Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends!

As you surely know by now, Vin Scully has consigned a whole bunch of his personal memorabilia to Hunt Auctions, and frankly it's overwhelming. There's a ton of stuff, and bids are starting to reach lofty heights -- after being open for just a day or two.

I have yet to go through the entire catalog, but so far I think the cream of the crop might be his 1955 World Series ring. That's right folks! His championship ring is on the block and right now it sits at $13,750.00 -- with the possibly it'll reach six figured before it's all said and done. Wow! See the ring on the right. Go here to check out the entire auction, and do a search for Vin Scully

BTW, next week I plan on writing and sharing a bunch of his stuff on this blog, so stay tuned for that. I suspect next week will be Vin Scully week here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1942 the oft-injured outfielder Pete Reiser enters the hospital with a torn thigh ligament. 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 and willingness to 'turn the other cheek.' Also on this day, 17-year old Brooklyn shortstop Tommy Brown becomes the youngest person to steal home in Major League history. 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 his Dodger teammates. 
• Happy Birthday, Ryan Madson, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

They say he's locked and loaded for the season.

I recently participated in a roto-league draft and made sure to get Corey Seager. This is his first season back, after a disastrous 2018, so I am expecting big things from him.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Dodgers collectively hit a home run in 24 consecutive ballgames. This day's homer was hit by Roy Campanella against Giants pitcher Sal "The Barber" Maglie. Unfortunately, that would be the only run Brooklyn scores. They would lose 6-1. In 1971 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Fame reliever Hoyt Wilhelm. He would retire a year later at the age of 49. As a Dodger he got into 25 games, recorded four saves, a 1.047 WHIP and an 3.14 ERA. Not too bad for a guy in his middle-ages.
• Happy Birthday, Scott Alexander, Larry Burright & Bob Bailor!

Blog Kiosk: 5/8/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun Herb Scharfman International News press photo from the first day of spring training at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, 1954, and as you can see it features a rather nimble Duke Snider. Don Newcombe, who was on the mound, was aiming for Snider's rear-end, and the Duke had to do a jitterbug to get out of the way. Per the descriptor attached to reverse (eBay auction link):

Pitch went Wild
Vero Beach, Florida -- Brooklyn outfielder Duke Snider isn't going into his dance as might be supposed from his gyrations in this picture. A pitch by Don Newcombe tagged Duke on his trouser seat in Opening Day workouts at Vero Beach yesterday. A sartorial note was added to the scene by Snider who appeared in a polo shirt of violent scarlet, trousers of a golden hue, two-tone shoes and a straw hat modeled like a long-ago box baseball cap. The Dodgers spring training underway under the guidance of their new manager, Walter Alston.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Giants and Dodgers play an Army-Navy Relief exhibition game that raises over $60,000 for the Navy Relief Fund in front of 24,000 fans. Brooklyn edged out their rivals, 7-6, on a Dolph Camilli home run in the seventh inning. BTW, everyone, including the umpires, coaches and players, paid admission to enter Ebbets Field. In 1973 Willie Stargell hit an Andy Messersmith pitch out of Dodger Stadium. This was the second time he had accomplished the feat at the stadium and only the second time it had ever happened in its history. In other words, Willie Stargell owned Dodger Stadium. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela pitched his seventh straight victory to open the season -- shutting out the Mets by a score of 1-0 at Shea Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Dan Brouthers & Adrian Gonzalez!

Blog Kiosk: 4/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic vintage photo featuring Brooklyn's Ebbets Field, along with a trolley car in the foreground. Photo via BaseballHistoryNut on twitter.

below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 47-year-old Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) hurler Jack Quinn becomes the oldest pitcher to start an Opening Day game. He would toss six innings, but give up six earned runs to lose to the Boston Braves, 7-4. In 1964 Sandy Koufax threw a six-hit shutout, his ninth complete game without allowing a walk, to defeat the Cardinals, 4-0. This was also his only career Opening Day start. In 1993 Cardinal reliever Lee Smith set the National League record for career saves at 358 when he blanked the Dodgers in the 15th inning to secure a victory, 2-1.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Radtke, Greg Maddux, Mike Trombley, Brad Ausmus & Carlos Perez!

