Cardinals Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new and updated information become available. Here are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 

• Special Events Schedule

• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule

• Silent Auction Schedule 

• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 

• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 

• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

Please note that the Dodgers are embarking on a new culinary experience at the stadium. Fans can find the LA Feeds Blue Chef Series located in the right field plaza that will feature a special Chef Series pop-up concession stand. This homestand will feature foods from Park’s BBQ. More information is available at the bottom of this post.

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Monday, August 5th at 7:10 PM

Tony Gonsolin vs Michael Wacha

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 5/15/2019 - Dodgers Links - Pederson Hit His 100th

Congrats, Joc!

Last night he hit 100th career home run, and it was a timely one. With the Dodgers trailing, Joc came up in the third inning with a man on and hit his homer (watch it here) to give the club a lead that they would not relinquish. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I didn’t know it was the 100th when I hit it, but it did help the team win a ballgame, so it was pretty cool,” said Pederson, who has more home runs than singles (10). He is the 29th Dodger to reach the century mark 

“Every time he’s in the box he’s a threat,” manager Dave Roberts said of Pederson. “Credit to our guys and the game plan.

The Dodgers now lead the National League West by 4.5 games -- their biggest lead of the season. Photo above via Josh Barber/Los Angeles Dodgers 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 1956 the Dodgers purchase starting pitcher Sal "the Barber" Maglie from the Indians. Maglie would go on to have a terrific season with the Dodgers. He went 13-5 with an 2.87 ERA, a 139 ERA+, and come in second behind Don Newcombe in both Cy Young and MVP voting. In 1965 the Dodgers are one-hit by Cubs pitcher Dick Ellsworth, but nevertheless win the game, 3-1, on a three-run homer by Al Ferrara in the eighth inning. In 1998 the unthinkable happened. The Dodgers traded their franchise catcher Mike Piazza and infielder Todd Zeile to the Marlins for Gary Sheffield, Bobby Bonilla, Charles Johnson, Jim Eisenreich and Manuel Barrios. This is when I knew the News Corp/Fox ownership of the Dodgers was a big mistake.
• Happy Birthday, Alex Verdugo, Jack Corcoran, Jimmy Wasdell, Al McBean, Bill North & Josh Beckett!

Nationals Series Starts Thursday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Washington Nationals. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new and updated information become available. Here are some important links:

• 2019 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  

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Thursday, May 9th at 7:10 PM

TV: MLBN (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

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

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2019 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  

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Friday, April 26th at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 2/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic view of Dodger Stadium in the mist of being built, via RMY Auction (link here).

It is dated to 1958 and was taken by Delmar Watson -- a onetime child actor and news photographer.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers announced that on May 16th Dodger Stadium will host a regular season game between Mexico City Diablos Rojos and the Monterrey Sultanes of Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) summer league. Unfortunately, the game was postponed due to a week-long closure of the Mexican League in April due to a swine flu outbreak. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe they ever rescheduled the game.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Hutcheson, John Gaddy, Cy Buker & Don Hoak!

2018 Topps Archives Signature Series Retired Player Edition - The Dodgers Cards

Last week Topps released their second Archives Signature product and this time they focus on retired ballplayers. As you'll recall, they released their active player edition in July (link here). This particular brand includes a checklist that has 14 ballplayers who once wore Dodger Blue, but I've only been able to find Dodger cards for ten of those former Dodgers. So far, signed Dodger cards of Andruw Jones (thank goodness), Bobby Bonilla, Pedro Martinez and Rickey Henderson have not yet been unearthed. Go here for a complete checklist. Check out the known signed Dodger buyback cards below. BTW, all Sandy Koufax cards come as a redemption.

On another note, the checklist indicates something called "Special Autographs", and that checklist includes six different older Dodger players. They are all "1 of 1's" and feature mostly vintage era cards that have been signed.

Retired Player Edition Encased Buyback Autographs

• #Andruw Jones -- None seen
• #Bobby Bonilla -- None Seen
• #Pedro Martinez -- None Seen
• #Rickey Henderson -- None Seen

#Bill Madlock

1986 Topps                          1987 Topps

Padres Series Starts Friday - Player's Weekend - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the San Diego Padres. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. 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 Express / LA Metro  

This weekend is the second annual 'Players Weekend' throughout the Major Leagues. All teams will be wearing special uniforms with unique nicknames on their backs and have the opportunity to wear and use uniquely colored cleats, bats and other equipment. Each player will also have the opportunity to recognize someone who was instrumental in his personal development, or a baseball player who inspired him, on a jersey patch on his right sleeve (see that patch on the right). Check out the Dodger duds for this weekend below. Anthony Castovince at MLB.com provides more detail about this event here. This unique happening coincides with the Little League World Series championship in Williamsport, PA. Go here for the 2018 list of Dodgers' nicknames, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

