Blog Kiosk: 8/17/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

We are in the midst of experiencing a Dodgers' catching renaissance. First, we saw Will Smith wow the fans. Now, it's Keibert Ruiz's turn. In his first career at-bat yesterday afternoon he smashed a home run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It was very exciting,” Ruiz said after the Dodgers’ 8–3 win that swept the series in Anaheim. “First time being in the big leagues, I just was focused on getting a fastball and making contact. Happy to be here with all these guys and keep learning.”

You can also watch him speak with the press after the game, via SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers and Cubs played a 17 inning game that was temporarily halted at a tie, 1-1, because of darkness (this was before Wrigley Field had lights). The next day they begin where they left off. The Dodgers would eventually win on a sacrifice fly by Dusty Baker in the 21st inning. In 1992 Dodgers hurler Kevin Gross no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. Watch the last out of the game, as called by Vin Scully, here. Per a NY Times article:

"The later it got, the more the adrenaline started pumping," Gross said. "It was just a blur when that last out was made."

• Happy Birthday, George Harper, Doug McWeeny, Joe Bradshaw, Boog Powell, Brad Wellman, Jeff Fischer & Kyle Farmer!

REA's Spring Auction has some Fantastic Dodgers Memorabilia

Robert Edwards Auctions, one of the premier sports memorabilia auction houses, is currently running their 2020 Spring offering and it includes a bunch of great Dodger goodies. In fact, if not for a self-imposed moratorium I would likely be aggressively chasing after the item above. What you see at the very top is a 1945 Brooklyn Brown Dodgers stock certificate. (Auction Link)

As you may know, in 1945 the United States Baseball League was born to compete with the more established Negro National and American Leagues, and one of the folks lending public support to this endeavor was Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Soon, the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers were created and it quickly allowed Rickey to scout African-American ballplayers without anyone noticing. From what I understand, the Brooklyn Dodgers didn't actually own the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers, but that didn't stop them from sending scouts under their name.

Lelands has Vintage Pics of Dodgers' as Negro League Ballplayers

Lelands just opened up their Spring auction and it includes several incredible Negro League items featuring future Dodgers. The best of the bunch is the above 1939 photo of an 18-year old Roy Campanella (on the right) as a member of the Baltimore Elite Giants. (Auction Link) Crouching with Campy is his catching mentor Robert 'Eggie' Clark. Eggie was about 33-years old at the time and would soon be a backup to Campy the following season.

Blog Kiosk: 8/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic in-action United Press photo featuring the first at-bat between Ralph Branca and Bobby Thomson after last season's "Shot Heard 'Round the World." (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

This Time Thomson Walks

Renewing old acquaintances, Giants slugger Bobby Thomson, whose homer in the playoffs the last season gave the pennant flag to the 'miracle' team, faces Dodger hurler Ralph Branca for the first time this season. In their clash at Ebbets Field, April 19. It was Branca who pitched that fatal ball back in '51. This time Thomson walked. Roy Campanella is the Dodger backstop, and the plate umpire is Bill Stewart.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers and Cubs played a 17 inning game that was temporarily halted at a tie, 1-1, because of darkness (this was before Wrigley Field had lights). The next day they begin where they left off. The Dodgers would eventually win on a sacrifice fly by Dusty Baker in the 21st inning. In 1992 Dodgers hurler Kevin Gross no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. Watch the last out of the game, as called by Vin Scully, here. Per a NY Times article:

"The later it got, the more the adrenaline started pumping," Gross said. "It was just a blur when that last out was made."

• Happy Birthday, George Harper, Doug McWeeny, Joe Bradshaw, Boog Powell, Brad Wellman, Jeff Fischer & Kyle Farmer!

Blog Kiosk: 6/28/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Things seems to be going right, right now. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's scary facing us, I think," said Bellinger, who has four homers in the last six games. "We're clicking right now. It's fun to be a part of."
...
"Everyone just passes the baton, works the at-bats, gets the pitchers working and we are able to capitalize on mistakes," said Pederson.

