Blog Kiosk: 6/3/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Normal is Not Good Enough

When I woke up this morning I saw this headline:

L.A. police use UCLA's Jackie Robinson Stadium as 'field jail'

I don't even know what to think anymore. From the above story, via Dennis Romero at NBC:

"We’re troubled by accounts of Jackie Robinson stadium being used as a 'field jail,'" the university said on Twitter. "This was done without UCLA’s knowledge or permission. As lessee of the stadium, we informed local agencies that UCLA will NOT grant permission should there be a request like this in the future." 

The Los Angeles Police Department acknowledged using the field in West L.A. for suspects arrested during the city's George Floyd protests. "We are no longer using it," Officer Mike Lopez said.

I want to believe this was an oversight, but fear it was a purposeful metaphor. Photo above via Stadium Journey. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1888 the first publication of Ernest L. Thayer's poem Casey at the Bat appears in the San Francisco Examiner. In 1958 Los Angeles residents approved a referendum, by a slim margin of 24,293 votes, that would honor a contract negotiated between the City of Los Angeles and the Dodger to allow the city to sell 300 acres of Chavez Ravine to the Dodgers. In 1989 the Dodgers and Astros play a 22-inning game at the Astrodome that is the longest game in National League history -- it last seven hours and 14 minutes. The game featured Fernando Valenzuela playing first base and center fielder John Shelby going 0-for-10 at the plate. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost 5-4 (boxscore).
• Happy Birthday, John Dobbs, Jim Gentile, Barry Lyons & Nelson Liriano!

Blog Kiosk: 5/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I have no idea what's going on in the photo above, and neither does the seller on eBay (auction link). It is unmarked and undated. Featured is a vintage B&W photograph, possibly a press photo, showing Gil Hodges, Don Drysdale, Johnny Podres and Pee Wee Reese in their Sunday best.

These Dodgers' appear to be having a good time -- as Podres playfully pushes Reese against the wall, like he's about to get frisked. Or maybe, they are in the midst of a conga line, with Pee Wee leading the pack astray -- right into a wall.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1905, according to legend, Dodger hurler Elmer Stricklett introduces Baseball to the spitball -- beating the Giants, 4-3. Of course, this is a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. Although, many do credit Stricklett with being one of the first to use it -- having built a reputation for throwing the pitch much earlier in his career on the west coast. In 1957 tough-talking New York Mayor Robert Wagner, following the leagues announcement allowing the Dodgers and Giants to leave New York, states that the city will not be "blackjacked" into doing a deal. In 1980 Dodgers starter Bob Welch throws a one-hit shutout to defeat the Braves, 3-0. He faced the minimum of 27 batters in the game. In 1983 Dodger reliever Steve Howe is readmitted to a drug treatment center after suffering a relapse from his cocaine addiction.
• Happy Birthday, Phil Gallivan, John Kennedy, Eric Davis, Trever Miller & Jerry Hairston!

Blog Kiosk: 5/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic International News Photo taken by Ed Grady featuring Pee Wee Reese tagging out fellow Hall of Famer Robin Roberts (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Fallen Robin --

Philadelphia, PA ...The Phillies Robin Roberts makes a good try but he's out at second attempting to stretch his hit off the right field wall in the third inning of last night's game against the Dodgers. Furillo's perfect peg to Pee Wee Reese (1) robbed Robin of the extra base and retired him. Dodgers won the game, 2-1. (boxscore).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Tim Leary threw his second shutout of the season, defeating the Montreal Expos 2-0 (boxscore). He had been winless in his past five outings. Leary would go on to be an important cog in the World Series championship team. Tim would be the #2 man in the rotation - going 17-11 with an 2.91 ERA, nine complete games and six shutouts. In 2015 the Dodgers officially signed Cuban defector Héctor Olivera to a six year/$62.5 million contract (including a $28 million signing bonus). He would then be traded a couple of months later to the Braves in a three team trade that netted the Dodgers Alex Wood and a bunch of other players not worth mentioning.
• Happy Birthday, Dutch Schliebner, Jim Hickman, Earl Naylor & Bill Antonello!

