Blog Kiosk: 6/26/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Wow! What a fantastic photo.

The base-runner is coming in hard with a hook-slide, while sticking his arms out like Spitfire in attack mode. Best yet, Ted Cieslak of the Phillies has his tongue out --  no doubt concentrating on making sure he swipes the plate before being tagged out by Brooklyn Dodger backstop Mickey Owen. Per the descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Even Insults Don't Help --
New York... Ciedlak, of the Philadelphia Phillies, sticks his tongue out at catcher Owen of the Brooklyn Dodgers as he tries desperately to beat the ball to the sack in second inning of the secon game of today's Didger-Philly Double-Header at Ebbets Field. Peacock's hit to right field started the play. Right fielder Walker got the ball down to Owen in time for the out. The Dodgers won the first game 4 to 1. 

Interestingly, the International Press Photo above considers the tongue lashing by Cieslak to be an insult. Nowadays, it's almost considered an endearment.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1944 the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees play an exhibit charity game in front of 50,000 fans for the war bond movement dubbed the Tri-Cornered Baseball Game. The Dodgers won the contest: Dodgers 5, Yankees 1, Giants 0. Check out what I wrote about it here. Nathalie Alonso at MLB.com wrote a story about it that came out last year. It's excellent. Check it out here. In 1996 Tommy Lasorda undergoes an angioplasty after suffering a mild heart attack. Bill Russell is named Los Angeles' interim manager. In 1997 Tony Gwynn broke my heart. During the seventh-inning against the Dodgers, he hit a inside-the-park grand slam at Dodger Stadium to lead the Padres in victory, 9-7. The homer put Gwynn over the .400 mark.  In 1999 Dodgers catcher Todd Hundley hit a three-run game-winning home run off of Giants closer Robb Nen in the ninth inning to spark a come-from-behind victory at Candlestick Park, 7-6. 
• Happy Birthday, Jean-Pierre Roy, Henry Schmidt, Rodney Myers & Babe Herman!

Blog Kiosk: 6/9/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Featured above is a October 2, 1951 Sporting News press photo featuring a rain delayed Polo Grounds -- just before the Dodgers and Giants would play Game 2 of the three-game playoff to decide the pennant. This pic is found on Ebay (link) and was originally taken by Paul Tepley.

As you know, the Dodgers would eventually win this game, 10-0, before losing to the Giants the following day, on Bobby Thomson's miraculous walk-off homer.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 Dodgers starter and Hall of Famer Rube Marquard breaks his leg running the bases during the game against Cincinnati, ending his season. This next one is wild. In 1945 it was alleged that a recent medically discharged soldier was assaulted by Dodger manager Leo Durocher as he was being held by a Brooklyn patrolman during the sixth inning of that afternoons ballgame at Ebbets Field. He sustained a fractured jaw and other wounds. It is alleged that he was heckling Brooklyn's manager during the game. Durocher would be arrested the next day on felonious assault, but charges would be dropped soon thereafter after the fan receives over $6,000 from the Dodgers for his injuries. Branch Rickey would later defend Durocher, saying we are a "team of ferocious gentleman." In 1955 the Dodgers traded Joe Black to the Reds for Bob Borowski. In 1990 Eddie Murray hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the game against the Padres in San Diego.  Having done this for the tenth time in his career, he ties a MLB record with Mickey Mantle.
• Happy Birthday, Duke Esterbrook, Zac Rosscup, Mack Wheat, Joe Kelly & Irish Meusel!

Blog Kiosk: 2/20/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

BFF's.

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

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

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

The next homestand starts on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. 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 
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Friday, September 6th at 7:10 PM

Clayton Kershaw vs Jeff Samardzija

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 8/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Youngest to 40

Cody Bellinger launched his 40th homer of the season last night to become the youngest Dodger in franchise history to hit as many home runs -- he is 24-yeas old. Via Christina De Nicola at MLB.com:

Per Andrew Friedman: “Obviously, incredibly talented player who’s had a lot of success, but for him to take that other big step forward has been awesome. Just the maturation that we've seen over the offseason into this year, we think it's a big contributing factor to that.”
...
“He's a special player, when you think about it,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “This guy plays center. He plays first. He's a really good outfielder. He can steal a bag. He has power. The whole thing. It's a different look. He does everything. When you're talking about one of the top guys in the league, they're guys that can do that. It's not just home runs. It's not just average. It's a little bit of everything.”

