Blog Kiosk: 4/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This is the best photo I've seen all year, via former Dodger GM Fred Claire on twitter. From L-R: Ron Roenicke, Mike Scioscia, Vin Scully, Fred Claire and Mickey Hatcher.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 closer Eric Gagne is suspended for two games and fined -- even though he was on the disabled list. He had been ejected on April 6th for heckling home plate umpire Bill Hohn. Per league rules, any player on the DL may not take part in any activity during the game. In 2011 Casey Blake is placed on the DL with a staph infection in his left elbow. He would have surgery and be out of commission for a month.
• Happy Birthday, Pat Deisel & Ron Washington! 

Blog Kiosk: 1/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - RIP, Kobe Bryant

RIP. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Altobelli, Bryant, Chester, Mauser and Zobayan families. Photo above via @MLB on twitter.

Below are more link to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1933 the Dodgers signed aging veteran first baseman Joe Judge. He would slash just .214/.261/.250/.511 in 42 games before being released by the club. 
• Happy Birthday, Gil Hatfield, Bert Inks, Bob Barrett, Fred Heimach, Bob Borkowski, Nick Willhite & Angel Berroa!

Camera in a Clubhouse -- Andy Carey's Snapshots of the 1962 Dodger Clubhouse

I must confess that I had set a vastly different course for this blogpost. Originally, I wanted to write an exasperating story about how much of a "bada**" Sandy Koufax looks like in the above photo -- which I found in a current auction at Small Traditions auction (link here). As I quickly found out, though there's much more to the photo than a cocky Koufax (yes, he has a cigarette in his mouth as he flaunts his prowess with the bat).

(Reverse of Koufax pic)

What we have here is one of twenty photographs that were originally sold at Dodger Stadium concession stands - likely in 1963 and possibly beyond. They feature fun and improvisational pics taken by teammate and journeyman infielder Andy Carey during his final season in the Majors -- 1962. Per the auction description:

And thanks to utility infielder Andy Carey, playing in his 11th and final season in the big leagues, we have some of the clubhouse antics of the Boys in Blue captured on film. As Dodgers team historian Mark Langill noted in his eponymous book on the historic ballpark, Carey's behind-the-scenes photos started off as a gag, but became a documentary of the season, all taken on the veteran's Polaroid Land Camera. Twenty of Carey's photos were sold at the stadium and marketed under the title "Camera in a Clubhouse."

Wow!

Blog Kiosk: 6/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

What a fun game. Not only did we witness a pitching duel for the ages, but we also saw some fantastic game-saving defense and hard-nosed squawking on the field. Sure, Bumgarner's act can be tiring, but I will never doubt his passion. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It was fun. Kind of an old-school baseball game — two №1s going head-to-head, and we saw the best of Madison Bumgarner and matched Walker pitch for pitch,” said manager Dave Roberts. “To see those guys go out there and compete and win pitches, win at-bats, it was fun. But fortunately for us, we scored one more run than they did.”

Photo at the very top via Michael Urakami/MLB.com
 at Dodger Insider. The Buehler pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterday's game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Dodger outfielder John Shelby has his 24-game hitting streak stopped by Andy Hawkins and the Padres. The Dodgers also lost the game on a walk-off double to Carmelo Martinez, 4-3. In 2005 first baseman Hee-Seop Choi hits a walk-off home run off Twins reliever Terry Mulholland to propel the Dodgers over the Twins, 6-5. In 2015 the Dodgers drafted Matt Beaty out of Belmont University in Nashville and Kyle Garlick out of Cal Poly, Pomona.
• Happy Birthday, Ken Lehman, Ed Palmquist, Elias Sosa & Brad Gulden!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: The West Coast Collectors Expo with Raiderfest and Dodger Signers

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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The West Coast Collectors Expo

There is a big card show scheduled for this weekend (Friday 2/22 to Sunday 2/24) at the Fairplex - Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona. It will include a huge Raiderfest event featuring a ton of autograph guest; including Ray Guy, Tom Flores, Rod Martin, etc. A bunch of Dodgers will also be signing -- Pedro Guerrero, Maury Wills, Steve Yeager and Jerry Reuss. Go here for more information.

Dodgers Specials at the Dugout Diner in Las Vegas

From time to time I run across something so unique and unknown to me that I had to do some research. The above circa 1960's menu from the now defunct Dugout diner at the Las Vegas Club Hotel & Casino on Fremont Street is one of those items. Check out the eBay auction link where I found this here.

So, what is it exactly about this menu that created so much interest on my part?

Well, this diner had several menu items that paid homage to our beloved Dodgers. Check out what I mean on the right. Click on the pic to embiggen.

As you can see, they have three "Specials" named after Dodger legends Don Drysdale, Maury Wills and Sandy Koufax. Check them out below.

