Blog Kiosk: 3/4/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here are five Dodger pitchers warming up during Spring Training in 1949. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Brooklyn Hurlers Limber Up

Vero Beach, FLA... A quintet of the Brooklyn Dodgers' pitching staff limbering up throwing arms as the Dodgers Spring Training program went into high gear at Vero Beach. Left to Right are Hank Behrman, Joe Hatten, Preacher Roe, Rex Barney and Ralph Branca. 

Dated to 3/4/49 the International News Photo above was taken by famed sports photographer Barney Stein. (eBay auction link) Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1912 Charles Ebbets breaks ground on his new ballpark in the Pigtown section of Brooklyn. It was originally going to be called Washington Park, but will be renamed Ebbets Field. In 1984 Pee Wee Reese is elected into the Hall of Fame by the Special Veterans Committee. In 2009 the Dodgers re-signed outfielder Manny Ramirez to a two-year $45 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Korwan, Jeff Pfeffer, Johnny Enzmann, Dazzy Vance, Lefty O'Doul, Bill Hart, Leron Lee, Giovanni Carrara, Bruce Aven, Hiram Bocachica, Sergio Romo & Rubby De La Rosa!

Blog Kiosk: 12/19/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

What the heck?

Check out the above undated (likely 1950's) vintage photograph featuring the Dodgers pitching staff being directed by backstop Roy Campanella (eBay link). What Campy is doing exactly, I do not know. He's got his hands cupped over his ears, like he's expecting a loud sound.

As for the pitchers in the photo, I can clearly see Don Newcombe (third on the left), and according the a notation on the back Ralph Branca is there too. Unfortunately, I can't quite place Branca. I think he might be just to the right of Newcombe. I also think Johnny Podres is the second person to the left of Newcombe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal to a three year/$39 million contract and Nomar Garciaparra to a one year/$6 million contract. In 2014 the Dodgers received veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins from the Phillies in exchange for minor league pitchers Tom Windle and Zach Eflin. 
• Happy Birthday, Lou Koupal, Gordie Windhorn, Tom Wilson, Welcome Gaston, Wally Gilbert, Rex Barney, Geoff Zahn & Mike Fetters!

Blog Kiosk: 12/6/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Baseball is a game of peaks and valleys.

Above is a 1949 AP wirephoto (eBay auction link) that celebrates the efforts of a little known reliever named Jack Banta. On this day, he would lead the Dodgers to a pennant clinching victory on the last day of the season, but just a few days back he lost a game in spectacular fashion. Such are the trials of the game. Per the descriptor on the photo:

Philadelphia, Oct. 3--VICTORY SMILES--Brooklyn Dodger Manager Burt Shotton (right) hugs Jack Banta, rookie right hander, after the latter had pitched four and a third innings of relief to give the Dodgers a 9 to 7 ten-inning victory over the Philadelphia Phillies and the National League pennant, yesterday.  Banta's was a "goat last week, a hero this week" role.  Seven days earlier, he relieved also against the Phillies, gave up four runs and lost the ball game.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 actor Gene Autry is awarded an American League Los Angeles franchise that would be known as the Angels -- using a team name that once played in the PCL in Los Angeles and was subsequently purchased by O'Malley when he moved the Dodgers West. In 1973 the Dodgers traded Claude Osteen and Dave Culpepper to the Astros for outfielder Jim Wynn. Wynn would go on to have a stellar year the following season in Los Angeles. He slashed .271/.387/.497/.884 with 32 homers and 108 RBI's, and would come in fifth place in MVP voting. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Jason Schmidt. In 2007 signed free agent outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Tony Lazzeri, Tommy Brown & Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis!

Blog Kiosk: 10/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another great Spring Training photograph, dated March 9, 1936 (eBay auction link). Per the description on the reverse:

Stanley (Frenchie) Bordagaray, outfielder, slides into home plate, covered by catcher Walter Millies, during a spring training game of the Brooklyn Dodgers at Clearwater, Fla.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 Dodger President Branch Rickey announced that the team has signed two black ballplayers, shortstop Jackie Robinson and pitcher John "Needle Nose" Wright, to play with Brooklyn's Triple A team in Montreal. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series, 5-4. Fernando Valenzuela threw a nine-hit complete game. In 1998 Davey Johnson is named the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 
• Happy Birthday, Lave Winham, Rube Bressler, Lee Grissom, Billy Sullivan, Solly Drake & Jim Bunning! 

