Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It took Players Weekend for the Dodgers to finally lose a series. They last felt the sting during an early June set against the Nationals. That's 21 consecutive series' they have either tied or won. Per Joshua Thornton and Austin Laymance at MLB.com:

"I think that -- look at our club offensively -- I think that's where we're a little cold right now," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "It happens to every ballclub at some point in time in the season. You look at the guys throughout the lineup that aren't swinging the bat the way they're capable of or have been this year, it's all kind of happening at once. We'll get through it."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson meet to discuss plans for integrating Baseball. During the three hour meeting Rickey berates Robinson with a flurry of racial epithets to test his mettle. In 1952 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a National League record when they hit into a double play in their 23rd consecutive game. In 2002 Eric Gagne recorded his 45th save of the season, setting a franchise record and earning a bottle of Dom Perignon autographed by each Dodger teammate. In 2003 Eric Gagne recorded his 44th straight save to establish a new Major League record.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!

Blog Kiosk: 7/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I guess you can't win them all.

Last night the Dodgers eleven game winning streak was snapped by the Braves and it just doesn't feel right. Heck, the Dodgers haven't lost at home in almost a month, and they haven't lost to a National League team since the early part of June. Per Austin Laymance and Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"It's a weird feeling," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "It's different. Even to that last out, I thought we were going to find a way to win the game. But I guess we have got to start another one tomorrow."

Photo above of Kenley Jansen, Don Newcombe and Matt Kemp via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon and Jill Weisleder from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers shortstop Pee Wee Reese recorded his 2,000th career hit. Also, fellow teammate Junior Gilliam set a Major League record by handling twelve assist at second base. 
• Happy Birthday, Wally Clement, Claude Corbitt & Earl Mossor!

Blog Kiosk: 6/1/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu was excellent. He went six strong innings, striking out four, walking just one and allowing only one earned run. Per Joe Harris at MLB.com:

"During the warmup, when I was doing long tosses in the bullpen, I found out that all my four pitches were working to a pretty good level, so I knew I was going to have a pretty good outing," Ryu said through an interpreter. "I just wanted to make sure that I mixed them up."

Unfortunately, the Dodgers offense took the day off. They could only muster a single run in the 2-1 loss.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a franchise record for hitting six home runs in a game during their victory over the Milwaukee Braves at Ebbets Field. Duke Snider hit three homers in the contest (becoming the first Dodger to do it twice), to go along with home runs by Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese and Roy Campanella. In 1962 Don Drysdale defeated the Philadelphia Phillies for the 13th consecutive time - a streak that began in 1958. I remember this next incident so well. In 1997 Wilton Guerrero shattered hit bat during an at-bat and immediately scrambled to pick up the bat pieces instead of running to first base. Obviously, home plate umpire Steve Ripley got suspicious and subsequently searched the bat remains. He found cork and ejected Guerrero from the game. He would be suspended for eight games.
• Happy Birthday, Otto Miller, Ty Tyson, Ray Moore, Chuck Templeton, Ken McMullen & Derek Lowe!
  

Blog Kiosk: 4/19/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu wasn't terrible... Really! He wasn't. It's just that batters are teeing off his fastball and hitting homers - six of them so far this season. That's all. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s still difficult to ignore the fact that I gave up three home runs, but looking at the pitch count and also the innings, there are definitely positive signs, and it’s definitely something I can build on,” Ryu said.

Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"We feel comfortable with him making a start every fifth day, and as he gets into the rhythm of a season, we know he'll get better," said manager Dave Roberts. "For us, the barometer for Ryu is the delivery repeating, holding velocity, which he's doing, and executing pitches. He's made some mistakes that were hit out of the ballpark. If he minimizes damage, he'll be fine."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1890 the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers) play their very first game as a member of the National League. In 1938 both Dodgers' Ernie Koy and Phillies' Heine Mueller hit home runs in their first major league at-bats. In 1956 Roy Campanella recorded his 1,000th career hit at New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium - a tenth inning double. This was the first ever MLB game played in New Jersey. The Dodgers would play several home games here just prior to moving to Los Angeles. In 1968 Met's hurler Nolan Ryan throws an Immaculate Inning (three strikes out on nine pitches in one inning) against the Dodgers in the third inning.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Greenwood, RJ Reynolds, Brett Mayne, Jose Cruz, Dennys Reyes, George Sherrill, Joe Beimel & Alberto Callaspo!
  

2017 Topps Heritage Baseball - The Dodgers Base Cards

The second Topps Baseball card set of the new year is now available in stores.  It is the always popular Heritage brand, and this year it celebrates the 1968 Topps Baseball set.  There are 18 Dodgers available; including the very first Topps card of Pedro Baez as a reliever.  He has numerous cards available from when he was an infield prospect a decade ago.  We also see Grant Dayton's very first card as a Dodger.  Go here for a complete checklist.

Below are pics of all 18 Dodger cards; including the three short-printed high number cards.  There are numerous variations also available, but I will wait a few days before sharing pics of them all.  Only a handful of Dodgers' variations are known so far and that list is likely to expand.