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Friday, August 24th at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Dave Stewart and Manny Mota

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

Smoked BBQ Chicken Nachos

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Atlanta Braves. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

Frito Pie Extreme Dog

There are three new food items being made available for this entire homestand (including the Rangers and Giants series), and it is available at the On Deck Circle stand on Field Level section 48, Loge Level section 133 and Reserve Level section 4. First, in honor of Atlanta you can get the Smoked BBQ Chicken Nachos which features Slow and low smoked chicken, smothered in house made sweet smokey barbecue sauce, served on top of triangle cut nacho chips, topped with green onions and cheddar cheese.

Turkey Pastrami Gravy Fries

The Texas new food item is a Frito Pie Extreme Dog that features an all beef hot dog, topped with fitos, chili, nacho cheese, diced onion, black beans, pickled jalapenos and sour cream.

The third food item honoring San Francisco is an Turkey Pastrami Gravy Fries featuring crispy french fries, tossed in gourmet sea salt, topped with turkey pastrami, brown gravy and chopped parsley.

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Friday, June 8th at 7:10 PM
Walker Buehler vs Brandon McCarthy
TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Nationals Series Starts on Friday - Pregame Info, Autographs and Other Stuff!

DC Half Smoked Sausage

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Washington Nationals. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. 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 Express / LA Metro  

Pastrami Fries

There are two new food items being made available for this homestand only, and they are available at the On Deck Circle stand on Field Level section 48, Loge Level section 133 and Reserve Level section 4. First, you can get the DC Half Smoked Sausage which features a Pork and Beef smoked sausage topped with chili con carne, diced onions & mustard.

Chorizo Torta

Also available is the Pastrami Fries. This features Golden Crispy Fries topped with pastrami and brown gravy.

You can also get the Chorizo Torta that features a Chorizo sausage split in half, ranchero bean spread, shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, queso fresco, and smoke jalapeno aioli.

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Friday, April 20th at 7:10 PM

Clayton Kershaw vs. Max Scherzer

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 2/26/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Not only did we witness a fantastic Cactus League debut for staff ace Clayton Kershaw on Sunday, but we also saw two All-Star brothers play against each other for the first time -- Corey and Kyle Seager. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s really cool,” Corey said of playing against his brother. “It’s hard to think about, just because it’s him. You’ve been around him your whole life, watched him play a ton. It’s still weird. You still kind of feel like a fan in the stands watching, even though you’re in the dugout. It’s a really cool moment.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1952 Dodgers all-star pitcher Don Newcombe is sworn into the Army to serve in the Korean War. The 26-year old would miss the next two seasons, and struggle on the field his first year back in 1954. Then, he would go on to regain his old form over the next two seasons by winning a collective 47 games and leading the Dodgers to its first World Series championship in 1955.
• Happy Birthday, Preacher Roe, Ron Negray & Matt Luke!

Blog Kiosk: 11/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Dodgers alumnus Ron Cey, Manny Mota, Billy Ashley and Dennis Powell came out to Dodger Stadium on Saturday to help train 300 active duty service members and veterans in honor of Veterans Day for an afternoon of batting practice. Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA:

“To watch these families come in, we have over 300 families, they’re veterans and active military,” explains Dodgers vice president of external affairs and community relations Naomi Rodriguez. “But it’s not just the actual veteran or the military, it’s their mother, and their father, and their daughter, and their grandparents. Those are the people also that are supporting our military that serve our country. 

“So when I see them walk into the stadium, there’s this …  it’s like amazing feeling in their eyes. Kids are walking into Dodger Stadium, this beautiful stadium, on the field. How many people get to walk on the field and then enjoy it the way our players enjoy it? So that, for me, is just a great way to say ‘thank you’ to them, to honor their service, and I know they look forward to coming every year.”

Photos above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1974 Steve Garvey was named the National League MVP; receiving 13 of 22 first-place votes. Lou Brock was the runner-up. In 2003 Eric Gagne becomes the ninth reliever to be named a Cy Young winner. He recorded 55 consecutive saves this season.
• Happy Birthday, Andrew Friedman, Moose Clabaugh, Alex Kampouris, Steve Lembo, Steve Bilko, Wes Parker, Tony Abreu & Carlos Frias!

