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

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

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

Below are more links to check out:

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

Blog Kiosk: 3/30/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Wow! Check out this fantastic action shot taken by the United Press (dated 5/20/1956) of Gil Hodges making a fantastic grab of a foul pop-fly. Not only does it include a great catch, but also features the Ebbets Field rightfield wall in the background. (eBay auction link)

Dodger Scooper...
Dodger 1st base,am Gil Hodges charges close to the stands to scoop a pop fly out of the air with his big glove in the 7th inning of the 1st game of the Dodgers-Cubs double header here May 20th. The ball was hit by Cub centerfielder Pete Whisenant. The Dodgers swept both ends of the twin-bill from Chcago by indentical scores of 5-3.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale end their legendary holdout when they signed contracts for $130,000 and $105,000, respectively. The holdout last 32 days. In 1981 the Dodgers traded Mickey Hatcher (and a couple other minor leaguers) to the Twins for Kenny Landreaux. In 1988 the Dodgers signed free agent veteran catcher Rick Dempsey.
• Happy Birthday, Nig Fuller!

Blog Kiosk: 3/5/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton Kershaw looked pretty good his second time out this Spring. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Kershaw struck out four in three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and no walks. 

“There were things I did better in the first game, but I landed my curveballs for strikes better than the first game, which was good,” he said. “A little better command than the last game. Backed up some sliders that they hit hard to shortstop, but overall a good step.”

Unfortunately, his outing was overlooked a bit because of a Dodger-Giant rivalry that continues unabated.

As Kershaw was walking from the mound to the dugout after the third out, Giants third-base coach Ron Wotus passed by en route to his first-base dugout and said something that set off Kershaw. 

.....

“He was upset that I hit him and that’s fine, it’s part of the game and he’s allowed to be upset. I didn’t say anything,” said Kershaw, who said he was hoping Turner had avoided a repeat of two years ago.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 the Dodgers, facing war-time travel restrictions, open spring training at Bear Mountain in upstate New York. In 1958 Duke Snider, Johnny Podres, and Don Zimmer are involved in an car accident in Vero Beach while trying to beat a 12:30 am curfew. With Snider driving, they veered off the road into a ditch. They fortunately suffer only minor injuries. BTW, this was the third car accident a Dodger player had suffered over the past two months. First, Roy Campanella was paralyzed then Jim Gilliam was struck by a trailer truck. In 1958 the Dodgers signed 21-year old free agent outfielder Frank "Hondo" Howard. He would play seven years in Dodger Blue -- slashing .269/.326/.495/.822 with 123 homers and 382 runs driven in. In 1966 the players elect Marvin Miller, assistant to the president of the United Steelworkers, as Executive Director of the Major League Players Association.
• Happy Birthday, Bernie Hungling, Lu Blue, Elmer Valo, Chad Fonville, Paul Konerko & Mike MacDougal!

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tony Gonsolin was fire last night. He recorded his first career save by pitching four innings to close out the game -- allowing just three hits, one earned run and recording three strike outs. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It was all about his fastball command tonight,” said Roberts. “Saved the ‘pen and, just more importantly for Tony, just the confidence. For any pitcher, in this ballpark, it’s a leap of faith, and we showed the confidence and he didn’t let the conditions affect him.”
...
“Pounding fastball down, mixing changeup, using the slider,” said Martin. “Even the first game in Arizona, I thought he threw the ball well, got unlucky with some defense, we didn’t pick him up. Tonight, Coors Field, sometimes guys’ stuff doesn’t act the same. He was lights-out today. If you can do it here, you can do it anywhere.

No good deed goes unpunished. The musical chairs continue for the Dodgers. They have just called up righty reliever Dylan Floro, who's coming off the 10-day IL, and sent righty Tony Gonsolin to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Photo above via David Zalubowski/AP 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 1983 Dodger skipper Walter Alston is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1984 Baseball as an Olympic demonstration sport begins its Olympic tournament at Dodger Stadium. In 2004 the Dodgers receive outfielder Steve Finley and backstop Brent Mayne from the Diamondbacks for Koyie Hill, Reggie Abercrombie and southpaw Bill Murphy. They also traded outfield speedster Dave Roberts to Boston for Henri Stanley. In 2006 the Dodgers traded shortstop César Izturis to the Cubs for future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox (including a three team trade with Pittsburgh) for Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris (who goes to the Pirates). Pirates outfielder Jason Bay goes to Boston.
• Happy Birthday, Pembroke Finlayson! 

