Blog Kiosk: 10/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Pee Wee Reese knows how to have a satisfying winter. Featured above is an October 6, 1955 press photo of Pee Wee Reese grabbing his clubs for a relaxing round of golf, two days after becoming a World Series champion for the first time (eBay auction link). Per the description on the reverse:

Pee Wee Reese grabbed his golf sticks and headed for the links where he will spend much of his time until next spring.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1977 Yankees outfielder Reggie Jackson broke LA's heart. He walloped three homers on three consecutive first-pitch at-bats against the Dodgers to win Game 6 and the World Series. If you must you can watch highlights here. I hate you Reggie Jackson! 
• Happy Birthday, Burt Shotton, Wally Millies, Roy Cullenbine, Andy Carey, Jerry Royster, Alan Mills & Alex Cora!

Blog Kiosk: 4/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out these formidable Dodger players. Per the descriptor attached to the bottom:

June 28, 1942 -- Rarin' for another crack at the Yankees -- Six of the Seven Brooklyn Dodgers, who will represent the National League in the July 6 All-Star Game, lined up in front of their dugout here today, 'Champing at the Bit' for another crack at the Yankees, nine of whom will be on the American League roster. Left to Right: Joe Medwick, left field; Billy Herman, second base; Pee Wee Reese, shortstop; Pete Reiser, center field; Mickey Owen, catcher; and Whitlow Wyatt, pitcher. The seventh, third baseman Arky Vaughan, is ill.

The AP wire photo above can be found here on eBay. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers raise their 1981 World Series banner at Dodger Stadium. In 2004 Dodger third baseman Adrian Beltre becomes the 36th player in history to hit 100 home runs before the age of 25.
• Happy Birthday, Red Smith, Tom Fitzsimmons, Ernie Lombardi, Dee Moore, Jim Romano, Don Elston & Phil Regan!

Blog Kiosk: 4/7/2016 - Dodgers Links - All About Kenta

Kenta was all smiles yesterday

He came into the game as an unknown quantity in the Majors and left knowing that his craft plays well in the States... And so does his bat.  Maeda went six strong innings, struck out four, walked none and gave up five hits.  Although he scrambled a bit in the sixth inning, Kenta induced several key ground balls to get out of the jam.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I'm just very happy to get the win in my Major League debut," Maeda said. "I was a little bit nervous at first, but my teammates scored four runs for me [in the first inning] and that helped me relax a lot. I was able to get back on the mound and do what I usually do."

So, is swinging a mighty stick also a part of his repertoire?

Kenta not only stifled the Padres, he beat them to a pulp with his bat.  In the fourth inning he whacked an 0-2 pitch for a home run run into the left field bleachers.  It was his first Major League hit in only his second career at-bat. 

"He did everything we thought he could do, and even hit a home run, so that's tough to match," said Clayton Kershaw. "Watching him hit in batting practice, I knew he had the ability, but I've played for eight years and hit one homer, so I'm pretty impressed. We're supposed to pitch good, but when we do that, that's Little League stuff."

Watch an Japanese broadcast of his homer here.  Photo above of Kenta Maeda via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday's game.  Below are more links to check out:

• BTW, per many sources the Dodgers are only the second team in Major League history to start the season with three straight shutouts.  The only other team to do it was the 1963 Cardinals.  BTW, that Cardinal team did not make the playoffs that year, so don't think for a second that this beginning should automatically lead to something grander.

Blog Kiosk: 4/6/2016 - Dodgers Links - Drysdale Controversy, Kershaw's Changeup and Kazmir's Wonderful Night

Following up an brilliant performance by Clayton Kershaw is no easy task, but Scott Kazmir made it look easy.  After having had a trying spring, he went out for the first time as a Dodger in San Diego and blanked the Padres.  Kazmir threw six scoreless innings; allowing just one hit and recorded a string of 17 straight outs to end his evening.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I just wanted to have a good start to the season, get outs early and get us to the dugout as quick as possible," he said. "Location was the key, being able to get ahead. I was happy with my fastball location and worked the other pitches off that."

Kazmir's mastery of the strike zone was fantastic.  He darted in and out, while keeping batters guessing about the speed of the pitch. 

On a side note, Yasiel Puig has looked really good at the plate.  He's having good at-bats, and as a result is seeing better pitches to hit.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

"I'm trying to stay back on pitches, trying to not go with what they're trying to get him with," Puig said. "It has helped to make good contact with the ball."