Blog Kiosk: 7/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Stadium Upgrades

Holy Moly! The upcoming changes at Dodger Stadium look awesome. It'll be a $100 Million renovation that will include a new center field plaza -- two acres of food concession stands, beer garden/sports bars, a children’s play area, the relocated Jackie Robinson statue and a permanent home for the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” plaques.. Per Arash Markazi at the LA Times:

“We’re finally going to have a front door with this entertainment plaza we’re building below and beyond the pavilions,” said Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and chief executive. “It’s going to act like a two-acre tailgating area pre- and postgame.”

“This is all meant to be a celebration of the Dodgers and Dodgers history and provide fans with the kind of amenities that you see at new ballparks without changing our postcard view,” (Janet Marie) Smith said. “We relish the beauty of this place and want to preserve that. I know when fans hear we’re renovating the pavilions the first thing they ask is what’s going to happen to the wooden benches. The answer is they’re staying in place. None of those things that fans love will change. We’re just improving the experience.”

Click on any pic to embiggen. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers history: In 1939 the Dodgers once again used yellow-colored baseballs during a game at Ebbets Field. This time it was against the Cardinals, and Brooklyn lost the game, 12-0. In 1962 Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. You can listen to his induction speech here. In 1974 Steve Garvey, who was a write-in candidate, had a single, double and an RBI during the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh. He would be named the MVP of the game. In 1975 Willie Crawford and Lee Lacy hit pinch-hit home runs in the ninth inning in a loss against the Cardinals, 5-4. The homers tied a Major League record for pinch-hit homers in the same inning.
• Happy Birthday, Hod Ford, Paul Chervinko, Pee Wee Reese, Don Drysdale, Nomar Garciaparra, Larry Barnes & Hung-Chih Kuo!

Blog Kiosk: 5/2/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu was fantastic last night. He battled Madison Bumgarner pitch-for-pitch -- throwing eight innings of four-hit ball, allowing just one run and striking out six. Unfortunately, the Dodgers offense decided to take May Day off. All they could do was scatter six hits and score one run to eventually lose on a walk-off single to Buster Posey, 2-1. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“Hyun-Jin was outstanding. It’s unfortunate that you don’t win a game when he pitches the way he did,” said manager Dave Roberts. “He had command of everything … Kept those guys off balance. Certainly his best outing of the year.”

Photo above via Michael Urakami/MLB.com 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 1928 Giants manager John McGraw does the unusual. In that afternoons game against the Dodgers he calls for an intentional walk with the bases loaded and two outs to drive in a run during the ninth inning to make the score 2-1. Giants starter Larry Benton then struck out the next batter, Harry Riconda, to get the victory. In 1975 the Dodgers traded Geoff Zahn and Eddie Solomon to the Cubs for starting pitcher Burt Hooton. In 1995 Hideo Nomo made his first major league start. He would pitch five innings of one-hit ball against the Giants in a no-decision. The Dodgers would eventually lose the game in the 15th inning, 4-3.  
• Happy Birthday, Larry Cheney!

Blog Kiosk: 7/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic Real Photo Postcard (RPPC) of the 1943 Monterrey Industriales of the Mexican League featuring future Dodger backstop and Hall of Famer Roy Campanella (on the far left). To the right is a closer look at the 21-year old catcher. It is currently on auction at RMY Auctions, and I suspect it will sell for a bunch. The auction listing states that this is the earliest known Campanella cardboard collectible.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 the Dodgers receive shortstop Pee Wee Reese from the Red Sox in exchange for $35,000, three minor leaguers and a player to be named later. It is later discovered that a poor scouting report filled out by then current Boston shortstop Joe Cronin purposefully downplayed Reese's abilities for fear of losing his job. In 1949 Jackie Robinson testified in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities to express his disagreement with actor Paul Robeson's assertion that African-Americans would not fight a war against Russia due to America's history of racial animus. In 1957 Gil Hodges hit his 12th career grand slam to tie a National League record held by both Rogers Hornsby and Ralph Kiner.
• Happy Birthday, Johnny Hopp!