Padres Series Starts Friday - The Last Homestand - Autographs, Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next (and last) homestand starts on Friday against the San Diego Padres. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including numerous autograph opportunities. Below are some important links:

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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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: 8/22/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Stop dawdling! We are running out of time.

The Dodgers lost again last night, 5-2, and the culprit was the lack of timely hitting. They went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Per Ken Gunick at MLB.com:

"It's more than just putting really good players together and now you're going to score seven or eight runs a night," said manager Dave Roberts. "The players we've acquired have done a great job, it's getting everybody else synched up. We get guys on base, now it's moving the line, and we're having a hard time doing that, let alone the two-out hit."
...
"As you're mired in this, it doesn't feel good," Roberts said. "It's a little contagious. You look around the room, these guys have a track record and that's something we expect them to come out of it. We have very good players. They're going to hit. They understand what's at stake."

I still have faith, but there's also a growing sense of fear. BTW, I mean to distract with the pic of Hello Kitty above, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 the Dodgers recorded a triple steal in the fifth inning of their game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Jackie Robinson stole home, Gene Hermanski took third and Pee Wee Reese swiped second base. In 1965 Giants hurler Juan Marichal attacked Johnny Roseboro with his bat while at the plate. He had been buzzing Dodger batters all day, so Roseboro - with Marichal at the plate - decided to throw the baseball back to his pitcher while at the same time making sure it barely missed Marichal's face. Quickly, benches cleared and a brawl commenced. See the pic on the right to see what I mean. In 2000 Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger in franchise history to hit two home runs in one inning. It was against the Expos.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Hanlon, Al Bashang, Jeff Weaver, Randy Wolf & David Huff!

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 5/7/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Fernando was the only choice to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to begin the Mexico Series between the Padres and Dodgers. Per Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com:

"Fernando deserved to throw out the first pitch and many more things because of who he is," said Jarrin, who famously served as Valenzuela's interpreter. "He's so popular in Mexico and he's so popular in this city. People still scream his name in Los Angeles when they show his image, and he's so beloved everywhere he goes. It is the perfect way to start this series."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959, the Roy Campanella benefit game, dubbed "Roy Campanella Night," against the Yankees is played at the Coliseum in front of 93,103 fans -- the largest crowd ever to have attended a ballgame. In 2009 Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez is suspended 50-games for a PED violation.
• Happy Birthday, Mickey Doolin, Tom Zachary, Al Epperly, Dick Williams & James Loney!

Blog Kiosk: 12/5/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Even ballplayers love chasing after autographs.

Featured above is a vintage, dated October 13, 1965, UPI press photo of Dodger outfielder "Sweet" Lou Johnson flagging down soon-to-be Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew for his John Hancock prior to game 6 of the World Series. (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor at the top:

Metropolitan Stadium: Autograph hunter is Dodger outfielder Lou Johnson's pregame role as he seeks signature of Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew here. Johnson had just entered the park and was en route to dressing room when he met Killebrew.

As you may know, the Dodgers would win this World Series the following day -- a game 7 match-up that saw Sandy Koufax throw a three-pitch shutout. BTW, Lou Johnson also hit a solo home run in the fourth inning of that game 7 to score the eventual winning run. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1973 the Dodgers traded outfielder Willie Davis to the Expos for relief pitcher Mike Marshall.  Dr. Marshall, as he is known, went on to win the NL Cy Young Award that next season.  He pitched in 106 games, finished 83 of them and recorded a league high 21 saves as a reliever. In 2011 the Dodgers signed free agent utilityman Jerry Hairston to a two-year $6 million contract. He would soon thereafter retire and join the Dodgers broadcast crew.
• Happy Birthday, Jamie McCourt, Gus Mancuso, Don Padgett, Steve Rachunok, Raleigh Aitchison, Billy Shindle & Ray Moss! 

Blog Kiosk: 3/27/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

We are almost there.  The season is a week away and both fans and players alike will soon be heading to ballgames back at their teams home fields.  There are only a few days left before scenes like the one seen above will disappear until next Spring.  So enjoy the festivities if you are still there. 

Photograph above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2012 Frank McCourt agrees to sell the Dodgers to a group headed by Stan Kasten, Guggenheim Partners and Magic Johnson for $2 billion.  He also sold the parking lots to the same group for $150 million (while retaining partial ownership).
• Happy Birthday, George Magoon, Bill Collins, Vince Sherlock, Newt Kimball, Wes Covington, Bill Sudakis & Adam Melhuse!