Photo above of Scott Kazmir via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday's game.  Below are more links to check out:

• Not exactly a great situation, eh?  Via an AP report at ESPN, "Don Drysdale's widow selling awards over objections."

"She has the legal right, but moral and decent right? Absolutely not," Drysdale said through tears by phone from her home in Hawaii. "It's not a very nice thing for someone to do. This is something that has caught me by surprise and is heartbreaking."

Meyers said timing played no part in the sale and that many of the items were in storage. She said a portion of the proceeds would go to as yet-undecided charities and the rest "to help my kids down the road."

Blog Kiosk: 3/18/2016 - Dodgers Links - Team Mexico Eked Out a Victory in First Game

Three Dodgers were in Mexicali, Mexico for the first game of the WBC qualifying tournament.  One as a broadcaster, another to throw out the first pitch and the third to play the game.  Seated from left to right in the photo above are Alex Cora, Fernando Valenzuela and Adrian Gonzalez, as tweeted by Alex Cora.  Fortunately, all three would walk away happy from the days results.  Team Mexico squeaked out a victory against an upstart Czech Republic team.  Via Mark Newman at WorldBaseballClassic.com:

Mexico, a huge favorite in this four-nation qualifier and playing in a party atmosphere at home, scratched out two runs in the first inning and then withstood an eighth-inning homer by Matej Hejma before escaping with a 2-1 victory Thursday over a resilient Czech Republic team.
...
On Thursday, Adrian Gonzalez, the local hero and Dodgers first baseman, walked three times and scored one of the two runs in the first inning. That all happened after he caught the ceremonial first pitch from Fernando Valenzuela, part of a 45-minute pregame spectacle.

"I'm great," Gonzalez said before the game. "Being able to play here in Mexico in the great town of Mexicali, they have a great fan base and people are here from all over to watch us play. Our crowd is one of the best in every WBC. They bring noise and lift us up."

Below are more links to check out:

• More cuts in Dodgers spring camp were announced yesterday.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Urias, De Leon among seven sent to minors."
• In news that is not entire surprising, Dave Roberts named Kershaw, Kazmie, Maeda and Wood as his starting four, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

Mike Bolsinger, Brandon Beachy and Zach Lee are the three candidates for the fifth starter spot. Though Beachy isn't currently on the 40-man roster, all three have options should the Dodgers decide to use multiple pitchers in the role in April. But Roberts wouldn't rule out Urias just yet, based on talent alone.

• Audio:  Listen to Tony Gwynn Jr with Darren Smith at the Mighty 1090AM radio show.  He chats about the Dodgers pitching concerns, what it was like to grow up as a kid in the Padres clubhouse and his perspective on the Adam LaRoche controversy. (Link Here)
• Video:  Yasiel Puig won't be suspended over nightclub incident. He talks about moving on and his latest outing in Spring Training. (Link Here)
• Former Dodger pitcher Brad Penny to retire, via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Reports.
• Via Barry Bloom at MLB.com, "Wood returns as Dodgers shape pitching staff."
• With Domingo Ayala's recent contract he decides to tour Jerry Hariston's home in order to make an offer.

Video Link:

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Past and Present Dodgers' Respond on Twitter

Accolades are coming in from all around the Baseball world regarding the recent hiring of Dave Roberts as the new Dodger manager; including congratulations and encouragement from several former and current Dodgers'.  Check some of them out below: 

I'm thrilled that Dave Roberts is the new manager of the Dodgers. He is a classy gentleman widely respected. A fine choice.

— Ross Porter (@therossporter) November 23, 2015

The former Dodger broadcaster is obviously happy with the choice... And so is former teammate David Ross:

Congrats to Dave Roberts on being #Dodgers new Mng. He taught me to be a professional on & off the field! True leader and a great man!

— David Ross (@D_Ross3) November 23, 2015

Does the Infielder Carry Any Responsibility?

I came across an interesting tweet from Jerry Hairston Jr. that seems pertinent.  Apparently, Jerry was on AM570 to voice his opinion about the Chase Utley slide.  Here's Jerry's tweet below:

Fans keep calls comin @AM570LASports I agree W/ SS Cal Ripken/Nomar who played pos. Hard legal play, SS left himself Vulnerable #MLB

— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) October 12, 2015

We can argue all day long about whether the slide was warranted or legal, but that's not the issue I'm wondering about.  What I am curious about is the last part of Hairston's tweet. 

How much responsibility does a middle infielder have when it comes to vulnerability? 