Blog Kiosk: 2/25/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here are three custom fantasy Baseball cards I made featuring the Dodgers version of the "Killer B's" -- Mookie Betts, Walker Buhler and Cody Bellinger. All photos were taken by Jon SooHoo during Photo Day this spring. Go here to check out a bunch of pics from the day. Below are some notes from spring training, as provided by a Dodgers press release:

• The Dodgers and the White Sox played to a tie Monday afternoon as Chicago rallied from a one run deficit to end the game in a 2-2 draw. The Dodgers had another impressive showing from All-Star Mookie Betts as the newly acquired outfielder went 2-for-3 with two put outs. Right-hander Ross Stripling made his Spring debut, firing one inning and striking out two. Dylan Floro, Adam Kolarek, Edubray Ramos, Kyle Lobstein, Edwin Uceta and Michael Boyle helped the cause tossing scoreless frames, while the offense was paced by solo homers from Cody Thomas and Omar Estévez.
• Dodger left-hander Victor González will make his Spring Training debut and his first ever appearance in a Cactus League game this afternoon. González, 24, has been with the Dodgers’ organization since 2013 after signing with the organization at 17 years old from Tuxpan, Nayarit, Mexico. In six seasons with the organization, he has combined to go 17-27 with a 4.34 ERA (182 ER/377.0 IP) and 364 strikeouts against 138 walks. He put together his best campaign in 2019, going a combined 5-2 with a 2.31 ERA (23 ER/89.2 IP) and 93 strikeouts across three different levels. The lefty was added to the 40-man roster on October 31, 2019.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1994 former Dodger Leo Durocher is is elected by the Veterans Committee to the Hall of Fame. In 2002 84-year old broadcaster Ernie Harwell announced that this season would be his last as the Tiger's play-by-play man. As you may know, Harwell is the only announcer to have been traded for a ballplayer. Branch Rickey, in 1948, needed a substitute for an ailing Red Barber, so he traded catcher Cliff Dapper to the Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association for his services. Ernie would broadcast in Brooklyn for two years.
• Happy Birthday, Al Hollingsworth, Andy Pafko, Cesar Cedeno & Xavier Paul!

Blog Kiosk: 8/15/2019 - Dodgers Links - Seven Straight Strikeouts

Kershaw was gold last night. He pitched seven shutout innings, allowed just two hits, walked none and recorded ten strikeouts. Best yet, he started the game by fanning seven consecutive Marlin batters. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“Sometimes you just get in that groove early, and we scored three runs in the top of the first, so I just wanted to make that hold up,” Kershaw told SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo. “You don’t really care how you get the outs as long as you’re efficient with it, and tonight I was able to get ahead, did a decent job with fastball command. I thought Russell (Martin) did a great job mixing locations back, going out and in. Both off-speed (pitches) have been better than in the past.”

Photo above via Manny Fernandez/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 1914 Brooklyn Fav Jake Daubert set a National League record with four sacrifices in one game (boxscore). In 1926 a daffy play happened to the daffiest of Brooklyn's Daffiness Boys. Outfielder Babe Herman, during the seventh inning with the bases loaded, hit a double off the right field wall and attempted to stretch it to a triple. Unbeknownst to the vacuous hitter, the two runners ahead of him had failed to advance beyond third base (Why? Because they were all daffy). So, he cruised into third while two other Dodgers were standing there. Per the rules, the lead runner is entitled to the base, so Herman and the man who was on first (Chick Fewster) were called out. So, Herman doubled into a double play. In 1951 Willie Mays made an extraordinary catch in centerfield at the Polo Grounds, off the bat of Dodger outfielder Carl Furillo. He then twirled and fired a strike to home plate that nailed thirdbaseman Billy Cox to complete a doubleplay. This play is consider by many to be the event that began the Giants surge from a 11.5 game deficit to steal the National League Pennant from the Dodgers. Dan Fields at SABR writes all about it here. BTW, Furillo said this about the catch:

“Luck. That was the luckiest throw I ever saw in my life. He can try that 50 times and he won’t come close again.”