Blog Kiosk: 11/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - Demolition Photos of Brooklyn Ballpark Washington Park II

Here is something I didn't expect to find on eBay.  Featured here are three original photographs, dated to 1926, that shows progress of the demolition of the Washington Park II.  As you may know, this ballpark was one of the earliest homes of the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1898-1912.  It was also home to a short lived Federal League ballclub known as the Brooklyn Tip Tops.  (Auction links here, here and here)

The pics was taken by local photographer Joseph Smith, and it appears they were taken for the benefit of the Brooklyn Edison Company (due to some markings indicated on the reverse).  This also makes a lot on sense considering that the current occupants of the land is Con Edison of New York.  It states that demolition work began on April 29th, 1926, and these photographs were taken more then a couple months later on July 15, 1926.

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Eric Karros!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Eric Karros, James Worthy and Marreese Speights

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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This coming Saturday, October 15th former Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros will be signing free autographs at the Grand Opening of a Dick's Sporting Goods store in Thousand Oaks from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.  Go here for information.

Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This past Saturday Fernando Valenzuela joined the LA Dodgers Foundation in Inglewood as part of a RBI Dodger Day event.  Hundreds of kids came out to enjoy an afternoon of Baseball, a carnival and gifts.   Per a Dodgers press release:

"This is our first year participating in the Dodgers RBI Program," said City of Inglewood Director of Parks, Recreation and Library Services Sabrina Barnes. "I am looking forward to a long and lasting relationship as we work together to uplift our youth and revive baseball in inner cities. Go Dodgers!"

This event will serve as the culmination to the inaugural Dodgers RBI season in Inglewood launched this summer for more than 300 players. Darby Park will be the home to the 45th and 46th Dodger Dreamfields. LADF will break ground later this year.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1948 the Dodgers recorded a triple steal in the fifth inning of their game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field.  Jackie Robinson stole home, Gene Hermanski took third and Pee Wee Reese swiped second base.  In 1965 was the infamous game between the Dodgers and Giants; where Juan Marichal attacks Johnny Roseboro with his bat.  In 2000 Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger in franchise history to hit two home runs in one inning.  It was against the Expos.
• Happy Birthday: Ned Hanlon, Randy Wolf and Jeff Weaver!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Karros, Cey, Kazmir, Turner and the LA Kings

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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It is Dodger Day at the "ampm" on Glendale Boulevard today (like, right now), August 10, 2016, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.  Per a press release I received:

Dodger partner ampm will play host to a Dodger Day tomorrow with Dodger legends Ron Cey and Eric Karros at a Los Angeles-area ampm store.  Fans can win autographed baseballs and Cey and Karros will be on hand for a meet and greet with customers. Customers will be treated to a round of Dodger Dogs courtesy of the Dodgers. Cey and Karros will show customers how they prefer to enjoy their Dodger Dog with toppings from the condiment bar. A Q&A session with Cey and Karros will then take place followed by photos and trivia with fans.

Meet Karros and Cey on Dodger Day at an ampm Tomorrow

I don't often make note of a meet & greet like this, but when I do it's 'cause it's tomorrow. 

Please note that tomorrow has been dubbed "Dodger Day" and a promotional celebration is slated to take place at a local AMPM on Glendale Boulevard tomorrow, August 10, 2016, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.  Former Dodger players Eric Karros and Ron Cey will be there to entertain the fans.  Per a press release I received:

Dodger partner ampm will play host to a Dodger Day tomorrow with Dodger legends Ron Cey and Eric Karros at a Los Angeles-area ampm store.  Fans can win autographed baseballs and Cey and Karros will be on hand for a meet and greet with customers. Customers will be treated to a round of Dodger Dogs courtesy of the Dodgers. Cey and Karros will show customers how they prefer to enjoy their Dodger Dog with toppings from the condiment bar. A Q&A session with Cey and Karros will then take place followed by photos and trivia with fans.

I am unsure if there will be an autograph session with fans.  Clearly, though, you'll be able to meet and take pics with them.

ampm
1605 Glendale Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026

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Blog Kiosk: 8/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Honeycutt, Segedin and AGon!

