Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I just thought I'd share this photo that I saw on eBay. It's Don Drysdale (undated) leading a horse on a motorcycle. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Triumphant pitcher now can safely lead the costly jumper behind the bike, and thereby will save dozens of walking miles a week. Training process took about 15 minutes.

Photo above via an eBay listing. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 Montreal Expos hurler Dennis Martinez throws a perfect game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. This is the first no-hitter by an opposing pitcher in Dodger Stadium's history. In 2010 the Dodgers get outfielder Scott Podsednik from the Royals for Elisaul Pimentel and Lucas May. In 2014 the Dodgers received infielder Darwin Barney from the Cubs for minor leaguer Jonathan Martinez.
• Happy Birthday, Freddie Fitzsimmons & Walker Buehler! BTW, he starts tonight's game against the Astros.

Blog Kiosk: 6/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a couple of old Dodgers' shaking hands after witnessing the Brooklyn clubs first World Series Championship in 1955. Featured is Dodger skipper Walter Alston and current Yankees/former Dodger manager Casey Stengel (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

The Victor and The Loser -- New York: Yankees Manager Casey Stengel (right) congratulates a smiling Dodger Manager Walt Alston in the Brooklyn dressing room after the Dodgers won the rubber game of the World Series to win their first championship. The Dodgers whipped the Yankees, 2-0, to take the 7th and final game of the series at the Yankee Stadium Oct. 4th. 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers sign their newest coach, Babe Ruth, to a contract. He hopes that he'll be installed as manager of the club the following season. As you know, that would not occur. Instead, it becomes clear that he is signed for publicity reasons -- he takes batting practice before the start of each game to guarantee high attendance. In 1988 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Martínez. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw no-hit the Rockies at Dodger Stadium, 8-0. He recorded a career high 15 strike outs, no walks and missed a perfect game when Hanley Ramirez committed an error in the 7th inning. Watch Vin Scully's call here. 
• Happy Birthday, Sandy Alomar!

Blog Kiosk: 6/16/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out the above champagne celebration featuring Fernando Valenzuela and Rick Monday, following the Dodgers capturing the 1981 National League pennant (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor:

10/19/1981 -- Montreal - Dodgers pitching ace Fernando Valenzuela (L) and game hero Rick Monday swig the champagne in the dressing room after Los Angeles downed the Montreal Expos in the fifth game to win the National League CHampionship.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Roy Gleason. He would get a cup of coffee with the Dodgers in 1963 -- recording a double in his only at-bat and getting a World Series ring. Soon thereafter he would be drafted into the Army and be sent to Vietnam. Gleason would lose his World Series ring there, and becomes the only US Combat Veteran and former Major League Baseball player to receive "Special Congressional Recognition" for being awarded a "Purple Heart", a World Series Ring, and holding a "Perfect" Lifetime Major League Batting Average. In 1963 rookie pitcher Nick Willhite shut out the Cubs, 2-0, and become the first Los Angeles pitcher for throw a shutout in his Major League debut. In 1977 the Dodgers purchased right-handed reliever and Los Angeles native Bobby Castillo from the Kansas City Royals. 
• Happy Birthday, Pete Coscarart, Stan Wall & Jonathan Broxton!

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

On this day in 1972 the Dodgers retired the very first numbers in their history, and they chose to do it with a bang. They didn't just retire one number -- they retired three. Featured above is Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Sandy Koufax. The ceremony happened during pregame activities on Old-Timers Day.

BTW the Dodgers would eventually lose that evenings game against Bob Gibson and the Cardinals, 4-0 (boxscore).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1964 Sandy Koufax threw his third no-hitter of his career. He blanked the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium, 3-0. Overall, he recorded 12 strike outs and allowed just one walk. In 1968 Don Drysdale threw his sixth consecutive shutout of the season, extending his scoreless streak to 54 innings, when he defeated the Pirates, 5-0. This is also the day Robert Kennedy made note of Drysdale's efforts in a speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after winning the CA primary. You can watch that portion of the speech here. Soon thereafter, Kennedy would be assassinated. In 1972 the Dodgers retired the first three numbers in their history during pregame activities on Old-Timers Day -- Sandy Koufax #32, Roy Campanella #39, and Jackie Robinson #42. In 1998 the Dodgers traded Hideo Nomo to the Mets for Dave Mlicki and Greg McMichael. In 1990 Dodgers ace Ramón Martínez struck out 18 Atlanta batters to defeat the Braves, 2-0. His effort tied a club record for strike outs in a game with Sandy Koufax, and was one short of the Major League record.
• Happy Birthday, Lee Magee, George Watkins & Rick Wilkins!