Blog Bat Around: My All Autograph Team

I used to lament the disappearance of these kind of group-blog posts that were once a mainstay within the card collecting/blogging community. Now that there's been a recent resurgence in the "Blog Bat Around's," I find myself being too lazy to participate.

Well, no more to that.

I'm going to get off my fat bum and put something together.

So, with out further delay here is my "All Autograph Team." This Blog Bat Around is brought to us by "Torren' Up Cards, " and as you can guess we are to put together the best possible team using only autographs from our own collection. Furthermore, I will take it a step further and include only Dodger players on my team.

Blog Kiosk: 1/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The crush of fans at the Dodgers FanFest on Saturday was overwhelming. So much so, it was almost impossible to traverse the outfield -- let alone the stadium concourse. Nevertheless, it seems that most folks had a great time. It has been announced that over 35,000 were in attendance. Wow! Stay tuned as I'll have my pics from the day up soon.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 one-time Dodger Max Carey, along with deadball era outfielder Billy Hamilton, are elected in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Carey played four seasons in Brooklyn, slashing .260/.346/.339/.685 with three homers and 81 RBI's, and managed the club from 1932-1933. He recorded a 146-161 record as the Dodgers skipper. In 1967 former Dodgers GM Branch Rickey, along with Pirates outfielder Lloyd Waner, are elected by the Veterans Committee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. BTW, Waner was a Dodger for a short time in 1944 -- having had 17 plate appearances in 15 games and slashing .286/.412/.286/.697. In 1988 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Kirk Gibson to a three-year $4.5MM contract.
• Happy Birthday, Henry Medicus, Bill Krieg, Ray Hayworth, Hank Edwards, Steve Sax, Jason Schmidt & Mike Bolsinger!

Blog Kiosk: 12/1/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I absolutely love this photo. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

So you think the Dodgers might have some pennant jitters? Well, you couldn't tell by the looks of this carefree group of Sandy Koufax (l), Maury Wills (r) and Don Drysdale (shirtless background) tossing a football around a hallway outside the Dodger locker room before their game with the Cardinals here 9/26/1966. Wet weather prevented batting and infield practice before the game, but this trio of Dodger aces showed their unconcern by finding a football and throwing a few passes to each other.

You can check out the eBay listing for this vintage 1966 UPI Press Photo here. Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 the Dodgers trade Maury Wills to Pittsburgh for Bob Bailey and Gene Michael.
• Happy Birthday, Matt Broderick, Ed Reulbach, Les Munns, Lefty Sloat, Pete Wojey, Cal McLish, Greg McMichael, Cookie Lavagetto & Walter Alston!

Fantasy Dodger Cards Featuring Pics from Game 1 & 2

This series thus far ain't no fantasy, but the cards you see here are.

Dodger Insider shared a whole bunch of great photos from both Games 1 & 2 over the weekend, so I felt compelled to jump onto photoshop to make a bunch of fantasy Baseball cards. Check them all out below. This first crop are Game 2. Game 1 fantasy cards are at the bottom.

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

The first playoff series of 2017 starts on Friday against the Arizona Diamonbacks. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming series. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule

Unfortunately, I haven't gotten a lot of information about this series other than some very unique food items that will be available at Dodger Stadium for the first time, start times and first pitches. Check it all out below. I will update this post with new information once they are made available.

The BBQ Rib Platter will be available for this series against Diamondbacks and will be available only at the King’s Hawaiian Grill in the Left Field Plaza. It features smoked baby back ribs slathered in blueberry bacon BBQ sauce, served with parmesan fries. See it on the right.

Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Over his last two outings, Rich Hill showed fans the two most extreme ways to lose a game. This past Wesdnesday, he was on the verge of either a perfect game or no-hitter, but came away with a loss instead when he yielded a walk-off homer to end the game. Then last night Rich Hill went to the other side of the losing spectrum when he got shelled in the very first inning -- giving up five runs on six hits. Per Steve Gilbert and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I was terrible," said Hill, who allowed six runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings and fell to 9-6. "Everybody did what we were supposed to do, and I was terrible."

Suddenly, we find ourselves with a little three game losing streak -- only the fourth time we've lost as many in-a-row all season long. As much as I want to start feeling dread I know that this team doesn't give in to those kind of trifle insecurities. They are doing fine. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's baseball. It's going to happen," said Taylor, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Tuesday. "We're going to continue going about our business the way we have, come to the park looking to get a win tomorrow. I think we ran into good teams that have played us tough and we lost a couple of close games."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1918 the Dodgers and Giants play a 56-minute game at the Polo Grounds that saw New York beat Brooklyn, 1-0. In 1952 former Dodger infielder and future Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan dies in a fishing accident.  He and a friend drowned in a lake near Eagleville, CA when their boat capsized. In 1953 Roy Campanella tied a NL record for RBI's by a catcher during a season at 122. He did it by going 4-for-5 with five RBI's and three runs scored against the Cardinals. Campy would finish the year with a Major League best 142 RBI's for a catcher. In 2015 Cubs hurler Jake Arrieta no-hit the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. It is the 12th no-hitter ever thrown at Chavez Ravine.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Tooley, Kiki Cuyler, Tommy Dean & Roberto Hernández!