Photo above via Michael Reaves/Stringer 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 1950 Giants third baseman Hank Thompson hit two inside-the-park home runs off Dodger pitchers Don Bankhead and Carl Erskine at the Polo Grounds. Brooklyn got pummeled 16-7. In 1964 Cardinals great Curt Flood recorded eight consecutive hits against the Dodgers during a doubleheader in Los Angeles; including four hits against Sandy Koufax. Unfortunately, Koufax injured his elbow while on the basepaths and would not pitch again that season. In 1988 the Dodgers traded fan favorite Pedro Guerrero to the Cardinals for starting pitcher John Tudor. This move would prove to be an impactful one. In nine starts Tudor would solidify the rotation by going 4-3 with an 2.41 ERA as the Dodgers head to the World Series.
• Happy Birthday, Hub Northen, Billy Rhiel, Roger Cedeno & Yu Darvish!

Blog Kiosk: 6/27/2019 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tony Gonsolin debuted yesterday, but things didn't go as planned. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

The 33-pitch first inning was a disaster. It started with Dyson’s bunt single with two strikes to defeat the shift. Speedy Tim Locastro then beat Gonsolin, who hesitated a split second, to first for an infield single, Pederson booted a routine grounder and Escobar slugged a three-run homer before there was an out. 

“I wouldn’t say the game sped up on me. I think I held my composure very well,” said Gonsolin, a former outfielder who laced a single in his first MLB at-bat. “Just comes down to executing pitches. It was a lot of fun on both sides of the ball.”

Gonsolin also recorded his very first Major League hit. Unfortunately, the Dodgers couldn't overcome the early damage. They lost 8-2 to the Diamondbacks (boxscore). Photo above via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers 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 1939 the Dodgers and Boston Braves/Bees play a 23 inning game that ends in a 2-2 tie. In 1980 Jerry Reuss throws a no-hitter against the Giants at Cadelstick Park, 8-0. He faces just 28 batters, and missed a perfect game due to an error by Bill Russell in the first inning. In 2011 the Dodgers file for bankruptcy following the leagues refusal to approve a multibillion-dollar TV deal with FoxSports.
• Happy Birthday, Jackie Hayes, Bull Durham, Hank Behrman, Wayne Terwilliger, Daryl Ward & Jim Johnson!

Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2019 - Dodgers Link - Some Odds and Ends

Please meet Mrs. Myrt Power. At the time this photo was taken, dated on the reverse at June 15, 1956, she was probably just as famous as the two gentlemen at her sides -- Pee Wee Reese and Duke Snider. So, who is she?

Myrt Power was the 1950's equivalent of Ken Jennings and James Holzhauer with a twist of Dodger love. Still confused?

In the summer of 1955 she was on a WCBS-TV quiz show called “The $64,000 Question,” and on that show she won $32,000 due to her knowledge of Baseball. Additionally, she decided to not attempt the next level prize of $64,000 because she didn't want to win a championship before her beloved Dodgers did. BTW, the day after her appearance on the show the Dodgers and Yankees faced each other for the 1955 World Series - a series the Dodgers won!

Thank you, Myrt!

On a side note, for her efforts she given a parade and a key to the city of Buford, Georgia (her hometown). Photo found on eBay (auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 Giants rookie Bobby Bonds hit a grand slam against Dodger righty John Purdin in his third at-bat of his first major league game -- becoming only the second player to have ever done so. In 1984 infielder Bill Russell played his 1,953rd game to become the LA Dodgers' all-time leader in games played. He would finish his career in Blue with a total of 2,181 games played -- second best all time in Dodger history. Hall of Famer Zack Wheat best him with 2,322 games played as a Dodger.
• Happy Birthday, Barney White, Don Demeter, Alejandro Peña, Aaron Sele& Paul Maholm!

Blog Kiosk: 6/24/2019 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Our three young hero's.

Photo above of Alex Verdugo, Will Smith and Matt Beaty via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Jackie Robinson stole home plate for the first time in his career. It was against the Pirates at Forbes Field during the fifth inning to give the Dodgers a lead and it was the eventual winning run, 4-2. In 1955 future Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax makes his Major League debut. He pitches in relief against the Milwaukee Braves and goes two innings -- allowing one hit, one walk and striking out two. In 1958 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder/outfielder Ron Fairly out of USC. He would eventually play 12 seasons in Los Angeles -- slashing .260/.347/.385/.732 while helping the club capture three World Series titles. In 2018 the Dodgers tie a NL record when they collectively hit seven solo home runs during a single game. It was against the Met's at Citi Field and it includes a game-winning homer by Justin Turner, against his old club, in the 12th inning, 8-7.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Banta & Jason Romano!

Giants Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

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

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Monday, June 17 at 7:10 PM

TV: ESPN, SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 6/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

What a fun game. Not only did we witness a pitching duel for the ages, but we also saw some fantastic game-saving defense and hard-nosed squawking on the field. Sure, Bumgarner's act can be tiring, but I will never doubt his passion. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It was fun. Kind of an old-school baseball game — two №1s going head-to-head, and we saw the best of Madison Bumgarner and matched Walker pitch for pitch,” said manager Dave Roberts. “To see those guys go out there and compete and win pitches, win at-bats, it was fun. But fortunately for us, we scored one more run than they did.”