Max Muncy, Joc Pederson and Cody Bellinger slugged homers last night to lead the Dodgers to victory over the Cubs, 7-5 (boxscore). BTW, the Dodgers have hit 51 homers in June, and sit just two shy of a franchise record and seven short of the Major League mark.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1907 then Yankees catcher Branch Rickey (who would be known for signing Jackie Robinson decades later) saw twelve Senator runners steal a base on him. In 1969 the Dodgers and Don Drysdale shut down the Padres at Jack Murphy Stadium by the lopsided score of 19-0. They break a LA Dodgers all-time record for runs scored in a game. In 2008 the Dodgers were no-hit by the Angels (Jered Weaver and Jose Arredondo), but still won the game, 1-0. The lone run was scored in the fifth inning when a couple of errors and a sacrifice fly by Blake DeWitt scored the eventual winning run.
• Happy Birthday, Fred Miller, Al Downing & Jose Flores!

Who is this African-American Ballplayer in Dodger Blue?

Lelands currently has a huge auction filled with Baseball history. In fact, there are some fantastic Jackie Robinson memorabilia that I'll write about a little later. What I want to do today is point to an item that has me intrigued.

We all know about the numerous Negro League ballplayers who joined the Dodgers franchise during those early years of integration -- Jackie, Campy, Newk, Joe Black, Don Bankhead and the often forgotten John Wright. What we have here, though, are a couple of vintage photographs, dated to 1947, taken by legendary Dodger photographer Barney Stein of a ballplayer that no one seems to know. Check them out above and below. (Auction Link)

Blog Kiosk: 2/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Friday was photo day for the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch - when media groups around the country come into town to capture the "Boys in Blue" on film (or bytes, if you will).  Above is Adrian Gonzalez with his emoji, taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics he took on photo day; including practice on the field.

You can also check out pics by Jon SooHoo from Saturday (link here) and Sunday (link here), as well.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1932 the Brooklyn Dodgers signed future Hall of Fame pitcher Waite Hoyt to a free agent contract.
• Happy Birthday, Roy Hutson, Rube Melton, Carl Warwick, Henry Cruz, Willie Banks & Carlos Triunfel!

Blog Kiosk: 1/24/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The first day of the Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour was on Monday, and to start things off was a brief visit by Justin Turner and Yasiel Puig to local area Coffee Bean's.  They greeted fans, served coffee and even posed for pictures.  Watch a couple videos featuring their visits via Dodger Blue (link here).

Today, Dodger Strength and Conditioning Coaches Brandon McDaniel, Travis Smith and Shaun Alexander will hold a fitness and health clinic 100 underserved young women from the New Village Girls Academy at Dodger Stadium.  Also, Trayce Thompson will host a movie night at the Dodger Lexus Dugout Club for Cedars-Sinai’s pediatric patients and their families.

Photo above of Justin Turner and the crew from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in West Hollywood via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon and Jill Weisleder taken from Day 1 of the Dodgers community tour.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1963 the Dodgers acquired Don Zimmer in a trade with the Reds for a minor leaguer.  This is Don's second stint with the team; having originally been signed by them as an amateur in 1949 and rising up their ranks.  In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever and soon-to-be legend Joe Beimel.  In 2014 the Dodgers signed free agent utilityman Chone Figgins. 
• Happy Birthday, Neal Finn & Scott Kazmir!
  

Blog Kiosk: 7/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

In honor of his pending induction this weekend I made a couple of custom fantasy Baseball cards last night featuring Mike Piazza in a old Albuquerque Dukes uniform.  I used photos recently shared by Bay Area freelance photographer Brad Mangin the other day.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1956 Junior Gilliam sets a major league record by handling 12 assists at second base. Also on this day, Pee Wee Reese recorded his 2,000th career hit.
  

Blog Kiosk: 5/2/2016 - Dodgers Links - Scully, Pederson and Kershaw's Masterpiece

Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands.

Clayton Kershaw, having witnessed six straight losses, decided to put the team on his back.  He carried the club through nine masterful innings, and even knocked in the only Dodger run to lead the club to a 1-0 victory over the Padres.  Overall, he struck out fourteen, allowed three hits and walk nobody in his complete game shutout.  Kershaw threw only 101 pitches, and had a perfect game going into the fifth inning.  Per Jack Baer and AJ Cassavell at MLB.com:

"That's as dominant as I've seen him," manager Dave Roberts said. "As prepared and as much conviction as he has every fifth day, knowing what we were going through as a team, you talk about great players putting their team on their backs. That's what he did today. He won't say that, but that's exactly what happened."

Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"You'd be lying if you said you didn't want to be the guy who ended the streak, so that definitely feels good," Kershaw said. "We needed a win, there's no doubt about it, and it wasn't pretty today."

