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: 3/20/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This is just charming. Featured here is a vintage press photograpgh (P&A Photos) of former Dodger owner Charles Ebbets with his wife Grace (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"Squire" Ebbets, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers and his wife picking oranges at Clearwater, Fla., where his team is in training. The "Squire" has always been a shrewd business man and a judge of good baseball material. Here's hoping that he hasn't picked any "Lemons" on his team.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 the great Babe Didrikson pitched the first inning against the Brooklyn Dodgers during an spring training game against the Philadelphia A's at McCurdy Field in Frederick, Maryland. She walked one and gave up no hits. In 2005 the Dodgers traded starting pitcher Kazuhisa Ishii to the Mets for catcher Jason Phillips. In 2008 the Dodgers make their Cactus League debut. For the first time they would spend their spring training in Arizona. They would beat the White Sox in Phoenix, 8-2. 
• Happy Birthday, Pat Corrales, Mike Griffin, Joe McGinnity, Johnny Butler, Jim Golden, Terry McDermott, Rick Parker & Will Brunson! 

Blog Kiosk: 1/31/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

On Wednesday evening the LA Kings held a special ceremony to honor Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi, along with the seven other folks who passed away, prior to start of their home game against the Tampa Bay Lightening. As you can see above, Staples Center decided to black-out all of the Lakers banners and retired numbers, except for the two Kobe Bryant retired numbers. I thought it was a very classy move by the stadium.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Paul Waner to a free agent contract. In 1972 former Brooklyn Dodger players Rube Marquard (known mostly as a Giant) and Dave Bancroft (also mostly a Giant) were selected by an Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee for enshrinement. In 2001 an article was published in the WSJ related to the most infamous pennant race in National League history. Written by Joshua Prager, he details how the Giants team stole catchers' signs during the 1951 pennant race to help them overcome a Dodgers 13.5 game lead in the National League. You can read the original article here. In 2003 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Wilson Alvarez. In 2005 the Dodgers signed pitcher Scott Erickson as a free agent. 
• Happy Birthday, Hank Aguirre, Ted Power, Stuffy Stewart & Jackie Robinson!

Dodger Roster for the 2017 World Series

(graphic via SportsNet LA on twitter)

At long last we have the Dodgers roster for the World Series, and it includes a small surprise. Both Kyle Farmer and Curtis Granderson are off the 2017 World Series roster. So, who will replace them?

As you know, Corey Seager is expected to be back on the field, so he will be one of the new faces in the Dodger dugout. The other player will likely come as a surprise. Dodgers pitcher Brandon McCarthy, who has pitched only six inning since late-July, will join the Dodgers as a reliever. Per JP Hoornstra at the OC Register:

The 6-foot-7 right-hander has been restricted to simulated games and bullpen sessions since the regular season ended, but could become a useful multi-inning option in a best-of-seven series. 

McCarthy, 34, went 6-4 with a 3.98 earned-run average during the regular season. He began the year in the Dodgers’ rotation and posted a 3.84 ERA in 16 starts. But the veteran was never fully healthy, whether it was a right knee injury that caused him to miss a start in July, or a recurring finger blister that caused him to miss all of August and most of September.

Fantasy Baseball Cards from Game 4

Even with the loss nothing can stop the fantasy baseball card machine. Featured here are some fantasy cards featuring pics from Game 4 from 'round the 'net.

2017 Topps Now - Postseason Dodgers Set - Complete Pics

On the eve Game 1 of the NLDS I thought I would shares pics of the Dodgers entire 2017 Topps Now Postseason Baseball card set. It features 15 cards and includes a dandy NL West Division Champions flag as a part of its design. This set is available exclusively through Topps Now and you can still order it until tomorrow. Go here to check that out.

Blog Kiosk: 9/22/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I am hoping desperately that there isn't an "ESPN Curse" 'cause I don't think I can handle that. As you can see, Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner and Yasiel Puig are featured on the cover of this coming months issue of ESPN The Magazine MLB - Playoffs Issue. BTW, the Cleveland Indians are also on the cover (I assume in newsstands on the east coast). Per a story inside via Tim Keown; "You Win Some, You Lose Some: Two dramatic streaks will define the Dodgers' 2017 season -- unless they can pull off something even more memorable in October."

It's jarring to watch a team that considered winning a byproduct of its existence profess a joyless pride in a minimal level of competitiveness. Twice a day, Roberts talks about signs of life as if assessing the vitals of a comatose patient. The Dodgers had the best 50-game streak in 105 years and the franchise's longest losing streak in 73. Same team, same season. On the day his team broke the losing streak, Roberts said, "A lot can change in three weeks. We've lived it."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Duke Snider hit his 39th and 40th homers of the season to tie a National League record for hitting at least 40 home runs in five consecutive seasons. His second homer also proved to be the last home run to ever be hit at Ebbets Field. In 1954 Dodgers pitcher Karl Spooner, in his Major League debut, shutout the Giants, 3-0, at Ebbets Field. He fanned 15 Gnats and allowed only three hits. In 1976 Don Sutton, for the first and only time in his career, won his 20th game of the season when he defeated the Giants, 3-1. In 1986 Fernando Valenzuela became the first Mexican ballplayer to win twenty games in a season when he defeated the Astros, 9-2.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Joyce, Doc Marshall, Tommy Lasorda, Sweet Lou Johnson, Doug Camilli, Jim Fairey, Jeffrey Leonard, Dave Sax & Mark Guthrie!

