Blog Kiosk: 4/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

It is Jackie Robinson Day. Featured above is a March 4, 1946 AP press photo of Jackie inspecting some bats. He is wearing a Montreal Royals uniform. (eBay auction link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1909, Opening Day, the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) were no-hit by Red Ames of the Giants at the Polo Grounds for nine innings, but eventually prevailed to defeat the crosstown rival in the 13th inning, 3-0. On a side note, the Giants outfield recorded no putouts and the Superbas winning pitcher was Kaiser Wilhelm. In 1915 the Brooklyn Robins are no-hit by future Hall of Famer Rube Marquard of the Giants at the Polo Grounds, 2-0.  In 1947 Jackie Robinson makes his Major League debut at Ebbets Field. He would go 0-for-3, but would also score the go ahead run in the seventh inning after reaching base on an error during a sacrifice bunt. The Dodgers won the game 5-3. In 1958 the Dodgers and Giants play their first major league game on the West Coast. Unfortunately, Ruben Gomez of the Giants blanked the Dodgers at Seals Stadium in San Francisco, 8-0.
• Happy Birthday, Hub Collins, Jack Sheehan, Ted Sizemore, Willie Davis, Jeremy Burnitz & Milton Bradley!

Blog Kiosk: 12/23/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

In honor of today's Festivus Day I bring to you a letter written by Tommy Lasorda to George Castanza, of Seinfeld fame, that attempts to recruit him for the Dodgers (Hat Tip: u/WoodyPecker on Reddit). It says:

Congratulations on a great career with the Yankees! You lasted than any of Steinbrenner's managers! 

Everyone know that the Yankees hadn't won for years until you joined them. Their batters couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat! But you get there and they win a World Series championship. Now, I want you to do the same for the Dodgers. 

We're looking for your bhig ideas. Like the cotton uniforms, for example... BRILLIANT! They'll be great in LA. I got my order from the very top, George. Now that you're a FREE AGENT, we'll do whatever it takes to get you in Dodger Blue. All the Slim Fast you'll ever need, if that's what it takes.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Dodgers second baseman Jim "Junior" Gilliam is named the National League Rookie of the Year. He slashed .278/.383/.415/.798 with a league leading 17 triples. In 1958 traded infielder and future Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson to the Phillies for Rip Repulski, Jim Golden and Gene Snyder. In 2004 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder JD Drew to a five-year, $55 million deal contract that includes and option clause after the second season. He would slash .284/.399/.505/.905 his first two years, and immediately exercised that option to become a free agent. He would then five-year, $70 million contract with the Red Sox. In 2016 the Dodgers signed team-leader Justin Turner to a four-year, $64 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Doc Gessler, Bunny Fabrique, Danny Taylor, Ox Eckhardt, Max Rosenfeld, Pat Ankenman, Tim Harkness, Ray Lamb, Tim Leary, Cody Ross & Hanley Ramírez!

Blog Kiosk: 7/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Jackie and Pee Wee had a little bit of fun during their 1949 pennant run.

Bear Mountain, NY - August 15, 1949 - Jackie to Pee Wee but Nobody on Base -- With coach Herman Hickman and his Eastern College All-Stars in pursuit, Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson (left) whip pass to his baseball teammate Pee Wee Reese (right) at training session of the footballers for game with the New York Giants at Polo Grounds, Sept. 1. The Baseballers, guests of the New York baseball writers at an outing, dropped in on training session nearby. 

Photo found on eBay (link here) 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 Boston shortstop Joe Cronin had purposefully downplayed Reese's abilities for fear of losing his job with the team. 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!

Blog Kiosk: 3/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another one of those photos that used to reside within the collection of famed sports broadcaster George Michael. Featured above is a live view of Pistol Pete Reiser stealing home (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Brooklyn, May 16, 1946... The Dodgers great Base stealer Pete Reiser shows his style in this sequence of photos ar Ebbets Field today. With Stan Rojak at bat, Reiser makes his dash for home. He leads the league in steals and stealing home has become his specialty.