Clayton chats about his evening on the mound with Allana Rizzo here.  As for the team, they couldn't have been more elated at the days outcome.  In fact, they held an impromptu dance party in the clubhouse to celebrate; as evidenced by numerous videos shared on social media (here, here, here and here).

Pic above via Kike Hernandez on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1928 Giants manager John McGraw made one of the more noteworthy managerial calls in the history of the game.  He called for an intentional walk against the Dodgers with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning to drive in a run.  The next batter struck out to end the game at 2-1.

1946 Vintage Baseball Letter - The Brooklyn Brown Dodgers

Prior to Branch Rickey and the Dodgers signing Jackie Robinson they had to lay some groundwork.  This included doing some scouting, and in order to disguise their intentions they got involved in the short-lived United States Baseball League.

What's that, you say?

In 1945, legendary and often controversial Negro League pioneer, William A. "Gus" Greenlee, started up the league in order to compete with the much more established Negro National and American Leagues.  By this time he had been pushed out of those organizations, and he was looking for an avenue to get back in the game.

Now here's where the Dodgers get involved.  Branch Rickey, no doubt recognizing an opportunity, immediately and publicly lent the Dodgers support to the effort in May of that year.  Soon, the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers were born (well... moved from Hilldale to Brooklyn), and they would play their first season at Ebbets Field later that year. 

Blog Kiosk: 12/16/2015 - Dodger Links - A Trade, Kenta Maeda and Going to Cuba

What an event.  Yesterday, several MLB ballplayers, including recent Cuban defectors like Yasiel Puig and Jose Abreu, hoped off a plane in Havana.  After risking their lives to flee their homeland, leaving behind countless number of family and friends, they returned.  And like children who move far away from home, they made a pilgrimage that brought emotions and tears.  Initially, though, I think awe was their first thought.  Certainly, they never imagined they'd have an opportunity to come back.  Via Alden Gonzalez at MLB.com:

Puig stepped off the plane, and a smile began to form, his eyes began to water.

Puig boarded the bus, one headed straight for the heart of Cuba, and finally some words spilled out.

"Smell that?" Puig asked, cheerfully. "That's that Cuban aroma!"

The photo above, via a tweet from Los Dodgers, shows an emotional Puig with his Baseball mentor Juan Arrechavaleta Cardenas.  Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com:

Puig was accompanied on the trip by his father, Omar, and the Dodgers outfielder embraced an old friend in the hotel lobby, the mentor he affectionately refers to as "Tata," and it looked like he didn't want to let go.

I cannot image what this kind of homecoming would be like.  We are no doubt in a changed world, and hopefully the folly of politics doesn't get in the way of allowing families to reunite once again.

Below are more links to check out:

• There is early news of a trade for the Dodgers that includes the Reds and White Sox, via MLB.com:

The White Sox have acquired All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier from the Reds as part of a three-team deal that includes the Dodgers, according to sources.

None of the three clubs has confirmed the deal.

The Reds get prospects Jose Peraza, Brandon Dixon and Scott Schebler from the Dodgers in the deal while prospects Frankie Montas, Trayce Thompson and Micah Johnson go from Chicago to Los Angeles. 

• Via One Nación at ESPN, "Wonder if Clayton Kershaw threw the 12-6 curveball in Cuba?"  There's a great interview with Kersahaw worth checking out.

Kershaw told ESPN: "I think for me, just understanding the culture a little bit more. It's so important," Kershaw said. "I have, obviously, a lot of teammates who are Cuban, so just for me to understand what they've been through, some of the hardships that they've gone through, understanding how they grew up."

• Via Cyd Ziegler at OutSports, "Los Angeles Dodgers executive Erik Braverman comes out as gay to inspire youth."

Even with the lingering questions, Braverman is talking about being gay in MLB now so that every LGBT person who might wonder if they can be out and work in professional baseball never again has to ask themselves that question.

"I did not have that when I was growing up," he said. "I think that's part of why I struggled personally. I didn't have any role models or examples or anyone to look up to as a possibility."

• As you may know, Japanese ace Kenta Maeda has recently been posted by his team and is currently soliciting bids from MLB teams for his services this coming season.  Apparently, he had arrived in LA for a meeting with the Dodgers, per a tweet by F.L.:

Japanese RH pitcher Kenta Maeda arrived to Los Angeles a couple of hours ago. #Dodgers #MLB - Thanks @2011MLBASG! pic.twitter.com/9AzIGxWA7h

— F. L. (@dgaijin) December 15, 2015

• If you don't know who Maeda is check out this excellent biography by Steven Sypa at Amazin' Avenue.