Photo at the very top via Michael Urakami/MLB.com
 at Dodger Insider. The Buehler pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterday's game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Dodger outfielder John Shelby has his 24-game hitting streak stopped by Andy Hawkins and the Padres. The Dodgers also lost the game on a walk-off double to Carmelo Martinez, 4-3. In 2005 first baseman Hee-Seop Choi hits a walk-off home run off Twins reliever Terry Mulholland to propel the Dodgers over the Twins, 6-5. In 2015 the Dodgers drafted Matt Beaty out of Belmont University in Nashville and Kyle Garlick out of Cal Poly, Pomona.
• Happy Birthday, Ken Lehman, Ed Palmquist, Elias Sosa & Brad Gulden!

Giants Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

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

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

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Monday, April 1st at 7:10 PM
Julio Urias vs Drew Pomeranz

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

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 11/7/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love the look of satisfaction on the face of Dodgers manager Walter Alston in the International News press photo above, dated October 6, 1955 (eBay auction link). It was taken following the Dodgers first world championship -- after all the parties and celebration throughout Brooklyn. Per the description attached to the reverse:

Hail and Farewell -- Brooklyn Manager Walkter Alston, carrying his baggage and a few bats, takes a last look over Ebbets Field before leaing for a long vacation. Brooklynites nursed the father of all hangovers as a result of the cataclysmic celebration that followed the Dodgers winning the first World Series in the history of the borough.

I know, one day, I'll know this feeling too. Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Joe Hatten, Dick Stuart, Rich Rodas & Orlando Mercado!

Blog Kiosk: 10/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Happy Halloween!

I can't wait for Spring.

Check out the above March 5, 1955 AP wire photo of Duke Snider practicing bunting during Spring Training at Vero Beach (eBay Link). Carl Furilio can be seen behind him, and I believe that's Jim Gilliam to Furillo's right.

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Stephen McKeever, Hardie Henderson, Leo Dickerman, Fred McGriff, Oreste Marrero & Javy Guerra!

Blog Kiosk: 9/25/2018 - Dodgers Links - Magic Number is Now Five

Last night the Dodgers defeated the Diamondbacks, 7-4, to drop their magic number to five games, with just five games to go.

The win was far from an easy victory. Fortunately, David Freese was on point, as he knocked in the first two Dodger runs of the evening. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I really like the at-bat quality, and he's gotten big hits for us, but tonight was probably the biggest, the home run that tied the game up," said Roberts. "He's a leader, doing things the right way, and guys tend to follow him. When we're talking about approach and having a plan as a team, he's all in. He's all that we had hoped for."
...
"You understand what this organization is trying to do and you get called upon to help out," said Freese, part of the club's right-handed-hitting platoon. "You do whatever Dave asks of you. You need to be productive and help the team, and so far, I think I've done a decent job of doing my thing and filling my role. This never gets easy, but we're all professional hitters and we're handling it pretty well."

Photo above of David Freese high-fivin' Clayton Kershaw via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers won their first NL pennant in 21 years when they defeated the Braves in Boston, 6-0. In 1956 Dodgers hurler Sal "The Barber" Maglie no-hit the Phillies at Ebbets Field, 5-0. At 39 years old he became the oldest pitcher to throw one. You can listen to the last inning of Maglie's no-no (as called by Jerry Doggett with Vin Scully) here. In 1974 Dr. Frank Jobe performs the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on Dodgers pitcher Tommy John's left elbow. The revolutionary procedure would soon be known as Tommy John Surgery.
• Happy Birthday, Dave Walsh!

Blog Kiosk: 9/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Walkoff Magic!

Thrilling!

It makes sense that on the 12th anniversary of the Dodgers' four-consecutive-homer/walkoff game would feature a walk-off victory in extras. Last night the oft-struggling Chris Taylor took out his big-stick and walloped a hanging breaking ball into the left field stands. Per Doug Padilla at MLB.com:

"I knew I got the barrel to it and had a petty good feeling it was going," Taylor said. "But I wanted to make sure. I was running kind of hard." 

Taylor has not been as solid at the plate like last season, but he sure has had his moments. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“There have been a lot of ups and downs. Kind of been a bit of a grind,” Taylor said of his year. “I think I’m speaking for a lot of guys on our team. This game humbles you very fast. It’s moments like this that you really have to take in and enjoy. But we’ve got another one tomorrow, so you have to have a short memory and enjoy it when it comes along.”