Blog Kiosk: 9/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I want to send out a hearty congratulations to the Dodgers Rookie-Level minor club, the Odgen Raptors, for their first ever Pioneer League Championship victory yesterday. Per William Boor at MLB.com; "Uceta helps lift Ogden to first Pioneer League title."

Mitchell Hanson, who had been just 2-for-10 in the postseason, put the Raptors on the board early with a two-run double in the top of the first. Hanson's hit got the offense rolling and the Raptors broke the game open with runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings via RBI hits from Brayan Morales, Connor Heady, Luis Paz and Romer Cuadrado. With the offense rolling, it was up to Edwin Uceta and the rest of the Raptors' pitchers to keep the Voyagers' offense in check and that's exactly what happened.

Per Michael Leboff & Andrew Battifarano at MiLB.com:

"We said very little in between games, the players dominated the dialogue," Raptors manager Mark Kertenian said. "They just got ready to get back to work and that's very characteristic of this group."

...
"They were fired up," Kertenian said. "They're happy for each other and they're enjoying each other. These guys understand that they are part of a good baseball team. They cared for each other and challenged each other, everybody feels very involved right now and they're expressing that."

Photo above of the team travelling home after winning via the Raptors on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2006 the Dodgers came back from a four run deficit with four consecutive home runs by Jeff Kent, JD Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson to tie the game against the Padres at 9-9. They would then win the game in the tenth inning when Nomar Garciaparra hit a two-run homer to come from behind again to win, 11-10. You can watch highlights of all five round-trippers here.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Tepsic, Dick Dietz, David Sells & Ken Brett!

Blog Kiosk: 9/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is Curtis Granderson presenting an nominee award to Justin Turner for being selected the Dodgers representative for the 2017 Roberto Clemente Award.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1889 the most controversial game in American Association history is held in Brooklyn. The St. Louis Browns hold a 4-2 lead in the ninth over the Bridegrooms and claim it is too dark to continue. The lighted candles in front of their bench make umpire Fred Goldsmith determined to finish the game no matter what. Several St. Louis players are hit with bottles as they leave the grounds. The Browns will forfeit the game the next day because they fear for their safety. In 1903 the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) and the NY Giants play a two-stadium, same-day doubleheader.  The first game began at 10:30 AM at Brooklyn's Washington Park (Giants won, 6-4), and the second game got underway later that afternoon at the Polo Grounds (Brooklyn won, 3-0). In 1924 the pennant race between the Dodgers and Giants got crazy. So much so, a calvacade of fans with crowbars stormed the Ebbets Field gates to watch the already sold out game. 200 officers were called, but an estimated 7,000 fans got in anyway. In 1962 Maury Wills stole four bases against the Pirates to break the modern National League record for stolen bases at 82. In 2001 Shawn Green hit two homers against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium to eclipse a Dodgers franchise record for home runs in a season. Green would finish the season with 49 home runs.
• Happy Birthday, Dave Wallace, Dave Foutz, Ed Poole, Lew Ritter, Curt Davis, Eddie Wilson, Willie Crawford & Brent Cookson!

Blog Kiosk: 8/29/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I just love this vintage International Newsreel photo of Hall of Famer Zach Wheat that I saw on eBay (link here). It's been well handled with all kinds of editor marks throughout; including his mug being framed for eventual inclusion into the paper. It dates to June 24, 1922 and it appears to feature a pic taken the day prior at the Polo Grounds. The descriptor on the reverse indicates that on that day Wheat recorded his 2,000th career hit.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 Jackie Robinson hit for the cycle against the Cardinals during the first game of a doubleheader. He completed the cycle in reverse -- hitting a homer in the 1st, a triple in the 3rd, a double in the 4th and a single in the 8th inning. The Dodgers won 12-7. In 1980 Dodgers coach Manny Mota is reactivated by the Dodgers to be a top pinch-hitter off the bench. He would go 3-for-7 with two RBI's. In 1987 the Dodgers traded Rick Honeycutt to the A's for young starter Tim Belcher. As you know, he would be an important cog to the eventual world champs in 1988.
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Stricklett, Jack Warner, Buck Marrow, Billy Cox, Reggie Williams, Henry Blanco & Chris Taylor!

2017 Topps Now -- #518 -- Fastest Team to 90 Wins in Franchise History

Is it me, or does it seem like there's a Dodgers Topps Now card being issued almost daily?

