Blog Kiosk: 5/12/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a look at a mundane activity that happens in every clubhouse -- the manicuring of a Baseball uniform. Featured is Dodger coach Leo Durocher, circa 1961, having the sleeves on his shirt trimmed by a clubhouse attendant (eBay auction link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers hurler Carl Erskine throws his second career no-hitter -- becoming the eighth Dodger to do so in their history. He blanked the New York Giants, 3-0 (boxscore), at Ebbets Field. In 1979 Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchorman Bill Murray announced that lovable All-Star second baseman Chico Escuela (played by Garrett Morris) would quit baseball after Steve Garvey crushed a ball that hit Escuela in the crotch -- rendered him irreversibly infertile. 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. In 2015 Giancarlo Stanton owned Dodgers pitcher Mike Bolsinger when he become only the fourth player to hit a home run out of Dodger Stadium. Watch it here. Stanton's homer would prove to be the only run the Marlins would score (boxscore).
• Happy Birthday, Lave Cross, Dutch Henry, Rafael Bournigal & Adam Liberatore!

Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun UP press photo, dated 8/7/1952, of a pregame event for a former Dodger -- Leo Durocher. (eBay auction link)

Wreathed in Smiles... New York: Giant manager Leo Durocher (right) smiles as he bears the easy weight of a huge floral wreath presented to him at the polo grounds, Aug. 7, while Dodger pilot Chick Dressen looks on. Durocher, who holds a plaque given to him by the Section-5 Club, received honors and gifts in a give-away program, as New York met the Brooklyn squad in a night game, the third and last of their current series. Brooklyn won the contest, 7-5.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Dodgers righty Ed Head threw a no-hitter against the Boston Braves, 5-0. He said after the game: “I knew I had it all the time – don’t ask me how, but I knew it.” (boxscore) It was his first appearance after returning from the military. In 1958 Dodger first baseman Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run on the same day that Pee Wee Reese played his 2,000th career game. In 1999 Cardinals third baseman Fernando Tatis becomes the first player in MLB history to hit two grand slams in one inning when he did it against Chan Ho Park at Dodger Stadium, 12-2. You can watch it here.
• Happy Birthday, James Mulvey, Dolph Camilli, Bob O'Brien & Andruw Jones!

Blog Kiosk: 4/16/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Durocher was quite the character. Above is a February 28, 1961 UPI press photo of an agitated Leo. (eBay auction link)

Leo's Back!!
Vero Beach, Florida... Durocher angrily aims glove at photographers after being sent to the showers by ump Jim Duncan in practice game at the LA Dodgers spring training camp.

Below re more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 the Boston Red Sox give tryouts to three Negro League ballplayers at Fenway Park -- Sam Jethroe, Jackie Robinson, and Marvin Williams. None are signed by the club. Their loss became our gain. In 1975 newly signed free agent and soon-to-be Hall of fame pitcher Juan Marichal made his last appearance in a game when he started for the Dodgers against the Reds. He would throw 2.1 innings and give up four runs. He would retire soon afterwards. In 1983 former Dodger Steve Garvey appeared in his 1,118th consecutive game to break the National League record. He broke the record as a Padre, but played 1,107 of those games in Dodger Blue.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Colleti, Paul Waner, Babe Phelps, Sergio Robles & Paco Rodríguez!

Blog Kiosk: 2/12/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out the above 2020 Topps "Decades' Best" insert card featuring the Dodgers celebrating their 1963 World Series sweep of the Yankees. Do you notice something weird about it?

It should jump out as plain as day.

Well... If you don't see it, don't feel bad. I missed it too. Fortunately, bbcardz -- who writes the Stadium Fantasium Dodger blog -- caught it and let me know. (He wrote about it here)

For whatever reason Topps chose to give the Dodgers celebrating in the photo red numbers on their backs.... Red? What a screw up!

I figured I'd see if I could find an original copy of the photo and came across it on an RMY Auction from just a few weeks ago. It was taken by Larry Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times and is in B&W. So clearly, something went array as they were colorizing the photo, and some person behind a computer (likely figuring that since the Dodgers numbers on front are red, then so must the numbers on the back) messed it up.

I wonder if Topps will make a corrected version of this error. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 a $4.8MM civil lawsuit was filed against former Dodger infielder José Offerman by catcher John Nathans. As a member of the independent Long Island Ducks in 2007 he charged the pitcher with his bat in tow after being hit by a pitch. The pitcher suffered a broken finger and the catcher had a concussion (effectively ending his playing career) from the melee. Offerman is eventually found guilty and ordered to pay $940,000.
• Happy Birthday, Sweetbread Bailey, Enzo Hernández, Don Stanhouse & Dennis Springer!

Blog Kiosk: 10/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Featured above is a 1941 press photo showing Dodgers skipper Leo Durocher and first baseman Dolph Camilli arguing with the home plate umpire. To the far left is a dejected Pee wee Reese. Apparently, Pee Wee was called out on a third strike, that nobody in the Dodgers dugout liked. Unfortunately, we don't know the exact date of this photo or even who the opponent is, but we do know this is Ebbets Field (eBay auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 the Dodgers sold infielder Bob Bailey to the newest expansion ballclub Montreal Expos. Bailey was attained via a trade with the Pirates for speedster Maury Wills in 1966, and proceeded to stink it up in LA for two season. He slashed .227/.309/.325/.633. Nevertheless, he recorded the Expos very first hit in its franchise's history -- also driving in the clubs first two runs. Bailey also became a mainstay in Montreal, playing seven season in Canada and slashing an impressive .264/.368/.437/.805.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Russell, Franklin Stubbs, Bryan Corey, Toby Hall, Casey Fein & Zach Greinke!

2019 Panini National Treasures - The Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Panini America released their 2019 National Treasures brand. As you know, this is a high-end product that will cost you about $500 to $600 for one box of eight cards -- all of which has either an autograph or game-used relic piece embedded within it. Go here for a complete checklist. Unfortunately, I have yet to see every Dodger card available, so there are numerous omissions below. Also, as always this product has no team logos, so there's a bunch of airbrushing on the cards.

Rookie Material Signatures

#6 Dennis Santana                         #42 Caleb Ferguson

Blog Kiosk: 3/6/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another fantastic spring baseball photo. This time it's of a pitcher who many regard as one of the most underrated hurlers of the 30's.

Dated March 27, 1943. Ex-Dodger -- The Brooklyn Bums were visited by Larry French, formerly a member of their mound corps, recently at their Bear Mountain spring training camp. French, who is now a lieutenant junior grade with the US Navy, is reported seeking permission to play weekend ball with the Dodgers so that he might reach the 200-win mark before hanging up his spikes. Shaking hands with French is Manager Leo Durocher.

Unfortunately, Larry French did not receive such permission. Instead, he began his second career. Larry French would remain in the Navy for 27 years as both in active duty and as a Navy Reservist -- retiring in 1969 as a Captain. BTW, he participated in the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers received first baseman Dolph Camilli from the Phillies for an outfielder named Eddie Morgan and $45,000. Camilli would spend the next six seasons in Brooklyn -- slashing an overall .270/.392/.497/.889 with 139 home runs, 572 RBI's and an WAR of 29.1. He would also be named the NL MVP in 1941. In 1948 the Dodgers traded second baseman Eddie Stanky to the Boston Braves. Stanky famously yelled at Phillies coach Ben Chapman during a game the season prior due to his racist insults directed at Jackie Robinson.  
• Happy Birthday, Frank Gatins, John McMakin, George Mohart, Doug Podbielan, Greg Hannahs, Terry Adams & Marcus Thames!

2018 Topps Transcendent Collection - The Dodgers Cards

Topps highest of high-end card brands was released last week. It is called 2018 Topps Transcendent Collection, and I've got pics of most of the Dodgers' available. Check them out below. Go here for a complete check list.

Base Transcendent Icons (#/83)

#1 Sandy Koufax                #23 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

If I were Leo I wouldn't want that guy angry at me.

Featured above is a promotional photo showing legendary Dodger manager Leo Durocher with Herman Munster (Fred Gwynne), dated April 4, 1965. (eBay link) As you may know, they filmed an episode of The Munsters where Herman came out for a Baseball tryout. Watch a snippet of the episode here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1998 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Devon White. He would play two season in Los Angeles before being traded to the Brewers for Marquis Grissom in 2001. As a Dodger he slashed .267/.330/.402/.732. In 2001 the Dodgers received left-handed starting pitcher Omar Daal from the Phillies for Eric Junge and Jesus Cordero. Thirty-year old Daal would go on to have a decent year for the Dodgers. He went 11-9 with an 3.90 ERA in 161.1 innings, 105 strikeouts, 54 walks and a 1.3 WAR.
• Happy Birthday, Zach Neal, Judge McCredie, Harvey Hendrick, Johnny Gooch & Dick Whitman!

2018 Topps Five Star Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps newest high-end product, Five Star, hit stores this week, and below are pics of most of the Dodger cards. As you know, this is an all on-card autograph product. Boxes will run you about $120 and you'll get two cards in each box. For a set that includes only stars and top prospects, it's strange that Clayton Kershaw cannot be found anywhere in this years set. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base Autographs

#FSA-AV Alex Verdugo         #FSA-AW Alex Wood

2018 Topps Diamond Icons - All the Dodgers Cards

The super high-end Topps Diamond Icons brand is now in stores. Available at roughly $1,500 a box for one pack of ten cards, this product is not for the squeamish. Each ten card pack includes seven on-card autographs and a couple of relics. Go here for a complete checklist.

Below is a listing of all the Dodgers' that are available. For the most part, Clayton Kershaw is found throughout the checklist.

Base Autographs (#/25)

• #AC-SK Sandy Koufax -- Redemption Card

#AC-CKE Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 3/1/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another fantastic vintage photo currently available at RMY Auctions (auction link). Featured are Dodgers manager Leo Durocher and his coach Chuck Dressen in the midst of practice during Spring Training, 1945.

Below are more links to check out:

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

Blog Kiosk 2/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds Ends

It's not often you see something like this on the ballfield today. Featured above is a vintage ACME press photo of a pregame ceremony at Ebbets Field in 1946. On this day the Dodger players presented their GM with a gift, and it wasn't a Timex.

Dodgers Give Present to Branch Rickey 9/25/46 -- Dodger Manager Leo Durocher, General Manager Branch Rickey and Dixie Walker (left to right). Dodgers presented a $5,100 boat cruiser to Rickey before the game with the Phillies at Ebbets Field Sept. 25. Walker, spokesman for the team, said "The Boys wanted to do something for the boss in appreciation for what he has done for us."

BTW, that $5,100 present would be worth $61,630 in today's dollars. The press photo above was on auction at RMY, but did not sell (auction link). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2014 the Dodgers signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner.  He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers.  To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season and become an important leader in the clubhouse.
• Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!

Blog Kiosk: 2/1/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's something historical.

Featured above is an original Sporting News press photo, dated August 26, 1939, featuring an on-camera interview between Dodgers broadcaster Red Barber and Dodger rookie skipper Leo Durocher that is currently on auction at RMY Auction (auction link).

You might be wondering, "what's so important about this pic? After all, we see this scene play out multiple times a day on local sports television."

Well, this game, between the Dodgers and Reds at Ebbets Field, happens to be the very first Baseball game ever broadcast on television. So, the scene you see above is a first for everyone in the photo.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers trade Jake Daubert to the Reds for outfielder Tommy Griffith. In 1959 the ever-popular Brooklyn Dodgers outfielder Zach Wheat is unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. In 1976 East Lansing police arrest Dodgers reliever Mike Marshall for disobeying the orders set by the Michigan State University police prohibiting him from taking batting practice. MSU feared he would hit balls too far and injure students at an adjacent tennis court. Marshall protests that it is against his rights as an MSU instructor and files a lawsuit against the school.
• Happy Birthday, Stan Kasten, Chuck Churn, Elian Herrera, Justin Sellers & Brett Anderson!

2017 Panini National Treasures - The Dodgers Base Cards

Here are the Dodgers base cards found in packs of Panini's 2017 National Treasures Baseball card set. Go here for a complete checklist.

This brand hit store shelves a couple of weeks ago, but I am only now getting to it. As always, this set includes no team emblems or logos. The base set includes both relic and autographed cards (both Dodger signatures require a redemption card), and as you can see it's filled with a bunch of Brooklyn Dodgers. Although I'm not a huge fan of this set, it is refreshing that cards are still being made of some ol' time Dodgers'.

Base 

#3 Don Drysdale                    #9 Gil Hodges

2017 Panini Immaculate Collection - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

After checking out the base cards here is a look at all of the Dodgers' inserts available in packs of 2017 Panini Immaculate Baseball. Please note that the checklist Panini provides is not entirely accurate. The card numbers they provide are not the actual card numbers they use on the cards. Most of the cards checklisted below use the inaccurate numbers provided by Panini.

On another note, there are a lot of former Dodgers available here; including Hanley Ramirez, Mike Piazza and Don Sutton. Also, legendary old-time Dodgers include Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Leo Durocher and Duke Snider.

Immaculate Signatures

• #6 Corey Seager -- Redemption Card

#11 Justin Turner

2017 Panini Immaculate Collection - The Dodgers Base Cards

Panini's 2017 Immaculate Collection Baseball packs are now in stores. Below are the six Dodger base cards in the set. Go here for a complete checklist.

#25 Jackie Robinson               #26 Leo Durocher

Blog Kiosk: 5/3/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Cody Bellinger can do it all. Last night he lead a Dodger comeback with a bases-clearing triple in the second inning that entirely erased an early Giants lead in the game. Per Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

“There’s definitely a spark he’s contributed to our club. Tonight, he had another good night at the plate,” manager Dave Roberts said. “It just seems like every time he takes the field, he does something to help you win. To me, that’s the mark of a winning player.”

Go here to watch complete highlights from last nights game. Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Branch Rickey makes a trade that sends a signal to the Dodgers clubhouse - He will not waver in his commitement to breaking the color barrier and supporting Jackie Robinson. He trades Kirby Higbe, Dixie Howell, Cal McLish, Hank Behrman and Gene Mauch to Pittsburgh for Al Gionfriddo and $100,000. In 1979 Dodgers hurler Rick Sutcliffe made his first major league start and threw a 5-2 complete game victory at Dodger Stadium over the Phillies. Rick would go on to win the NL ROY Award that season. In 1986 Ron Cey hit his 300th career home run. He did it as a Cub against the Giants.
• Happy Birthday, Dan Bankhead, Chris Cannizzaro, Davey Lopes & Darren Dreifort!
  

2017 Diamond Kings - All the Dodgers Base and Variation Cards

Here is a look at all of the Dodger base and variation cards found in packs of Panini America's 2017 Diamond King Baseball card set.  Go here for a complete checklist. 

Base Set

#6 Carl Erskine                   #7 Carl Furillo

Blog Kiosk: 2/10/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This will soon be a daily activity at Camelback Ranch.  Featured above is a vintage UPI press photo of veteran reliever Roger Craig (yes, the former Giants manager) getting some work inside a batting cage at Vero Beach, dated February 23, 1961 (eBay Auction Link).  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Roger Craig of the Los Angeles Dodgers lays down a bunt during batting practice at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla.  Keeping a watchful eye on the batters is Leo Durocher, standing behind the batting cage.

Can you already imagine the sight, sounds and smell of the game?  I can, and I couldn't be more happier.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, John L. Smith, Kit McKenna, Randy Jackson, Jack Fimple, Hiroki Kuroda, Cesar Izturis & Luis Cruz!