In 1946 Reiser stole home seven times. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1917 Dodger skipper Wilbert Robinson performed some spring antics on the field. After hearing that Gabby Street caught a Baseball thrown from the Washington Monument, Robinson bragged that he could catch a ball dropped from an airplane. So, the stunt was set up, but as legend has it young outfielder Casey Stengel had something else in mind. He substituted a grapefruit for the Baseball. Said fruit was then gloved by Robinson as it fell, but it exploded on his chest. Having seen the fruits red innards splashed all over himself Wilbert exclaimed, "Help me, Lads, I'm covered with my own blood!" Then, he tasted it. On a side note, it has since been revealed that Stengel was not the genius behind this prank. Ruth Law, the pilot, substituted part of her lunch when she realized she forgot to bring a baseball.
• Happy Birthday, Chappie McFarland, Tom Flood, Mal Eason, Lew Malone, Don Bessent, Don Miles & Mariano Duncan!

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

Just another vintage spring training pic to make you long for the upcoming season, dated 2/23/1947 (eBay Auction Link).

Bat Selection. Bruce Edwards (left), Brooklyn Dodger catcher, looks over some bats with rookie Tom Tatum at the Dodger training area at Havana, Cuba, Feb. 21. Tatum came to the Dodgers from Montreal in the International League where he hit .319 in the 1946 season. Edwards' home is in Sacramento, Calif, and Tatum lives in Nashville, Tenn.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the trade that sends outfielder Shawn Green from the Dodgers to the Diamondbacks and includes $8 million changing hands is approved by the Commissioner of baseball, Bud Selig. The trade would officially be consummated eight days later. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Brett Tomko to a two year/$8.7 million contract.  
• Happy Birthday, Frenchy Bordagaray & Chris Van Cuyk!

Blog Kiosk: 10/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - Game 4 Tonight!

"Frustrating" is the kindest word that comes to mind when I think about this playoff series, so far. I'm frustrated. Dodger fans everywhere are frustrated. And I'm certain the Dodgers in the clubhouse are frustrated by their missed chances. Per Todd Zolecki at MLB.com:

"We had opportunities, we've got to take full advantage of it," (Cody) Bellinger said. "We've still got a lot of room left to improve." 

But they don't have a lot of time to do it.

There's no reason to lose hope now, but maybe just a little bit of desperation will help.

Photo above via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1949 the Brooklyn Dodgers elect to not renew the contract of Dodger President Branch Rickey. He would soon join the Pirates the following season. In 1985 Jack Clark of the Cardinals created one of my worst memories as a Dodger fan. He belted a come-from-behind two-out, three-run home run in the ninth inning off of Dodger reliever Tom Niedenfuer to take the National League pennant. Watch it here if you must. 
• Happy Birthday, Nick Cullop & Boom-Boom Beck!

Blog Kiosk: 5/14/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

(Lasorda & Gibson, via Jon SooHoo)

At the least the Dodgers couldn't lose the Alumni/Old-Timers Game this weekend. Featured above is the 1988 World Champion Dodgers in attendance at this past Saturdays game. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s been a rush for me, because I think back so fondly about 1988,” (Ricky) Horton said. “It was such a special thing. You realize and remember it’s not about what you did, but about the people you did it with. This kind of deal reminds you, and you just jump right back into the relationships with Jay Howell and Orel Hershiser and John Tutor and guys I spent … every day with, doing something that was pretty darn cool. I’m very thankful the Dodgers included me in this. The Dodgers are such a classy organization and they’re doing it right.”

Photo above and on the right via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 Don Drysdale shutout the Cubs at Dodgers Stadium, 1-0. This victory was the first of six straight shutouts thrown by Drysdale that would eventually lead to him setting a consecutive scoreless streak at 58 2/3 innings. On a side note, on this day Walter Johnson sees his consecutive scoreless streak come to an end at 55 2/3 innings in 1913. This was the record Drysdale broke 55 years later. In 2011 hard-luck pitcher Chad Billingsley and the Dodgers lose a tough one to the Diamondbacks when they give up just one run on one hit to lose, 1-0. This is the first time the club has lost when giving up only one hit since 1914.
• Happy Birthday, Tony Smith, Johnny Babich & Chink Zachary!

Bid on those Limited Edition Kirk Gibson Bobbleheads Now!

The very first bobble of the season was given out during Opening Week, and it featured the legendary Kirk Gibson scampering around the bases after hitting a walk-off home run to win Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. You can see that giveaway on the right.

That same week we were also told that a limited run, 88 total, of autographed Gibson bobbles would be made available for auction online, and as you can see in the pic above they are all painted gold. Currently, all 88 signed bobbleheads are available at MLB Auctions, and they have an starting bid of $288.00 each. Go here to check out all the Kirk Gibson items.

All proceeds from this sale will go to the Kirk Gibson Foundation.

BTW, I placed a bod on one of them, and you should do too. All 88 auctions close at the end of this month - April 30th.

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Blog Kiosk: 3/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Beautiful.

Photos above and to the right via Dodgers on twitter - Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018. You can watch Kirk Gibson's ceremonial first pitch here.

On another note, I'm not gonna get worked up about losing Opening Day to the Giants - as much as it sucks. It was a great game, and a perfect reminder of not only how wonderful this game is, but also of how maddening it really is. I love it so much it makes me want to pull my hair out.

In case you don't already know, the Dodgers lost a close one, 1-0. Here is a boxscore. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale end their legendary holdout when they signed contracts for $130,000 and $105,000, respectively. The holdout last 32 days. In 1981 the Dodgers traded Mickey Hatcher (and a couple other minor leaguers) to the Twins for Kenny Landreaux. In 1988 the Dodgers signed free agent veteran catcher Rick Dempsey.
• Happy Birthday, Nig Fuller!

Blog Kiosk: 3/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Opening Day Odds and Ends

You will rarely see a more fantastic Opening Day snapshot than the one above. Featured is a circa 1941 fan-taken photograph of the famed facade of Ebbets Field. It recently sold on eBay at $31.00. (auction link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2004 the Dodgers purchased outfielder Jason Grabowski from the A's. They also traded reliever Jason Frasor to the Blue Jays for outfielder Jason Werth. In 2008 the Dodgers played a pregame exhibition game at the LA Coliseum against the Boston Red Sox in celebration of the 50th annniversary of the club's move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. A crowd of 115,300 attended -- the largest to ever see a Baseball game.
• Happy Birthday, Hank Gastright, Rube Dessau, Lee Meyer, Gibby Brack, Tommy Holmes, Mike Ramsey & Brian Jordan!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Lasorda, Hershiser & Gibson

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Tommy Lasorda, Orel Hershiser & Kirk Gibson are signing autographs on Sat, March 31st from 10:00 am – 11:30 am at the Sports Authentics store in Rowland Heights. Go here for more information. This is a pay event.
Gibson $99 per autograph, $49 inscriptions
Lasorda $99 per autograph, $49 inscriptions
Hershiser $79 per autograph, $39 inscriptions
$249 VIP Combo Ticket

Sports Authentics
1600 South Azusa Avenue
Rowland Heights, CA, 91748
(714)761-6414

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

Opening Day is here! The first series of the 2018 season begins on Thursday against our hated rivals -- Giants. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. BTW, free complimentary WiFi is available Dodger Stadium. Find "DodgersWifi", review and accept the Terms & Conditions. Here are some important links:

• 2018 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  

Advance parking prices will be $15 and parking at the gate will be $25 in 2018. Also, the team will continue to offer $5 parking in Lots 13 and 14, which are on Stadium Way, adjacent to the Los Angeles Fire Department training center, a short walk east of the main Vin Scully Avenue-Gate A entrance to Dodger Stadium. A free shuttle will be available for disabled fans. The lots will open to the public at the same time as the other Dodger Stadium parking lots.

Furthermore, Opening Day means temporary parking restriction near Dodger Stadium, per a tweet from the LAPD:

#DodgersOpeningDay: Avoid traffic congestion & remember of the temporary parking restriction near #DodgersStadium. Between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on March 29th, there will be restricted parking on Palm Row (Stadium Way) between Scott Road and Academy Road. #LAPD pic.twitter.com/6drQIOyOz0

— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) March 28, 2018

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Thursday, March 29th at 4:08 PM

Clayton Kershaw vs Ty Blach

TV: ESPN
*Watch Online at ESPN here

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 3/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Noooooo!

!#%&!@#%&!!!!

Insert expletives above. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

Turner was hoping the X-rays would show something different, but he got the news after the game about the fracture and will talk to the doctors Tuesday to try to find out more. 

“It definitely wasn’t what I wanted to hear,” Turner said. “It started to feel better and better as I was in there doing X-rays, so I was pretty hopeful they would come back negative. You get the news, and it’s tough.”

Photo above via Nicholas Quay/Camelback Ranch at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 the great Babe Didrikson pitched the first inning against the Dodgers during an spring training game versus the Phildalphia A's at McCurdy Field in Frederick, Maryland. She walked one and gave up no hits. In 2005 the Dodgers traded starting pitcher Kazuhisa Ishii to the Mets for catcher Jason Phillips. In 2008 the Dodgers make their Cactus League debut. For the first time they would spend their spring training in Arizona. They would beat the White Sox in Phoenix, 8-2. 
• Happy Birthday, Pat Corrales, Mike Griffin, Joe McGinnity, Johnny Butler, Jim Golden, Terry McDermott, Rick Parker & Will Brunson!

A Peek at the Kirk Gibson Special Edition Bobblehead

As I'm sure you've heard, Opening Week at Dodger Stadium will feature a partnership between the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and the Kirk Gibson Foundation to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease. Proceeds from the 50-50 raffle and the silent auction will go towards this effort. Additionally, Dodger hero Kirk Gibson will be on-hand to throw the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day (Thursday, March 29th). Then the following evening (Friday, March 30th) the first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a special edition bobblehead that celebrates Gibson's walk-off home run during Game 1 of the 1988 World Series.  This bobble is in addition to the ten bobbleheads already slated to be released later on in the season.

To the right is a first look at this bobble. Per a Dodgers press release:

The Kirk Gibson Foundation (more information: KirkGibsonFoundation.org) is committed to raising money and awareness for Parkinson’s Research by promoting collaboration, cooperation and teamwork, and on Opening Day, the Dodgers and LADF will support that mission by donating the proceeds from the LADF 50-50 Raffle. LADF will also hold an online auction from April 9-30 for 88 limited-edition, Gibson-autographed bobbleheads and the Dodgers’ game-worn jerseys from the Friday, March 30 game with proceeds benefitting the Kirk Gibson Foundation. Gibson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015. 

“I’d like to thank the Dodger organization, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Dodger fans for their support of the Kirk Gibson Foundation and Parkinson’s Disease research. We’re going to be able to help a lot of people through the money raised during Opening week,” said Gibson. “I’m honored to help kick off the Dodgers’ 60th anniversary celebration, and am looking forward to re-living many magical moments at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day and on my bobblehead night.” 

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Blog Kiosk: 2/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is a good beginning.

Today is the first full squad workout for the Dodgers, and as you can see in the pic above (via @Dodgers on twitter) they began the morning huddled in the clubhouse like a team on a mission. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think it is a good sign,” (Dave) Roberts said. “It’s a good sign as far as those guys showing up wanting to work, and it’s our jobs as coaches to really understand we have a long way to go, so we’ve got to temper it a little bit. 

“It’s funny. Outside of the kind of normal pleasantries of seeing guys you hadn’t seen, it’s sort of business as usual, and I like that mindset here. It’s very workman-like, methodical, and that’s kind of what we want our ball club to be.”

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 22-year old Dodger hurler Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first ballplayer awarded an $1,000,000 salary during arbitration.
• Happy Birthday, Oscar Roettger, Dick Siebert, Gail Hopkins, Dave Stewart, Josh Reddick & Fabio Castillo!