If you look back at the replay (video link here) you can clearly see Tejada receive the ball, take a step with his right foot, then attempt an pirouette in the air in order to throw out the runner.   In doing this, he turns his back on Chase Utley; thereby putting himself in a vulnerable position.  You have to believe that Tejada was mindful of the oncoming runner, so in choosing to make a throw anyway doesn't he contribute, to a certain extent, to the bad situation?

As a hockey fan we see this kind of thing all the time, and oftentimes the severity of a penalty or suspension is assessed based on whether the player himself put themselves in a vulnerable position.  This isn't always the case, of course, but I think that in situations like the Utley/Tejada debacle a similar rule must apply.  

Photo above via Bleacher Report on twitter.

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Sunday Dodger Videos: Scully, Ayala with Hairston and Don Rickles

Here are this Sunday's Dodge videos.

ICYMI:  Watch the Guinness Book of World Records present Vin Scully with a plaque for being the longest tenured broadcaster for one club in history.

Video Link:

This is awkwardly funny.  Future broadcasting legend, Domingo Ayala, decides it's time to plan for life after baseball. Even though he doesn't plan on that being anytime soon, he interviews former MLB star Jerry Hairston Jr. to find out about his transition from playing to broadcasting.

Video Link:

This is great.  Don Rickles talks to Jimmy Kimmel about the day he took a pitcher out of the game.

Video Link:

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/18/2014 - Dodger Links - Matt Kemp, a Couple No-Hitter Pins and Pederson's All-Star Experience

The Dodgers landed in St. Louis for their series against the Cardinals yesterday afternoon.  Shown above is traveling secretary Scott Akasaki and Juan Uribe in the photo above, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014. BTW, if you're wondering what Scott Akasaki does as the traveling secretary then watch this helpful video.

• With the silly rumor season about to go into overdrive I think it's important to remember that 99% of all rumors you hear are a load of BS.  You are not hearing any special insight.  You are not getting "Inside Baseball" information.  You are not getting a peek at closely held negotiations.  I would suggest ignoring them all.  THEY MEAN NOTHING!  And, I assure you that most rumors are made up by bored reporters making unfounded assertions from innocent conversations so that they have something to write.
• Via Jeff Sullivan at FanGraphs, "Matt Kemp’s Wish is a Pitching Staff’s Nightmare."  Kemp wants to be an everyday centerfielder, but it seems clear that this isn't likely on the Dodgers.

Matt Kemp would one day like to return to center field. That’s almost certainly not going to happen in Los Angeles. And one hopes that’s almost certainly not going to happen anywhere else, either. Kemp wasn’t a very good center fielder even before having a major operation, and pretty soon there’s going to be a 3 in front of his age. It’s not even clear he’s a particularly capable corner outfielder, and though his bat remains sufficiently intriguing to justify a trade pursuit, Kemp should probably be traded to a team in the American League that down the road could slot him in at DH. That might not be what Kemp wants, and that might be a future obstacle, but what Kemp wants could drive a pitching staff crazy. What Kemp wants would make his baseball team worse.

• Meanwhile, Jerry Hairston Jr. had an interesting take on comments made by Kemp's agent that lead to the story above, via a twitter conversation with a fan.

.@hung12low It's no big deal. Just his agents way of protecting his client. #la #Dodgers
— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) July 17, 2014

• Last week, I mentioned that the Dodgers would be giving out commemorative no-hitter pins in September.  Now, Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider has mockups of what they will look like here.  They are definite must haves.  See them below:

• Wow.  You don't see this very often.  The Albuquerque Isotopes had to forfeit a game last week, via Shaun P Kernahan at Grading on the Curve.
• Clary Osborne at Dodger Insider tells us how you can play fantasy football with the Dodgers... for reals!

“We’re all excited to share our passion of fantasy football to raise money for some great causes,” said Dodger catcher A.J. Ellis. “I’m looking forward to some good competition and a little trash talk in the Big Blue Fantasy Football League, but like all things I do, I’m playing to win, so bring your “A” game!”

• Via Christopher Jackson at Albuquerque Baseball Examiner, "Isotopes Notebook: Pederson enjoyed his All-Star experience."

“I think it was a pretty good experience,” Pederson said. “Any all-star game you go to is a special time. It’s an honor to represent the Isotopes and Dodgers in such an event.”

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SportsNet LA Launches on February 25th

The channel Dodger fans have been waiting for is about to go live.  Starting on Tuesday, February 25th, SportsNet LA launches as the 24/7 home of the Dodgers.  Per a Dodgers press release, they:

will take fans behind-the-scenes of the team and offer in-depth access into the organization, providing an immersive experience with never-before-seen content and thousands of hours of comprehensive Dodger programming.

