Blog Kiosk: 7/15/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As a final goodbye to All-Star weekend I thought I'd put up this fantastic vintage photograph of Jackie Robinson congratulating Stan "the Man" Musial on the plate after hitting an homer in the first inning of the 1949 All-Star Game in Brooklyn.  The photo was originally tweeted by @OTBaseballPhotos.

The American League eventually bested the National League, 11-7.  Jackie was 1-4 with a walk, a double and three runs scored.  Pee Wee Reese went an unheralded 0-5 with a walk.  Gil Hodges batted 1-3 with a run scored.  Roy Campanella would go 0-2 with a walk.  Preacher Roe pitched a scoreless inning in relief.  Lastly, Don Newcombe took the loss, as he threw 2.2 innings, gave up two runs on three hits and recorded one walk.  He did not strike out a batter, though, Don did get an RBI on a sacrifice fly in the second inning.  Check out the boxscore here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1955 Dodgers hurler Don Newcombe hit his sixth home run of the season as a pitcher, tying a National League record.  He would eventually finish the year with seven home runs.  In 1995 rookie pitcher Hideo Nomo won his seventh straight decision in a game against the Florida Marlins.  In 2004 Eric Gagne set the Dodgers career mark for saves with 130 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Blog Kiosk: 5/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Magic, Ryu and Kenta Maeda

It was a hard luck night for Kenta Maeda.  He pitched well, and if not for the extraordinary exploits of the Noah Syndergaard at the plate Maeda and the Dodgers would likely have walked away with a win.  Via Anthony DiComo and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"The nine-hitter hit two home runs and drove in four runs. You don't see that every day," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

No kidding.  The pitcher, who had hit a home run last season, recorded his first two hits of the season, and they both left the yard against the Dodgers.  Go figure!

Kenta had this to say:

"They were definitely not good pitches, the ones that he hit for home runs," said Maeda. "It ended up being a regrettable result contributing to a total of four runs."

Dave Roberts added, via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

“He was using his breaking ball a lot tonight and just didn’t have that sharpness to it, working behind hitters,” Dave Roberts said. “Didn’t have the fastball command. The homer to Syndergaard, the first one, was a misfire, and the other one was a backdoor breaking ball located down and away, and he’s a strong kid.

As has been said many times, this is the kind of game you just have to move on from.  They beat us fair and square, and all you can do is tip your hat.  Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Go here to check out a bunch of pics from the game by Jon SooHoo.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Carl Erskine threw his second career no-hitter against the Giants at Ebbets Field.  In 2004 Alex Cora had his famous 18 pitch at-bat (including 14 consecutive fouls balls) at Dodger Stadium against Matt Clement of the Cubs that culminated in an unbelievable two-run home run.  You can watch this at-bat here.
• Happy Birthday, Adam Liberatore!

Today is 52nd Anniversary of Koufax's 3rd Career Immaculate Inning

There are few pitching feats as grand as a no-hitter.  Still, it is not as rare as the Immaculate Inning.

What's this, you ask?

An Immaculate Inning is when a pitcher records three straight outs, via strike outs, using nine consecutive strikes during a single inning.  It has been done only 80 times, and today marks the third time Sandy Koufax had accomplished the deed.

It happened on April 18, 1964 against the Cincinnati Reds.  Koufax, in his second start of the season, faced off against Leo Cardenas, Johnny Edwards, and Jim Maloney in the third inning, and quickly sent them to their seats.  Unfortunately, Koufax's next inning wouldn't be as good.  He would give up a three-run homer in the fourth, and eventually lose the game 3-0 (boxscore). 

Regardless of that result, Sandy would set a record that has yet to be beat.  He is the only pitcher to record three Immaculate Innings in his career, and he would do it over three consecutive years.

Blog Kiosk: 5/6/2014 - Dodger Links - Guerrero Superfractor has been Found

Hanley is hoping for the rain to go away.  He got his wish, as the Dodger resumed the game.  Pic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

• Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, “Pawn Stars” Casting Crew Seeking Sports Items At June Long Beach Expo.
• Chad Moriyama at Dodgers Digest shares a gif of the Dodgers only highlight from last night's game - a Dodger fan reaction behind the plate to a Brian Wilson strike out.  Was that Troy from West Virginia?  Do you remember him?  He became viral famous a few years back for his love of Joe Beimel. 

(Pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

• Via Jeff Seidel at MLB.com, "Ryu gets OK to begin throwing program."

"With everything, doc felt good, didn't need anything, just let him start working there and moving forward," Mattingly said.

• I just thought I'd let you know that the Alexander Guerrero Superfractor has been found in 2014 Bowman, and it's currently for sale on eBay, here.  Check out pics below.  Superfractors are the most sought after modern issue rookie card in the hobby.  They are all "1 of 1's", and can sell for thousands of dollars.

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Is Ramirez contract extension now on back burner for Colletti?"
• RIP.  Via Helene Elliott at the LA Times, "Former King, Flyer Ross Lonsberry dies at 67."  He played for the Kings in the late-'60's and early '70's, and was an import cog to the Stanley Cup Champion Broad Street Bullies in Philadelphia.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 3/29/2014 - Dodgers Links - Gordon Ready to Start, Kemp Ready to Play and Ryu Ready to Pitch

The field at Dodger Stadium looks fantastic, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dee Gordon ready for everyday opportunity".

"I'm just learning what I can handle and what I can't handle, what swings I need to take and can't take, just little things like that," Gordon explained. "Knowing what I should have done on certain pitches, being more selective at the plate, not panicking so much when I get a strike or two on me. Just ready to hit."

• Eric also writes, "Matt Kemp says he'll be ready to play home opener April 4".

"One of my biggest obstacles was trying to slide and see how that would feel," he said. "But I've conquered that."

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares some more pics of the new stadium plazas in right and left field.
• Congratulations, Joe!  Via Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors, former Joe Beimel has made the Opening Day roster for the Mariners.  Somewhere in West Virginia, Troy is dancing.
• Via Scott Miller at MLB.com, "Beckett appears to have stranglehold on rotation spot".
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Ryu cleared to pitch Sunday's opener".

Ryu threw a 30-pitch bullpen session before Friday’s game and said he felt no further pain in his right foot. He was questionable after tearing a toenail in his first start, Sunday in Australia. 

• Rich Klein at Sports Collectors Daily writes, "Rare Old Judge Card May Have Been 19th Century Inside Joke".  There are unique and unusual cards like this found all of the time.  This one, though, might be one of the better stories.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

The Airing of Grievances

On this Festivus day I thought I would take that extra step to air some grievances.

• To Andruw Jones- This Dodger fan can no longer stand it when you strike out and smile. It's killing me and is the root cause for our vocal consternation at games. So don't do it, dammit!
• To the McCourt's- Why is it that I cringe every time either of you speak? I just don't know. All I do know is that I got my eye on you for the "Feats of Strength."
  
• To Ned Colletti- Your incompetence in the Jason Schmidt matter makes me want to scream. I should have known better than to ever trust a former Giants GM. You have disappointed more than you'll ever know.
  
• To Troy from West Virginia- I know you love Joe Beimel, but he will not make or break the team. It's time to find a new man-crush.
• To Russell Martin- When you sported that porn-stache I laughed, but now I realize it was just bad. How can you go from being Alyssa Milano's crush to a Jeff Kent wannabe? It's just disappointing.
• To Manny Ramirez- Dodger fans are ready to give you their loyalty, hearts and soul. You could be the new King of LA. Why can't you return the favor? Just sign, already!

If you have any other disappointments please share them. I'm moving on to the "Feats of Strength." Do you think Frank McCourt would enjoy me knocking on his door in Malibu?

Blog Kiosk 11/23/2008

Without Baseball life just moves so slow.

• Be sure to give a hearty good bye and fond farewell to a blog that will be sorely missed. Without Fire Joe Morgan the 'tubes will never be the same.
• This ain't acting Chad. Billingsley breaks a leg.
  
• Check out this new Dodger blog called "I Love This Game" from a fan in New Mexico.
  
• This is the worst tattoo ever. Hat Tip: Home Run Derby:
  
• Bye Joe! I think we're going to miss you. Joe Beimel will probably not be coming back.
  
• ToyCannon of True Blue LA still hates the trade for Casey Blake since we lost the rising prospect Carlos Santana as a consequence. MSTI does the same thing.
  
• Trolley Dodger points to a interesting photo of some vintage Baseball fan violence. You gotta see it. This fan is so irate at the umpire he jumps on to the field and starts pummeling the crew chief.
  