2020 Topps Opening Day -- Now the Rest of the Inserts

Here's a look at all the remaining Dodger insert cards found in packs of Topps 2020 Opening Day set.  I've also included pics of the two Dodger base variation cards of Max Muncy and Walker Buehler. Autograph versions of these two cards are also available, but I have yet to see any pics of them. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base Image Variation

#107 Max Muncy
Normal Base                   Photo Variation

Blog Kiosk: 3/9/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just some Dodgers' having some fun at Camelback Ranch, pics via @Dodgers on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1943 the Brooklyn Dodgers received soon-to-be Hall of Fame centerfielder Lloyd "Little Poison" Waner and Al Glossop from the Phillies in exchange for veteran infielder Babe Dahlgren. Although, Waner did not join the club for the 1943 Baseball season. Instead, he asked to be placed on the voluntary retirement list and took a wartime job at the Douglas Aircraft plant in Oklahoma City. Lloyd would eventually join Brooklyn for the 1944 season (playing briefly with his brother Paul -- also a fellow Hall of Famer), but would eventually be released by mid-June -- He slashed .286/.412/.286/.697 in just 14 at-bats, primarily as a pinch hitter.
• Happy Birthday, Rube Yarrison, Arky Vaughan, Terry Mulholland, Koyie Hill, Daniel Hudson & Willy Aybar!

Blog Kiosk: 12/16/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton Kershaw, Alex Verdugo and Matt Beaty visited Dodger Stadium on Friday to give some local kids the time of their lives -- as a part of their annual children’s holiday party. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“For these kids, their families, they’re from LA so their families are big Dodger fans, it’s like they grow into it,” Verdugo said. “The fact that they can come out here, have fun, be kids, be themselves and get to hang out with us, they get a little bit of that personal, ‘Oh man, I got to hang out with Alex, I got to hang out with Clayton — any little memory we can kind of put in their minds and have them cherish growing up, it’s special to me and I’m happy to be part of it all.”

Photo above via Dodger Insider on twitter (Josh Barber/Los Angeles Dodgers). Pic on the right via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Jamey Carroll to a two-year contract. He would slash .290/.368/.344/.711 in 803 at-bats. In 2010 the Dodgers signed free agent right-handed reliever Matt Guerrier. In three seasons he would go 6-8 with an 4.24 ERA, in 120 games. In 2014 the Dodgers signed righty starter Brandon McCarthy to a four-year $48 million contract. He would unfortunately be hampered by injuries his whole time in Los Angeles. In 2015 the Dodgers were a part of a three-team trade with the Reds and White Sox. Dodgers got Micah Johnson, Frankie Montas and Trayce Thompson from the Chicago. The Reds received Brandon Dixon, Jose Peraza and Scott Schebler from the Dodgers. The White Sox received Todd Frazier from the Dodgers. In 2017 the Dodgers received Matt Kemp from the Braves for Adrian Gonzalez, Charlie Culberson, Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy. This move was clearly a salary dump for the Dodgers -- although Kemp ended up having a fantastic 2018 season in Los Angeles.
• Happy Birthday, Pete Hotaling & Sammy Strang!

Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Several milestones were reached last night. First, Cody Bellinger became the first Dodger to have 100 RBI since Adrian Gonzalez in 2014. Best yet, he accomplished the feat while in the midst of having his pants fall down. Then he scored his 100th run of the season two innings later. More importantly, Clayton Kershaw recorded his 166th career win to best Dodger Hall of Fame lefty Sandy Koufax. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“What Sandy means to this organization and what he means to me personally, it’s an incredible thing, something I never thought would happen,” Kershaw said. “It’s not the most important thing in the world, but it’s something to look back on when all is said and done. It’s an honor, for me, to be mentioned in the same sentence as Sandy, I’ve said that many times. What he was able to accomplish in his career, and would have gone a lot longer if he played today because he could have gotten healthy.”

Both photos above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 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 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. This is the first time brothers have collaborated on a shutout. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here. In 2005 the Marlins suspended a bat boy for six games after the 11-year old kid accepted a challenge from Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. He dared the preteen to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without throwing up for $500. The sixth grader drank the milk, but hurled. The Milk Processor Education Program (a lobbying group) offered to pay off the dare and cover his lost wages if he promises to dutifully drink three glasses of milk every day. In 2015 the Dodgers are no-hit by Astro's hurler Mike Fiers, 3-0 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

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

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Washington Nationals. 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 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

Please note that the Dodgers are embarking on a new culinary experience at the stadium. Fans can find the LA Feeds Blue Chef Series located in the right field plaza that will feature a special Chef Series pop-up concession stand. This homestand will feature foods from Border Grill + Socalo. More information is available at the bottom of this post.