In studying Maeda's PITCHf/x data, one can see that Maeken is a cerebral pitcher. Aware of his lack of overpowering stuff, the right-hander uses what he does excel at–mainly his control and pitch repertoire–to keep batters off balance. Maeda keeps the ball away from hitters' power zones, throws pitches in counts you wouldn't expect them to be thrown in, and relies more heavily on his breaking pitches and off-speed offerings than his fastball. This would seem to be a definite plus for Maeda from a scouting perspective. Rather than succeeding against inferior hitters with below-average stuff, only to struggle against superior hitters, he should be able to adapt and continue using the approach with which he is familiar.

• Great stuff.  Albert Flannery at Agate Type takes a close look at a couple photographs of the 1906 Brooklyn Royal Giants.  Check it out here.

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Vintage Roy Campanella Cuban League Photo at Hake's

Hake's 216th auction is currently ongoing, and it once again includes a large number of rare photographs from the noted Negro League collection of Richard Merkin.  One of these photos is of a 23-year old Roy Campanella as a member of the Marianao Tigers of the Cuban Winter League.  It is dated from 1943-44 and stamped by Fotografio Novoa on the front and reverse.  Check it out above.  You can see the auction item here.

As you can see, it shows an exciting play at the plate.  Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that Campanella was able to complete a tag as the ball sails over the runner and seemingly towards the head of the umpire.

Also included is an 1920's era team photo of the Homestead Grays.  Check it out below.  Here is the auction link.  Photographs from early Negro League teams like the Gray's are extremely rare, so when they pop up you have to take note. 

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Nifty Jackie Robinson Drawings on eBay

Here a couple fantastic illustrations I found eBay of Jackie Robinson that I wanted to point out.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

Above is a drawing, likely for a newspaper, of Jackie that highlights many of his career accomplishments on the diamond.  Check out the eBay auction here.  It is drawn by New England cartoonist Phil Bissell and is undated.  Much of Bissell's work appeared in papers such as the Herald, Boston Globe, Worcester Telegram and Gazette, but he is most remembered for creating the original mascot for the New England Patriots football club.  The mascot was named "Pat Patriot" and it remained an icon for the franchise until it was replaced in the 1990's. 

Below is an drawing of Jackie Robinson with Negro League star Judy Johnson.  Check out the eBay auction here. It was drawn by noted Baseball (and Wild West) artist Mario DeMarco.  It is undated.

DeMarco is well known to Baseball card collectors.  His work had appeared in Beckett Magazine and he was commissioned to created the first 68 drawings for a card set known as the Callahan Hall of Fame set that was originally released in 1950.  An avid fan of the game, he would often draw for himself.  Per Sandy Meindersma at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette:

After completing a picture, Mr. DeMarco would send it to the player for an autograph.

"Babe Ruth said he was keeping it, and my father would have to draw another one that he would sign," Mrs. Colorio (his daughter) said.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/3/2015 - Dodger Links - Ethier, Kershaw and Latos

Such young minds to mold.  Orel Hershiser poses with members of the Jr. Dodgers Broadcasters in the dugout at Dodger Stadium yesterday.  I'm not all that familiar with this youth program.  From what I understand, the Dodgers take several kids under their wing to mentor them on the fine art of sports reporting and broadcasting.  They do player interviews, report the news, and do play-by-play action of every 2015 regular season Sunday home game.

Sounds like fun, eh?  Who knows?  Maybe the heir apparent to Vin Scully is being molded as we speak.  Go here for more information about this program.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via David Adler and Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "Dodgers sweep Angels on Ethier's 2 homers."

"It was the right time today to put us over the top," Ethier said. "There's not too many times in baseball where you get to take the last shot, and that was one of those opportunities."

• Via Anthony Witrado at ESPN.com, "Clayton Kershaw proves he's back in gear with return to action."

"He seemed a little bit rusty, honestly, early. Just command-wise," manager Don Mattingly said, blaming Kershaw's layoff. "It had been eight days since he pitched, but he got better as the game went on. His pitch count was up early, but he got it in line."
...
"It's crazy what two or three days off will do," Kershaw said. "I don't like days off, apparently. ... If I know they're coming I can deal with it, but this was a little bit different. Overall it worked out.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Mat Latos makes strong first impression with Dodgers."