Much like the Olympics in Rio, one record after another was set or surpassed this weekend at Dodger Stadium.  First, on Saturday rookie infielder Corey Seager hit his 31st double of the season; thereby setting a new Los Angeles Dodgers record for doubles by rookie.  He jumped over former Dodger first baseman Eric Karros, who established the record in 1992 during his Rookie of the Year season.  Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA:

“It’s cool. The long history of the Dodgers it’s just cool to get in the books no matter how it is. It’s exciting for sure,” Seager said.

Then on Sunday Adrian Gonzalez become the 140th ballplayer in Major League history to hit 300 hoe runs.  Per Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"I've seen a lot of those homers with me and against me -- 300, that's a big number," manager Dave Roberts said. "He's a guy that is very underrated right now in his career and the stability that he brings to a club. To get that big hit for us, for us to get the extra insurance, but also for him personally, I think that he doesn't really thrive and care much about individual accomplishments, but that's a big number and a lot to be said for his career."

Far more surprising was the performance of longtime minor leaguer Rob Segedin.  After toiling for six years within the Yankees minor league system he finally got into his very first Major League game on Sunday, and he did not disappoint.  Segedin went two for three with a double and set a club record for with four RBI's during a Major League debut.  Per Jack Baer and Quinn Roberts at MLB.com:

"It was great to see him drive in a few runs, a couple big, huge hits," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "When you imagine a debut, 50,000 people, big hits and contributing to a huge win, players going crazy for him, it's something that he'll obviously remember. A non-roster invitee this spring and had a great year in Triple-A, he earned that opportunity and took advantage of it today."

Photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics from the game by Jon.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1957 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley officially announced that the team would be moving to Los Angeles.  In 2000 Dodgers starting pitcher Darren Dreifort hit two home runs in a single game.  Infamously, on this same day a female couple was asked to to leave Dodger Stadium after being seen kissing.  They were told to never "set foot back on the premises" for "lewd behavior".  My, have times changed.

Blog Kiosk: 7/23/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It's Hall of Fame Weekend at Cooperstown right now, and today is their annual golf tournament.  Joining newest inductee Mike Piazza on the green today is former teammate Eric Karros, as evidenced in the photo above.

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

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1962 Jackie Robinson is inducted into the Hall of Fame.  In 1974 Steve Garvey, who was a write-in candidate, had a single, double and an RBI during the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh.  He would be named the games MVP.  In 1975 Willie Crawford and Lee Lacy hit pinch-hit home runs in the ninth inning in a loss against the Cardinals, 5-4.  The homers tied a Major League record for pinch-hit homers in the same inning.
• Happy Birthday, Don Drysdale, Hong-Chih Kuo, Nomar Garciaparra and Pee Wee Reese!

eBay Unearths some Pics of the 1997 Dodgers

I was window shopping on eBay this afternoon when I came across a series of photographs that I thought I'd share here.  These aren't exactly vintage in nature, but they do elicit some old memories.

Featured are a bunch of scans from original 35mm color slides that were taken by a photographer named Thearon Henderson - who was on assignment for the Upper Deck Company at the time.  From what I understand, he is currently with Getty.  All of the pics where taken during the 1997 season, and it includes several players you hardly ever see.

2016 Topps Legacies of Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

A brand new Topps Baseball card brand was introduced last week.  It is called 2016 Topps Legacies and it's an high-end product that'll cost you about $160 for a single pack/box of four cards.  Go here for a complete checklist.  Check out all the Dodgers cards below.  Unfortunately, I have yet to see either of the two Kershaw autograph cards.  The two Koufax and the one Maeda autographed cards come with an redemption. 

Exhilaration Autographs

#EA-CS Corey Seager

A Recap of Dodgers Pride Night at the Kings Game

I was beginning to wonder if the Kings were going to hold a Dodgers Pride Night this season.   Then, on what seemed like extremely short notice, word spread on Thursday that the upcoming Saturday game against Edmonton would be the day.  The Kings would honor the city with some Dodger Pride, and this would be highlighted by some fantastic Dodger duds on the ice.  Thankfully, I was there, so here is my brief report on the festivities.

As you may already know, this evening is all about the pregame skate.  Over, at least, the past three years the Kings would head onto the ice for their pregame skate wearing Dodger-themed hockey jersey's.  [Go here to see my past reports: (2012-13) (2013-14) (2014-15)]  This meant the Kings in Dodger Blue.  However, we got a bit of a change this season.  The Kings came out wearing Dodgers "Home-Whites" on the ice.  Check out a bunch of my pics below.  Click on any photo to embiggen.