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Friday, July 19th at 7:10 PM

Hyun-Jin Ryu vs Zac Gallen

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 7/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dodger fans have always traveled well.

Featured above is a group of avid Brooklyn Dodger fans at Shibe Park in Philadelphia on the last day of the 1949 season, October 2nd. The team only had a one game lead over the Cardinals going into this last game, so fans dutifully headed south in hopes that their presence would push their club over the finish line.

It worked.

The Dodgers defeated the Phillies, 9-7, and won the National League Pennant. In celebration, these fans proudly display their affection for the team.... Although, I suspect these rooters were showing off this placard throughout the game.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1949 the All-Star Game arrived at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn for the first and only time. Furthermore, this was also the first All-Star Game to include black ballplayers -- Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe and Larry Doby of the Indians. In 1966 Dodger shortstop Maury Wills hit a walk-off single off of Pete Richert of the Senators in the tenth inning of the All-Star Game in St. Louis to help the National League defeat the American League, 2-1. Other Dodger participants include Jim Lefebvre (who went 0-for-2 as the starter at second base) and Sandy Koufax (who made his only career All-Star start, threw three innings, struck out one, gave up one hit and allowed a single run). Dodger hurler Phil Regan did not pitch. 
• Happy Birthday, Jim Pastorious, Ray Mowe, Artie Dede, Al Glossop, Ron Fairly, Mike Munoz, Kelly Wunsch & Howie Kendrick! 

Blog Kiosk: 5/14/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a fantastic 1932 International News press photo of future Hall of Famer Hack Wilson wearing a Dodger uniform for the very first time. It had recently sold at RMY Auctions.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1933 Hack Wilson came off the bench for the Dodgers to belt a pinch-hit inside-the-park walk-off grand slam -- a first in Dodgers history (boxscore). In 1978 Dodger killer Dave Kingman of the Cubs belted three home runs against Los Angeles to defeat us, 10-7, marking the second three-homer game of his career against the Dodgers. This also infamously lead to one of Tommy Lasorda's most epic rants -- when KLAC radio reporter Paul Olden asked what he thought Kingman three dingers. Listen to it here (NSFW). Per Kevin Roderick at LA Observed: 

“I was in the front row with my arm extended, holding the microphone, and no one was asking about the main thing from that day: the three home runs by Dave Kingman,” Olden said. I just needed a quick sound bite, 10 or 15 seconds, and then get the heck out of there.

“So I sort of innocently asked his opinion of Kingman’s performance. A minute and a half later, he’s still talking.”

• Happy Birthday, Tony Smith, Johnny Babich & Chink Zachary!

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

Opening Day is here! The first home series of the 2019 season begins on Thursday against our rivals -- the Diamondbacks. Below are some odds and ends for this homestand. Below 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  

As you know, Don Newcombe passed away on February 19 at the age of 92. Newcombe was beloved by the team -- having been a mentor to numerous Dodger players over the decades. In honor of his life and legacy the Dodgers will all wear a memorial uniform patch featuring his uniform number, #36, all season long. Furthermore, Morningside, Inglewood, Dominguez and Centennial High Schools will also wear the patch this Spring. You can see the patch on the top right.

Also, at the Top of the Park, fans will notice two new additions to the Retired Numbers plaza, five-foot microphones for Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrín. Check out a pic on the left. Additionally, the Top of the Park store has been remodeled for a modern shopping experience. You can see renderings below.

For expedited entry, fans can transfer their Dodger tickets into their Apple Wallet and gain access to the stadium and suites via near field communication (NFC) ticketing technology stadium-wide via their smart watch or mobile device. NFC for Google devices is expected to be ready mid-season. Fans will also be able to utilize Apple Maps in and around the ballpark to find their favorite food, retail store, nearest restroom or Fan Services location. To expedite ordering at concessions stands, the Dodgers have increased the number of Self Service Concession Kiosks throughout the ballpark.

At the very bottom of this post is some information regarding the various food options available at Dodger concession stands this season. BTW, Stuff in LA shares a nice list of Opening Day restaurant and bar deals at or near downtown Los Angeles. Check that out here.