This was three years before his famed over-the-shoulder catch during the World Series in 1954.

Blog Kiosk: 5/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Walk-Off!

Come on, Belli! There's no need to strangle him.

Last night was thrilling. The Dodgers fought back in the ninth inning against the Mets to score four runs -- punctuated by a walk-off sacrifice fly by Alex Verdugo with the bases loaded -- to win in glorious fashion, 9-8 (boxscore). Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It just says, really, we’re nasty,” said rookie Alex Verdugo, whose sacrifice fly capped a rally in the bottom of the ninth that began with back-to-back homers from Joc Pederson and Max Muncy, followed by back-to-back doubles from Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger. “The boys can hit.”

You can watch highlights from last nights ninth inning here. The above photo via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Boston Braves outfielder Bama Rowell became the first player to hit the Bulova clock located above the right field scoreboard with a long drive at Ebbets Field. His wallop shattered the clock face, causing glass to fall on the field and onto Dodger outfielder Dixie Walker. The event is said to have been the inspiration for a similar incident found in the book The Natural that was written by Brooklyn author Bernard Malamud. BTW, Rowell's hit, recorded as a double, should have earned him a free watch from Bulova, but did not receive it until 41 years later, on Bama Rowell day in his hometown of  Citronelle, Alabama. In 1962 Maury Wills becomes the 7th player in history to hit home runs from each side of the plate during a single game. The feat was accomplished against the Mets during the first game of a doubleheader that afternoon.
• Happy Birthday, Jesse Whiting, Tony Watson, Al Mamaux, Ed Rakow & Manny Ramirez! 

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: 12/4/218 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Not only is Justin Turner our star third baseman, he's also an international ambassador for the team. He is seen above providing a personal tour of Dodger Stadium to the Polish National Baseball team. Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded John Pintar (minors), Gus Mancuso and $65,000 to the St. Louis Cardinals for soon-to-be All-Star catcher Mickey Owen. In 1941 the Dodgers traded Tony Giuliani and Van Lingle Mungo to the Minneapolis Minors of the American Association for pitcher Joe Hatten. In 1958 the Dodgers traded Gino Cimoli to the St. Louis Cardinals for former "Rookie of the Year" winner Wally Moon and Phil Paine. In 1979 the Dodgers signed outfield free agent Jay Johnstone to a two-year $300,000 contract. In 1988 the Dodgers traded Juan Bell, Brian Holton and Ken Howell to the Baltimore Orioles for Eddie Murray. In 2002 the Dodgers traded  Mark Grudzielanek and Eric Karros to the Chicago Cubs for Chad Hermansen and Todd Hundley.
• Happy Birthday, Chuck Corgan!

Blog Kiosk: 11/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Congrats, Adrián!

Congrats on a fantastic career!

As I'm sure you've heard by now, former Dodger phenom and future Hall of Famer Adrián Beltré has announced his retirement from the game. I have always loved this guy and will always consider him a Dodger. That said, when he enters the hallowed hall of Cooperstown in five years time he'll likely be wearing the cap from Texas, and I couldn't be prouder. He belongs there (no matter what hat he wears), and as much as I hate that he didn't spend more time in Dodger Blue I can't help but feel happy for his accomplishments. He was one of my all-time favorites, and this Dodger fan can do nothing but tip my cap to him.

BTW, you can watch Beltré's first hit and RBI, as called by Vin Scully, here. It was against Angels hurler Chuck Finley on June 24, 1998. Also, Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts put up a great piece this morning on Adrián that I thought worth check out. You can also read Beltré's retirement letter here, via a tweet from the Rangers.