• The Boston Globe once again showcases some incredible photos. Go here to check them all out.
  
• A labor of love. An Arkansas collector is the first person to complete the Upper Deck 6,661 card set of the "Yankee Stadium Legacy Collection." The set "pays tribute to every Yankees home game at the historic venue since April 18, 1923."
• Peter Gammons! Peter Gammons!

Hat Tip: Stale Gum:

Blog Kiosk 7/13/2008

Getting over .500 is the toughest task of all.

• I just came across this. The Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League has an audio archive of nearly all of their games this year available for download. If you were interested in the games against the Chinese National Baseball Team in May you can listen to them here.
• A New York Times writer shares his 1930's autograph scrapbook and a couple of stories; including being told, “I don’t ever want to see you again,” by Hall of Famer Lefty Grove.
• Check out Mark Langill's interview of Tommy Lasorda recalling his days at Yankee Stadium at LA Dodger Talk. It's a great listen.
• Roberto meets Joe Beimel and gets an early peek at his bobblehead. He also finds this great interview of James Loney.

• Check out Falling Leaves of Sunshine's Photoblog with plenty of Dodger pics here.
  
• Fire Ned Colletti profiles Dodger prospect Jonathon Meloan.
  
• "Mr. Mint" Alan Rosen is a little pissed off at the obvious portrayal of him in the upcoming film "Diminished Capacity" featuring Alan Alda and Matthew Broderick. Read about it at The Baseball Card Blog and Infield Dirt.
• Jose Canseco is knocked out in the 1st round in Atlantic City. (Hat Tip: Wax Heaven:)
• An Indians fan is mourning the loss of their best player, CC Sabathia, by auctioning off, on eBay, his fanatic allegiance and enthusiasm to another team for the rest of the season. He receives some well deserved criticism from the truly faithful in the "Question & Answers" section.

  Was your rooting interest in the Tribe limitted to watching as little as one game a week and wearing some MLB merchandise as well? If that's the extend to your fandom, haven't current bids already exeeded the value of what you have offered? As an Indians fan who understood the imputus for the trade of CC, good luck with you auction, but once your services are complete, don't bother comimg back to the tee-pee.

  (Hat Tip: Lion In Oil)
• Check out Home Run Derby's jersey of the week. This is a bad omen.
• Soccer is filled with a bunch of drunken fools in the stands. Now, even the refs can't keep of the sauce. (Hat Tip: Sports Crackle Pop)

WooHoo Dodgers Win!

This was a hard fought battle. The Dodgers came screaming out of the gate by scoring 4 big runs in the 1st inning on a 2 run double by Loney and a 2 run homerun by Russell Martin. Unfortunately, an initially hittable Paul Byrd righted his ship. Byrd finished the game by pitching 7 strong innings. For the remainder of the game the Dodgers would scatter just 5 more hits and would score no more runs. They could only get a man to thirdbase twice the last 7 times up to bat.

With Chad Billingsley on the mound the whole stadium was hoping that he could hold on. Would the abusive Summer heat drain all of his energy? Can the Dodgers pull this out? His curve ball wasn't sharp so the Indians batters starting sitting on the fastball. Chad gave up 8 hits. He lasted only 5 innings, but would give up only 3 runs. Can the one run lead hold up?

The relief corps had to bear down. Averting a sweep was a must and we all knew they would be the key. They battled and clawed through the suppressive heat to pitch 4 scoreless innings. Kou, Beimel, Broxton and Saito closed the doors. Only one hit was given up between the 4 of them. They showed us what this team can accomplish. If only the team can show a little bit of consistency. Nevertheless, this was a well earned victory. Dodgers 4, Indians 3.

Watch highlights below.

NO WAY! Joe Beimel Gets a Bobblehead

Troy from West Virginia is the man. Joe Beimel's biggest fan gets his wish. Welcome to Joe Beimel Bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium on August 12th.