"You don't see any fear in him at all," said manager Don Mattingly. "He's attacking guys, whether it's Trout or Pujols."

• Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "Ellis set to be activated from DL on Tuesday."
• It's back!  Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "Dodgers participate in Ice Bucket Challenge."

Friday, the Red Sox restarted the movement that went viral a year ago, and they challenged the Dodgers to follow suit. So Yasiel Puig and Enrique Hernandez stepped up Saturday and were doused in ice.

Watch it here.

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Institute for Baseball Studies receives Negro Leagues memorabilia donation."
• I'd like to extend a hearty Blue Heaven congratulations to former Dodgers Rafael Furcal.  Following on Fernando Valenzuela, Furcal became a US citizen last week, via a tweet from Yvonne Carrasco.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/14/2015 - Dodger Links - Greinke, Grandal and Yadier Alvarez

Congrats, Zack!

Grinke will start tonight's All-Star Game.  Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter featured Zack at yesterday's press conference in Cincinnati.  Via a Dodger press release:

Bochy has chosen Greinke as the NL’s starting pitcher. Greinke, a three-time All-Star and the 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner, boasts a Major League best 1.39 ERA at the All-Star break. Greinke (18 GS, 8-2, 123.1 IP, 84 H, 106 SO, 20 BB, 0.84 WHIP, .191 average against) is currently amid a stretch of throwing five consecutive scoreless starts, which comprises a career-high scoreless streak of 35.2 innings. The Florida native has allowed one run or less in 14 of his 18 starts on the season. Greinke, 31, will be the first Dodger hurler to start the All-Star Game since Brad Penny in 2006. Bochy’s lineup includes Dodger rookie outfielder Joc Pederson, who will bat eighth and play left field. The Dodgers now have two all-stars in the starting lineup for the first time since Hideo Nomo and Mike Piazza in 1995. 

Below are some links to check out:

• Via John Erardi at WCPO.com, "How Jackie Robinson made his mark at the 2015 All-Star Game in Cincinnati." 
• Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Champ Pederson and Albert Pujols gave us the Home Run Derby's most heartwarming moment."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "A Q&A with 'The Best Team Money Can Buy' author Molly Knight."

On Puig: Molly Knight: I have mixed feelings. I don’t want it to just be known as “The Puig Book,” but that being said, he’s also really, really fascinating, probably the most fascinating baseball player alive. He’s certainly a lightning rod. Everyone has an opinion about him. There’s a ton of support from people who love him and a ton of hate from people who don’t love him. I get it. It’s hard to get people to read a book on a topic they don’t have any interest in, and there’s a lot of interest in Puig. So I’m happy if it gets the book attention, and it’s overwhelmingly positive if it gets the book read.

• Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest also shares an interview with Molly Knight about her new book, here.
• Via Matt Calkins at the San Diego Union Tribune, "Padres blew it with Yasmani Grandal."

Yasmani said he he would have been more consistent with his bat if he were a regular part of the Padres' lineup, but he never approached then-manager Bud Black about it. He didn't talk to Cashner, Ross or Kennedy about his behind-the-plate banishment, either, although he has a pretty good idea of why it happened.

Despite the general San Diego approach being to throw down and away, Grandal thought the power pitchers should be throwing inside in the early part of the count before using the outer half of the plate to record the out. But the veteran hurlers weren't catching his drift, and as a result, he wasn't catching their pitches.

• Check out a couple of great fantasy cards at Cards That Never Were: "1982 All Star Game Honorary Captains: Duke Snider & Yogi Berra."
• Via Amy at FanDemonium, "Most Popular MLB Teams By US State."
• Via Nick Diunte at Baseball Happenings, "Mahlon Duckett, a tribute to the passing of a Negro League legend."

“I hit a game winning home run off of Satchel in Yankee Stadium in 1941,” he said. “I’ll never forget that; it was a great day, Yankee Stadium, about 45,000 people there. There were a lot of great things that happened in the Negro Leagues that a lot of people don’t know about. It was a great league with great ballplayers.”

• Well this is interesting.  Via Sports Card Info, "Super Break’s 2015 National VIP Set," includes a card for recently signed Dodger youngster Yadier Alvarez.  See it below.  You will notice that it is the exact same design used for his 2015 Onyx card.

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A Brief Look at the All-Star #FanFest in Cincy - A Jackie Robinson Display

Man-O-Live!

