Blog Kiosk: 8/17/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

We are in the midst of experiencing a Dodgers' catching renaissance. First, we saw Will Smith wow the fans. Now, it's Keibert Ruiz's turn. In his first career at-bat yesterday afternoon he smashed a home run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It was very exciting,” Ruiz said after the Dodgers’ 8–3 win that swept the series in Anaheim. “First time being in the big leagues, I just was focused on getting a fastball and making contact. Happy to be here with all these guys and keep learning.”

You can also watch him speak with the press after the game, via SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers and Cubs played a 17 inning game that was temporarily halted at a tie, 1-1, because of darkness (this was before Wrigley Field had lights). The next day they begin where they left off. The Dodgers would eventually win on a sacrifice fly by Dusty Baker in the 21st inning. In 1992 Dodgers hurler Kevin Gross no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. Watch the last out of the game, as called by Vin Scully, here. Per a NY Times article:

"The later it got, the more the adrenaline started pumping," Gross said. "It was just a blur when that last out was made."

• Happy Birthday, George Harper, Doug McWeeny, Joe Bradshaw, Boog Powell, Brad Wellman, Jeff Fischer & Kyle Farmer!

Blog Kiosk: 4/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a vintage World Wide Photo print featuring Dodgers ace Sandy Koufax with Jay North - aka, Dennis the Menace. They appeared together in an episode of Dennis the Menace in May 1962 -- during 31st episode of season 3. The episode was titled, "Dennis and the Dodger." The photo is available through RMY Auctions. You can watch much of the episode on Daily Motion, here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1929 Dodger reliever Clise Dudley became the first pitcher (and only second player ever) to hit a home run on the first major league pitch thrown to him. In 1944 Jim Tobin of the Braves no-hits the Brooklyn Dodgers in Boston, 2-0. In 1990 Orel Hershiser undergoes surgery on his pitching shoulder. In 2004 Mets Catcher Mike Piazza ties Carlton Fisk for most career round-trippers by a catcher when he hit home run #351 against Dodgers hurler Hideo Nomo at Dodger Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Hi Myers, Frank Wurm & Corey Seager!

Blog Kiosk: 9/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

During the Dodgers impressive victories this weekend in St. Louis -- that brought the Dodgers within half-a-game of the Rockies in the NL West and a tie for the last Wild Card playoff spot -- the Dodgers' farmclubs in Tulsa and Rancho Cucamonga won their respective league titles.

Congrats, Drillers! Congrats, Quakes!

Hopefully this is an omen, not only for this season, but for the future of the franchise.

Craig Minami at True Blue LA provides a nice write-up on both victories, here. Check out the Drillers boxscore here. Check out the Quakes boxscore here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1912 Brooklyn outfielder and future Hall of Fame Manager Casey Stengel made his Major League debut. He collected four hits, drove in two runs and swiped a pair of stolen bases. In 1979 Dodger catcher Joe Ferguson hit his 20th homer of the season against the Atlanta Braves, which gave the team their fifth player with at least 20 homers on the year for the first time in franchise history. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela ties a Major League record for shutouts by a rookie at eight when he defeated the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. In 1996 Hideo Nomo threw the Dodgers 20th no-hitter in franchise history. He defeated the Colorado Rockies, 9-0. Watch the last out of this game here.
• Happy Birthday, Butts Wagner (older brother of Honus Wagner), Maury Kent, Ernie Koy & Dan Haren!

Blog Kiosk: 3/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Over the years I've posted up a bunch of vintage press photos from the golden era of the game. Today I thought I would pull something out that's a little more modern. Featured above is an 1983 AP photo showing a play at the plate that we are not likely to ever witness again. Hall of Famer Gary Carter -- himself a onetime Dodger -- masterfully blocks the plate to stop Dodger outfielder Ron Roenicke from scoring. (eBay Auction Link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1943 the Brooklyn Dodgers received soon-to-be Hall of Fame centerfielder Lloyd "Little Poison" Waner and Al Glossop from the Phillies in exchange for veteran infielder Babe Dahlgren. Although, Waner did not join the club for the 1943 Baseball season. Instead, he asked to be placed on the voluntary retirement list and took a wartime job at the Douglas Aircraft plant in Oklahoma City. Lloyd would eventually join Brooklyn for the 1944 season (playing briefly with his brother Paul -- a fellow Hall of Famer), but would eventually be released by mid-June -- He slashed .286/.412/.286/.697 in just 14 at-bats, primarily as a pinch hitter.
• Happy Birthday, Rube Yarrison, Arky Vaughan, Terry Mulholland, Koyie Hill & Willy Aybar!