Here is what you should expect:

• The revolution will be televised.  All Dodgers Spring Training games will be on television; except for two split-squad games. That's 22 total Spring games.
• Vin Scully will call the inaugural game telecast on Wednesday, February 26 at 12:00 PM PT. 

"It is an incredible honor to have the remarkable opportunity to call the very first game on the Dodger network," said Scully. "The Dodgers' new ownership group has done a wonderful job assembling a team to make SportsNet LA what every Dodger fan deserves, a television network just for them. I'm humbled to be a part of it."

• A live daily studio show will air at 7:00 PM during Spring Training, and will be called "Access SportsNet: Dodgers".

The show will be hosted live from the SportsNet LA studios in El Segundo, CA with contributions from the SportsNet LA on-air team live in Glendale, AZ. John Hartung will lead the program, alongside longtime Dodger announcer Charley Steiner and Dodger legends Orel Hershiser and Nomar Garciaparra, with contributions from recently-retired Dodger Jerry Hairston Jr. and experienced baseball reporter Alanna Rizzo. "Access SportsNet: Dodgers" will deliver an hour of comprehensive coverage of the team, highlighting the behind-the-scenes access of the new network, while providing fans with the latest information, updates and team features.

• Another show will be called "Backstage: Dodgers", per @SportsNetLA on twitter.   It'll air every week during the season, and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the team.
• Glenn Diamond, a sports TV producer and five-time Emmy Award winner, will produce Dodger games.  He has 31 years of national Baseball production experience.

Unfortunately, Time Warner has yet to receive a go ahead from other cable or satellite networks, so there is a threat that you may not be able to watch - unless you have Time Warner already.  So, the next few weeks should be interesting as things heat up. 

I would expect a loud and visible campaign to start very soon.

(pic via @SportsNetLA on twitter)

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The Dodgers TV Channel - SportsNet LA - Opens for Business on Feb. 25th - Details Here

Throughout the winter, we received word about various signings of former Dodger players who would join the Dodgers cable channel this upcoming season.  We rejoiced at Orel Hershiser's signing, celebrated Nomar Garciaparra's return, and congratulated Jerry Hairston Jr. on his career change.  So, all we were waiting on now was information about the new channel.

I have just been notified that the new Dodgers channel, to be called SportsNet LA, will officially be going live on Tuesday, February 25, which is the day before the Dodgers first Spring Training ballgame at Camelback Ranch.

What good timing, eh?

As their press release said:

SportsNet LA will take fans behind-the-scenes and offer in-depth access into the Dodger organization, providing an immersive experience with never-before-seen content, and thousands of hours of comprehensive Dodger programming. SportsNet LA will televise 24/7 Dodger content, including live and classic games, live studio shows, numerous original programs, all with expert commentary led by the network's on-air talent team of Orel Hershiser, Nomar Garciaparra, Charley Steiner, Jerry Hairston, Alanna Rizzo and John Hartung.

Here is a pic tweeted out by the @Dodgers of the entire broadcast team.  As newest Feelin' Kinda Blue blog writer Jason Drantch said on twitter,

"Broadcast Team!  Assemble!"

You can follow SportsNet LA on twitter, here.  Also, their website is live.  Go here to see that.  The website is currently pushing fans to get in contact with their television providers to demand SportsNet LA.  No doubt we'll get upcoming stories about this or that cable/satellite provider refusing to carry the channel.  So that should be fun.

As for game broadcast, here is the lineup:

• Vin Scully will, of course, continue broadcasting all home games and road games (in Arizona and California only) on television.
• For games Scully will not be broadcasting on television, Charley Steiner and Orel Hershiser will make the call.
• On the radio, Charley Steiner and Rick Monday will do the broadcast.
• For games Steiner will be on television, Rick Monday and Nomar Garciaparra will be on the radio.
• For Spanish language radio broadcast, the team remains the same: Jaime Jarrin, Pepe Yniguez and Fernando Valenzuela.
• Jerry Hairston Jr. and Nomar Garciaparra will contribute both pre and post game Dodger coverage on television.
• Alanna Rizzo will be an in-game reporter for games broadcast on television by Steiner and Hershiser, and be a host for both pre and post game shows on television.
• John Hartung will be in the studio for SportsNet LA, anchoring the network's live studio shows.

BTW, Hartung was today's newest announced broadcast signing.  He was formerly with KABC-TV and a sports and news anchor.