Last night the Dodgers earned their 90th win of the season -- tops in the Major Leagues. For their herculean efforts so far this year Topps has issued a new 2017 Topps Now card this afternoon to celebrate the occasion. Go here to check it out and order. As you can see, both Curtis Granderson and Justin Turner are prominently seen on the front of the card. Per Adam Berry and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"They've got 90 wins for a reason. They've got some guys that are having career years. It's funny that we didn't see [Cody] Bellinger the whole time, but I don't think they really needed him. ... It always starts with pitching. They got good starting pitching this series, and I think that was the difference."-- Pirates shortstop Jody Mercer, on losing six of seven to the Dodgers this season

Blog Kiosk: 8/23/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out who's on the cover of the newest issue of Sports Illustrated -- Justin Turner and Yasiel Puig. Best yet, according to Alanna Rizzo on twitter, the photo used was taken by Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo - a first for him on this magazine. Congrats!

In other news, Adrian Gonzalez recorded his 2,000th hit of his career last night when he doubled in to the right field corner in the sixth inning. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's cool, one of those milestones that just means I have a lot to be grateful for and thankful for," Gonzalez said. "That was really cool, special, seeing the guys in the dugout, the Dodgers fans in the stands. I know there's a lot of people back home smiling as well, especially my wife and my kids and my parents and my brother. It's a cool feeling."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 Gil Hodges hit his 14th career grand slam. It set a new National League record for grand slams in a career. BTW, Don Drysdale also walloped two solo homers himself during the game. In 1989 Tommy Lasorda had Expos mascot Youppi! ejected from a game in Montreal during the 11th inning. The mascot was causing too much noise by jumping on top of the Dodger dugout roof during the 22-inning game. You can watch Youppi! get tossed here. BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Expose, 1-0, on an home run by Rick Dempsey in the 22nd inning.
• Happy Birthday, Red Downs, Phil Page, Lonny Frey, Dale Mitchell & Casey Blake!

2017 Topps Now -- #506 -- Curtis Granderson's Grand Slam

Curtis Granderson is the newest Dodger hero to earn a 2017 Topps Now card. Go here to check it out and order. As you know, he came up with the bases loaded in the seventh inning to put the Dodgers ahead of the Pirates, 5-3. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"That's what he does. He puts together big at-bats and gets big hits," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Granderson. "We've seen that from the other side from him. Back-to-back days, a couple of big homers for us, and obviously for us, the grand slam was huge."

Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We were witness to a strange and yet fantastic ritual before yesterday's game. Justin Turner, as the eclipse was in full swing, got down on his knees, performed an ancient hand gesture consisting of interlocking middle fingers to form a "w" for winning, and then yelled to get the attention of the bright red sun god in the sky. His bright orange hair immediately burst into flames. Then, like a flash, JT returned to his normal self. I kid you not!

Yasiel Puig, on the other hand, used his newfound powers attained by following in JT's footsteps to help the Dodgers to victory last night. In the 12th inning of a tied game Puig came up and slugged a go-ahead home run for the Dodgers. Per Adam Berry and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I was just trying to put the ball in play," Puig said. "I was waiting on the fastball, that's his best pitch and the one I struggle with. But I put a good swing on it."

Photo above via Justin Turner on twitter and the pic of Puig via his twitter. BTW, these two jokesters also recreated yesterday's solar eclipse, and it's hilarious. Check that out at the very bottom of this post. Below are more links to check out:

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

Welcome to the Blue, Curtis Granderson!

This recent move came out of nowhere. I had thought, like many others, that the Dodgers were done with their shopping. Instead, they prove once again that you should never take a nap on this team. Not only can they score runs in bunches, but the front office is always looking for ways to improve the ballclub and will make a move at any time. Case in point, following Friday evenings game against the Tigers the Dodgers traded for one-time Detroit star and current Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson in exchange for pitching prospect Jacob Rhame. You can follow Granderson here on twitter: @cgrand3. Per a Dodgers press release:

Granderson, 36, has a .254 career batting average with 312 home runs and 853 RBI in 1,760 games in 14 Major League seasons with the Tigers (2004-09), Yankees (2010-13) and Mets (2014-17). The three-time All-Star (2009, ’11, ’12) and 2011 Silver Slugger also won the 2016 Roberto Clemente Award for his community work. Defensively, Granderson has appeared 1,246 games in center field, 445 games in right field and 59 games in left field during the course of his career. He’s also played in 51 postseason games, tied for the 14th most among active players.

Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kenta Maeda and Tigers ace Justin Verlander were locked in a pitching duel Sunday afternoon - both of whom had no-hitters going into the 6th inning. Then the Dodgers stuck first when newly acquired outfielder Curtis Granderson hit his first homer as a Dodger to break up Verlander's no-no. Soon thereafter, Maeda lost his when he coughed up four runs during his half of the 6th inning. Per Jason Beck and Catherine Slonksnis at MLB.com:

(Pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

"Well, it's good to go ahead and try to put us in a situation, at that point, to break up the no-hitter, to give us the lead," Granderson said. "But to not get enough to help this team win tonight, I'm a little dissatisfied because you want to put yourself in a situation where we could earn the sweep here."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0.
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!