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Thursday, March 28th at 1:10 PM
Hyun-Jin Ryu vs. Zack Greinke

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

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 3/1/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night was Dodgers Night at the LA Kings game, and as you can see in the pic above (via LA Kings on twitter) our nightmare-inducing mascot was on-hand to celebrate the occasion with Bailey of the Kings. Stay tuned, I'll have more pics from last nights event shortly.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Father Vincent Powell of the Brooklyn Catholic Youth Organization released a public statement declaring that the group, "is withdrawing from the Dodgers' Knothole Club." He goes on to say that he cannot allow the kids to be associated with Leo Durocher -- a fellow deemed to have low moral character. Several weeks later (April 9th) the National League would levy a one-year suspension against Durocher. The reasons vary from the Catholic boycott, his close association to known gamblers and an off-field spat with Charlie Dressen. As you know, this was Jackie Robinson's first season in the Majors, so Durocher's absence caused quite a stir in the club's front office. Leo was seen as the perfect manager to handle the expected rancor that Jackie would experience. Jeffrey Marlett at SABR provides a fantastical write-up on Durocher's suspension, here.
• Happy Birthday, Peter Guber, Tim Thompson, Bert Hamric, Omar Daal & Blake Hawksworth!

Blog Kiosk: 1/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just one more win.

Featured above is an AP wirephoto showing an overjoyed Clem Labine (eBay Auction Link). Per the description on the reverse:

Clem Labine, Brooklyn's relief artist, leaps for joy as catcher Roy Campanella and first baseman Gil Hodges rush to congratulate hm at the of Sunday's fifth game of (1955) World Series. Labine, fourth game winner, recued Roger Craig in Sunday's game. Dodgers won, 5-3, to take series edge three games to two.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2003 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Ron Coomer. He would get into 69 games for the Dodgers; slashing .240/.299/.368/.667 with four homers and 15 RBI's. In 2008 pitcher DJ Houton is sold to the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (Japan Pacific). In 2017 the Dodgers traded Carlos Frias to the Indians for cash. 
• Happy Birthday, Davey Johnson, Red Smyth, Mal Mallette, Sandy Amoros, Charlie Neal & John Lindsey!

Blog Kiosk: 1/14/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As you know, this weekend Jaime Jarrin received the Pioneer Award at the 16th annual Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation awards dinner, and our very own Justin Turner was on-hand to present it to him. BTW, former Dodger VP of Amateur Scouting, Logan White, was also honored at the scouts dinner - being one of eight scouts honored.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2006 the Dodgers, with closer Eric Gagne on the DL due to Tommy John surgery, traded starting pitcher Edwin Jackson and minor league pitcher Chuck Tiffany to Tampa Bay for relievers Danys Baez and Lance Carter.
• Happy Birthday, Art Decatur, Derrel Thomas, Terry Forster, Troy Brohawn & Logan Forsythe!

Blog Kiosk: 1/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out who's on the cover of the most recent issue of Baseball America -- stud catching prospect Keibert Ruiz

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1984 Don Drysdale was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame; along with Luis Aparicio and Harmon Killebrew. It was Drysdale's tenth year on the ballot. In 2006 the Dodgers hire Hall of Famer Eddie Murray to be their hitting coach. He would remain a Dodger til June 2007. In 2017 the Dodgers signed closer Kenley Jansen to a five-year $80 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Ed MacGamwell, Gary Rath, Marty Hermann, Johnny Peacock & Adam Kennedy! 

Blog Kiosk: 12/13/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers held their annual Children's Holiday Party at Dodger Stadium yesterday, and as you can see fun was had by all. Featured above is Cody Bellinger getting pelted by a group of cheerful youngsters.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers tried to do the unthinkable. They announced a trade that would send legendary second baseman Jackie Robinson to the hated NY Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $35,000. It would be voided the next day. Jackie then announce his retirement from the game a few weeks later. In 2001 the Dodgers received Cesar Izturis and Paul Quantril in a trade with Toronto for Chad Ricketts and Luke Prokopec. In 2003 the Dodgers traded Kevin Brown to the Yankees for Brandon Weeden,Yhency Brazoban and Jeff Weaver. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent veteran catcher Sandy Alomar. Also, they traded troubled outfielder Milton Bradley and Antonio Perez to the A's for future fan-favorite Andre Ethier.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Landrum, Steve Wilson, Nate Oliver, Ricky Nolasco, George Shuba, Carl Erskine & Billy Loes! 