A Sneak Peek at Dodger Promos and Food

There's nothing like spending an afternoon at Dodger Stadium, so when the club was kind enough to invite me to a special luncheon at the Baseline Club on Friday I couldn't say no. They promised everything from new stadium foods to an early peak at this seasons promotional items.  Best yet, they even offered a free tour of the stadium to cap off the day (I'll have more on that in a later post).

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: 2/16/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Kasten and Guerrero

The Kershaw's celebrated their first Valentine's Day with daughter Cali Ann by sharing a wonderful pic on twitter.  Check it out above.

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kasten delivers Presidents' Day message to fans."

"The Dodgers understand fielding a team that will contend for championships year in and year out begins with our scouting and player development departments and, as was demonstrated during the offseason, we are committed to doing whatever it takes to be successful in those areas. We reached the postseason the last two years and that has only whet our appetite to capture the ultimate prize in 2015.

• Vias Mark Langill at Dodger Insider, "Life at the ballpark with Janet Marie Smith."
• Via Peter Gammons at the Gammons Daily, "The Moncada Phenomenon and its Roots."
• Via Scott Andes at Lasorda's Lair, "Dodgers Sign Right Hander David Aardsma, Extend Invite To Spring Training."
• Send out your good thoughts and prayers to Pedro Guerrero.  Via some tweets from Antonio Puesan, Guerrero is in the hospital.

 

Former Dodger and Cardinal, 1981 World Series Co-MVP Pedro Guerrero had a seriously stroke, he is at ICU in CEDIMAT in Dominican Republic.
— Antonio Puesan (@antoniopuesan) February 16, 2015

Guerrero Had a brain hemorrhage a type of stroke It's caused by an artery in the brain bursting and causing localized bleeding #Dodgers
— Antonio Puesan (@antoniopuesan) February 16, 2015

• Check out who was at Dodger Stadium doing some filming on Friday - Dean Norris of Breaking Bad fame.

Thrilled to b filming at my favorite MLB stadium  #dodgers #thinkblue @Dodgers (Gonna go run the bases) pic.twitter.com/qcfz2YVkoI
— dean norris (@deanjnorris) February 13, 2015

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Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2014 - Dodger Links - Turning Royal Blue and Pederson to Play in Dominican Republic

It's a painful realization when it becomes clear that the Giants are just the better franchise at this point in time.  They've done everything right and have reaped the benefits, as a result.  As Sheen would say, they are 'winning' and right now they are drinking that tiger blood.  That being said, I shall root for that other 'Blue' team to slay that cocky feline like they're one of those rabid lions in 'The Ghost in the Darkness.'  Royals, be Val Kilmer!  Slaughter those Giants!  The graphic above is via Jerry Hairston on instagram.

Below are some links to check out:

• This is worth your time to read.  Via Janet Marie Smith at Dodger Insider, ‘Back to the Future: Building a Ballpark, Not a Stadium’.  Janet is the Dodgers Senior Vice President of Planning and Development.  She gave a speech at the HOF recently about ballparks and their history, and this post includes its complete text.
• Joc Pederson to play in the Dominican Winter Leagues for Leones del Escogido, via a tweet from Joc.

✈️ Headed to Dominican to play for @EscogidoBBClub ⚾️🌴
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) October 16, 2014

• Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "A couple words from Jamey Wright on the Dodgers’ season."

“I’m still trying to figure out why I’m at home right now and not in San Francisco.”

• ICYMI:  Blake Griffin recounts some of his experiences during the Sterling debacle with an article at The Players Tribune.  It's well worth your time to check out.  He ended the piece with a perfect quote.  Check it out below.

“Some people are so poor, all they have is their money.”

• I just thought I'd pass this along.  Detective Dean Cioppa of the Passaic County Prosecutors Office has been identified on Twitter by Yogi’s granddaughter, Lindsay Berra, as looking for information and leads from collectors in connection with the robbery at the Yogi Berra Museum. He can be reached at 973-837-7667. A $5,000 reward was initially offered by Crimestoppers according to Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura and that reward has increased to over $30,000 thanks to donations from Berra fans and supporters.  As you may know, the museum was broken into and numerous championship rings and 2 MVP awards were stolen.  Initial speculation suggest it was a contracted job since these items could not possibly be sold out in the open.  (Hat Tip: Hauls of Shame.org)

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Blog Kiosk: 4/11/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Dodger Odds and Ends

Check out the fantastic photo above of the very first Opening Day game at Dodger Stadium, via @Dodgers_History on twitter.