Blog Kiosk: 3/24/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

Corey Seager is on the cover of this seasons ESPN the Magazine MLB Preview issue.  It should be on newsstands soon.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1982 Fernando Valenzuela ends his three week holdout and reports to Vero Beach for spring camp.  He earned just $42,500 in 1981, requested a raise to $1 million, then had his Dodger contract unilaterally renewed for a reported $350,000. In 2006 the U.S. Postal Service unveils the "Baseball Sluggers" postage stamps that includes Mickey Mantle, Mel Ott, Hank Greenberg and Roy Campanella.  See it on the right.
• Happy Birthday, Jim McCauley, Mike Mowrey, Jim Bucher, Dick Egan, Wilson Alvarez & Jamie Arnold!

Blog Kiosk: 1/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday afternoon the Dodgers officially welcomed back both Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner during a press conference at Dodger Stadium. Per a Ken Gurnick story at MLB.com:

"[Ownership was] extremely supportive of bringing these guys back," said Friedman. "I think heading into an offseason where they're at the top of the list, in terms of players, coupled with who they are and how well we know them, I think gave everyone more confidence to stretch and be creative.

"Kenley, in our minds, is the best reliever in baseball. Justin represents so much of what we value in a player."

The takeaway from the event was that both players were fervent is their desire to stay, and vocal about wanting to a win a world championship for the fans in Los Angeles.  Watch them speak about that here and here.  Doug Padilla at ESPN writes more about how they came up with their decision to stay during a haircut, here.

"Having conversations with these guys on my wedding weekend ... just to see them around meant so much to me," Jansen said. "It made a decision to leave even tougher after we sat down to talk about stuff while I was getting my haircut. When we were all together, it made it tough for me to make a decision to be in another uniform."

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo @Dodgers on twitter.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from the press conference.  Below are more links to check out:

• !!!! 2017 FanFest News !!!!  At 12:00 PM Noon today you can go to the Dodgers FanFest site (link here) to download a free ticket to the event.  As you know, FanFest will be held on Saturday, January 28th at Dodger Stadium.  Details regarding player autographs should be coming soon.
• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1920 a plan developed by Charles Ebbets many years ago is finally adopted - the annual drafting of players from the minor leagues will be done in inverse order of the final standings.  In 2016 the Dodgers received Rob Segedin from the Yankees in exchange for Tyler Olson and Ronald Torreyes.  They also traded starting pitcher Joe Wieland to the Mariners for minor league infielder Erick Mejia.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Swartwood, Tom Kinslow, Dan Daub, Ed Stevens, Terry Whitfield, Mike Marshall, Chris Hatcher & Alex Wood!
  

Blog Kiosk: 12/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ellis, Kershaw and the Handsome Dave Roberts

I guess you never get football out of your system.

Featured above is a fantastic AP press/publicity photograph that features Jackie Robinson in the midst of being tackled by two college gridiron all-stars.  (eBay Auction Link)  This photo was taken on August 15, 1949 at a BBWAA get-together in Bear Mountain, NY.  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Note that Jackie, a guest at the outing, is wearing a slipper on his left foot injured in a recent game.  The footballers, Goble Bryant (left), Army, and Scott Emerson, Navy, are members of the Eastern College All-Star Team which is training at Bear Mountain for their tilt with the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds in New York, Sept. 1.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1947 the Dodgers made a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates that netted them Billy Cox, Gene Mauch and Preacher Rowe for Hal Gregg, Vic Lombardi and Dixie Walker.
• Happy Birthday, Alan Foster, Jolbert Cabrera & Reed Johnson!

Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2016 Dodgers Links - Puig, Bellinger and Adrian Gonzalez

Before the start of the misery that was yesterdays ballgame, Dodgers slugging first baseman Adrian Gonzalez spent the early afternoon enjoying the beauty and majesty of Denver's Downtown Aquarium, as evidenced by a pic he tweeted out.

As for the game, let's just forget all about it.  After all, we wasted a good start by Kenta Maeda.  He went five innings and gave up two earned runs on four hits - leaving the Dodgers still contention to take the game.  The Rockies scoring at that point was as an result of a two-run homer by Nick Hundley.  Per Ken Gurnick and Ben Weinrib at MLB.com:

"Overall I thought I pitched pretty well," said Maeda. "That one pitch, a slider, was definitely a mistake pitch. I always want to pitch longer, but that one pitch led to the team losing. It was very regrettable."

Frankly, it was a five run seventh inning by Colorado ruined it all.

