third in Cy Young voting this season. In 2003 Eric Gagne ties the NL record for saves when he records his 55th save of the season against the Padres in extra innings, 5-3.
• Happy Birthday, Tom Seats, Dixie Walker, Otis Davis, Dick Nen, Hubie Brooks, Larry White & Jim Neidlinger!

Legends of Dodger Baseball to be Unveiled Next Season

This is really exciting.

For years folks have clamored for the Dodgers to expand their "Ring of Honor" by adding more retired player numbers. Frequently, fans mention names like Fernando Valenzuela, Don Newcombe and Steve Garvey as those that should be there, but tradition set many moons ago would not allow it. As you know, only Hall of Famers get their number retired by the Dodgers, with one lone exception being beloved longtime player and coach Jim Gilliam (#19) -- who died of a brain hemorrhage just days before the start of the 1978 playoffs.

So, what's a club to do when they have so many heroes under its wings?

Create something new, of course.

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Don Newcombe and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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The great Don Newcombe will be signing autographs for fans at the Cardboard Legends store in Van Nuys on Sunday, March 4th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Go here for more information. This is a pay per autograph event.

Cardboard Legends
17218 Saticoy Street
Van Nuys, CA, 91406
(909)592-1357