Blog Kiosk: 6/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

That game was unreal. Not only did the Dodgers capture their 10th win in a row, but they did it in the most unusual way. Trailing by five runs in the third inning they stormed back to win, 12-6, with the help of the home run ball (including two by Bellinger) and four wild pitches by the Rockies most consistent middle reliever. In fact, those wild throws resulted in five runs. Per Thomas Harding and Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"Their guys were on the ropes," Roberts said. "We didn't even give them any extra outs on the bases. We kept grinding and made those guys continue to make pitches. You look at what we did from the first game of the series, what we're doing to pitching staffs, there's a relentless kind of approach to what we're doing."

And to add insult to injury Kenley Jansen hit a double to drive in the first RBI of his career before recording his 17th save of the season. Per Matthew Mesa at Dodger Insider:

“It was a crazy game,” Kenley Jansen said. “I’ve never seen this before.”

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 out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1944 the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees play an exhibit charity game in front of 50,000 fans for the war bond movement dubbed the Tri-Cornered Baseball Game.  The Dodgers won the contest: Dodgers 5, Yankees 1, Giants 0.  Check out what I wrote about it here. In 1999 Dodgers catcher Todd Hundley hit a three-run game-winning home run off of Giants closer Robb Nen in the ninth inning to spark a come-from-behind victory at Candelstick Park, 7-6. 
• Happy Birthday, Jean-Pierre Roy, Henry Schmidt, Rodney Myers & Babe Herman!

Blog Kiosk: 6/12/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was a glorious Saturday afternoon as many Dodgers' from the past came onto the field to play some ball. Per an AP story at ESPN:

"I think that the fans enjoy it, the alumni and old players enjoy it, and it's entertaining. For a short period of time -- because we can't play it like we used to. But we try," said catcher Steve Yeager, who played 14 seasons for the Dodgers and was co-MVP of their 1981 World Series win.

"It's always nice for the fans to get the opportunity to see some of the players that they saw and grew up with around Dodger Stadium," Yeager said.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from this weekends Old-TimersGame. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 the Dodgers made one of the biggest trades in their history. They received 1937 Triple Crown winner Joe "Ducky" Medwick and pitcher Curt Davis from the Cardinals for outfielder Ernie Koy, pitcher Carl Doyle, two minor leaguers and $125k in cash (a huge sum in those days). The Dodgers would win the pennant the following season for the first time since 1920. In 1955 Don Newcombe, having won his first ten decisions of the season, lost his first game of the year when Brooklyn loses to the Cubs, 9-5. In 2005 first baseman Hee-Seop Choi hit home runs in his first three at-bats this evening against the Twins to propel the Dodgers over Minnesota, 4-3. Watch all three here.
• Happy Birthday, Jack O'Brein, Roger Bernadina & Damon Hollins!
  

Pop-Up Museum Tour with Maury Wills at FanFest

I had only one event at the 2017 Dodgers FanFest scheduled for myself.  I had missed out on getting any autographs online, so I decided to do the next best thing.  I scheduled a guided tour with Dodgers legend Maury Wills at the Dodgers "Pop-Up Museum", and it proved to be the highlight of my afternoon.

Before I get started I thought I would make note of a couple trophies (seen above) currently being displayed in the club level of the stadium - near the elevators.  I had seen these as our tour group was heading up to the museum.  At the above right are two Baseball Organization of the Year Awards (1981 & 1997) that were presented to the Dodgers by Topps - the trading card company. These are obviously pertinent to this blog.

Also, go to this link if you are interested in visiting the museum yourself.  It will run only until early March, so you need to get out there soon. 

Blog Kiosk: 12/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It looks like Maury Wills is about to steal a base with Ernie Banks holding him on.

Featured above is a vintage, circa 1960's, Kodachrome 35mm Slide Transparency of in-game action between the Dodgers and Cubs.  (Auction Link Here)  Unfortunately, it is not dated but we do know it was taken at Wrigley Field, and by the looks of it Maury is about to steal one of the 29 bases he stole in Chicago throughout his career.  The photo was taken by noted Chicago area freelance photographer Lee Balterman.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2001 the Dodgers traded a couple of minor leaguers for outfielder and future manager Dave Roberts. 
• Happy Birthday, Buster Burrell, Tex Erwin, Al Ferrara, Steve Garvey & Ken Landreaux!