I sure wish they would bring an All-Star Game to Los Angeles.   It's been 35 years since we've hosted one, and seeing the kind of activities this event brings with it on social media has me green with envy.  Just check out twitter.  There are a bunch of pics from the #FanFest in Cincinnati and it looks like a fantastic time.  Check out some photos below that I thought worth sharing.

Of course, an MLB event like this has to include some history, and Dodger great Jackie Robinson appears to have an prominent display.

Bruin Legend Jackie Robinson featured a #ASG2015 #FanFest @UCLAAthletics pic.twitter.com/VwTrIRkj0d

— liz keating (@eakeating) July 10, 2015

Sneak Peak! I'm live #fanfest this morning. It's a history lesson in baseball. So much to see! #allstarnow @fox19 pic.twitter.com/Q6jvFkTkC2

— Megan O'Rourke (@FOX19Megan) July 10, 2015

I just love the Jackie Robinson 1945 Kansas City Royals uniform above.

And above are a couple of fantastic statues of some Negro League greats - Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige.  Pic via @AllStarGame on twitter.  There was even a mascot autograph session, as evidenced in the photos below, via @schffbd on twitter.

Mascot autograph sessions at #FanFest. @Marlins @RaysBaseball @Mets @Indians pic.twitter.com/rD3V2bb7pf

— Walks Will Haunt (@scheffbd) July 13, 2015

Several ladies from the AAGPBL were on-hand to sign for fans, via @pookiejones18 on twitter.

@AllStarGame #fanfestspirit #fanfest having fun pic.twitter.com/B6Wf31UAQD

— Glenn Meyers (@pookiejones18) July 13, 2015

I thought I would end this post with a photo of our centerfield rookie and soon to be Home Run Derby winner Joc Pederson, via @AllStarGame on twitter.

Pic at the very top via @Toppscards on twitter.

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A Vintage Dodger and a Negro League Great Found at Love of the Game Auctions

I thought I would share a couple of cool items I ran into when I checked out the current offerings from "Love of the Game" auctions; including an old-tyme Dodger player and a fantastic postcard photo of one of the early great Cuban ballplayers.

Short and stout with a mustache that would make todays hipsters green with envy, Jim McTamany played three years for the Brooklyn Grays (this is the Dodgers, as they were once known) in the mid to late 1880's.  Born a Philadelphia kid, he was known for his defensive prowess in centerfield and soon became well regarded for his ability to get on-base.  Unfortunately, that later skill didn't come until after he played in Brooklyn. 

McTamany recorded over 100 walks for three straight seasons, and lead the league in runs scored and walks in 1890 as a member of the Columbus Solons of the American Association.  Soon thereafter, though, he disappeared from Major League parks.  His batting average quickly eroded til he finally left the game in 1894 at the age of 30. 

Featured above is a 1887 Old Judge N172 tobacco card of McTamany as a member of the Brooklyn Grays.  It is currently on auction at Love of the Game Auctions.  Check it out here.

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The real photo postcard below is just fantastic.  It features Baseball Hall of Famer and Cuban great Jose Mendez in his Sunday best.  Check out the auction here.  I'll let the auction description tell you a little bit about who he was.

El Diamante Negro ("the Black Diamond") is a legend in his home country of Cuba, one of the players inducted into the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame's inaugural class in 1939.  Mendez rose to worldwide fame after throwing 25 consecutive shutout innings in three appearances against the Cincinnati Reds, including a one-hit complete game shutout.  Soon after, he pitched two more shutouts, racking up 43 consecutive scoreless innings.

An arm injury in 1914 caused Mendez to move to shortstop, where he played with the Detroit Stars and Chicago American Giants of the Negro Leagues, ultimately landing with the Kansas City Monarchs as player/manager, winning three consecutive pennants between 1923-25.  In the first Negro League World Series in 1924 against the Hilldale team, he appeared in four games, posting a 2-0 record including a shutout victory in the final game. 

No less a baseball mind than John McGraw called Mendez "sort of Walter Johnson and Grover Alexander rolled into one."

(Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 3/18/2015 - Dodger Links - Ryu, Seager and Paco Rodriguez

Hyun-Jin Ryu was on the mound for the Dodgers on St. Patrick's Day.  On 46 pitches he went three innings and allowed three runs (two of them earned) against the Rangers.  Afterwards, he threw another 19 pitches in the bullpen (65 on the day total) to round out his day.  Although not stellar, Ryu was comfortable on the mound and appears healthy after having back issues earlier in camp.  Via Eric Stephens at True Blue LA:

"I'm not having any issues with the back anymore," Ryu said after his outing. "This time was three innings. Hopefully next time I'll be able to go four."