Playoff Series Starts on Saturday - Food, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The NLCS starts on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming best-of-seven playoff series. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Postseason Information

Pregame coverage can see seen on Facebook Live starting 90 minutes before each game with Dodger Insider, SportsNet LA’s Leadoff LA and Access SportsNet Dodgers. Postgame Access SportsNet Dodgers will also be streamed on Facebook Live, as will Dodgers Insider shows during workout days.

The umpires for this NLCS will be Mike Winters (crew chief), Lance Barksdale, Todd Tichenor, Jim Wolf, Bill Welke, Alfonso Marquez and Eric Cooper.

At the moment stadium and pregame information is still a bit sparse, so I will update this post when more information is released.

Like last series there will be a whole bunch of new and unique food options available for this NLCS. Furthermore, three items introduced during the Diamondbacks series will also still be available -- BBQ Rib Platter (smoked baby back ribs slathered in blueberry bacon BBQ sauce, served with parmesan fries) at the King’s Hawaiian Grill on Left Field Plaza & Think Blue BBQ on Reserve level (section 30); Chicken Waffle Sammy (Belgian Waffle, spicy crispy chicken with candied smoked bacon, maple syrup) at Chick N’ Tots on Field level (section 8) & Tenders Etc. on Reserve level (section 14); and the Cheet-O-Lote (roasted sweet corn on the cob slathered in chipotle-lime mayo, dusted with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, cotija cheese & tajin seasoning) at the King’s Hawaiian Grill on Left Field Plaza & Think Blue BBQ on Reserve level (section 30). See all three below.

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

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including autograph guest. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule

Poutine Fries will be available for this homestand only against Brewers available at Field section 22 and 23 and Reserve section 32. It features golden fries topped off with beef gravy, cheese curds, garlic aioli and green onions. See it on the right.

This weekend marks the 9th annual ThinkCure! weekend. Throughout the weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans can help support and raise awareness of City of Hope’s efforts to find new lifesaving treatments and cures for cancer patients. To date, ThinkCure! has raised more than $2 million to help support research grants, setting the stage for medical breakthroughs. You can make donations to ThinkCure! here.

This is also the first ever "Players Weekend." Both teams will be wearing special uniforms with unique nicknames on their backs and have the opportunity to wear and use uniquely colored cleats, bats and other equipment. Check out the Dodger duds below and on the right. Here is my story from a couple weeks back about this event. This coincides with the Little League World Series championship in Williamsport.

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Friday, August 25th at 7:10 PM

TV: SNLA Spanish, SportsNet LA

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

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

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Colorado Rockies. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule

The Colorado Chile Dog will be available for this homestand only against Rockies at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an quarter pound of all-beef dog topped with chile Colorado, corn relish, sour cream and cotija cheese. See it on the right.

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Friday, June 23rd at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020, KMPC 1540

2017 Topps Archives - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Featured here are all of the Dodger insert cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Archives. The best of which feature autographs from both the past and present. Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

Fan Favorites Autographs

#FFA-CK Clayton Kershaw

#FFA-MM Manny Mota

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

The next homestand starts Friday evening against the Philadelphia Phillies. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including several Dodger appearance for Viva Los Dodgers Sunday.

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Friday, April 28th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: A Special Manny Mota Bobble and an Angel

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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Former Angels infielder Jim Anderson will be signing autographs at the Inland Empire 66ers game against the Lake Elsinore Storm at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino on Thursday, April 20th. Jim will be taking photos and signing autographs. Anderson will also be throwing out the games first pitch.

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One of the cooler bobbles ever. Featured below is a limited edition Manny Mota bobblehead available through Ultimate Pastime Sports Collectibles, and this coming Saturday Manny will be in Ontario to sign it. Go here for information.

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Blog Kiosk: 3/15/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

As you may know, the Great Lakes Loons, a Dodgers Single-A minor league affiliate, won the 2016 MidWest League Championship.  Yesterday afternoon the guys got together for a special championship ring ceremony at Camelback Ranch.  Above is group picture of the team, via the Loons on twitter.  Go here to see even more pics.  At right is a closer-up look at the ring.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers Baseball:  In 1945 the Dodgers opened their spring camp at Bear Mountain State Park in upstate New York due to wartime travel restrictions.  There were real worries that German U-boats would attack the eastern coast of America.  This is the third straight year the Dodgers would practice here.  In 1975 the Dodgers signed former Giants pitcher Juan Marichal to a free agent contract.  He would retire from the game a little over a month later on April 17th. 
• Happy Birthday, Doc Casey, Ralph Miller, Rosy Ryan, Lou Fette, Dick Scott, Mickey Hatcher & Trayce Thompson!