Blog Kiosk: 4/1/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Fernando!

Here's a fun UPI wire photo that I ran into on eBay (auction link).

12/2/1981 -- Hollywood: Left handed pitching sensation for the Los Angeles Dodgers Fernando Valenzuela wears a Mexican sombrero at a press conference after it was announced that he has been named the National League "Rookie of the Year". Valenzuela pitched the Dodgers to the World Championship in 1981.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 the Dodgers sold veteran outfielder Duke Snider to the New York Metropolitan's for $40,000. Snider would go on to represent the team in the All-Star Game. In 2013 Clayton Kershaw would be the first Major League pitcher since Don Drysdale, back in 1965, to throw a complete game shutout and hit a home run on Opening Day. Check out the boxscore here. You can watch the homer here.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Kennedy, Ron Perranoski, Matt Herges, John Axford & Chris Withrow!

Blog Kiosk: 11/4/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a fantastic Sport Magazine press photo, dated to 1965, of Don Drysdale and Ron Fairly (eBay auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 Maury Wills leaves the Dodgers while he is touring with the club in Japan, complaining that his injured right knee needs immediate treatment. He is then traded less than a month later to Pittsburgh for Bob Bailey and Gene Michael.
• Happy Birthday, Bill McCarren, Earl Mattingly, Eddie Basinski & Eric Karros!

Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I am already thinking of Spring Training, so I thought sharing this photo would be apt. Featured is a March 12, 1937 International News press photo (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"TIME OUT FOR BREATHER.  Clearwater, Fla...All work and no play does things to a ballplayer as well as other folk, so this trio of Brooklyn Dodgers takes time out from training to sit and chat for a bit.  They are, left to right, Woody English, who came from the Cubs; Harry Lavagetto, a former Pirate 2nd baseman, and Roy Henshaw, former Cub pitcher.".

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1978 the Yankees defeated the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series to win their second consecutive title. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Montreal Expos in Game 4 of the NLCS at Olympic Stadium, 7-1. Steve Garvey hit a two-run homer in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie, then the Dodgers scored four more runs in the ninth to run away with it. They are tied at two games a piece in the series with a deciding Game 5 two days later.
• Happy Birthday, Pop Dillon, Mike Sandlock, Johnny Klippstein & Jim Gilliam!

Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Thank you, Fernando! Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s very special. It’s a great honor, because the Dodgers have the history of tremendous ballplayers for many years. To be part of this, it’s a great honor,” Valenzuela said. “When the Dodgers mentioned I was going to be in with these two great ballplayers … that means a lot. Steve Garvey, he was my first baseman when I came up as a rookie. He supported me. He helped me a lot for my first couple years. To now be part of the same group, to be selected for this honor, is tremendous.”

Photo abvoe via Jon SooHoo at Dodger Insider 2019. Go here to check out more pics from Saturday's ceremony. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 DodgerVision at Dodger Stadium relays a message to Mets outfielder Ron Swoboda during the game. It says, "Congratulations, Ron Swoboda. Your new son is born tomorrow morning". Cecilia Swoboda gave birth to Chipper, the couple's first child, at 1:05 a.m. EST, making it the next day on the West Coast. In 2005 Yhency Brazoban breaks Steve Howe's Dodger rookie record for saves when he works a perfect inning against the Mets to record his 18th save. He would finish with 21 saves during the season.
• Happy Birthday, Sheldon Lejeune, Elmer Knetzer, Lindsay Brown & Kevin Pasley!

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

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Washington Nationals. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new and updated information become available. 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  

Please note that the Dodgers are embarking on a new culinary experience at the stadium. Fans can find the LA Feeds Blue Chef Series located in the right field plaza that will feature a special Chef Series pop-up concession stand. This homestand will feature foods from Border Grill + Socalo. More information is available at the bottom of this post.

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Friday, July 19th at 7:10 PM

Hyun-Jin Ryu vs Zac Gallen

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Garvey, Lasorda, Scioscia and Valenzuela

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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Blog Kiosk: 6/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

ACE!