• Via Pedro Moura at the OC Register, "Dodger Stadium renovations built for the fans, by a fan."

“I knew it as a fan first, and for me, that was huge,” (Janet Marie) Smith said. “I understood how different it was as a stadium compared to most places. There was no central entry, there was no moving upstairs. The problems were well-known. What the solutions were going to be took a little figuring out.”

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Dodgers in better shape to withstand injuries."

“A lot of teams have things going on,” Dodgers manager Don Mattingly told reporters this week. “It’s really what Ned and his guys prepared for during the winter when you’re trying to build a team, build depth.” 

• JP Hoornstra at the Daily Bulletin talks to AJ Ellis about some changes he is pondering.

“When I catch, I tend to put more of my weight on my left side,” Ellis said. “I’m carrying the heavier frame than most other catchers. All that pressure on my left side, it’s going to put a lot of stress in that area. It’s maybe something I need to reconsider — the way I catch, my stance — maybe even it out more 50-50. The way I like to catch, the way I’ve caught my whole life, is to have that weight loaded over there.”

• Andrew Grant at True Blue LA wonders, "What to expect from Chad Billingsley."

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Sunday Dodger Videos: The Earthquake, Uribe and the Dodgers New Plaza Area

Here are this Sunday's Dodger Videos.

ICYMI: Listen to Vin Scully call the recent earthquake.

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Watch Juan Uribe demonstrate a bobblehead for photographer Cho Mi-ye: 3-28-14; from StadiumBound.

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Watch the Dodgers (Stan Kasten, Janet Marie Smith & Tommy Lasorda) unveil a new plaza area, which includes a Tommy Lasorda's Italian Trattoria restaurant and a hot-off-the-grill THINK BLUE BBQ.

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Robin Thicke shares a special message for Dodger fans.

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Dodgers Continue to Upgrade Dodger Stadium - Here are Some Details

This news came out yesterday afternoon, so I'm a bit late with this information.  I was already heading out to last nights Kings game when the Dodgers press release arrived. 

I'm loving the new Dodger owners, more and more.  The changes and direction they are taking the franchise continues to surprise me, and I couldn't be more happy about it.  We were told they would emphasize the farm system, so they prove it by continuing to sign prospects.  We were also told that Dodger Stadium would be modernized.  That is also coming to fruition.

For years we were regaled with promises of future upgrades to Dodger Stadium, but were constantly disappointed in the half-assed nature of the changes.  Now, these owners make me a believer.  They mean what they say.

"Dodger Stadium is one of the most fan-friendly and family-oriented venues in all of baseball," said Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten. "Our goal is to ensure that we maintain that elite status while continuing to do everything in our power to bring a world championship to Dodger fans."

No need to convince me anymore, Stan!

The Dodgers recently announced this winters Dodger Stadium upgrades and it includes expanding the right and left pavilions; such that they will now be connected to the rest of the stadium.  In other words, pavilion ticket holders will no longer be trapped in the outfield.  They will now be able to roam throughout the entire stadium.

I just might have to consider getting tickets there in the future.  (I had always preferred the Top Deck, but that may change soon.)

Check out the pic at the very top.  It shows an artist rendering of the left field area.  There will be a bullpen observation deck, a permanent Dodger store and more concessions.  Below is another view of the future changes.

From the Dodgers press release:

1. Expansion of the entries at the Field level, enabling all fans with Pavilion, Dugout, Field, Loge and Club tickets to enter the convenient entrances on the north side of the stadium. These new entries will also house new team stores and concessions and memorabilia to celebrate the team history, including its famous seasons in Brooklyn, NY, as well as its five-plus decades in Los Angeles.
2. Seating and lounging areas at bars and drink rails overlooking the bullpens in the outfield, giving focus to pitchers warming up as well as infield game views.
3. New food services with outdoor grills and specialty fare such as Tommy Lasorda's Italian and hot-off-the-grill BBQ, areas where the Hall of Fame manager and other former players will spend time with fans.
4. An expansion of the popular Reserve Level "La Taqueria" stand near the kids play area at the left field Reserve entry. 
5. Relocating the visiting team clubhouse to an area near the visiting team dugout at field level so that all visiting team areas are in a single new area adjacent to the batting tunnel, conditioning room and training area built in newly created space in 2013.
6. Continuing work on the upgrade of the electrical infrastructure that supports the 1962 stadium. In 2013, significant new equipment and substations were installed in coordination with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Work will continue this offseason to connect to the new equipment to improve safety and provide the best technology available for fans.
7. Enhancement of the ballpark's landscaping. All 33 trees in the outfield area have been replanted on site and the Dodgers, the only team in baseball with a full-time arborist, will have three times as many trees in the outfield by April as before. The display of the famed "Three Sisters" behind the left-field bullpen will remain.

Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

“Dodger Stadium is such a perfect stadium structure, and 50 years ago fans were willing to sit in their seats,” Dodgers Senior Vice President of Planning and Development Janet Marie Smith told Dodger Insider.  “Today, there is more socialization and people moving around. We wanted to create spaces for that to happen. Last season, we took out the last few rows of seats on each level, and installed drink rails, to create wider concourses and more space to move around.”

I can't wait to make my next visit there; during the upcoming outdoor hockey game later this month.  Anyone else going to that?

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Blog Kiosk: 9/7/2013 - Dodgers Links - Kemp Shut Down

Here's an early peek at the September issue of Dodgers Magazine featuring Hyun-Jin Ryu and Yasiel Puig on the cover.  Pic via @Dodgers on twitter.

• "Dodgers' prospect Julio Urias finishes great and surprising debut season," via Dustin Nosler at Feelin' Kinda Blue.
• Check out this incredible tilt-shift photograph of Dodger Stadium taken from far above, via Reddit WillHaney.
• "Stadium countdown: Dodgers' renovations a hit," via Joe Mock at USA Today.

"Stan (Kasten) wanted us to do as much as we could as fast as we could," (Janet Marie) Smith says. "In a five-month period, 160 permits were pulled for all of the construction projects we had going on at once."

• "The Dodgers left long ago, but a Manasquan man keeps Brooklyn in his heart," via Barry Carter at NJ.com.  (Hat Tip: JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers)

The room, about the size of a study, has something on every wall. Dodger year books show no signs of yellowing behind frames. He even has a Dodger line up card and advertisements of ballplayers, like Whit Wyatt, hurling a fastball with Chesterfield cigarettes displayed. The year they won the 1955 World Series, a lower tier ticket cost $7.35. He has a copy of that, too.

• Matt Kemp's rehab is not going well.  Via a series of tweets from David Vasseg.

Matt Kemp felt tightness in one of his hamstrings and has been shut down "indefinitely"
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) September 6, 2013

Mattingly in Kemp "I'm not ready to concede anything, but at some point we run out of time"
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) September 6, 2013

This makes me feel really sad.  I hope Kemp can recover.  For more information check out Jeremy Warnemuende story at MLB.com, "Kemp shut down with hamstring problems".

"He's not having a very good couple of days here," manager Don Mattingly said before Friday's opener vs. the Reds. "He felt some hamstring stuff yesterday, so he didn't hit today. I would say he's slowing his roll a little bit."

• Chris Olds at Beckett provides a very early sneak peek at 2014 Topps Gypsy Queen cards.  Check out a couple of Dodger cards below, and more preview pics here.

• Wha...?  Via Nick Statt at CNET, "Rare Pokemon card attracts record-breaking $50k offers on eBay".

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Sunday Dodgers Videos: Dodger Stadium and a Vintage 1945 WWII Era Brooklyn Dodgers Spring Training Video

Are you ready for Opening Day?  Well, then here are this Sunday's Dodgers' Videos.

Stadium Bound on youtube has been great about posting up videos of the construction work at Dodger Stadium. 

Walking the Field Level concourse during the first game at Dodger Stadium since the renovations. There's a great view of the field all the way around, with tables and counters to stop at, and no ushers continually saying "You can't stop here." There is also a LOT more room to move and walk.

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Here are some vintage film reel highlights from the 1955 World Series.

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This is just a joy: "Dem Bums Warm Up" from 1945 featuring Dodgers' coach Leo Durocher.  From the video description.

During World War II, soldiers viewed highlight clips like "Dem Bums Warm Up," showing 1945 Brooklyn Dodgers team manager Leo Durocher leading infield practice at baseball Spring Training, before feature films in military motion picture theaters. When Durocher barked out "You haven't got a bucket of paint at third base, you got to get the paintbrush out of your hand," and a narrator coolly commented on Leo's chatter, the sights and sounds of home were within reach for the troops.