The first 50,000 fans in attendance on July 25 will receive a Brad Penny bobblehead compliments of Cacique, while the first 50,000 fans on August 12 will take home a Joe Beimel bobblehead, compliments of Bank of America.
...
For the second consecutive season, the Dodgers conducted an online fan vote during Spring Training to determine one of the bobblehead promotions, and after Russell Martin garnered the most votes in 2007, Beimel took home the honors this season. With a strong Internet following, including a campaign that was orchestrated by his parents, Ron and Marge Beimel, the southpaw reliever earned the right to be immortalized in ceramic.
...
“This is a cool birthday present and a real honor,” said Beimel. “I really want to thank the fans who voted for me, and I know my kids will get a kick out of this. I just hope that I get into the game that night and help the team earn a victory.”

Yhea, Joe. Who you should really thank is Troy!


YouTube Link: TroyfromWestVirginia:

Master Jedi Maddux

What else can you say about this guy. He is the all-knowing, all-seeing Baseball psychic with a iron arm, a magic glove and a brain hard-wired for the game. Maddux will mesmerize you with his voodoo ball trick. He can throw and make you hit the ball wherever he wants. It can be both frustrating to watch and a pleasure to behold. At 42 years old, he is truly a master.

Unfortunately, he had to face our Dodgers on Sunday afternoon. It was a hot day. Hotter than the sun some would say. Billingsley, who was shelled the last time out, was to be our starter. If we had any hope of victory it would have to start with Chad.

The game began well enough, with Maddux and Billingsley going through the batting order the first time through with relative ease. The second time around, though, Billingsley made a key mistake. He started off the top of the 4th inning by walking Edmonds. Soon to follow was a double by Kalil Green and a sacrifice fly to right field by McAnulty to score the run.

That was all the Padres needed as they beat us 1 to 0.

The Dodgers staff pitched a great game. Park, Broxton and Beimel recorded 6 strike outs in their 4 innings of shutout work. Billingsley was the unlucky man in the room having given up just 4 hits while recording 8 strike outs.

For the season, we have now split 6 games with Padres. We took the series last weekend in San Diego by winning 2 out of 3, but the Padres did likewise to us this weekend. At least we are playing better against them this year.

Upcoming, we finish off this homestand with a 3 game set against the Pirates starting tonight. Hopefully we can right the ship against some east coast teams.

The Legend of Troy From West Virginia Grows Larger and Other Videos

I didn't catch this, but Roberto got the video with a little help from Nick. Joe Beimel made the team introductions and gave a shout out to Troy from West Virginia by introducing Andre Ethier as his biggest fan.

Video Link: tinypic:

From the infamous Troy himself, below is a video he put together featuring Dodger futility over the past decade.



YouTube Link:TroyfromWestVirginia:

Below is just over 2 minutes from game 2 of the 1956 World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees.



YouTube Video Link: shippingeverywhere:

Natalia of Silent String Entertainment was at a Dodger caravan before Spring training started and got some interviews from Andre Ethier and James Loney.



YouTube Link: silentstring:

YouTube: Vote for Joe Beimel!

Troy says vote for Joe Beimel.


YouTube Link: Troyfromwestvirginia:

A Braves reporter visits Dodgertown.


YouTube Link: dashsix:

Upper Deck threw a Super Bowl party and Russell Martin was on hand.

YouTube Link: UDVids:

Alyssa Milano gives up on ballplayers. I still have a chance.

YouTube Link: ufetta:

A story about a former Brooklyn Batboy.

YouTube Link: micetros:

YouTube: deezuleboy runs into Troyfromwestvirginia

The famous Troy spent the weekend at Dodgertown and runs into deezulboy. He's captured in 3 great videos. Language is explicit.

YouTube Link: Part 1:

Troy shows us Joe Beimel glove.

YouTube Link: Part 2:

This is a hilarious. Lance Carter meets the wrath of Troy.

YouTube Link: Part 3:

Blog Kiosk

If it doesn't get linked was it posted?

• Mark at LA Dodger Talk finds some great comments from a Dodger fan at Vero Beach.

  During batting practice Andruw Jones and Matt Kemp put on a show… Wow, I said the other day the Jones did not have much pop. Forget that he hit the ball hard and long.. If these guys Jones and Kemp hit behind each other it would be like Boston Ortiz and Manny… Juan Pierre and Garciaparra did very well also…
  A fan asked Andre Ethier if he had a spot in the lineup and he said –It would not be hard to change to another team if not welcome here…

Andre seems to be a bit unhappy.

• Wax Heaven finds a great vintage video clip of Babe Ruth vs. Walter Johnson.