"It got away from us," said Roberts. "I liked the matchup with Grant and we got a scoreless inning there. And this park, if you keep it close, you have a chance, but it just didn't go our way tonight."

Heck, when you only score a single run in Coors Field you are not likely to win. With the 8-1 loss the Dodgers now hold a precarious 1.5 game lead over the Giants.  Below are more links to check out:

• Today in Dodger History:  In 1952 former Dodger infielder Arky Vaughn dies in a fishing accident.  He drowned in a lake near Eagleville, CA when his boat capsized.  In 1953 Roy Campanella tied a NL record for RBI's by a catcher at 122.  He would finish the year with a Major League best 142 RBI's for a catcher.

Blog Kiosk: 6/27/2016 - Dodgers Links - Sborz, Seager and Adrián González

Today is a travel day for the Dodgers, and as is tradition ballplayers are tasked with looking their best when going from town to town.  This often means wearing a suit, but I think Adrián González's duds will work out just fine.  Check out the pic above, tweeted by AGone this morning, of himself wearing some special clothes in anticipation of traveling to Milwaukee later this afternoon.  As you know, he'll be riding the pine for this afternoons game (which starts at 9:35 AM PST).  Via Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“You look over the last couple weeks, he’s not swinging well, and sometimes, I think it’s good to get away,” Roberts said.

BTW, the Dodgers lost a tough one yesterday.  With Clayton Kershaw on the mound they continued their losing ways on the road by losing to Pittsburgh 4-3.  Unfortunately, Kershaw had an uncharacteristic start.  He went only six innings, throwing 98 pitches, striking out only four, walking two and giving up nine hits.  All four earned runs came across the plate in the second inning.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It just really comes down to limit the damage," said Kershaw, who allowed nine hits in six innings. "Some of those hits, I missed some spots, but they didn't hit it too hard. Then the Freese hit killed me tonight. I missed my spot bad, he made me pay. He's a good hitter, he's had some success against me and always been a tough out. I've got to get the guy ahead of him out. That's pretty much the name of the game tonight."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1980 Jerry Reuss no-hit the Giants at Candlestick Park.  He misses a perfect game due to an error by Bill Russell in the first inning.  In 2011 the Dodgers file for bankruptcy under the McCourt's.

Blog Kiosk: 9/10/2014 - Dodgers Links - Lead Shrinks to 2.5 Games

Holy Moly!  A comedy of errors plagued the Dodgers yesterday as some misplayed balls in the second inning resulted in a bunch of runs scoring.  Worse yet, it all appeared to rattle starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez.  He only went three innings, giving up five runs on five hits, and only two of the runs were earned.

Andrew Cashner of the Padres was money.  He stifled the Dodgers for seven innings by spreading around nine hits and allowing only two runs on a Adrian Gonzalez homer.  The Dodgers certainly got enough men on base, but just couldn't finish the job. 

The above photo of the Dodger bat rack was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to check out more pics of his from yesterday's game.  Hopefully, the Dodgers use those bat to drive in some runs tonight.

With the Dodgers loss last night and the Giants win over the terrible Diamondbacks, the good guys see their lead in the West shrink to 2.5 games.  Someone find me some aspirin 'cause my muscles are sore and my mind is aching from the stress.  Below are some links to check out:

• GCRL writes about, "the evolution of the Dodgers' first baseman, part one" through Baseball cards.
• Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "REA Pulls Back Curtain on 2nd Fall Auction."  This upcoming auction includes Red Patterson's 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series ring in its original presentation box.  He was the public relations director for the Dodgers.  See a pic of it on the right.
• Via Graham Womack at Baseball: Past and Present, "Jackie Robinson’s underrated final season."
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Be patient Dodger fans – Joc Pederson is close."

“I’m getting pitched a little different than I did in the minor leagues,” said Pederson. “It’s a little adjustment period but it will come with time. I’m not worried about it, I definitely put up a lot worse numbers in the minor leagues in 17 at-bats.”

• Yeah, I know.  I promised no more McCourt stories, but I couldn't resist this one.  Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, "Could Frank McCourt really bring horse jumping to Dodger Stadium?"
• Via Wayne Drehs at ESPN, "Two in a Million."  It's all about the day Clayton Kershaw and Mike Trout went head-to-head.

It's tantalizing to imagine how it will go: Kershaw will stare at Trout through his black leather glove, kick his right knee so it nearly touches his elbow and then fall toward home plate, planting his right foot and unleashing a pitch from his arsenal. Trout will hold a two-tone 31½-ounce piece of maple behind his head. He'll stare back at Kershaw, lift his left foot, shift his weight forward, turn his hips and in a split second decide whether or not to pull his bat through the zone with power and purpose.