Blog Kiosk: 1/15/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

-MLK, Jr.

On this #MLKDay, @nlbmprez reflects on baseball's impact on the civil rights movement pic.twitter.com/yGkqS3zwJa

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 15, 2018

Photo above via the Negro League Museum on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the Dodgers extend their lease at Ebbets Field for another three years -- as a fallback in case Los Angeles is unable to secure land for a new stadium. They would leave Brooklyn a year later. In 2002 the Dodgers traded outfielder Gary Sheffield to the Braves for Brian Jordan, Odalis Perez and Andrew Brown. In 2009 the Dodgers nightmare is over. They released outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Dr. Mike Marshall, William Brennan & Delino DeShields!

Blog Kiosk: 12/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As painful this photo may be, I believe it's something that must be shared. Heck, I'd be surprised if this image has ever been widely seen. Featured above is an original Barney Stein photograph, currently at auction at RMY, that shows four Dodger employees dumping boxes full of unused 1951 World Series tickets into what looks like a furnace at Ebbets Field. (auction link)

As you may recall, this was the year Giants cheater Bobby Thompson walloped a walk-off home run off Ralph Branca to end the Dodgers hopes of a championship. Unfortunately, we don't know who the person's pictured are (if you know, please pass that along). We do know that the three chaps in work uniforms are Ebbets Field employees -- likely concessionaires, ticket takers, etc. Just take a gander at the chest of the fellow on the far right. It features Dodgers on his nameplate.

Below are more links to check out:

• This day in Dodgers History: In 2013 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Brian Wilson. 
• Happy Birthday, Mike Baxter, Tom Lovett, Ryan Theriot & Yasiel Puig!

Angels Freeway Series Starts on Monday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Monday evening against the Anaheim Angels.  Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule

The BLT Dog will be available for this two-game homestand only against Angels at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an all-beef dog topped with iceberg lettuces mixed with caraway dressing, cherry tomatoes and the mouthwatering bacon. See it on the right.

Metrolink is offering special roundtrip tickets on Metrolink’s Orange County Line to Los Angeles Union Station, and then hopping aboard a free Dodgers Stadium Express shuttle to get to the ballgames. The roundtrip fare is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and disabled passengers, $4 for youth and free for children under 5. Go here or here for information.

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Monday, June 26th at 7:10 PM

RHP Ricky Nolasco vs. LHP Rich Hill

TV: SNLA Spanish, SportsNet LA

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.

The first 40,000 fans will receive an Great Dodger Moments Coin #4 - Kirk Gibson 1988 World Series Game.  See it on the right.

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Tuesday, June 27th at 7:10 PM

RHP Jesse Chávez vs. RHP Kenta Maeda

TV: SNLA Spanish, SportsNet LA

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.

The first 40,000 fans will receive an Clayton Kershaw jersey t-shirt.  See it on the right.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/8/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kenley Jansen had an eventful Saturday evening. Not only did he enter the game with a four-run lead in the eighth inning, striking out a Padre with the bases loaded, but he also had a chance at an at-bat the next half inning. As you can see in the pic above, the tall right-hander got some wood on the pitch. Unfortunately, the result was just a ground out to the shortstop.

BTW, Jansen has only one career hit to his name, and he recorded that in 2010 -- his rookie season. It was off of Phillies pitcher Kyle Kendrick in the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium, and he was inserted in as a pinch hitter for reliever Ramon Troncoso. His single lead to a run scoring a few batters later.

The photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from Saturday's game. 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. Brooklyn edged out their rivals, 7-6, on a Dolph Camilli homer run. As the story goes, in 1947 St. Louis Cardinals owner Sam Breason (who denied this) stopped a team protest during their first meeting with Jackie Robinson and the Dodgers. In 1973 Willie Stargell hit an Andy Messersmith pitch out of Dodger Stadium. It was the second time he has accomplished the feat at the stadium and only the second time it had ever happened. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela throws 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!