Ryu was fantastic, once again. He spun seven innings of shutout ball against the Diamondbacks, recorded only two strikeouts and walked none to earn his ninth victory of the season, 9-0. Per Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com:

“Baseball is never easy, but I’m executing my game plan and things are working out for me,” Ryu said. “There’s always a challenge, especially when commanding my pitches. I’m trying to make sure that I throw each and every pitch in a very competitive fashion.”
...
“He’s just in complete control,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s front and back, it’s all quadrants, it’s changing speeds and mixing up the sequence.”

Photo above via Joe Cortez/MLB.com 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 1957 Don Drysdale recorded the first shutout of his career against the Cubs at Roosevelt Stadium in New Jersey, 4-0. In 1977 the Dodgers retired former manager Walter Alston's uniform number #24 at Dodger Stadium. He compiled a 2040-1613 (.558) record for the franchise. It was also Old-Timer's Day as the Dodgers defeated the Padres, 4-2. 
• Happy Birthday, Bill Maloney, Fred Mitchell, Duke Sims & Russ Ortiz!

Blog Kiosk: 5/1/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

You can't win without a little help from your friends.

Cody Bellinger still continues to mash, but it was the efforts of those who've had a slow start that gave the Dodgers a victory last night. Chris Taylor, who is well below the Mendoza line, knocked in two with a double in the sixth. Justin Turner finally hit his first homer of the season when he took lefty Ty Blach deep to centerfield. David Freese recorded a double and a three-run jack to break-out of an 0-for-18 slump. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“We take pride in our roles and we want to do our part,” said Freese. “We have a good enough team that we can falter and still get victories. That’s not always going to happen. Belly’s not always going to be Player of the Month with the best April in history.”
...
“If you look at the guys that have hit left-handed pitching throughout their career, really haven’t yet,” said manager Dave Roberts. “It’s a long season. We’re going to face a lot of lefties this week and I think the numbers will start to correct.”

Photo above of David Freese via Michael Urakami/MLB.com 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 1906 the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) are no-hit by Philadelphia southpaw John Lush, 6-0. In 1920 the Dodgers and Boston Braves play a 26-inning game - the longest in major league history. Starting pitchers Leon Cadore of Brooklyn and Joe Oeschger of Boston both finish the game, as it ends in a 1-1 tie after nearly four hours of play. In 1965 Tommy Davis dislocates and breaks his ankle while sliding into second base trying to break up a double play. In 2012 a new Dodgers ownership group takes over the franchise -- headed by Stan Kasten, Mark Walter at Guggenheim Financial and Magic Johnson.
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Reynolds, Von Joshua, Ray Searage, Phil Hiatt & Iván De Jesus!

A Fernando Valenzuela Pencil Holder

I love this thing.

What we have here is a wooden pencil holder that is shaped like a baseball resting on a bat and pedestal. Across the 'sweet spot' is the name Valenzuela -- no doubt in reference to Dodgers pitching sensation Fernando Valenzuela. There are no other markings, other than 'Mexico' being scribbled on the underside of the base. Additionally, I'd find it surprising if this was licensed in any way. Instead, I think this was something an enterprising Mexican entrepreneur created to take advantage of the Fernandomania that had gripped much of the America's in the early-80's. Check out the item on eBay - (eBay Auction Link).

Seeing this makes me wonder how many other Dodgers-related trinkets like this -- likely unlicensed and sold at small curio/knickknack shops in both Mexico and Southern California -- exist out there?

There's got to be a bunch of weird stuff like this, and I'd love to see more.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/9/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I just love this 'In-Action' photo of Pee Wee Reese leaping to make a play on the baserunner. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Up When He Should Be Down

If Pee Wee Reese didn't have to soar into the stratosphere for catcher Edward's peg to second, Bill Rigney, Giant infielder, might have been a dead pigeon instead of safe when he stole from first in the third inning. His efforts were little more than gesture, however, since Pete Reiser, Dodger outfielder, belted a home and a triple to drive in all of Brooklyn's runs to defeat the Giants 3-1 in a ten inning tilt.

The vintage International News Photo taken by Fred Must, dated 8/8/1946, is available through eBay (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1913 Ebbets Field host its first Major League game in front of about 10,000 spectators on a frigid Wednesday afternoon. It is an Opening Day contest against the Phillies. Unfortunately, the Superbas got shutout, 1-0. Check out the boxscore here. In 1947 Dodgers skipper Leo Durocher is given a one-year suspension by Commissioner Happy Chandler for "conduct deemed detrimental to baseball." It is related to his association with known gamblers. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela replaced scheduled starter Jerry Reuss to pitch on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. He would go on to throw a compelte game shutout -- blanking the Astros 2-0. Check out the boxscore here. As you know, Fernando would go on to win eight consecutive games to start the season and lead the team towards a World Series Championship.
• Happy Birthday, Steve Toole, Tiny Osborne, Fred Frankhouse, Guy Cantrell, Roy Gleason, Oscar Robles & AJ Ellis!

Blog Kiosk: 12/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

(Pic via Jennifer McGraw on twitter)

Fernando Valenzuela is now a member of the California Hall of Fame!

On Tuesday, Valenzuela, along with seven other distinguished persons that include Joan Baez and Robert Redford, were officially inducted in Sacramento. You can watch the entire ceremony here. Per Jennifer McGraw at CBS.com:

“Really, I was so excited and this moment is great,” said Fernando Valenzuela, beloved former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and World Series winner.

Photo above via Joe McHugh/CA.gov. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 actor Gene Autry is awarded an American League Los Angeles franchise that would be known as the Angels -- using a team name that once played in the PCL in Los Angeles and subsequently purchased by O'Malley when he moved the Dodgers West. In 1973 the Dodgers traded Claude Osteen and Dave Culpepper to the Astros for outfielder Jim Wynn. Wynn would go on to have a stellar year the following season in Los Angeles. He slashed .271/.387/.497/.884 with 32 homers and 108 RBI's, and would come in at fifth place in MVP voting. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Jason Schmidt. In 2007 signed free agent outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Tony Lazzeri, Tommy Brown & Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis!

Five Affordable Rookie Cards Every Die Hard Dodger Fan Should Have

Who doesn't love rookie cards?

They are a main driver in the card collecting hobby, and oftentimes the most desirable card available for any player.

So, with the winter doldrums in full swing I thought it would be fun to explore some rookie cards that I think every Dodger fan should have. I also thought it would be best to focus on cards that are most affordable -- for $10.00 or less. After all, not everyone can afford a Jackie Robinson or Sandy Koufax rookie card.

So without further ado, here is the first card on my list, and it is of Dodger legend Fernando Valenzuela. Best yet, his 1981 Topps card (#302) also includes the rookie card for popular catcher and former Angels manager Mike Scioscia. Check out the reverse of the card on the right.

Not surprisingly, Valenzuela cards can be purchased in great condition for next to nothing -- like a couple of bucks. As most collectors know, the 80's and for much of the 90's cards were overproduced -- flooding the market with more cardboard then collectors knew what to do with. Pair that with a collecting base that has admittedly shrunk since the hobby's heyday, and you've got a recipe for bargain prices for some of the games greatest players.

Blog Kiosk: 10/26/2018 - Dodgers Links - Game 3 is Tonight!

Earlier this morning a twitter account dedicated to the history of the Montreal Royals put up the above fantastic 1948 editorial cartoon drawing from the Montreal Gazette (@Royals_46season), and I wanted to share it here. It celebrates the four African-American ballplayers who donned Montreal Blue in the late-40's. BTW, if you love Dodger history I would suggest giving this account a follow.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Walter O'Malley became the ninth president and chief stockholder in the Dodgers franchise. Following the death of team owner John L. Smith (who owned one-quarter of the club) O'Malley navigated a deal where he bought Branch Rickey's share of the club and essentially became a trustee over the Smith family portion to take over majority control.
• Happy Birthday, Doc Newton, Tommy Griffith, Ed Vande Berg, Mark Sweeney& Daniel Coulombe!

Blog Kiosk: 10/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - World Series Game 1 Today!

Brothers in Arms!

The Dodgers really do seem like a tight bunch. Above we see Game 2 and 3 starters, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Walker Buehler, on the field at Fenway during yesterday's workout.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 Dodger President Branch Rickey announced that the team has signed two black ballplayers, shortstop Jackie Robinson and pitcher John "Needle Nose" Wright, to play with Brooklyn's Triple A team in Montreal. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series, 5-4. Fernando Valenzuela threw a nine-hit complete game. In 1998 Davey Johnson became manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 
• Happy Birthday, Lave Winham, Rube Bressler, Lee Grissom, Billy Sullivan, Solly Drake & Jim Bunning! 

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.