So, there you have it.  Welcome your 2014 Dodger broadcasters.

Here's what some of them had to say on twitter.

Jerry Hairston Jr.

Looking forward to being part of a very talented team @SportsNetLA and backing the Boys in Blue. #Dodgers #LA #MLB
— Jerry Hairston, Jr.  (@Therealjhair) January 22, 2014

John Hartung

Thrilled and honored to be a part of the @Dodgers broadcast team on @SportsNetLA with @OrelHershiser @Therealjhair @Nomar5 @alannarizzo!!
— John Hartung (@_JohnHartung) January 23, 2014

Alanna Rizzo

It is officially, official. I can now say I am very excited to be one of the newest members of the @Dodgers organization and @SportsNetLA.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) January 22, 2014

Orel Hershiser

It's great to officially be back in Blue! I'm thrilled to be joining the best broadcast team in sports. @SportsNetLA is only a month away.
— Orel Hershiser (@OrelHershiser) January 22, 2014

Jaime Jarrin

It is a great honor to be a member of the new team of announcers x Dodgers-SportsNetLA.It is a historic picture x posterity because is 1st.
— Jaime Jarrín (@JaimeJarrin) January 22, 2014

And here's a video from the Dodgers introducing this new team.

Video Link:

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The Kings Sold Those Awesome Dodgers Themed Warm-Up Jerseys Yesterday, and I Didn't Win One

I went home last night in a less than happy mood.

Sure, the Kings eked out a hard fought win against the Vancouver Canucks, and considering the style of play I should have been elated.   We definitely witnessed some old-time hockey, as a total of 109 penalty minutes were meted out by the refs; including several brawls that had the crowd jumping.

Still, I left the arena deflated.

Last night was Dodgers Pride Night, and I was hopeful that I would be able to take home one of those Dodgers themed hockey jerseys they wear during the pregame skate.  For the second year in a row, the Kings came out in Dodger Blue before the game, and like many fans I was smitten.  They are easily the greatest Kings jersey's since the unveiling of the 'Black & Silver', and the team would be auctioning them off during the game for charity.

I immediately headed to the main concourse during the first intermission to check out the auction, and placed a bid. As you can see below, they were all piled neatly on a table.

I figured I would be better off chasing one of the fringe/role players on the team since they were likely to be the most affordable.  Instead, I found myself placing a bid on the Jarret Stoll jersey (#28) in the $500 range.  Then, I came down during the next intermission and upped the ante to $600 in hopes of deterring any competitors.  With seconds to go before closing a person, who I shall refer to as a troll, sniped me in the end, and with little time to rebid I was left without the prize.

Boo!

Oh well.  I guess I'll have next year.

Since my photos above do not do these jerseys justice, check out this great photo tweeted out by the Kings.

Here's another photo that was shared by the Dodgers on tumblr.  That's Kings captain Dustin Brown (#23) with star centerman Anze Kopitar (#11) in the background.  Both will be Olympians.  Brown will be on Team USA and Kopitar will be with Slovenia.

You can't tell me those jersey aren't awesome.  In fact, they are so good I still wonder why the Kings didn't chose to use a similar design for the upcoming Stadium Series game at Dodger Stadium.  Frankly, I think it's a missed opportunity for the club.

BTW, a couple of Dodgers were at the game to drop the opening puck.  Via a pic tweeted by the Dodgers, check out Jerry Hairston Jr. and Brian Wilson wearing Kings jerseys.

They also received some choice seating from the Kings - right on the glass (via Hairston's instagram).


Here is a vine video from the Kings of the players heading back to their clubhouse after their pregame skate.

That blue https://t.co/kglKVX2oVN
— LA Kings (@LAKings) January 14, 2014

Now, does anybody have a Dodgers themed Kings jersey they want to sell?  I'm a willing buyer.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/13/2013 - Dodgers Links - MLB to Ban Home Plate Collissions, the Hairston Legacy and Dodgers Phase II

The above photo was taken during the first ballgame at Ebbets Field, April 5, 1913.  Dodger Manager Bill Dahlen is seen looking out towards the field.  Pic via @Dodgers_History on twitter.

• Watch the Dodgers Season's Greetings Holiday message right here.
• ICYMI: Via David Brown at Big League Stew, "MLB will outlaw crashes at home plate".

"This is, I think, in response to a few issues that have arisen — one is just the general occurrence of injuries from these incidents at home plate that affect players, both runners and catchers," Alderson said. "And also the general concern about concussions that exists not only in baseball but throughout professional sports and amateur sports today. It's an emerging issue, and one that we in baseball have to address as well as other sports. So that's part of the impetus for this rule change as well."