Blog Kiosk: 12/7/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's an March 5, 1951 Acme Press Photo taken during Spring Training activities in Vero Beach featuring Dodgers outfielder Tommy Brown, alongside his father Bill Brown. (eBay Auction Link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

A COUPLE OF CANDIDATES.  Vero Beach, Fla.:  Reversing the usual trend, Bill Brown has decided to follow in the spike-prints of his son Tommy.  Here he works out with the young Brooklyn slugger at the Dodgers spring training camp in Vero Beach.  Chuck Dressen: please take note.

Below are more links to checkout:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 Grady Little is named the manager of the Dodgers. He would be the skipper the club for two seasons -- recording a 170-154 record. In 2013 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Brian Wilson. Wilson would wear Dodger Blue for two seasons -- recording an overall 4-5 record in Los Angeles, 3.77 ERA, 3.79 FIP and one save as a middle reliever. In 2015 a trade between the Reds and Dodgers involving reliever Aroldis Chapman is held up after a police report is unearthed that details a gun incident at the pitchers home. As a result, Chapman faced possible suspension under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy.
• Happy Birthday, Mike Baxter, Tom Lovett, Ryan Theriot & Yasiel Puig!

Blog Kiosk: 9/24/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

The final home series of the season kicked off with a bang as the Dodgers welcomed the newest addition to their "Ring of Honor" on Friday. As you can see, broadcasting legend Jaime Jarrin will now be honored for all of posterity. Watch the pregame video montage the Dodgers put together for him here. They then welcome Billie Jean King and Illana Kloss into the Dodger family.

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

The next day Chase Utley was named the recipient of the 2018 Roy Campanella Award, and would then get a hearty ovation from fans the following day when it is announced that Sunday would be his last day on the field as a Dodger during the regular season. You can watch the ovation here.

Lastly, the inaugural class of the upcoming "Legends of Dodger Baseball" were presented to the fans on Fan Appreciation Day -- Fernando Valenzuela, Steve Garvey and Don Newcombe.

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the last Major League game is played at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Pirates first baseman Dee Fondy makes the last out when he grounds to Dodger shortstop Don Zimmer with starting pitcher Danny McDevitt on the mound. The Dodger win, 2-0. In 1971 Dodger lefty Al Downing wins his 20th game of the season against the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. He would finish third in Cy Young voting this season. In 2003 Eric Gagne ties the NL record for saves when he records his 55th save of the season against the Padres in extra innings, 5-3.
• Happy Birthday, Tom Seats, Dixie Walker, Otis Davis, Dick Nen, Hubie Brooks, Larry White & Jim Neidlinger!

Blog Kiosk: 9/21/2018 - Dodgers Links - Welcome to the Blue, Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss!

This bit of news just came out of left field yesterday. It was announced that a brand new addition has been made to the Dodgers ownership group. Tennis champions and longtime partners Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss are joining the franchise. Per a Dodger press release:

“As someone born, raised and educated in Southern California, it is an honor to be part of the Dodger ownership group,” King said. “Mark Walter and the entire Dodger organization are a first-class operation that have proven to be leaders in sports on and off the field of play. We share a commitment to equality and inclusion, including the LGBTQ community, and we hope to further expand the team’s efforts in those areas as we move forward together.” 

“I have been fortunate to work closely with Mark and Kimbra Walter on some projects, and I’m looking forward to being part of the Dodgers’ ownership group and helping the team expand its reach with new audiences,” Kloss added. “I hope to work with the team at a variety of levels and I share the organization’s proven commitment to excellence on the field and in the community.”

This just seems right. What other franchise in all of sports has done more to break down barriers?

Welcome to the Blue, ladies!

BTW, they will both be introduced to the fans prior to tonight's game against the Padres. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Cardinals starter Paul "Daffy" Dean ho-hit the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, 3-0. In 1952 the Boston Braves play their last home game in Boston in a game against Brooklyn. Of the 8,822 fans on-hand most are rooting for the Dodgers. The Braves would move to Milwaukee the next season. In 1997 Mike Piazza becomes the first Dodger, and the first player in 25 years, to hit a home run out of Dodger Stadium. He whacked it off Rockies pitcher Frank Castillo over the Left Field Pavilion, and it is said to have traveled 478 feet. Willie Stargell was the last player to do it before Piazza. You can watch the monstrous homer here.
• Happy Birthday, Frank McManus, Max Butcher & Manuel Barrios!