And everyone will watch.

• Watch the video of when Vin Scully met Babe Ruth at Dodger Insider.
• Drew Magary at GQ ranks, "The 25 Biggest Sleazebags in Sports." 

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2013 - Dodgers Links - An Interview with Jansen, Jeff Kent and Cruz to Japan

Here's a vintage photo of the construction work being done to build Dodger Stadium at Chavez Ravine.  It was posted up by a twitter account called @Dodgers_History.  You should check them out. They've recently put up a bunch of vintage stadium pics from Brooklyn and LA.

• Via Amanda Rykoff at The Outside Corner, "Curaçao Baseball Week 2013: Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen stays humble".  Here's an interview with our closer.

Amanda Rykoff: You switched from catcher to power pitcher. What was the adjustment like for you?

Kenley Jansen: It was a tough decision back then. To me I feel like it was a life learning experience. I almost wanted to quit and I wanted to ask for my release. I was almost suspended. Talking to my family and all these people and I decided to give it a try. And now today -- it took me a year to be in the major leagues -- and today I’m a closer just doing it.

• Via Bryan Hoch at MLB.com, "Mattingly realistic when it comes to Hall chances".

"My first year of eligibility, I pretty much knew I wasn't going to make it or anything," Mattingly told ESPN earlier this year. "I don't pay that much attention to it, to be honest with you. It's to the point now where it comes up and you're like, 'Oh, it's over,' and you go on."

• In other HOF ballot news, Jeff Kent is on the ballot for the first time.  Via Chris Haft at MLB.com, "Team success mattered most to Hall candidate Kent".

"When the bell rang for me, I was fighting to win," said Kent, who hit 377 home runs and captured the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 2000 with the Giants. "All I wanted to do was win. I knew that if I focused on winning, I would be OK. And it worked out that way."

• Panini America is reviving the Donruss Baseball card brand.  Via Chris Olds at Beckett, he shares some preview pics for 2014 Donruss Baseball cards; including the Yasiel Puig card on the right.
• Via Greg Zakwin at Yahoo, "The Biggest Turkey in Los Angeles Dodgers History: Frank McCourt".
• Night Owl Cards proves once again why it's one of the best Baseball card hobby blogs around.  Check out his latest post, "If you can't join 'em count 'em", that ranks Baseball cards sets by highest percentage of mustached ballplayers. 
• Skip Schumaker has signed a 2-year contract to play for the Reds, via USA Today.
• Via AM570, listen to Ned Colletti tell Petros and Money what made this season so tough.
• An old friend alert!  Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, Luis Cruz goes to Japan - "Luis Cruz Signs With Chiba Lotte Marines".

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Mailbag: A Larry King "Fans of the Game" Autographed Card

I've been a huge fan of the "Fans of the Game" autographed cards put out by Donruss/Playoff for a long time.  So, when this Larry King card came up for bidding on eBay I knew I had to take a run at it. 

As you can see, King claims an allegiance to the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He was born in the NY borough in the early 30's, so he had an opportunity to grow up with the "Boys of Summer".  Nowadays, you can spot him at Dodger Stadium taking in a game.

At one time he threw his hat into the ring as a potential buyer of the Dodgers.  He had this to say, via Tony Jackson at ESPN LA:

"I think Frank got caught up in the L.A. aspect of the life," King said. "The Dodgers became secondary to the ... lifestyle of being Frank McCourt, Dodger owner. He liked that image of walking into a room. Basically, he is a nice guy, I don't think he is an owner. I just don't think he is cut out to own a baseball team. He is cut out to be a real estate guy who does deals. He is a deal guy … .

"I am a fan. I'm paying over $300 a seat for every game, I have six seats. I'm putting this money into the team, I hope they do well. I would like to see the owner do well. But instead of bidding for the top free agents, he's buying another house. ... If I run into Frank, I'm kind, I smile and I say hello, and he says hello. He has been to my house for dinner when he first got the team. But ... he's not cut out to be an owner, and I think the league made a mistake, frankly, in giving him the franchise."

This card is a 2004 Playoff Honors "Fans of the Game" card that I was able to snag for about $15 delivered.  I don't think that's too shabby.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 6/13/2013 - Dodgers Links - Draft Picks Signed, Puig and No National in California (for a long time)

Both our first and second round picks from the 2013 amateur draft have just signed contracts with the Dodgers.  They were both at the stadium last night, as evidenced by the photo above.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.  The Dodgers press release is here.

• Jason Parks at Baseball Prospectus introduces us to the Yasiel Puig drinking game.
• Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Time to ease on Puig expectations".
• Austin Laymance at MLB.com, "Dodgers prospects making impact; more on the way".