#45 Scott Kazmir

#78 Pedro Baez

Blog Kiosk: 2/23/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Training and preparation continues apace at Camelback Ranch for the Dodgers.  There are a total of 63 ballplayers now in camp; including 31 pitchers and 32 position players.  Kenta Maeda, Sergio Romo, Luis Avilan, Josh Fields, Pedro Baez, Brock Stewart and Chase De Jong all threw their first live bullpens of the spring yesterday.  Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Steve Geltz, Josh Ravin, Jacob Rhame, Fabio Castillo, Madison Younginer and Patrick Schuster threw regular bullpen sessions

BTW, tomorrow the Dodgers will hold their annual Photo Day in the morning.  Players will be posing for Dodger team photographer Jon SooHoo, SNLA, MLB Photos, MLB.com, Topps, Getty Images, Associated Press, USA Today and LA Times.  This is where many of photos used for Baseball cards released later this year come from.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1960 the demolition of Ebbets Field in Brooklyn begins.  In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz to a minor league contract.
• Happy Birthday, Grant Thatcher, Phil Haugstad, John Shelby, Bobby Bonilla & Luke Prokopec!
  

Blog Kiosk: 1/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

LA Councilmember Gil Cedillo made a special presentation to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts yesterday afternoon at City Hall in recognition of his "Manager of the Year" award for the past season.  This was part of the teams ongoing Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour that continues with a few more events today.  Go here to watch a bunch of videos from yesterdays events, via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider.

Fernando Valenzuela is scheduled for a surprise visit somewhere in the Southland.  So, stay tuned for that.  Additionally, Kiké Hernandez and Rob Segedin will make a surprise pizza delivery to a special group of city employees in recognition of their commitment to creating a positive impact in the community.  Lastly, Joc Pederson will host a Pet Family Photo Day at the Silver Lake Dog Park, starting at 2:00 PM.

Photo at the very top via @Dodgers on twitter.  Go here to take a look at a bunch of photos from yesterday from Jon SooHoo, Juan Ocampo and Jill Weisleder.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Kaiser Wilhelm, Johnny Frederick & Antonio Perez!
  

Blog Kiosk: 1/11/2017 - Dodgers Links - Sborz, Wood, Dayton and Kenley Jansen

The handing over of an noteworthy home run ball to a player who hit it is apparently a tradition that has existed for some time, as evidenced by the above 1957 Associated Press photograph. (eBay Auction Link)  From the August 1st game, the above pic features Brooklyn first baseman Gil Hodges with the fan who caught the record breaking ball.  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

GIL HODGES gets ball he hit for record 13th grand slam yesterday from Robert Chilla, 28, who recovered it in left field bleachers.  Chilla got new ball in exchange.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1977 the Dodgers Bill Buckner and Iván de Jesus to the Cubs for Rick Monday and Mike Garman.  In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Derek Lowe to a four-year $36 million contract.  The Dodgers also traded Shawn Green to Arizona for Dioner Navarro and a bunch of scrubs.
• Happy Birthday, Harry McIntire, Max Carey, Lou Rochelli & George Pinkney!
  

Blog Kiosk: 10/5/2016 - Dodgers Links - Seager, Grandal, Dayton and the Dodgers Playoff Roster

Last night the Dodgers held a late afternoon workout in front of the chattering group of scribes, and revealed for all their roster for the upcoming playoff series against the Nationals.  ICYMI, here are the players who will be representing the team in Washington DC on Friday:

Catchers (3): Austin Barnes, Yasmani Grandal, Carlos Ruiz; Infielders (5): Adrían González, Chase Utley, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Charlie Culberson; Infielder-Outfielder (1): Howie Kendrick; Outfielders (5): Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson, Josh Reddick, Andrew Toles, Andre Ethier; Starting Pitchers (3): Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, Kenta Maeda; Swingmen (2): Ross Stripling, Julio Urías; Relief Pitchers (6): Kenley Jansen, Joe Blanton, Pedro Báez, Grant Dayton, Luis Avilan, Josh Fields.

As you can see, there are some notable names missing.  Kiké Hernandez, Rob Segedin, Alex Wood, Brock Stewart and J.P. Howell are not listed.  Although, Stewart, Howell, Wood and Stewart will still travel with the team as possible replacements should an injury arise.  On the exclusion of Howell from the playoff roster Dave Roberts adds, via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

“That was a tough one,” Roberts said. “J.P.’s gonna travel with us, but he’s a guy that for me is one of the glue guys for our team this year. He’s had a lot of success in his career in the postseason, and for him to understand the decision, support it, but still have the opportunity in another series or possibly in this series by way of injury … those are the tough ones, because you know he’s here for the right reasons.”