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Dodgers president Stan Kasten and senior VP Janet Marie Smith talk about the improvements made in the last five months to Dodger Stadium.

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So, What's New at Dodger Stadium?

As you know, Dodger Stadium has undergone some changes- some significant changes.  All winter long construction crews have been working their tail off to finish before the start of the season, and it appears they are going to hit their mark- save a couple of minor details here and there.  Heck, what do you expect for $100 Million?  In realty, there was such a short amount of time to get so much done, I'm genuinely surprised they got this far.  This really was a monumental undertaking, and the Guggenheim ownership were obviously up for the task.

“We have worked extremely hard during the off-season to create the best possible experience for ALL our fans for the 2013 season,” Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten said. “The upgrades were designed with particular emphasis on the Top Deck and Reserve levels and outfield pavilions that had been essentially untouched since the stadium first opened. Our goal is to provide THE most pleasurable experience from the time fans arrive at the stadium until the time they depart, ideally after a Dodger victory.

“We are confident our fans will be delighted with what they experience at the stadium this season. We look forward to receiving feedback from our fans as we continue to work diligently to enhance their experience.” 

Kasten makes an important point here.  Our old owner (who shall not be named), basically neglected the fans who sit in the cheap seats.  All prior improvements during the past regime were geared towards the monied folks.  It's as if he wanted to make clear that he could care less about "certain" fans.  Anyway, Kasten has reset the table, and makes clear that the rest of us are just as important.

BTW, special recognition should go to Janet Marie Smith, Senior VP of Planning and Development, who is the visionary behind these changes.  She is known for her work with the Baltimore Orioles (Oriole Park at Camden Yards), Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park) and Atlanta Braves (Turner Field).

So, what's different at the Dodgers new home?  Well, here is a helpful summary:

Top of the Park (Upper Reserve Level) 

• Expanded concourse area with enhanced views of the downtown skyline.

• Two new and enlarged concession areas, including new stands, cooking facilities and menus. 

• All new and enlarged restrooms, including a family restroom. 

• New team store with ticket windows attached.

• 5-feet high “retired number” sculptures.

(pic tweeted by LA Times reporter @BillShaikin)

Reserve Level

• Entry gates extended out 30 feet to enlarge the concourse. Each gate will feature some special Dodger memorabilia, including oversized baseballs autographed by winners of the Cy Young Award and life-size bobbleheads featuring uniforms worn by the Dodgers through the decades. 

• All restrooms enlarged. Family restrooms added along with water fountains. 

(pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

• New concession areas, including new stands, cooking facilities and menus. 

• A team store on the left-field side and another will be completed on the right-field side on a date TBD. 

• Kids play areas on the first-base and third-base side. 

• Expanded concourse allows for more standing room with views of the game and more space for fans in wheelchairs and their companions. 

• Life-size replicas of bobbleheads and MVP, Cy Young and Gold Glove awards at entry plazas

Club Level

• The United Suite Concourse houses a display of Dodger yearbook covers, media guide covers and other team memorabilia. The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation baseball display was relocated from the breezeway lobby reception area by the Dodgers’ office to outside the press box. A new display of team media guides was created in the lobby area 

Loge Level

(pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

• New concession areas, including new stands, cooking facilities and menus. 

• All restrooms were enlarged. Family restrooms were added, along with water fountains and a fan service area. 

• Patio boxes for group seating in a casual setting were created at the back of the concourse. 

• Wider concourse and additional locations for wheelchair-bound fans and their companions and standing room with drink rails beyond the foul poles. 

• Enhanced lighting. 

• Murals depicting Dodger history

Field Level

• New entry plazas to create standing room areas with a view of the game. 

• Wider concourse, drink rails and additional locations for wheelchair-bound fans and their companions. 

• Reduced number of Prime Ticket Club seats along foul lines to improve sightlines (from 1066 to 640), with wheelchair positions on the front row. As a result, there will be an additional six feet of foul territory on left field and right field foul lines

Lexus Dugout Club

• Hallway leading to Dugout Club was repainted and received wood wainscoting treatment with display cases featuring Dodgers Gold Glove, MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards. This area is available to all fans on daily guided tours of the stadium.