Photo above via @MLB on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2011 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Luis Cruz. He would have a career year in Dodger Blue; slashing .297/.322/.431/.753 with six homers and 40 RBI's in 2012. In 2014 the Dodgers acquired relievers Adam Liberatore and Joel Peralta from the Tampa Bay Rays for Greg Harris and Jose Dominguez. 
• Happy Birthday, Leon Cadore, Rube Ehrhardt, Jay Johnstone, Rick Monday, JD Drew & Alex Guerrero!

Blog Kiosk: 12/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We really should be calling this team the 'Bridegrooms'.

Featured above is a pre-wedding pic shared by the gushing couple before their planned wedding next week. As you may know, Ryu Hyun-jin is marrying sports broadcaster Bae Ji-hyun on January 5th.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers traded for 6' 5" tall reliever Pat Zachry in exchange for utilityman Jorge Orta. In 1993 the Dodgers traded pitcher Isidro Márquez for utilityman Ron Coomer of the White Sox.
• Happy Birthday, Einar Díaz, Don Thompson & Austin Barnes! I'd also like to extend a special birthday shout-out to Bill "Spaceman" Lee.

Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night was the fifth annual Kershaw's Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event at Dodger Stadium and by all accounts it was a blast. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“You’re not only coming here supporting a teammate for a good cause, but you’re coming to have fun and meet a lot of cool people,” said Kiké Hernández. “It’s a pretty special event.”

As part of the evening, the Kershaw's presented the Kershaw’s Challenge Impact Award to Magic Johns for his work with the Magic Johnson Foundation. The pic above features that presentation, via Magic Johnson on twitter. BTW, the winners of the ping pong tournament were a couple of fellows named Mike Singer and Michael Weisberg. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 Montreal Expos hurler Dennis Martinez throws a perfect game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. This is the first no-hitter by an opposing pitcher in Dodger Stadium's history. 
• Happy Birthday, Freddie Fitzsimmons!

Blog Kiosk: 5/15/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is what I call, "leap frog".

Above is a International News press photo, dated May 23, 1957, featuring a funny looking leap by Brooklyn Dodger infielder Charlie Neal. (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO----Brooklyn, New York... Elston Howard of the Yanks is shown as he was forced out at second base by Neal in the 4th inn. of tonight'd annual Mayors Trophy game between thr Dodgers and the Yanks. Neal flipped to Hodges at first to get Martin for the DP.  Yanks came out on top 10-7". 

So, what is the Mayors Trophy game and why are the Dodgers playing the American League Yankees during the middle of the season? Well... the Mayors Trophy was an exhibition match between two of the three NY clubs (Yankees, Giants and Dodgers) in benefit of sandlot baseball in New York City -- with proceeds going to the city's Amateur Baseball Federation. In 1957 there was a home run derby before the game in front of 30,000 fans. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers purchase starting pitcher Sal "the Barber" Maglie from the Indians. In 1998 the Dodgers trade beloved cathcer Mike Piazza (along with Todd Zeile) to the Marlins for Gary Sheffield, Bobby Bonilla, Charles Johnson, and Jim Eisenreich.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Corcoran, Jimmy Wasdell, Al McBean, Bill North & Josh Beckett!
  

Blog Kiosk: 4/17/2017 - Dodgers Links - Jackie Robinson Day

Just beautiful.

Above is the Jackie Robinson statue moments after being unveiled to the public on Saturday. Per Richard Justice at MLB.com:

"I thought it captured Jackie Robinson's significance in American history," (sculptor Branly) Cadet said. "It takes courage and focus and timing to steal home. Similarly, those qualities were required of anyone breaking the color line. My title was 'Stealing home and the point of no return.'

"He was a first. We wanted to represent him in an earlier part of his career when the color line was broken. Historically, that's what was most important. The day he stepped on that baseball field was an important day, not just in baseball, but in American history. We wanted to honor that."