Photo above via David Vassegh on twitter features the team huddling-up on the pitchers mound for a little meeting.  BTW, Jon SooHoo shares a bunch of fantastic older pics of several Dodger players from the 2004 team who will be active during this years playoffs; including a great photo of Adrian Beltre with Dave Roberts as seen on the right.  Go here to check them out.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1947 Dodger outfielder Al Gionfriddo robbed Joe Dimaggio of an extra base hit and several RBI's when he made a leaping grab near the left field bullpen during Game 6 of the World Series.  Go here to watch a highlight reel of the play.  In 1980 the Dodgers came back to defeat the Astros, 4-3, to sweep a season-ending, three-game series and force a one-game playoff with the Astros for the National League Western Division title.  Ron Cey had hit a two-run stunner in the 8th inning to help win the game.  Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose that one-game playoff, 7-1, the next day.
• Happy Birthday, Tracy Woodson!

Blog Kiosk: 7/25/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kuroda, Liberatore and the Hall of Fame

Congratulations to both Mike Piazza and Ken Griffey Jr. on their induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.  Below is a closer look at their plaques.  Go here to watch Piazza's speech, or here for Junior's speech.

Photos above via MLB on twitter here and here.  Also, Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo shared a bunch of great old pics featuring Piazza in Dodger Blue.  Go here to check those out.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1956 Carl Furrillo is the first Dodger player to hit a home run at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, NJ.  As you may know, the Dodgers played 15 home games there from 1956 to 1957.
• Happy Birthday, Guillermo Mota!

Welcome to the Dodgers, Grant Dayton!

We all knew that Julio Urias was schedule to be called up this morning to start todays game.  What we didn't know is that teammate Grant Dayton, a left-handed reliever in Oklahoma City, would be joining Urias in Washington DC.  Going back down to Triple-A are infielders Charlie Culberson and Zach Walters.  Per a Dodgers press release:

Dayton, 28, will be making his first-career appearance on a big league roster and has gone 5-2 with four saves and a 2.44 ERA in 35 appearances this year with Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. In 48.0 innings, he’s limited opponents to a .165 batting average with a 0.79 WHIP, while striking out 85 against just 10 walks. He last pitched on Monday, striking out four in 2.0 scoreless innings at Tacoma (Mariners) and throwing 33 pitches. Dayton, who has gone 26-21 with 19 saves and a 2.79 ERA in 262 games in seven minor league seasons, was acquired by the Dodgers from Miami on July 15, 2015 in exchange for left-handed pitcher Chris Reed and was originally selected by the Marlins in the 11th round of the 2010 draft out of Auburn University.

Blog Kiosk: 7/16/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

I just love the symmetry of the vintage ACME news press photograph above that's available for sale through RMY Auctions (auction link here).  Featured are Duke Snider at center, Jackie Robinson jogging in from 2nd base, right fielder Carl Furillo with the ball and Hall of Fame umpire Jocko Conlon calling the out. 

It was taken during the first game of a doubleheader played at Ebbets Field on August 23, 1949 against the St. Louis Cardinals.  Chuck Dierling had hit a blooper in the fifth inning against Joe Hatten, so the Dodger defense converged to make a play.  Furillo got there first and had to make a highlight reel style catch off his shoestrings.  Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose to the Cards, 5-3, but win the second game later that evening.

Below are some links to check out:

• Awesome!  Via Old Hoss Radbourn at Vice Sports, "We Had a Fake Dead Ballplayer Interview a Real Author About Her Dodgers Book."  This is the best thing ever.  Twitter sensation Old Hoss Radbourn interviewed Molly Knight about her new book on the Dodgers.  It's both funny and informative.

OHR: Other than myself, I tend to prefer my ballplayers to be quiet, stoic, and utterly devoid of personality. It is the Protestant way. I have noticed, however, that the Dodgers' club house as you describe it seems to be the antithesis of this. Do you think this is a natural by-product of the insane amount of lucre that was spent? Is there a correlation between talent, salary, and outsized personality?

MK: It's a natural by-product of both the money being spent and the fact that they took on a bunch of talented malcontents that other teams wanted to murder but were too scared to dump off the waters of Providence.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "First-rounder Buehler among unsigned Draftees."
• Just another Dodger trade involving minor leaguers.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dodgers acquire reliever Grant Dayton from Marlins for Chris Reed."  Reed had been DFA's by the Dodgers. 
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "The Dodgers ‘unofficial’ retired number."

But there is another Dodgers uniform number that most Dodger fans hold near and dear to their hearts. And while it may not carry the same historical significance that Robinson’s number 42 does, it is every bit as important in bringing racial equality to the game. That uniform number is, of course, number 34, worn by Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico native and Dodger great Fernando Valenzuela.

• I think this is very cool.  Via Natasha Geiling at Think Progress, "The Urban Farming Trend That’s Taking Over Major League Baseball." 
• I learn something new everyday.  Via Dexter Thomas at NPR.org, "The Secret History Of Black Baseball Players In Japan."  (Hat Tip: Steven Miyamoto on Facebook)

But the tale of how a black American baseball player from the Deep South ended up a big shot in Japan in 1936 is bigger than Jimmy Bonner. It's a little-known story of friendship and mutual aid between Japanese-American and black baseball players at a time when both groups were shut out of organized baseball. It sprang up in California in the pre-war years, became part of "one of the boldest — and most overlooked — experiments in baseball history," made its way to Tokyo, and would end up shaping the future of baseball in Japan.

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