YouTube Link: schea:

• Don't miss Tony Jackson's story about first-time Spring Training camp invitee John Lindsey.
• Diamond Leung tells us that Joe Beimel fan is going to Vero! Congrats! You'll enjoy every second.
  
• Next years World Baseball Classic will have Los Angeles as its host for the semi's and final according to Roberto.
• MSTI provides a helpful guide for those that are Vero bound. UPDATE: My lone recommendation is Bobby's Restaurant at 3450 Ocean Drive. All Dodger fans heading to Vero Beach should go here! The place is filled with Dodger photos. You know the movie "Defending Your Life." If you were Albert Brooks (as a deceased Dodger fan) in that film and having dinner in the afterlife you would be going to Bobby's.

"Bang, zoom, straight to the moon!"

Kent hit a ball Jackie Gleason would be proud of. "Bang, zoom, straight to the moon!"

Jeff Kent hit a game tying homer in the 7th inning to left center field that tied the score at 1 to 1. It was quite a dinger. Carlos Lee in left field didn't even turn to look. The ball went high in the air and slammed into a steel beam near the glass back wall. It then bounced back towards the outfielder Lee. It was only then that he turned to pick up the ball. The entire Houston crowd was in a collective gasp. "Whoe!?!" Like I said, it was quite a dinger.

Unfortunately, Kent's home run was not the only on hit this evening. Eric Munson lead off the scoring for the Astros with a home run in the third inning. Then, in Houston's part of the 7th inning, Carlos Lee hit his own rocket shot to left field to reclaim the lead for the Astros.

That was all the scoring done this evening. The Astros squeaked through with a 2 to 1 win.

Of note, Lowe left the game in the middle of the 5th inning.

It was unclear why he was removed, but he was visibly upset as he stalked off the field and he threw his glove the length of the dugout after he got there.

DJ Houlton pitched well in his 2 innings, but ultimately took the loss as he gave up the tee shot to Carlos Lee. Beimel and Roberto pitched well in their inning of work.

Oh well. You can't win them all. At least I can look fondly back at Jeff Kent's home run. "Whoe!?!"

Photo Link: Honeymooners.net:

Even the Ninjas Love Nomar!

Man - O - Live!! I'm starting to love this guy. No wonder Boston loved him. He's a gamer who lives to play baseball. He can pick up positions like a little league kid eager to learn the game. I'm amazed by his tag outs on errant throws. His ability to scoop up throws in the dirt is like watching Will Clark make a game saving play. Now... I'm not say'n Nomar's gold glove material. He still has much to learn as he still lacks the ease and grace of a Will Clark, but he sure has the skills. I'm happily surprised about his play and am thankful he calls LA home.

This afternoon Nomar Garciaparra had just one hit in four at bats. Fortunately, that one hit was at the most important point in the game. Its the 7th inning with the bases loaded. Nomar wrangles up to the plate performing his customary wrist dance and toe tap. Fastball. He slaps it to the left side. A smooth ground ball single between 3rd and SS. That's all it took. Two runs score and the Dodgers take a 2 run lead.

Broxton does his job and takes down the Rockies one by one in one inning of work. He gets two strike outs in his effort. Biemel is shaky, but Baez is able to just get by. It ended up being a 3-2 squeker.

A meaningful win, won in uncertain times. Can the Dodgers bullpen keep from blowing up? Will the Dodgers starting pitching continue its brilliant performance? Can the offense be more consistant? Can we get better than .500? Are we better than a .500 team?

Strong Starting Pitching

Another great outing by a starting pitcher. Jae Seo goes 6 innings while giving up 3 hits and only one run. Odalis was shaky in his one inning after a nearly 2 week layoff. Beimel continues to impress.

Overall, the offense looks good with contributions from old and new guys. Starting pitching has been solid, but relief could use some relief. Its definitely something to work on. I'm confident its something that can improve as the season rolls on.

Roster Moves

Well... Jon's got the news... Jonathan Broxton and Joe Beimel up, Lance Carter and Hong-Chih Kuo down... Inside the Dodgers... I expect Kuo to came back up later in the year and do better than he has so far... I think Carter can still be effective- he just needs to get things worked out... We may never see Broxton in Las Vegas uniform again... Joe Beimel- well- lets see what he can bring to the table.