Photo above via Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jill and Jon SooHoo from Jackie Robinson Day. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Casey Stengel makes his managerial debut as the Dodger skipper. Brooklyn unfortunately loses to the Boston Braves, 8-7. In 1947 Jackie Robinson recorded his first major league hit -- a bunt single down the third base line off of Boston Braves hurler Glenn Elliott. In 1955 Roberto Clemente, who started out as a Dodger prospect, singles off of Dodger pitcher Johnny Podres for his first major league hit. In 1956 future Hall of Famer Don Drysdale pitched in his very first game. He threw one inning of hitless relief in the ninth inning of a losing game. In 1994 the Dodgers belted 19 runs against the hapless Pirates to tie a club record for most runs in a game. In 2013 Clayton Kershaw strikes out his 1,000th batter of his career -- the victim was Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso.
• Happy Birthday, Ad Yale, Jake Daubert, Stan Andrews, Marquis Grissom & Gary Bennett!

Panini Promo's from 2016 National Sports Collectors Convention - The Dodgers Cards

It's been almost two weeks since the National Sports Collectors Convention closed its doors.  Since that time I've shared pics of the promotional cards given out by Topps and Beckett (link here).  Now, I take a look at some of the Panini promos that were handed out. 

Unfortunately, a complete checklist of silver wrapper redemption and VIP gold wrapper cards have not been made available, so there are likely to be more cards out there that I am not aware of.  Please let me know if you run across something that is not listed below.

Panini America VIP Promo Set

Panini gave out a limited edition 6-card set to all attendees who were a part of the conventions VIP attendee program, and Kenta Maeda is included.  The set also includes Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Buddy Hield, Brandon Ingram and Trevor Story.  These cards were placed within promo bags and handed out to collectors when they arrived at the convention.

#Kenta Maeda

Pirates Series Starts on Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The Pittsburgh “Primanti” Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Pirates at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an all-beef hot dog topped with French fries, provolone cheese, coleslaw and tomatoes.

The ninth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Howie Kendrick on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. 

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Friday, August 12th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

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!

2015 Leaf Q Multi-Sport -- All the Dodgers Cards

Why do card companies do this?

This brand new set, just released a few days ago, has been designated as a 2015 brand - even though we're five months into the year.  It is called 2015 Leaf Q Multi-Sport trading cards, and as the name suggest it includes athletes from across the spectrum. Go here for a complete checklist.

Only one Dodger player is in the set, Mike Piazza.  I also decided to include the cards of Dodgers owner Magic Johnson. As you can see, this is an unlicensed product, so there are no team or league logos anywhere.

#A-MJ1 Magic Johnson

Blog Kiosk: 4/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Maeda and Chase Utley

The old man can still play.

At 37 years of age, Chase Utley is proving that this dog still has some jump in his step.  He sparked a Dodger team by making key plays on the field and scoring the go ahead run in the 10th inning after singling and stealing second base to put him in scoring position.  Per Jon Cooper at MLB.com:

"George made us all aware that [Grilli] can be slow at times," Utley said. "That first pitch, he was pretty slow to the plate, and we took advantage of it."

Utley not only swiped the base, but he changed the tone of the inning. The former Braves closer walked the ensuing hitter, Corey Seager, on four pitches, and then he give up an RBI double to Justin Turner.

"It was huge," said Roberts, a prolific basestealer during his career. "Now Grilli's got to pitch Corey Seager really carefully, and then J.T. gets the double, and we just kept the line moving. So that stolen base changed the inning completely."

And the catalyst for all that was the man expected to play a backup role this year.  Instead, Utley has slashed .306/.370/.408/.779, and forced himself onto the everyday lineup.  Pic above via SportsNet LA on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  On this day in in 1967 the Dodgers experienced their very first rain out at Dodger Stadium against the Cardinals.  It snapped an 737 games streak of consecutive games at home.
• Happy Birthday to Joc Pederson and Jesse Orosco!