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "What will Jose Dominguez’s role be in 2014?"
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers reportedly add Sam Demel on minor league contract".
• This is great.  Via Alex Remington at FanGraphs writes, "Jerry Jr. and The Amazing Hairstons".

Jerry’s actually from one of the great baseball families — his grandfather Sam, father Jerry Sr., uncle Johny, and brother Scott all reached the major leagues — and Jerry Jr. had more plate appearances than the rest of them combined. As a matter of fact, as Red Reporter points out, “The Hairston family is the biggest baseball family ever.” His family is one of only four three-generation families in major league history, along with the Boones and Bells, and, most recently, the Colemans (Joe Sr., Joe Jr., and Casey).

• Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports writes a great piece on the Dodgers plans - "Rosenthal: Will Dodgers stick to Phase 2 plan or keep adding payroll?"  I don't quite know what to think of this:

The Dodgers still could trade Kemp before then — he seems to have ticked off someone in upper management, though few seem to know who or why. 

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Jerry Hairston to Stay Blue After Hangin' it Up

This is really no surprise.  It is now being reported that Jerry Hairston Jr. will retire from the game after 16 Big League seasons and 1 World Championship with the 2009 Yankees.  In his career he was known for his versatility on the field and his clubhouse personality.  In fact, it is those latter skills, his "gift of gab", that will propel him towards a new future.

Reporter Bruce Levine out of Chicago tweeted this morning that Hairston will join the Dodgers in a new capacity.

Congrats to Jerry Hairston on new deal as pre and post game analyst on the Dodgers TV games. 14 years and a ring is a pretty good career.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) December 11, 2013

Anyone who has watched Hairston perform on video knows this is a perfect role for him.  No one in the Dodger clubhouse was more comfortable with a mic, and no one relished the opportunity to be in front of the camera more then him.  I wouldn't be surprised if he excelled in his new profession, and I suspect we'll be seeing a new Dodger-centric show hosted by him in the near future.

Congrats, Jerry!

In celebration, I made the above fantasy Baseball card of him using the 1987 Topps card design and a photo taken by Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2013.

This new hire helps solidify an already vastly improved Dodgers broadcast crew.  Hairston will join new hires Orel Hershiser and Nomar Garciaparra in the booth.

I also decided to track down a couple of his more notable videos to give you a glimpse of what he will bring to Dodger TV.  First, Hairston tell us everything we need to know about him in this MLB Minute.

Video Link:

Jerry interviews Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes before their game at Dodger Stadium.

Video Link:

This one cracks me up.  Magician Jason Latimer shows Jerry Hairston Jr. and Juan Uribe a new hidden-ball trick.

Video Link:

Also, below are his career stats, via Baseball Reference:


UPDATE:  Here's an official message from Hairston on twitter:

After 16 seasons decided retiring is my best opportunity. Game will not miss me but I will miss it and teammates immensely! #NextChapter
— Jerry Hairston, Jr.  (@Therealjhair) December 11, 2013

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Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2013 - Dodgers Links - Adrian "Mickey" Gonzalez, Vin Scully and Don Mattingly on America's Team

Santa Barbara native Skip Schumaker grew up a Dodger fan, and he has a photo to prove.  In the above pic he stands with Orel Hershiser while holding up a boyhood photo signed by the Bulldog.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.  See more pics of yesterday's game from Jon here.

• Left Field Pavilion creates a great graphic following the the Dodgers victory yesterday.  See it here.
• Jim Baker at Baseball Nation list, "The 10 best songs about baseball players," and the Puig Destroyer's song "One Man, Five Tools" is #9.  A Jackie Robinson song is #6.
• DJ Gallo at Sports Pickle writes a great tongue-'n-cheek story called, "10 Reasons Vin Scully SUCKS and is the WORST Broadcaster in Sports". 
• As always, Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe shares a bunch of postgame videos:  Here's Don Mattingly, Listen to Zack Greinke, and both Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford can bee seen here.
• "Dodgers-Cardinals rivalry intensifies," via Arash Markazi at ESPN.

“The Mickey Mouse ears, I was just having fun with the comment that was made earlier,” (Adrian) Gonzalez said. “Nothing against them or anything; it was just to have fun.”

(gif credit: Dodgers tumblr)

Tim Brown at Yahoo has more choice quotes.

“He has those kinda big ears,” Jerry Hairston said.

Uh-huh. No. Don’t.

“He looks like him,” Hairston insisted. “He does. We were so glad when they called him Mickey Mouse. Now we all do.”

• Via David Brown at Big League Stew, "Don Mattingly: Dodgers are ‘America’s team’".

They also have the will of the people. All of them. Even the "Best Fans In Baseball," usually partisan for the Cardinals, are pulling for the Dodgers.

"I think if you look at it, now we've kind of become America's team because everyone wants to see a seventh game," Mattingly said. "Probably, even the fans in St. Louis would like to see a seventh game, so I figure that everybody's for us to win on Friday night."

• From yesterday's pregame celebrations, here is Will Ferrell's player introductions.

Video Link:

• This was the best tweet of the day, yesterday.  NASA is back after the shutdown!  Yeah!

We're back, Earth! #WelcomeBackNASA pic.twitter.com/oot9b9QK6c
— NASA Goddard (@NASAGoddard) October 17, 2013

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Dodger Players Provide Words of Encouragement on Twitter

We find out this afternoon if our season comes to an end or continues on.  It is Game 5, and the Dodgers find themselves down 3 games to 1.  As I've said before, this team has gone through so many pitfalls and climbed out, so there's no reason to believe they can't do it again. 

To emphasize the point, a couple of Dodgers tweeted out words of encouragement.

Via AJ Ellis:

I know it's a mid-week day game & things seem bleak but an amazing stadium atmosphere & crowd can only help as we start this tough climb
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) October 16, 2013

Jerry Hairston Jr. sends out a challenge.  Are you a real Dodger fan?

Anyone can believe when things are going well. Believing when R backs are against the wall is what separates fans from DODGER fans! #dodgers
— Jerry Hairston, Jr.  (@Therealjhair) October 16, 2013

This is no time to abandon the ship.  This is a time to circle the wagons.

Have faith Dodger Blue.  It's time to BELIEVE!

Pic at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013

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Blog Kiosk: 10/1/2013 - Dodgers Links - Hairston, Puig, Scully and the Don

Can Terry Crews play centerfield?  Pic via Jon SooHoo/La Dodgers 2013.

• Jerry HAriston Jr. is suffering through a back issue, via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers.
• What their saying in Atlanta - "Favored or not, Braves confident facing Dodgers," via David O'Brien at AJC.com.  The Braves seem to think their the underdog.  Considering the recent injuries to the Dodgers, I don't think this holds true.

“Whether or not we get the publicity we should get, it’s just not important to us. We don’t need someone to tell us that we’re going to win or lose. It’s played on the field.”

• David Lauterbach at True Blue LA writes, "A look back at the Dodgers vs. Braves 2013 season series".
• Just to let you know.

Ernie Johnson, Rob Darling and Cal Ripken in the booth for Dodgers-Braves series
— Anthony Jackson (@dodgerscribe) September 30, 2013

• Gellman at Sports Cards Uncensored tells us that the 2013 Bowman Chrome Yasiel Puig Superfractor autographed card has already been pulled and sold to SBay Cards - Is this the Lomita store? Chris Olds at Beckett confirms that it is the Lomita store, and you should expect to see it in an upcoming Super Box repackage product they will be selling.  The selling price of the card is unknown.  See the rare "1 of 1" card on the right.  Click to embiggen.  I'll have pics of the Dodgers' cards from this set up soon.
• Via Chad Moriyama, "Yasiel Puig’s no-good-very-bad September is actually quite promising".
• True to the Blue recaps the recent AJ Ellis signing in Long Beach this past weekend.
• Via Chuck Culpepper at Sports on Earth writes about Vin Scully, "The Hardest Working Legend Around".

"I would say on average, I get here at 3:30, and I work somewhere close to an hour and a half. That gets it to five of five. I have to tape an opening. I have to tape a little thing they put on the board, notes on the game. I'll come in and eat. I'll be finished eating. If my wife isn't at the game, automatically at six o'clock I'll call her to let her know that I'm here and find out what she's going through at home. And then after I make the phone call, I go back to look for any late notes, whatever. I might talk with one or two of the other team's broadcasters, say, 'What's new, who's doing what?' And then, by the time you're ready to go on, you have a head full of stuff."

• "For the Dodgers, Don Mattingly is leader of the pack," via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times.

"Once the game starts, he's still got that player mentality," pitcher Clayton Kershaw said. "He's pretty competitive. You definitely see why he was a successful baseball player."

Mattingly's calm demeanor in the clubhouse makes the players comfortable. His intensity in the dugout is what earns their respect. They feel as if he's protecting them.

• Emma Span at Sports on Earth shares a "Who to Root For in the Playoffs" flowchart.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/30/2013 - Dodgers Links - Ethier's Ailing, Wilson Get's His Ring and No to Cano

The National League Champions are finally home, pic via Dodgers tumblr.  Featured are Jerry Hairston Jr. and Kenley Jansen.  Check out a bunch of photos from Sunday from Jon SooHoo, here.

• Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Dodgers Blogger Night on Friday since I went to the Kings Frozen Fury this past weekend.  Thankfully, several other bloggers were there.  Check out their stories below.

*Sarah Wexler at "We're born again, there's new grass on the field".
*Craig Minami at "True Blue LA".
*Ross Gasmer at "Dodger Nation".

*Stacie Wheeler at "Lasorda's Lair".

• "Dodgers lose, learn they're Atlanta-bound," via Mark Saxon at ESPN.
• Andre Ethier may be down and out as well.

The Los Angeles #Dodgers ruled Matt Kemp out for the entire postseason, and Andre Ethier likely available only as pinch-hitter.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 30, 2013

• Orel at Sons of Steve Garvey shares a bunch of pics from yesterday afternoons game featuring Matt Kemp walking around on crutches.
• "Dodgers' Brian Wilson gets his Giants' World Series ring," via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times.

"I got my ring," Wilson said Friday at Dodger Stadium. "It's of no one's concern. It was handled.

"I'm not asking America to understand. I don't play games. I handled the situation. It's over with. It's squashed."

• "Ethier trying to get healthy in time for playoffs," via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.

"We're basically trying to get him as many at-bats as we can so he can get the timing part without the running part," Mattingly said before Friday night's game against the Rockies. "That's really the main reason for going there, to be able to get 10-15 at-bats a day."

• "Baseball's Doll Bobbles Leave Fans' Heads Spinning ," via Sarah Needleman and Daniel Barbarisi at the WSJ.

Bobblehead management has become something of an issue with popular teams. In April, the Dodgers issued a rule limiting the number of bobbleheads given away at games to one per ticket holder to deter hoarders—and to help ensure that the fans actually stick around for the action.

• Per a Dodgers press release, "Dodgers name Zach Lee and Scott Schebler as the Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher and Player of the Year".
• Dodger Penguin snagged an autograph of team President Stan Kasten on a Baseball.
• I count this as good news.  "Dodgers not interested in Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano: source," via Mark Feinsand at the NY Daily News.

According to a high-ranking National League executive with knowledge of the situation, the Dodgers have no intention to bid on Cano this winter, leaving the second baseman without one of the sport’s richest teams in the sweepstakes for his services.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/27/2013 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw, Hockey at Dodger Stadium and Hazing the Rookies

The 13th edition of Dodgers Playbill features the Dodgers’ 2013 Roy Campanella Award winner Clayton Kershaw.  See it above.

• Via Jesse Spector at the Sporting News, MLB Network's Bill Ripken: 'Dodgers have to be the team to beat'
• Clayton Kershaw was named the winner of the eighth 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, per a Dodgers press release.
• "Fatal stabbing after Dodgers-Giants game: Details of the attack," via Lee Romney at the LA Times.
• This is truly the loss of a member of the Dodger family.  Here is the Dodgers statement regarding the passing of Jonathan Denver.

"The Dodgers are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Jonathan Denver, who is the son of one of our security guards."

"There is no rational explanation for this senseless act which resulted in Jonathan's death. The pain that this has caused his family and friends is unimaginable. Words are not enough to describe our sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this extremely difficult time."

• "Dodger Stadium NHL outdoor rink introduced," via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.  Gann Matsuda at Frozen Royalty shares a whole bunch of photos from the event, here.

On January 25th, 2014, @LAKings and @AnaheimDucks take Center Field: pic.twitter.com/oPCALCK1Dr
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 26, 2013

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA also has the Dodgers rookie hazing photos.  "Dodgers rookie hazing photos emerge: Yasiel Puig, Hyun-jin Ryu, et al"

Well, also this gem. Guess who (via @rbelisario51): pic.twitter.com/gGGO3uWSQN
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 27, 2013

The only photo from "Rookie Dress Up" that matters. Vin Scully with Gumby, @YasielPuig: pic.twitter.com/5D0G8VDWqC
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 27, 2013

• "Dodgers' Andre Ethier expected to miss remainder of regular season," via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times.
• "Dodgers' Hairston bothered by back spasms," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

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