Blog Kiosk: 7/23/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Mooooookie!

Wow!

Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I’m here to win some rings and bring rings back to L.A. -- that’s all I’m focused on,” Betts said after signing a landmark 12-year contract extension that runs through 2032. 

“This is what I’ve been working for my whole life. I know the Dodgers are going to be good for a long time. I love being here, everything about being here. The people here made me feel so comfortable. Everybody’s amazing. This organization is a well-oiled machine. I love it.”

I need a Mookie jersey. Photo on the right, via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 the Dodgers once again used yellow-colored baseballs during a game at Ebbets Field. This time it was against the Cardinals, and Brooklyn lost the game, 12-0. In 1962 Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. You can listen to his induction speech here. In 1974 Steve Garvey, who was a write-in candidate, had a single, double and an RBI during the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh. He would be named the MVP of the game. In 1975 Willie Crawford and Lee Lacy hit pinch-hit home runs in the ninth inning in a loss against the Cardinals, 5-4. The homers tied a Major League record for pinch-hit homers in the same inning.
• Happy Birthday, Hod Ford, Paul Chervinko, Pee Wee Reese, Don Drysdale, Nomar Garciaparra, Larry Barnes & Hung-Chih Kuo!

Blog Kiosk: 7/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

First, let me just add that net proceeds garnered from this will go directly to the LA Dodgers Foundation. Now, on to this exciting news. The Dodgers are offers "fan cutouts" in the Dugout Club or the new Pavilion Home Run Seats for $299 and in the Field Level or Loge Level locations for $149. On top of that, the cutout is yours at the end of this truncated season and it'll be authenticated by MLB. Go here for more information.

“The electrifying energy of Dodger Stadium is rooted in the passion of our fans. While we are saddened that they will not be part of the live experience, the personalized cutouts will bring a bit of color to the stadium during these challenging times,” said Nichol Whiteman, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO. “Thanks to the generosity of our fans everywhere, this campaign will fund our critical work. Together we will help Angelenos when they need support the most.”

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 play at Candlestick Park is halted for 24 minutes after Giants first baseman Willie McCovey hits a Don Drysdale pitch in the second inning to shallow left field that no one can see due to thick fog. McCovey is given a "invisible triple." In 2004 Eric Gagne records his 24th save of the season, helping defeat the Diamondbacks, 4-3. The save is his 130th as a Dodger -- breaking Jeff Shaw's record for most career saves in franchise history. In 2017 Cody Bellinger hit for a cycle against the Marlins at Marlins Park -- becoming the first Dodger rookie to have ever done so. You can watch highlights of the game here.
• Happy Birthday, Dan McGann, Bruce Edwards, James Baldwin & Miguel Olivo!

Blog Kiosk: 6/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - We're Back!

Baseball's back!

Featured above is a 9/29/1946 ACME press photo featuring the Ebbets Field granstands and a whole bunch of celebrating Brooklynites. Per the descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Futile Ray of Hope -- Brooklyn fans cheer at Ebbets Field as their team stops the Boston Braves momentarily. A few moments later, gloom descended again as the Braves went on to win the game, 4 to 0. Brooks are tied for first place in the National League with the St. Louis Cardinals, who lost to the Cubs, 8 to 3. 

On a side note, I am still not entirely convinced that this is really going to happen. Nevertheless, I will celebrate with all the optimism and hope the game tries to inspire.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Jackie Robinson stole home plate for the first time in his career. It was against the Pirates at Forbes Field during the fifth inning to give the Dodgers a lead and it was the eventual winning run, 4-2. In 1955 future Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax makes his Major League debut. He pitches in relief against the Milwaukee Braves and goes two innings -- allowing one hit, one walk and striking out two. In 1958 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder/outfielder Ron Fairly out of USC. He would eventually play 12 seasons in Los Angeles -- slashing .260/.347/.385/.732 while helping the club capture three World Series titles. In 2018 the Dodgers tie a NL record when they collectively hit seven solo home runs during a single game. It was against the Met's at Citi Field, and it includes a game-winning homer by Justin Turner -- against his old club in the 12th inning, 8-7.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Banta & Jason Romano!

Blog Kiosk: 5/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a great photo of two old Brooklyn Dodgers -- Duke Snider and announcer Red Barber -- just prior to their appearance on ABC's Good Morning America on August 1, 1980 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

New York: Duke of Brooklyn (and Los Angeles), Edwin Donald Snider (right), who will be inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame August 3, reminisces with his old buddy, former Dodger announcer Red Barber, as they appear August 1 on ABC-TV's Good Morning America. Snider credited much of his success to teammate Pee Wee Reese and owner Branch Rickey. Barber was honored by the Hall of Fame in 1978.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1892 Brooklyn Bridgerooms/Dodgers second baseman George "Hub" Collins died unexpectedly of typoid fever. He had just fallen ill a week before. The 28-year old was considered a star, with many believing he was destined to be the greatest second baseman in Brooklyn history. In 1945 Leo Durocher (as a ballplayer) is officially released, so that he could concentrate all of his efforts on managing the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1952 the Dodgers scored a Major League record 15 runs in the first inning to handily defeat the Reds at Ebbets Field, 19-1. At one point in the first inning 19 consecutive Dodgers' reached base. Also, Pee Wee Reese got on base in each of his three at-bats during the first inning -- with a single, two walks, two runs scored and an RBI. In 2000 MLB has its very first six grand slam day - Shawn Green & Adrian Beltre (Dodgers); Garret Anderson (Angels), J.T. Snow (Giants), Brian Hunter (Phillies) and Jason Giambi (A's).
• Happy Birthday, Sandy McDougal, Charlie Loudenslager, Mace Brown, Elmer Sexauer, Hank Webb & Tom Martin!