  

  (pic via twitter @betovision)

Pavilions 

• In both left and right field, new and larger restrooms were created more conveniently located under the pavilions. Picnic areas were added.

(pic via twitter @marksaxon)

Video/Ribbon Boards

• New High Definition video boards in left field and right field are the first 10mm 1080p light emitting diode (LED) displays in MLB.  While the new scoreboard structures are 22 percent larger, the active viewing area of both video boards is 66 percent larger than before. Existing message boards, including ribbon boards at the Loge level and outfield wall, were replaced with the new technology as well.  The unique hexagon shape of both scoreboards has been restored.

Sound System 

• A new sound system directed to each seating section will minimize echoes and sound migration outside the stadium and will provide for a much more enjoyable audio experience for fans as they listen to live and recorded music and announcements before, during and after games.

Wi-Fi

• A state-of-the-art Wi-Fi network and cellular antenna system to support cell-phone and internet connectivity from mobile devices will enhance the ability of fans and media covering games at Dodger Stadium to communicate. The project was part of a partnership with Major League Baseball Advanced Media and is expected to be completed in June. An entirely new electrical power grid with seven new substations was added to support these technologies.

Clubhouse

• A new home team clubhouse, expanded and enhanced training/conditioning areas, and new batting cages for both teams

(pic tweeted by @Dodgers)

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Mayor Villaraigosa Tested the Dodgers' Plungers

As one of the more powerful persons in Los Angeles, Mayor Villaraigosa did the only thing a reasonable man in his position would do.  He tested out the plunger looking things in the new Dodgers' children's playground.  See the pic below tweeted by the Dodgers below as proof.

(twitter pic: @Dodgers)

As you probably guessed, the Mayor received a personalized tour of Dodger Stadium today from Janet Marie Smith.

(twitter pic: @Dodgers)

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 8/7/2012 - Links and More

As Vin Scully says, "boys will be boys."  Ted Lilly gets the old bubblegum treatment.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• Dodgers announced via a press release the hiring of Janet Marie Smith to oversee the planning and development of Dodger Stadium.  Hopefully, she can balance the historical nature of the ballfield with some modern amenities to benefit the fan experience at home games.  Based on her success in Atlanta and Baltimore, I think she just might be able to do it.
• In fact, with Janet Marie Smith's hiring we learn from Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times that renovations will begin in earnest starting this winter.

"She kind of likes that retro '50s feel that this ballpark has, that really no other ballpark has. And no other ballpark has the palm trees and the San Gabriel Mountains. These are the things she would like to build on."

The Dodgers will be looking to add modern amenities.

"Kids' areas, more bars and restaurants, relaxation areas, history displays, interactive areas — the kinds of things you find in modern ballparks," Kasten said.

• Topps shows off a signed Sandy Koufax 2012 Allen & Ginter card that they just received from the left hander.  Redemption cards were put into packs, so collectors who had turned them in should be receiving them soon.  Pic at right via twitter @ToppsCards.  See the Tier 1 Koufax autographed card here.
• Via Alex Angert at MLB.com, we hear that Victorino wants to stay a Dodger.

"I don't want to just be a two-month or three-month rental," Victorino said in the report. "I want to be here." 

• BTW, the 2012 Topps finest set officially goes live this coming Wednesday.  Check out the base card design on the left of Matt Kemp.  Pic via twitter @ToppsCards.  I'll be sure to share the Dodgers cards in the set soon.
• During "The National" the Net54 Vintage Baseball Forum dinner was the event to be at for vintage Baseball collectors.  Many of the more prominent collectors and dealers use that forum, so if you want to pick anyone's brain about the hobby that is the best place to go.  Sports Collectors Daily was there and writes a report on a guest speaker's comments about the recent indictments of hobby heavyweights Bill Mastro, Doug Allen and Mark Theotikos.

"The government has investigated fraud in the hobby before but those defendants in those cases tended to be bottom feeders, guys who operated in the shadows and out of the public light (but) these are the big boys of your industry and now they've been indicted.  They were the kings of sports memorabilia and now the federal government is saying they're crooks.  They are, of course, innocent until proven guilty."

• The Foul Bunt Blog recently took a tour of Camden Yards and shares a bunch of photos.
• This is just plain cool.  Baseball Nuggets shares some images from a book published in 1913 about the 5th Olympiad in Sweden where they discuss Baseball being played as an exhibition sport.  There are even pictures.

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