Lee, 21, was the Dodgers' first round pick (28th overall) in the 2010 Draft and has been rising quickly through the system ever since. The right-hander has four pitches that he can throw for strikes and has good movement on a fastball that sits at 92-93 mph. Still, Lee is not expected to arrive in the Majors until next season.

• Via Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk, he tells us what physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says about a Baseball to the head.  This man is one of my personal heroes.

Not that anybody asked, but a baseball thrown 90 mph has about the same energy as a 0.22 caliber bullet fired from a handgun.
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) June 12, 2013

• Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, McCourt would be a principle landlord if a football stadium was built in the Dodger Stadium parking lot.  Because of this, I believe there should never be football at Chavez Ravine.  NO!  NEVER!  I absolutely despise McCourt and knowing that he will have some role so close to our second home makes me sick!  I propose designating Dodger Stadium and its surrounding land a National Historic Landmark, so that they can never develop the land.  Screw them!
• This is just awesome.  "New Origami Street Art in Angers, France by Mademoiselle Maurice," via This is Colossal.com.  Definately a must see.

• In some brief card show news.  You should not expect the National Sports Collectors Convention to make it to the West Coast til 2020, at the earliest.  Via Susan Lulgjuraj at Beckett, "National Sports Collectors Convention planned for next six years, headed back to Atlantic City". Sports Collectors Daily shares a quote from the promoter explaining why the West Coast gets shut out.

“We have size requirements now,” NSCC Director and Co-Founder Mike Berkus told Sports Collectors Daily in 2012.  “Operating  under 325,000 square feet would mean that many exhibitors would be shut out. Vegas and Atlantic City pose challenges on diversion of attention and attendance. Philly, New York, and Boston have financial and union issues that require exhibitors to have large increases in booth fees. Anaheim, San Francisco, and Boston will not host us without a cancellation policy that would kill advance travel and planning for all concerned. They want trade shows that require 8000 to 10,000 room night guarantees or they can cancel us without recourse. We are constantly researching and negotiating as many locations as possible.”

• This is the greatest Baseball call-up news I've ever read.  Via Sean Kernan at the Daytona Beach News-Journal, "Daytona Cubs vendor with famous pitches gets big-league call".

Near the end of spring training in March, Vince received a hand-written note on personalized stationery from Mark Lerner, principal owner of the Washington Nationals. It was an invitation to come work for the National League team in Washington, D.C. 

After more than a decade hawking such ballpark delights as frozen lemonade, cotton candy, peanuts and, most famously, ice-cold beer, in the minors, Vince had received his call up to the majors. 

"I'm ecstatic," Vince said as he proudly held the note he carries in his wallet. "My entire life, I've been waiting for something to happen because everything I do – every beer that I sell – I put 100 percent into it. Every sale – peanuts, cotton candy, whatever."

BTW, he's not just a vendor.  He's a recent UCF Grad with a degree in Communications.  The Nationals plan to train him in the marketing department and have him hawk goods during games. 

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 6/6/2013 - Dodgers' Links - Dodgers Sign Young Player, the Dodgers Arborist & an Interview with Mike Brito

This is the best news I've heard all year.  The Dodgers made a surprise signing yesterday.  They signed a young hurler by the name of Michael Douglas to a one-day contract as a part of the Make A Wish Foundation. Pic above via the Dodgers tumblr.

(pic link: twitter @Dodgers)

• Topps knows what's up!  Via their twitter.

(twitter link)

• Howard Cole at LA Weekly introduces us to the Dodgers official arborist.

Always the pioneering organization, perhaps it's no surprise that the Dodgers, who famously gave the world Jackie Robinson, and who currently employ baseball's first female head athletic trainer in Sue Falsone, should be the one and only Major League Baseball club to employ a full-time arborist. Or even a part-time arborist. Perea, who's been with the team since 2009, is closing in on his Bachelor of Science degree in Turf Science from Penn State University Online, has Associate of Science degrees in Pest Management and Ornamental Horticulture from Mt. San Antonio College, and manages a full-time staff or four.

• Congratulations, Paul LoDuca.  He is working his way towards a career in a Baseball broadcast booth.  He'll be broadcasting more collegiate World Series Baseball.

(twitter link)

• I hate having to link to any McCourt related news, but this is interesting since we'll likely get a look at the financial arrangement between the Guggenheim Group and McCourt.  Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, "Judge orders Dodgers to release details of deal with Frank McCourt".
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA interviews the man who discovered Puig, Mike Brito.
• "Scott Elbert injury: Dodgers LHP needs Tommy John surgery," via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.
• Panini just released some preview pics of their upcoming 2013 Golden Age Baseball set.  Check out the autographed cards of former Dodgers Ron cey and Tommy Davis below.  This set comes out on June 26th.  Check out more pics here; including autographed cards from cast members of Happy Days and the Brady Bunch.