Blog Kiosk: 12/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another spring training related photo.  This time we see an action photograph, originally from "The George Michael Collection" of sliding press photos, of Jim Gilliam.  As you can see, he makes it safely to third base -- ahead of a throw fielded by Eddie Matthews.  It was taken on 3/9/1957 by Harry Hirsch during a spring match in Miami, FL. (Auction Link Here)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1966 the Dodgers trade Maury Wills to Pittsburgh for Bob Bailey and Gene Michael.
• Happy Birthday, Cookie Lavagetto & Walter Alston!

Blog Kiosk: 11/23/2016 - Dodgers Links - Bellinger, Vin Scully, RIP Ralph Branca

Clearly, in the photo above, Vin Scully is at a complete loss for words.  He, no doubt, understands the gravity of the honor that is being bestowed on him, and takes very seriously the solemn recognition it represents.  I am sure, as he stood next to the President awaiting the official presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he is truly realizing the impact his little job as "an old broadcaster" has had on not only Baseball fans in Southern California but to Americans throughout the country.

(Vin Scully, pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

Congratulations, Mr. Scully.  It has been my honor to have grown up watching and listening to you spin your tales of life and Baseball.  Your dignity, humility and class, I dare say, is something that is often lacking in today's world.  You will truly be missed behind the mic, and this most recent honor is more than deserved.

You can go here to watch the entire ceremony -- it gets started at about the 46 minute mark.  You should also check out a bunch of fantastic photos taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo here.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1960 outfielder Frank Howard is named the NL Rookie of the Year.  In 1962 Maury Wills is named the NL Most Valuable Player award winner.  During this season he broke Ty Cobb's stolen base record with 104 swipes. 
• Happy Birthday, Ross Stripling, Jesse Petty, Justin Turner, José González and Jimmy Sheckard!

1966 Union 76 Dodgers 45 RPM Record Set Featuring Vin Scully Interviews

With the off-season officially upon us I though I would take a moment to checklist a scarce set from  the mid-60's.  Featured below are the twelve different Union 76 Los Angeles Dodgers 45 RPM records featuring Vin Scully interviewing 24 different players and executives.

As you can see, it includes a colorful sleeve with drawings done by Nicholas Volpe -- known for the various player portraits handed out by Union 76 over the past several decades.  Furthermore, each sleeve includes a portrait drawing of Vin Scully.  Each record has a separate Scully interview on each side, and fans were able to purchase a single record at participating gas stations for $0.49 each with a minimum purchase of gas.

On the right is a advertising poster for the records that had been previously shared by Mark Langill at Dodger Insider (link here).  Apparently, the poster is thought to be the only copy in existence today.

As for the records, I don't have any recordings to share.  If you happen to know where I could listen to any of them please pass that along to me. 

1966

Union 76 - 7” 33RPM Record EP Set - 12 Record Set

Record One

Sandy Koufax/John Kennedy

Blog Kiosk: 9/23/2016 - Dodgers Links - Utley, Vin Scully and Yasmani's Stellar Day

Guess who got to wear the Dodgers "Player of the Game" belt last night?

Yasmani Grandal was a beast.  No... He was a monster... A big Blue switch-hitting behemoth bent on carrying the club the best way he could.  Grandal took out his mighty bat and launched not one, but two home runs (from each side of the plate) to lead the surging and obviously confident Dodgers to a 7-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies.  Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“Now that we’re good and healthy and ready to go, we’ve got to turn it up,” Grandal said. “We have, what, nine games left? Let’s get this thing over. Let’s close this. Let’s win the division and keep on playing.”

In other news, comic book legend Stan Lee was at the game to throw out the first pitch.  The photo on the right, tweeted by the Dodgers, features Stan with Josh Reddick

Photo at the very top via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1901 the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) set the franchise record for runs scored in a game at 25 against the Cincinnati Reds.  In 1947 the Dodgers held Jackie Robinson Day at Ebbets Field during his rookie season.  Jackie was noticeably moved when his teammates stood besides him at home plate.  In 1962 Maury Wills stole his 96th and 97th bases of the season to break Ty Cobb's Major League record for steals.  In 1978 Lee Lacy hit a pinch-hit home run on the first pitch of his at-bat in the seventh inning -- just moments before Dodgers thirdbase coach Preston Gomez came up to Lacy, shook his hand and whispered, "hit this one over the wall for Junior."  Dodgers coach Junior Gilliam was in the hospital fighting for his life from a brain hemorrhage.  He would pass away a couple of weeks later.
• Happy Birthday, Matt Kemp!