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out our All-Stars. Although the National League didn't come out on top, I think it's clear that fun was had by all.

I also made a couple of Joc Pederson Home Run Derby fantasy custom cards. Check those out below.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Dodgers collectively hit a home run in 24 consecutive ballgames. This day's homer was hit by Roy Campanella against Giants pitcher Sal "The Barber" Maglie. Unfortunately, that would be the only run Brooklyn scores. They would lose 6-1. In 1971 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Fame reliever Hoyt Wilhelm. He would retire a year later at the age of 49. As a Dodger he got into 25 games, recorded four saves, a 1.047 WHIP and an 3.14 ERA. Not too bad for a guy in his middle-ages.
• Happy Birthday, Scott Alexander, Larry Burright & Bob Bailor!

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

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. You just have to hope that at the end of the day you experience more celebration than disappointment. Yesterday's game was obviously disappointing, but I think there's still some things to find encouraging. Our starting pitching continues its dominance and Will Smith has been a nice surprise at the plate. Our relief, on the other hand, is still a work in progress. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Baseball’s just a game of adjustments,” Alexander said. “Last year, first month of the season for me, it was really bad. I got sent down, came back up and was pretty solid for the remainder of the year. For me, just keep working. I hate to come in and lose games, give up runs, but it’s a tough job.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 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 1944 the Brooklyn Dodgers received infielder Eddie Stanky from the Cubs for Bob Chipman. In 1957 the first fog-out in major league history occurs during a game at Ebbets Field against the Cubs. After an 86-minute delay the game is halted during the second inning. In 1988 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent slugger Raul Mondesi out of the Dominican Republic. In 1990 the Dodgers recorded their 8,000th franchise victory as they defeat the Braves, 7-5. In 1994 Mike Piazza hit the longest home run ever recorded at Joe Robbie Stadium in Florida. It was off Mark Gardner and is estimated to have traveled 477 feet. In 2006 the number six plays a huge part in the day. The Dodgers, on the sixth day of the sixth month of the sixth year of the century score six runs in the sixth inning during the sixth game of the current homestand.
• Happy Birthday, Fresco Thompson, Jeff Williams & Mark Ellis!

Blog Kiosk: 1/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dave Roberts was Grand Marshall for the Kingdom Day Parade yesterday.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 seven ballplayers are declared free agents as a result of an Players Association's 1985 collusion lawsuit against the owners. Kirk Gibson is one of those players and he would eventually sign with the Dodgers seven days later. The rest, as they say, is history. In 2007 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Báez as a 19-year old third baseman out of the Dominican Republic. He would eventually convert to a relief pitcher in 2013.
• Happy Birthday, Jay Hughes, Jeff Treadway, Chone Figgins, Wayne Kirby & Carlos Ruiz!

Blog Kiosk: 8/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is why you know he's the greatest. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I didn't have much of anything tonight. It was pretty much smoke and mirrors," said Kershaw. "That's a good team. I was getting ahead of a few guys, but a lot of hits with two strikes. Didn't have those put-away pitches tonight. This was definitely not one of my most memorable performances, that's for sure."

Even with him being less than his best Kershaw was still able to hold a playoff contending club to only two runs in six innings. Heck, this was only the second start of his career where he was only able to strike out one batter.

Unfortunately, we ended up on the wrong side of the win column last night, 3-2. Photo above via Christine Kroeckel/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1975 Davey Lopes stole his 32nd consecutive base without being caught, breaking Max Carey's 1922 record. He would steal six more bases before getting called out. His record would eventually be broken by Cardinal's speedster Vince Coleman in 1989.  In 1976 Pirates hurler John Candelaria no-hit the Dodgers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. In 1979 longtime Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley died of congestive heart failure at the age of 75.
• Happy Birthday, John Grim, Leo Callahan, Johnny Mitchell, Tom Sunkel, Chuck Essegian, Claude Osteen, Matt Young & Drew Butera!

Blog Kiosk: 3/7/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

For several years during WWII the Dodgers spent their spring training in up-state New York -- Bear Mountain. Located just 20 minutes from West Point, it was not unusual for the team to train at the West Point Academy Field House; especially when the weather turned ugly. Above you can see the Dodgers play ball at the Field House as cadets check out the action. The photo is dated March 18, 1945, and was taken by famed sports photographer Barney Stein for the NY Post (eBay auction link). BTW, the photo originally comes from the personal collection of former Dodger Cookie Lavagetto.

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Doc Scanlan, Dan Griner, Merwin Jacobson, Dick Loftus, Joe Gallagher & Jeff Kent!
• Today's Game: The Dodgers take on the Angels in their home field, and Japanese two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani is slated to bat 7th as a DH. Kershaw is scheduled to start, so it's likely they'll face each against each other for the first time.