• Bob Lemke recounts an old story featuring Satchel Paige that may have some relation to Bill Veeck's gimmick of sending up Eddie Gaedel to bat.
• The Baseball Draft starts today.  Ken Gurnick at MLB.com has a nice report on the Dodgers plans.

"We definitely dipped into that," said White. "I feel better about our current depth than one might suspect, but I always try to get pitching and that's not going to change. We'll still try to get the highest-ceiling guy."

• Orel at Sons of Steve Garvey provides a transcript of Vin Scully telling us who Al Campanis thought was the best player he ever saw.  Although I'm way too young to have ever seen this player, based on stories I've read and analysis from folks I trust, I can't disagree with Campanis.  There's a reason they called him, "El Maestro".

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 4/1/2013 Happy Opening Day!

Check out the Kershaw's new Kershaw's Challenge T-Shirts.  Get your own shirt on their website, here (Arise Africa Store).  Pic via twitter @ellenkershaw.

• Do you have a story or a story to tell about someone battling through breast cancer?  Well, MLB (including the Dodgers) are looking for your story and will honor someone as a Honoray Bat Girl.  Go here for more information.
• Left Field Pavilion makes a great Opening Day graphic.  Check it out.
• An Opening Day poem from MLB FanCave participant and resident Dodgers' fan Aaron Roberts.  Link here.
• Mark Smith at ABQ Journal Sports writes a great piece on the struggles Albuquerque went through to bring back Baseball after the Dukes left.  This season marks the 10 year anniversary of the Isotopes.

“Looking back, it was all worth it,” says Lawrence Rael, the city’s former chief administrative officer. “When you’re sitting there having a hot dog and your favorite beverage in a beautiful stadium, nobody’s ever going to remember all the political morass that we had to go through to get here. That’s probably the greatest satisfaction for me going to that field today. But if these folks really knew how close we were to not getting here … ”

• Max Weinstein at Beyond the Boxscore lets us know who should be platooned in 2013.  Both Ethier and Dee Gordon made the list.
• Paula Massingill at Huffinton Post details some of the best places to eat before a Dodgers' game.
• I can't think of anything worse than this.  According to Isai Rocha at Dodgers Nation, the Dodgers have approached Frank McCourt about a lower level advisement position within the organization.  This boggles the mind.  If I ever see that man again...
• Just because it's Opening Day. We're "Talking Baseball - Willie, Mickey and the Duke" by Terry Cashman.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 9/26/2012

This is probably the best photo of Endeavor flying over Dodger Stadium, via twitter @Dodgers.

• Eric Gagne spills the beans, via Mark Saxon at ESPN.

In the book, Gagne does not provide any names of players he says used PEDs. Baseball began stricter testing in the spring of 2006. Players are subject to HGH testing during spring training and in the offseason, but not during the season.

"I was intimately aware of the clubhouse in which I lived. I would say that 80 percent of the Dodgers players were consuming them," Gagne says in the book.

• Congratulations to AJ Ellis for being named this seasons winner of the 7th Annual Roy Campanella Award, via a Dodger press release.

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that catcher A.J. Ellis was named the winner of the seventh annual Roy Campanella Award, which is given to the Dodger player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher. The award, which was voted upon by Dodger uniform personnel, will be presented to Ellis by Campanella’s daughter, Joni Campanella Roan, during pre-game ceremonies Saturday night.

• Envious, am I.
• Tom Bartsch at Sports Collectors Digest writes about how 'The Dodger Way' still resonates 60 years later.

At this year’s dinner for the Baseball Assistance Team, honoring the 50th anniversary of the New York Mets, former Mets shortstop Bud Harrelson spoke of the importance of manager Gil Hodges to the miracle world championship won by the ’69 team.

“Gil taught us the Dodger way to play baseball,” he said. “The fundamentals. In a way, the win for the ’69 Mets was sort of another win for the Dodgers, for the way they did things. That’s what Gil brought to us.”

• Ha! Ha!  Jamie McCourt is now suing Frank McCourt, via Fox Sports.

''Mr. McCourt got about 93 percent of the family assets, and Mrs. McCourt got about 7 percent,'' Fields said in a phone interview. ''We would've much preferred to have this massive imbalance resolved with some modification, but we got no response to that approach. We didn't want to have more family litigation, but now it's up to the court.''

• Wow!  This is the farthest-ever view into the universe.  Via Mashable,

The picture, called eXtreme Deep Field, or XDF, combines 10 years of Hubble telescope views of one patch of sky. Only the accumulated light gathered over so many observation sessions can reveal such distant objects, some of which are one ten-billionth the brightness that the human eye can see.

• No More Hockey Games.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 5/30/2012

Go Kings Go!!!!!

• I love the irony of this news.  Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times we find out that the law firm that represented McCourt in his BK has just filed for BK themselves. Then Bill Shaikin notes that the, "McCourt Management of Dodgers Under Grand Jury Investigation."  Wha????  News related to McCourt and the Dodgers just doesn't want to go away.
• Orel at the Sons of Steve Garvey notes how much Dodger fans love to spell.  Then DelinO at SOSG follows that up by telling us where Dodger fandom could progress towards.  The latter is not a pretty sight.
• Bob Lemke has a couple of great post up reminding us of the various color barriers that were still left to cross by 1952.  Part 1.  Part 2.  Jackie Robinson is prominent in both blog entries.
• True to the Blue has a recap and photos from the recent signing at Frank & Sons with Guerra, Jansen and De La Rosa.
• Jerry Crasnick at ESPN notes on twitter that the Dodgers expect Lilly to miss only 2 to 3 starts.

• On the heals of the Dodgers sale and the ongoing sale of the Padres comes news that the LA Kings might be available for the right price, via FoxSports.  (Hat Tip: Bill Perkins)

Philip Anschutz-controlled AEG Corporation, which owns the Kings and the Kings' home arena Staples Center, and its CEO Tim Leiweke, have started marketing the team by directly calling suitors, a source told the New York Post.

A few years ago, the Kings first put themselves up for sale seeking more than $200 million, but now likely will accept less, the source said.

Blog Kiosk: 5/4/2012

Welcome to the Blue, Bobby Abreau.  Obviously, he won't be a everyday starter like he wanted to be with the Angels.  Maybe the general lack of interest caused him to reevaluate his position, or maybe he just wanted out of Anaheim.  Via a Dodgers Press Release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the signing of outfielder Bobby Abreu to a one-year contract and optioned infielder Justin Sellers to Triple-A Albuquerque. General Manager Ned Colletti made the announcement.

“Bobby has consistently performed throughout his career and brings his winning experience to the clubhouse,” said Colletti. “He gives us a left-handed bat off the bench and will also see time in the outfield. He has been a very good hitter throughout his career, he knows how to work a count and has been a run producer.”

• BTW, Matt Kemp was named MLB's National League Player of the Month of April.   
• Maury Brown at the Biz of Baseball tells us how much Selig disliked McCourt. (Hat Tip: 6-4-2)

For those counting, that’s seven all-too-clear comments about Selig’s dislike for McCourt. Along with the comments, there is the absence of any positive statements about McCourt, something that Selig and the league nearly always do when there is an outgoing owner.

• Summer Anne Burton shares he drawing of Don Drysdale at Every Hall of Famer.  She begins the drawing with a classic Drysdale quote:

 I start the game mad and I stay that way until it's over.

• Attention all men!  Kate Upton is getting a Baseball card.  It'll be in this coming Allen & Ginter set, via ESPN.
• Jose "frick'n" Canseco wants to be a write-in candidate for this years All-Star Game, via the Hall of Very Good.  I say, let him in!
• A 1961 Wilie Mays uniform walks into the antique Roadshow, via Sports Collectors Daily.
• I literally live a couple of blogs from this place.  Jared Weaver celebrated his no-hitter by partying at "The Goat" in Costa Mesa, via TMZ.  

It's Official. Magic Shoots and Scores!

The news is out! The group headed by Magic Johnson has been chosen as the winner of the Dodgers sweepstakes.

Below is the press release with some of my brief comments:

LOS ANGELES, March 27, 2012 - The Los Angeles Dodgers and Frank McCourt today announced an agreement under which Guggenheim Baseball Management LLC (“GBM”) will acquire the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2 billion upon completion of the closing process. The purchasing group includes Mark R. Walter as its controlling partner, as well as Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Peter Guber, Stan Kasten, Bobby Patton and Todd Boehly. Mr. McCourt and certain affiliates of the purchasers will also be forming a joint venture, which will acquire the Chavez Ravine property for an additional $150 million.

What a price. $2Billion was mentioned as a possible price several weeks ago, but appeared out of reach as numerous reports over the past week pegged the actual sales value at about $1.5Billion. Now, seeing that number in print has me astonished, but not wholly unprepared.