The Dodgers now hold 1.5 game lead over Colorado. Photo above via Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2000 a Dodger fan, in addition to other court-ordered restrictions, pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of causing a disturbance at a sporting event, and has been banned from attending home games in Los Angeles for 18 months. The irate patron during a May 30th game threw coffee in the face of a Mets fan who was cheering a grand slam hit by New York's catcher Todd Pratt. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw won his 20th game of the season for the second time in his career. He is the first Dodger pitcher to win 20 game twice since Claude Osteen in 1969 and 1972.
• Happy Birthday, Sadie McMahon, Jack Ryan, Red Barkley, Duke Snider, Joe Ferguson, Scott Baker & Charlie Haeger!

Giants Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

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

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

It has been announced that starting this homestand the Dodgers will begin the sale and purchase of in-seat beer during games. Obviously, you must be 21-yeas of age or older to use this service. It will be available on all levels, will accept both cash and credit card payments, and both domestic and premium beer will be available. This new change comes as a result of recent modification to Dodger Stadium’s liquor license by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

BTW, the Dodgers have a Good Sport Designated Driver program for those 21-years old or older who will provide responsible transportation for all members of their group and will not drink alcoholic beverages. Fans can sign up at any Fan Service Station, receive a coupon for one complimentary soft drink and be entered in a drawing to win a special on-field experience as the Budweiser Good Sport designated driver of the season.

UPDATE: Check out this new food dish that is available, via a tweet from Dodgers chef Ryan Evans:

Hot out the smoker come get our chicken and garlic fry bucket at think blue bbq on reserve perfect for 2 @LevyRestaurants @Dodgers @DodgerStadiumFB pic.twitter.com/fbcp6kbGNn

— Ryan Evans (@LADExecChef) August 13, 2018

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Monday, August 13th at 7:10 PM

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

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Shot Heard 'Round The World Relic Available at Goldin Auction

Dodgers fans both young and old know this story well.

In 1951 the Brooklyn team held a 13.5 game lead over the New York Giants with 44 games left to play. Remarkably, this lead wasn't enough. The Giants would pull off a monumental run that saw them win 37 of their final 44 games to pull into a tie with Brooklyn at the end of the regular season.

Quickly, a three-game playoff series was scheduled to determine the pennant winner. The Dodgers would lose the first game at Ebbets Field, 1-3, then win game two at the Polo Grounds, 10-0. The third and deciding game, played in upper Manhattan, came down to the wire. With the Dodgers leading 4-1 in the ninth the Giants rallied to score four runs to win, 5-4 -- with the dagger to the heart coming on a walk-off three-run home run by Bobby Thompson off of Dodger hurler Ralph Branca.

With that the "Shot Heard 'Round The World" was born.

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

Smoked BBQ Chicken Nachos

The next homestand starts on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

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

Frito Pie Extreme Dog

There are three new food items being made available for this entire homestand, and they are available at the On Deck Circle stand on Field Level section 48, Loge Level section 133 and Reserve Level section 4. First, in honor of Atlanta you can get the Smoked BBQ Chicken Nachos which features Slow and low smoked chicken, smothered in house made sweet smokey barbecue sauce, served on top of triangle cut nacho chips, topped with green onions and cheddar cheese.

Turkey Pastrami Gravy Fries

The Texas new food item is a Frito Pie Extreme Dog that features an all beef hot dog, topped with fitos, chili, nacho cheese, diced onion, black beans, pickled jalapenos and sour cream.

The third food item honoring San Francisco series is an Turkey Pastrami Gravy Fries featuring crispy french fries, tossed in gourmet sea salt, topped with turkey pastrami, brown gravy and chopped parsley.

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

Opening Day is here! The first series of the 2018 season begins on Thursday against our hated rivals -- Giants. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. BTW, free complimentary WiFi is available Dodger Stadium. Find "DodgersWifi", review and accept the Terms & Conditions. Here 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 Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

Advance parking prices will be $15 and parking at the gate will be $25 in 2018. Also, the team will continue to offer $5 parking in Lots 13 and 14, which are on Stadium Way, adjacent to the Los Angeles Fire Department training center, a short walk east of the main Vin Scully Avenue-Gate A entrance to Dodger Stadium. A free shuttle will be available for disabled fans. The lots will open to the public at the same time as the other Dodger Stadium parking lots.

Furthermore, Opening Day means temporary parking restriction near Dodger Stadium, per a tweet from the LAPD:

#DodgersOpeningDay: Avoid traffic congestion & remember of the temporary parking restriction near #DodgersStadium. Between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on March 29th, there will be restricted parking on Palm Row (Stadium Way) between Scott Road and Academy Road. #LAPD pic.twitter.com/6drQIOyOz0

— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) March 28, 2018

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Thursday, March 29th at 4:08 PM

Clayton Kershaw vs Ty Blach

TV: ESPN
*Watch Online at ESPN here

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

This Might be the Worst Dodger Card Ever Made

Topps, you should be ashamed of yourself.

This is an monstrosity. Its grotesqueness is only matched by its hideousness. This is a freak card and I want to burn every last one of them.

Corey Seager... A Giant! .... No!