The photo above is via @MLB on twitter.  Below are some more links to check out:

• Scott Kileen shares a bunch of photos of Tommy Lasorda at Camelback Ranch at Sons of Steve Garvey.  Check out the pics here.
• This is happening right now!  Via a tweet from JP Hoornstra:

The team of Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager is playing Justin Turner and Daniel Coulombe for the #Dodgers ping pong championship. Intense.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) March 18, 2015

• On the mend.  Via Ken Gunick at MLB.com, "Jansen, Beachy progressing in injury rehabs."

"I was able to land on the foot and there was no pain," said Jansen, who had kept his arm loose by throwing while stabilized with a knee on a chair. "I just have to take is slowly. It's still healing, but I didn't feel anything wrong."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Can Dodgers' Corey Seager remain a shortstop?"

“From the day that he signed, the first thing I ever read about him was that he was going to be too big for short,” Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. “Everything I ever read about him, someone always mentions that he’ll probably have to move to third. I’m wondering where that comes from. I’m like, ‘Is anybody watching this kid play short?’ Because I’m watching him play short and I’m thinking, ‘It looks like he can play short to me,’ but what do I know.”

• Via Kevin Baxter at the LA Times, "Playoff snubs ate at Dodgers' Paco Rodriguez, so now he eats better."

"I was very upset," said Rodriguez, who was also left off the Dodgers' 2013 National League Championship Series roster. "That really took a toll on me this off-season. And I thought a lot about it. That motivated me and gave me the extra drive to get healthy and get back to where I once was."

• Via Jared Massey at Dodger Nation, he gives us an rundown on minor league camp for the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch.
• Fantastic!  John Thorn at Our Game follows up with Part 3 of his series on "Black Ball" that covers the Negro Leagues from the 1930's to WWII.  Check it out here.  He discusses Satchel Paige, barnstorming as a precursor to integrated Baseball and the lead-up to integrating MLB.
• Awesome!  This is as oddball as you can get.  Antiques Roadshow appraises 1910 Fat Men's Amusement Co Baseball jersey and memorabilia.  Watch the video here.  Although there isn't much known about this barnstorming team their postcards do come up often for sale and can sell for a healthy amount.  (Hat Tip: Paul Lukas at UniWatch on twitter)

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Blog Kiosk: 1/15/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, De Leon and Don Mattingly

Clayton Kershaw was in Oklahoma City yesterday to attend the Warren Spahn Award gala in his honor.  While there he stopped by the new Dodgers AAA home.  In the photo above he sports the teams new cap.  Pic via twitter @okc_dodgers.  Below is another photo of him with his newest award, via @okc_dodgers on twitter.

Below are some more links to check out:

• Check out a fantastic graphic of Vin Scully by M. Brown at the Left Field Pavilion.
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Jose De Leon: The shape of things to come."

“Coming to my first training, I didn’t know what to expect,” De Leon said. “I didn’t work as hard as I should have in the offseason. Then I got to Spring Training, and they opened my eyes. “(Former Dodger vice president of player development De Jon Watson) said, ‘Hey, you came in out of shape. You can’t come here to get ready. You come here to try and make a team.’ ”

• AJ Ellis thanked the fans for their support, via twitter:

Thanks @Dodgers fans for the outpouring of positive responses to today's news. Honored and excited to be a part of this team.
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) January 14, 2015

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Mattingly addresses center-field battle, roster reshaping."  A video is included in the link.

Mattingly didn't rule out Ethier working his way back into the mix even after losing his starting job in 2014, when he hit .249 with only four home runs.

"Put up numbers, you play. Simple," said Mattingly. "If you win the job, you're playing."
...

Mattingly said Pederson would have "an opportunity to compete, but I don't think we should hand anything over."

• Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Don Mattingly embraces the use of analytics."  JP shares a video of what Mattingly says.
• Via Adrian Garcia at Lasorda's Lair, "Zaidi Suggests A Big Run For Moncada."

“Moncada we’ve scouted extensively … We have the checkbook, young elite talent is the most valuable asset to have… This is probably going to be one of those investments where you don’t want to leave any stone unturned

• Via Andrew Dys at the Charlotte Observer, "Trailblazing Negro League baseball star, Rock Hill native Carl Long dies."  He broke the color barrier in the Carolina League.

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