Giants Series Starts Friday - Jackie Robinson Day - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Friday evening against the San Francisco Giants.  Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including several autograph opportunities.  At this time I mainly have detailed Jackie Robinson Day information.  I will update this post with more info for the games on Saturday and Sunday as they arrive.  So, be sure to check back.

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Friday, April 15th at 7:10 PM
LHP Madison Bumgarner vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
SNLA & MLB Network / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

 
It is Jackie Robinson Day!  This marks the 69th anniversary of the day Jackie broke Baseball's color barrier.  Rachel and Sharon Robinson, the wife and daughter of Jackie Robinson, will be the Dodgers’ guests of honor.  Furthermore, all players will be wearing #42.  Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, the first African-American manager in MLB, will join the Robinsons along with Dodger owner Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Dodger Special Advisor Don Newcombe, Robinson’s Brooklyn Dodger teammate.

Friday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game to watch the spectacle. The night's theme will be Jackie Robinson.  Go here for more information on Friday Night Fireworks.

Blog Kiosk: 3/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Alvarez, Ryu and our 5th Starter

This past Saturday was the Dodgers family day picnic, and Jon SooHoo of the Dodgers was kind enough to share some pics.  Check out Magic Johnson entertaining Clayton Kershaw and his young daughter in the photo above.  Go here to see a few more photos.

Below are more links to check out:

• Another prospect top get excited about.  Via Josh Norris at Baseball America, "Dodgers’ Alvarez Dazzles On Back Fields."

Alvarez used a loose, whippy arm to generate lively fastballs that started out in the low-90s and eventually built to the mid-90s before touching 99 mph near his outing’s end. He coupled the pitch with a low-80s slider that garnered swings and misses as well.

“I think his stuff is pretty good,” said Dodgers catcher Garrett Hope, who was surprised to find out Alvarez was throwing in the upper-90s. “Ninety-nine coming out of your mouth, that kind of blows my mind. I had no idea.”

• Chan Ho Park recently visited with Hyun-Jin Ryu at Camleback Ranch.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Park: Ryu can inspire with successful return."

"Young players watched him and saw you can make the Major Leagues, but it's even more important now for young pitchers to see his recovery and see him come back and pitch well," said Park. "Many young pitchers in Korea are injured and stop playing and we never see how good they can be. And we don't have that many like Ryu.

"So we need to learn from Ryu and from the Dodgers and their system to save our young pitchers. That's my hope and dream. If I opened the door for pitchers to come over here and play, he can open the door for pitchers to recover from injury and return."

• Andre should be OK.  Via Doug Padilla at ESPN, "Hobbled Andre Ethier says foul ball gave him a 'dead leg'"

"I squared myself up pretty good right there," Ethier said. "I wasn't sure if it hit off the ground before it hit my leg or not, and then someone watching the replay said I direct-lined it. It's just one of those plays that happen. My leg is littered with scars and marks from doing that over the years."

• ICYMI: one-time Dodger Chone Figgins to officially retire, via Mark Polishuk at MLB Trade Rumors.  
• Panini America shares a bunch of great pics and video of the San Diego Chicken's recent autograph signing in Santee (Link Here).
• Oy Vey!  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers 5th starter competition officially a mess: Bolsinger scratched, Beachy hurt, Lee optioned."  Certainly not a great situation, but we fortunately have enough time to sort things out.  Ken Gurnick at MLB.com shares a Dave Roberts quote:

"At this point, we'll see," Roberts said when asked who his fifth starter is. "I don't know how long [Bolsinger's] oblique is going to last and how serious it is. Obviously, there's Zach Lee, and I don't know where Beachy is right now.

"It just keeps happening, I guess. Bolsinger has a mild oblique strain, whatever that means, and whatever it takes we'll know as days go on. He'll get treatment and see where it goes from there. You win with pitching and defense. Look where we were at the start of camp and where we are now, it's a little frustrating. Every team goes through it in some capacity. It's another obstacle for us to deal with."

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