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: 6/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun International Press Photo featuring Jackie Robinson, Joe Black, Duke Snider, Don Zimmer, Walter Alston and Gil Hodges. In the background is a blackboard with the words, "The Bums Dood It 10 Straight." (eBay auction link)

Unfortunately, it is undated and the paper descriptor on the reverse has been torn off. Nevertheless, I am certain the eBay seller is correct in saying it's from the 1955 season. That year they had two - ten game winning streaks before winning their first World Series Championship.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Reds lefty Johnny Vander Meer made history when he threw his second consecutive no-hitter -- beating the Dodgers at Ebbets Field, 6-0. BTW, this was the very first night game played in New York City. In 1996 the Dodgers turn their first triple play in 47 years. In Atlanta with runners going from 1st and 2nd base in the 1st inning, Braves infielder Chipper Jones hit a popup to short-left that was snagged by Juan Castro. He dutifully threw to second baseman Delino Deshields for the second out, who then relayed the ball to first baseman Eric Karros to get the third out (6-4-3 Triple Play).
• Happy Birthday, Ed Wheeler, Eddie Pipgras, Hank Winston, Babe Dahlgren, Dusty Baker, Brett Butler & Josh Lindblom!

Blog Kiosk: 6/12/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

2020 Draft is over and we now have six new prospects to watch -- assuming they sign on the dotted line. On Wednesday they picked University of Louisville right-hander Bobby Miller. Then on Thursday they added five more players -- Landon Knack RHP 60th overall, Clayton Beeter RHP 66th overall, Jake Vogel OF 100th overall, Carson Taylor C 130th overall and Gavin Stone RHP 159th overall.

I made a handful of fantasy custom baseball cards for Knack, Beeter and Vogel. I hope to have more to share soon, so stay tuned.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 the Dodgers made one of the biggest trades in their history. They received 1937 Triple Crown winner Joe "Ducky" Medwick and pitcher Curt Davis from the Cardinals for outfielder Ernie Koy, pitcher Carl Doyle, two minor leaguers and $125k in cash (a huge sum in those days). The Dodgers would win the pennant the following season for the first time since 1920. In 1955 Don Newcombe, having won his first ten decisions of the season, lost his first game of the year when Brooklyn falls to the Cubs, 9-5. In 2005 first baseman Hee-Seop Choi hit home runs in his first three at-bats this evening against the Twins to propel the Dodgers over Minnesota, 4-3. Watch all three here. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack O'Brein, Roger Bernadina & Damon Hollins!