The other key point here is that a Mark R. Walter is the Controlling Partner. Who is he? Walter is the CEO of Guggenheim Partners who are headquartered in Chicago and New York. They are a financial services firm involved in over $100Billion in investments. As controlling partner he has final say in the partnership. Essentially, he is the boss, and probably fulfills the investment management part of the job. I would consider the other names mentioned as investors who hold a certain percentage of shares in the investment group.

There's another kicker here worth mentioning. The price is actually more than $2Billion. It is $2Billion for the team and stadium plus a future joint venture between McCourt and the new ownership group. Assuming it will be a 50/50 split means that the true value is at $2.3Billion with McCourt owning a very small piece related to just the parking lots.

The Los Angeles Dodgers stated, “This transaction underscores the Debtors’ objective to maximize the value of their estate and to emerge from Chapter 11 under a successful Plan of Reorganization, under which all creditors are paid in full.”

Based on Ken Gurnick's report the deal must close by April 30th.

Frank McCourt stated, “This agreement with Guggenheim reflects both the strength and future potential of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and assures that the Dodgers will have new ownership with deep local roots, which bodes well for the Dodgers, its fans and the Los Angeles community. We are delighted that this group will continue the important work we have started in the community, fulfilling our commitment to building 50 Dream Fields and helping with the effort to cure cancer.”

Earvin "Magic" Johnson stated, "I am thrilled to be part of the historic Dodger franchise and intend to build on the fantastic foundation laid by Frank McCourt as we drive the Dodgers back to the front page of the sports section in our wonderful community of Los Angeles."

I'm not entirely thrilled with the idea that McCourt will still benefit from the Dodgers. He is a stain on the organization and his continued association with the franchise is disconcerting. I guess the devil's in the details, though. I would be very interested in knowing what the joint venture is all about.

UPDATE:

Bill Shakin reports on twitter that the joint venture for ownership of the parking lots will be controlled by Magic's group.
UPDATE II:

For further clarification from Bill Shaikin.
This news goes from good to worse. All the first tweet told us was that McCourt couldn't interfere with the parking lots for games, but is likely to have some control when it comes to redevelopment of the land. This could mean a sizable ownership stake if a Dodgers entertainment complex is built there, or a grand conspiracy to move the Dodgers to downtown by using McCourt as a future scapegoat. I know... I know. My conspiratorial mind is taking over.

Blog Kiosk: 3/16/2012

Watching Clayton Kershaw's bullpen session, pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• LA Blue Crew put up a bunch of pics from his visit to Camelback Ranch for some Spring Training Baseball.
  
• Dave Fleming at Bill James Online wonders aloud if James Loney could break out to lead the NL in home runs this year. Could he be a modern version of the Big Klu? (Hat Tip: Baseball Musings)
  

  Kluszewski and Loney both reached the majors at twenty-two. Both were highly touted prospects, though they reached the majors through different channels. Kluszewski, a star tight-end for the University of Indiana, sort of lucked into the majors: a groundskeeper employed by the Reds witnessed Kluszewski hitting baseballs, and passed his name along to upper management. Like a few others of his era, Kluszewski was a football player who played baseball.

  Loney, in contrast, was a baseball player through-and-through. In high school, he hit .509, and as a pitcher averaged nearly two strikeouts per inning pitched. He was a first-round selection in the draft (19^th overall). At twenty-two, he hit .380 in AAA ball.
• The Baseball Professor predicts that Dee Gordon will steal 70 bases. On the other hand, some ESPN fantasy experts think he'll be back in the minors by mid-season (via Vin Scully is My Homeboy).
  
• Here is a great story at Big League Stew about Jerry Hairston's attempt to blow the ball foul yesterday.
  
• Via Beckett Blog they introduce us to OYO Sports Toys. These are Lego compliant Baseball figures of your favorite teams and stars. See the Matt Kemp below. Ethier, Kershaw, Loney and a general Dodger player are also available. On top of that , according to Beckett you can have one made of yourself. Read the Beckett story for more.
• I wish they made these while I was in college. My room would have looked awesome. Walls 360 partners with Topps to make some cool wall graphics of vintage Baseball (and other sports) packs and various other non-sports drawings (including Mars Attacks!). Check out information here and here.
• I am so envious. Collector's Crack nails down a Robin Yount autograph at Spring Training.
  
• This is the first I've heard of this. Here is a trailer for a documentary called "Blue Revolution" that focuses on fan efforts to oust Frank McCourt. More background can be found here. Apparently, there is a screening happening soon of the finished product. I'll provide details when I get them.
  

Video Link: