Blog Kiosk: 4/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a vintage World Wide Photo print featuring Dodgers ace Sandy Koufax with Jay North - aka, Dennis the Menace. They appeared together in an episode of Dennis the Menace in May 1962 -- during 31st episode of season 3. The episode was titled, "Dennis and the Dodger." The photo is available through RMY Auctions. You can watch much of the episode on Daily Motion, here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1929 Dodger reliever Clise Dudley became the first pitcher (and only second player ever) to hit a home run on the first major league pitch thrown to him. In 1944 Jim Tobin of the Braves no-hits the Brooklyn Dodgers in Boston, 2-0. In 1990 Orel Hershiser undergoes surgery on his pitching shoulder. In 2004 Mets Catcher Mike Piazza ties Carlton Fisk for most career round-trippers by a catcher when he hit home run #351 against Dodgers hurler Hideo Nomo at Dodger Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Hi Myers, Frank Wurm & Corey Seager!

Blog Kiosk: 12/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Alvarez, De Leon, and Sandy Koufax

This old man looked like he could still pitch.

Featured above is a look at a circa 1970's original color transparency of a greyer Sandy Koufax playing catch at Vero Beach.  (Auction Link Here)  As you know, he was retired by this time, so he was likely visiting folks at Dodgertown.  I am unsure if this is from one of his spring trips to school the youngsters or from some other event.  Nevertheless, he sure does look like he could have gotten on the mound to play some ball.  Best yet, his black stirrups are fantastic.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1989 the Dodgers signed both Hubie Brooks and Mike Maddux as free agents.  In 2001 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo - he had been traded by the Dodgers in 1998. 
• Happy Birthday, Howie Reed & Roger McDowell!

Blog Kiosk: 9/30/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw, Reddick, Toles, Puig and Vin Scully

Before the start of yesterdays game a nice little moment happened between a young fan and Yasiel Puig.  As you can see in the pic above, the Dodger fan held up a sign offering to do push-ups in exchange for a bat.  Obviously, Puig couldn't help but take the bait.  So, he negotiated an exchange.  For 50 push-ups he would get one of his bats.  You can go here to watch the kid complete the task -- all the while, Puig provided all the encouragement he could muster.

BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Padres, 9-4, to remain just a couple games behind the Nationals for home field advantage during the upcoming NLDS.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out a more pics of yesterdays game taken by Jon SooHoo.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1923 Ebbets Field in Brooklyn held Zach Wheat Day in honor of the retiring Hall of Fame outfielder.  In 1956 Don Newcombe won his 27th game of the season.  He defeated the Pirates, 8-6, at Forbes Field.  In 1999 the Dodgers Giants play the very last Baseball game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.  The Dodgers defeated the Gnats, 9-4.
• Happy Birthday. Johnny Podres, José Lima, Kenley Jansen and Nap Rucker!

Blog Kiosk: 10/9/2014 - Dodger Links - Should Ned Stay or Should He Go?

Above is a great vintage photo from the very last Dodger game at Ebbets Field in 1957, via @Dodgers_History on twitter.  You should give them a follow for more great photographs.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Ned Colletti reportedly on hot seat after early Dodgers demise."

With an early exit in the playoffs come the obvious questions for the Dodgers, namely who - if anyone - will take the fall for losing one round earlier than in 2013? With offseason meetings beginning this week, the answer seems to lean more toward general manager Ned Colletti than manager Don Mattingly.

In my own view, the makeup of the bullpen and Don's mistrust in it is the real culprit of this postseason loss, and that's purely the domain of Ned Colletti.  He built it, he paid for it and his over-reliance on ineffective veterans ultimately became our downfall.  If anyone goes to the chopping block it is likely to be him. 

• MLB reporter Ken Rosenthal was on Beast980 KFWB to talk about Colletti, as well.  Check that out here.

I know the Elbert move, in Game 3, was controversial and it should have been. He put a guy in a situation that he hadn’t been in before, but why did that happen? It happened becasue his options were so limited. Why did Kershaw not come out when he gave up a baserunner in the 7th [in Game 4]? Because there was no one that Mattingly could trust in the bullpen.

• Via Sports Illustrated, "Report: Dodger Stadium could be next home for NFL team in LA."
• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider writes about Jose Lime - LIMA TIME!  Today is the 10th anniversary of his 2004 NLDS shutout of the Cardinals. 
• Stay tuned!  Jon also tells us that the episode of 'Lab Rats' on DisneyXD guest staring Andre Ethier will air this coming Monday at 6:15 PM.  He also mentions that Don Newcombe's stepson is the co-creator and executive producer of the show.
• Dan Haren on twitter:

I miss you Baseball. I also hate you Baseball.
— dan haren (@ithrow88) October 8, 2014

• Via Joe Frisaro at MLB.com, "Lasorda receives Bob Feller Act of Valor Award."

The award, established in 2013, is being bestowed on three men who possess the values, integrity and dedication to serving the United States in a manner Feller displayed. Lasorda joins Indians first baseman Nick Swisher and Senior Chief Petty Officer Carl Thompson of the U.S. Navy.

• What a bunch of A-Holes!  Via David Brown at Big League Stew, the Yogi Berra Museum has been burglarized.  Hopefully a detailed list of stolen items will be made available soon, so that the greater collecting community can keep an eye out. 

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Blog Kiosk: 5/30/2010

• Evan, from New Mexico Fan, gets a special tour of the Albuquerque Isotopes ballpark from its GM, Part 1. Part 2.
• The Dodgers official photographer, Jon SooHoo, has started his own blog called the Dodgers Photog Blog. Check it out.
  
• Ely Mania has not abated. Check out this awesome Ely SI Cover made by PA_Dodger on Twitter.
• GCRL finds some old Dodger Police cards of his from the 80's and rediscovers that he got a few signed as a kid. Go and check them out.
• Then check out GCRL homemade Goose Joak 2010 card of Jose Lima. If you don't already have GCRL on your bookmarks then do it now. He is a huge Dodger card collector and puts up daily post of his favorite Dodger cards.
  
• Dodgers sue Hollywood.
  
• Yes, celebrating our collective geekdom, SOSG shares some pics from Empire Strikes Back Night.
  
• What Oil? See more pics of the Gulf Oil mess as it slowly reaches American soil, via Boston.com.
• Stanley Cup fever has hit Chicago as the lions in front of the Art Institute of Chicago get re-crowned, via Battle of California.
• Ozzie Guillen really hates Cleveland.
• John Fogerty's "Centerfield" will play a special part in this years Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.

YouTube Link:

RIP: Jose Lima

(photo credit: Jon SooHoo)

Goodness, this is terribly unexpected news. Jose Lima, the purveyor of "Lima Time," has died. He was only 37 years old. Few men played the game with the kind of heart and enthusiasm as Lima. His antics and his smile will surely be missed.

Here is a great video of him with his teammates while he was a member of the Long Beach Armada.

YouTube Link:

From a Dodger press release.

Dodger owner Frank McCourt made the following statement today regarding the passing of former Dodger pitcher Jose Lima.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Jose Lima. Though he was taken from us way too soon, he truly lived his life to the fullest and his personality was simply unforgettable. He had the ability to light up a room and that’s exactly what he did every time I saw him. His memorable contributions to the Dodgers in 2004 and throughout baseball will always be remembered. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family during this extremely difficult time.”

Though he played just one season for the Dodgers, Lima etched his name in team lore when he made the club as a non-roster invitee following Spring Training of 2004 and went 13-5 during the regular season, leading the Dodgers to their first National League West Division Championship since 1995.

The Dominican-born right-hander further endeared himself to fans when he sang the National Anthem prior to a home game at Dodger Stadium in 2004 and performed with his band at the Dodgers’ annual Viva Los Dodgers celebration.

In the National League Division Series that year, Lima pitched a complete game, five-hit shutout in Game 3 at Dodger Stadium, giving the team its first postseason victory since 1988.

Lima had rejoined the team within the past month as a member of the Dodger Alumni Association and was preparing to open a youth baseball academy this summer in Los Angeles to help teach the game he loved to youngsters. He was committed to making appearances in the community on behalf of the team, including an upcoming musical performance at a Viva Los Dodgers event this summer.

He attended a game at Dodger Stadium on Friday night and received a rousing ovation from the crowd when he was introduced between innings.

Lima pitched 13 seasons in the Major Leagues with Detroit , Houston , Kansas City, Los Angeles and the New York Mets. He won 21 games for the Astros in 1999 when he was a National League All-Star and finished fourth in Cy Young Award balloting.

Lima Traded to the Great White North

The Long Beach Armada have traded Jose Lima to the Edmonton Capitals over the weekend.

The Long Beach Armada announced tonight that they have traded RHP Jose Lima to the Edmonton Capitals in exchange for RHP Kris Honel, a former first round draft pick of the Chicago White Sox. The two pitchers have similar records in the GBL this season.

That sucks! I had yet to have a chance to see him pitch in a LB uniform. Now, I never will. Click here for a interview with "Lima Time."

Lima Time in Long Beach

(pic link: LB Armada Blog)

It's near the end of May and a brand new season is about to begin for the Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League. Tonight is opening night as the Armada face off against the Calgary Vipers. Yes, they have Baseball in Calgary.

What makes this game so special, you ask? Well, starting for the local team is one of my favorites and probably the most animated pitcher since Mark Fidrych, Jose Lima.

Lima Time!

I love this guy. He's loud and a bit obnoxious, but he exudes passion for the game.

The game starts at 6:05 at Blair Field. If I can get out of work in time to make the commute then I'm there otherwise, maybe, I'll tune in to the live broadcast online here.

Here is a video of Lima pitching during training camp.

YouTube Link:

Here is the team led by Lima in a song.

YouTube Link:

Lima to Long Beach

Jose Lima will be playing for the Long Beach Armada this season. WooHoo!

"I'm excited to have Jose Lima pitching for us this year," said Long Beach Armada Manager Garry Templeton. "His experience, skill, and leadership will be a great benefit to us. I'm glad that we have the opportunity to showcase his skills and give him the chance to rejoin a major league club."
...
"It will be a lot of fun for our fans to experience the passion and joy that Jose brings to the game," said Long Beach Armada General Manager Tony Soares. "We will definitely have special promotions and fan activities on the nights he pitches and give the Armada faithful lots of "Lima Time!"

Lima Time!!!!

Hat Tip: LA Times: