Showing posts with label OKC Dodgers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OKC Dodgers. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 7/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


Happy Belated Birthday, Cody!

He turned 25-years old yesterday.

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

Monday, May 11, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 5/11/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Great photo - Bad result. Pete Reiser was out at home. (eBay auction link) Below is what's written on the reverse:
Dusty Dodger Out At Home 
Boston, Mass... Pete Reiser, Dodgers' left fielder made at game try but is declared "out" at the plate in the third inning of the opening game at Braves Field here today. The putout was made on Connie Ryan's throw to Phil Masi. Pee Wee Reese had previously scored on Saunders' fumble. The Boston Braves were trailing the Brooklyn visitors at this stage of the game 2 to 0. (Dated 7.7.1946) (Photo via Myer Ostroff).
Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose this game, 3-2 (boxscore). Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 8-0 (boxscore). In fact, he had a perfect game going into the eighth, before walking the second batter of the inning. Overall, he recorded four strikeouts, two walks and faced only 28 batters - only one more than the minimum. This was also his second career no-hitter.
  • Happy Birthday, Gene Hermanski, Bill Bean, Trent Hubbard & Red Patterson!

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 4/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


It is Jackie Robinson Day. Featured above is a March 4, 1946 AP press photo of Jackie inspecting some bats. He is wearing a Montreal Royals uniform. (eBay auction link)

Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1909, Opening Day, the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) were no-hit by Red Ames of the Giants at the Polo Grounds for nine innings, but eventually prevailed to defeat the crosstown rival in the 13th inning, 3-0. On a side note, the Giants outfield recorded no putouts and the Superbas winning pitcher was Kaiser Wilhelm. In 1915 the Brooklyn Robins are no-hit by future Hall of Famer Rube Marquard of the Giants at the Polo Grounds, 2-0.  In 1947 Jackie Robinson makes his Major League debut at Ebbets Field. He would go 0-for-3, but would also score the go ahead run in the seventh inning after reaching base on an error during a sacrifice bunt. The Dodgers won the game 5-3. In 1958 the Dodgers and Giants play their first major league game on the West Coast. Unfortunately, Ruben Gomez of the Giants blanked the Dodgers at Seals Stadium in San Francisco, 8-0.
  • Happy Birthday, Hub Collins, Jack Sheehan, Ted Sizemore, Willie Davis, Jeremy Burnitz & Milton Bradley!

Friday, April 10, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 4/10/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


I think Pee Wee missed his calling. He should've hit the gridiron instead. Per the auction description at Love of the Game Auctions. (Auction Link)
Photo of Reese in the Dodger dugout, wearing a football helmet and posing to throw a football ostensibly owned by 1943 Heisman winner Angelo Bertelli.  Bertelli and Reese were stationed together in the Pacific Theater during World War II.  The photo, in FAIR condition due to several pronounced creases and some water staining, was likely taken in 1948, when news accounts indicate the Dodgers resurrected the white satin home uniforms worn by Reese in the photo.
Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 the Dodgers officially announced, during the sixth inning of an exhibition against the Royals, that they had purchased the contract of Montreal Royals infielder Jackie Robinson. He would be the first African-American to be on the roster of a modern Major League club. In 1962 the Dodgers played their very first home game at newly built Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine. There were 52,564 fans on-hand to watch Johnny Podres throw the first pitch to infielder Eddie Kasko -- who promptly doubled in the at-bat. Duke Snider would record the first Dodger hit with a single in the second inning.  Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose the game to the Reds, 6-3. Reds outfielder Wally Post hit the first homer at the stadium during the seventh inning to lead Cincinnati.
  • Happy Birthday, Bob McGraw, Chuck Connors, Lee Lacy, Mike Devereaux, Alberto Reyes, Andre Ethier & Charlie Culberson!

Friday, February 21, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


It was Photo Day at Camelback Ranch yesterday and fortunately Dodger Insider was kind enough to share a bunch of pics taken by Jon SooHoo. Featured here are David Price, Kiké Hernandez, Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Go here to check out more. Below are some notes about Spring Training, as provided by the Dodgers.
  • The Dodgers had 62 players report to camp including 25 infielders/outfielders (10 non-roster invitees), five catchers (two non-roster invitees) and 32 pitchers (10 non-roster invitees).
  • The former Vanderbilt Commodore Walker Buehler pitched in live action for the second time this Spring, tossing two simulated innings against teammates Corey Seager, Mookie Betts, Gavin Lux, Tyler White, Austin Barnes and Terrance Gore. Joining Buehler in throwing live bullpens today were Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, Caleb Ferguson, Jordan Sheffield and Victor González.
  • The Los Angeles Sports Council will honor 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger as the Los Angeles co-Sportsman of the Year alongside American League MVP Mike Trout.
  • On Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Dodger Stadium, Clayton and Ellen Kershaw will host their 8th Annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose benefiting their charity, Kershaw’s Challenge. Kershaw's Challenge was founded by Clayton and Ellen Kershaw in 2011 and has raised over 12 million dollars to support at-risk children and families around the globe.
Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Tommy Lasorda is sold to the St. Louis Browns. He would then be returned to the Dodgers in late-March. In 1957 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley traded minor league franchises with Phil Wrigley of the Cubs. Brooklyn traded the Ft. Worth club (Texas League) in return for the Los Angeles Angels (Pacific Coast League). In 1984 outfielder Dusty Baker is granted free agency. He played eight season in Los Angeles, slashing .281/.343/.437/.780 with 144 home runs and 586 RBI's. 
  • Happy Birthday, Jack Billingham, Franklin Gutierrez, Ted Savage, Sam Fletcher & Norman Plitt!

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 2/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


Kershaw is excited for the season, regardless of the controversy currently embroiling the game. Via Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“I think any time you add players of Mookie’s caliber, of David’s caliber, there’s a little bit added excitement for sure,” Kershaw said. “We’re fired up. We know we have a good team. Now we’ve just got to go play.”
...
“I love baseball,” Kershaw said. “I’m excited about it, and I’m just thinking about the 12-year-old kid at home that… here’s all this stuff. It’s hard to decipher. It’s just a lot of negative and negative and negative, and rightfully so. It’s a lot of stuff that’s going on that shouldn’t have happened, but at the same time, the season’s going to happen. We’re excited about it. This team is excited. There’s going to be a lot of great baseball, and I’m fired up for that.”
Photos above and on the right via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1954 the Dodgers signed 19-year old Roberto Clemente to a one-year contract worth $5,000 with a $10,000 signing bonus. He was highly scouted by both the Yankees and Giants, but they all got outbid by the Dodgers. Unfortunately, they would lose Clemente's rights during the upcoming 1954 Rule V Draft to Pittsburgh... And guess who was the Pirates GM at the time -- Branch Rickey. In 1983 22-year old Dodger hurler Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first ballplayer awarded an $1,000,000 salary during arbitration. The Dodgers had countered with a salary of $750,000.
  • Happy Birthday, Oscar Roettger, Dick Siebert, Gail Hopkins, Dave Stewart, Josh Reddick & Fabio Castillo! 

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 9/24/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Here's a fun, dated circa 1957 on the reverse, photograph of Pee Wee Reese lounging comfortably on a leather armchair. It was taken by Dodger photographer Barney Stein and includes five well-dressed gentleman surrounding Pee Wee. I have no idea who those guys are or what is going on, but I suspect this was some sort of pregame activity/ceremony. I know for certain that there was a Pee Wee Reese Night at Ebbets Field in 1955, but am unsure if they did it again two years later. Maybe this was a pregame promotion where they gifted Pee Wee the easy-chair to promote the product. I dunno. (eBay Auction Link)

Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1901 Brooklyn outfielder Jimmy Sheckard became the first 20th-century player to hit grand slams in two consecutive games, as Brooklyn pounds Cincinnati, 16 - 2.  In 1957 the last Major League game is played at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Pirates first baseman Dee Fondy makes the last out when he grounds to Dodger shortstop Don Zimmer with starting pitcher Danny McDevitt on the mound. The Dodger win, 2-0. In 1971 Dodger lefty Al Downing wins his 20th game of the season -- defeating the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. He would finish third in Cy Young voting this season. In 2003 Eric Gagne ties the NL record for saves when he records his 55th save of the season against the Padres in extra innings, 5-3.
  • Happy Birthday, Tom Seats, Dixie Walker, Otis Davis, Dick Nen, Hubie Brooks, Larry White & Jim Neidlinger!

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 6/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - First to 50


The Dodgers are the first team in the Majors to win 50 games, but it wasn't easy getting here. They've experienced injuries (losing Pollock, Seager and now Hill) and seen their bullpen falter on numerous occasions. Still, they find a way to win. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com
“Credit to our guys for shutting the door,” said Taylor. “It was big for us to get a lead early there. We’re playing free and easy, relaxed. We’re a very confident group and we’re playing our best baseball.”
BTW, Chris Taylor had a huge game. After struggling for much of the season, Taylor broke out by hitting two home runs (his first multi-homer game of his career), drove in four and scored three times.

Photo above via Carrie Giordano/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 1958 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Willie Davis out of Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles. In 2000 the Dodgers traded infielder Jose Vizcaino to the Yankees for catcher Jim Leyritz. In 2008 the Dodgers are awarded the Award of Excellence star, which is placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, for their significant contributions to the community by the Hollywood Historic Trust and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 Dodgers pitcher Jeff Weaver best his younger brother Jered Weaver at Angels Stadium, 6-4. They become the eighth set of siblings to have started against one another. 
  • Happy Birthday, Jaime Schultz, Luis Alcaraz, Larry See, Paul Bako & Juan Castro!

Friday, May 24, 2019

2019 Topps Pro Debut - All the Dodgers' Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards, below is a look at all of the other Dodger insert cards that are available in packs of 2019 Topps Pro Debut. On a side note, I decided to include the two Mike Trout/Rancho Cucamonga Quakes cards below. I reasoned that since the Quakes are now a Dodgers farmclub I would be justified. Besides, I'll likely never have an other opportunity to show a Trout card on this blog, so why not.

Future Cornerstones Autograph

#FCA-KR Keibert Ruiz

Friday, April 05, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 4/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Clayton Kershaw got back on the mound last night as the Oklahoma City Dodgers Opening Night starting pitcher -- which begs the question: "Would this qualify as his ninth consecutive Opening Day start as a Dodger?" Per Jacob Unruh at the Oklahoman:
Kershaw threw 4 1/3 innings in the first of what is likely two rehab starts Thursday night as the Oklahoma City Dodgers opened their season against the San Antonio Missions. 
“It was a good first step,” Kershaw said. “I got through everything I needed to, got up for that fifth inning, got some guys on base, worked out of the stretch and did multiple different things. It was a good day.” 
Kershaw allowed two runs on four hits and two walks. He struck out six and threw 61 pitches, 41 of which were strikes. His fastball touched 90 mph. The two runs came in the second — a lead-off home run by Tyrone Taylor on an opening fastball and a run-scoring single by Jacob Nottingham later in the inning.
Photo above via OKC Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1913 25,000 fans watched the Dodgers play their first game in their new home, Ebbets Field. It was an exhibition match that saw Brooklyn defeat the Yankees, 3-2. Superbas (Dodgers) outfielder Casey Stengel (the future famed Yankees manager) hit the first home run at the stadium -- an inside-the-park homer in the fifth inning. In 1977 the Dodgers signed free agent first baseman Boog Powell. 
  • Happy Birthday, Héctor Olivera & Greg Smith!

Thursday, April 04, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 4/4/2019 - Dodger Links - Some odds and Ends


They just keep slugging.

Last night the Dodgers extended their consecutive homer streak to start the season to seven games when Kiké Hernández hit his third home run of the season to lead-off the game.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 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 1997 Mike Piazza reached base for the eight consecutive plate appearance -- he went 3-for-3 with a walk in a Dodgers win over the Pirates. He would fly out his next at-bat the following day. In 2016 the Dodgers handed the Padres the worst Opening Day loss in Major League history since 1913. They beat them silly, 15-0. Go here for the boxscore. BTW, this game was Dave Roberts Dodgers managerial debut.
  • Happy Birthday, John Hummel, Pete Kilduff, Joe Vosmik, Mickey Owen, Willie Ramsdell, Gil Hodges & Louis Coleman!

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 3/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Above is a spring pic I ran across featuring a bunch of Dodgers' in front of the Bear Mountain Inn in New York. As you know, during the wartime 40's the club spent their spring in upstate New York. Unfortunately, I do not know when the photo was taken and the only person I recognize is Leo Durocher -- he's the fellow in the middle wearing the white sweater and unbuttoned coat.

Below are more links to check out:

Monday, March 11, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 3/11/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Baseball was played at Dodger Stadium this weekend as a part of the College Baseball Classic. In Sunday's prime match-up between the Bruins and Trojans, UCLA came out on top by rallying from a four run deficit to defeat the USC, 7-5.

Photo above via UCLA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Dodgers play their first Spring Training game at Holman Stadium at Dodgertown, Vero Beach, Florida -- defeating the A's, 4-2. In 1972 Dodger Hall of Famer Zack Wheat died at the age of 83. He slashed a lifetime .317/.367/.450/.817 with 2,884 hits and 1,248 RBI's, and still holds many Dodger records. He currently leads the franchise in hits (2,804), total bases (4,003), singles (2,038), doubles (464) and triples (171).
  • Happy Birthday, Bill Pounds, Joe Dunn, Bobby Abreu, Rich Hill & Pedro Baez.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 2/14/2019 - Dodgers Links and News - Happy Valentine's Day!


This is a good sight.

On Tuesday, former batterymates Clayton Kershaw and Russell Martin were reunited after an eight year separation. It's like they got part of the band back together. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
"We both have a certain amount of miles on our body from the last time we worked together, but what a career he's had," said Martin. "I remember the last time I caught him he was just fastball, curveball. Now, one of the best pitches he has is the slider. That's the cool thing about baseball, the best players stay the best because they're willing to make adjustments, and Kershaw is one of those guys who's going to do what it takes to stay at the top. It's nice to get back there and reminisce a little bit."
Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. BTW, Jon SooHoo has shared a whole bunch of pics from yesterdays going-on's at Camelback Ranch, here. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Baseball History: In 1957 the Georgia State Senate approved a bill, introduced by state senator Leon Butts, that prohibits blacks from playing baseball with whites except at religious gatherings -- ten years after MLB had integrated. 
    "Anything that tends to break down the bulwarks of segregation must be forcibly met by this general assembly. We have a situation in Georgia which has come about because of a national situation. I am referring to the Negroes in organized baseball in this state. It is unfortunate that some few people would participate in the destruction of our institutions for a few dollars."

    Friday, January 25, 2019

    Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


    Joc Pederson and his dog Blue met with Dodger fans and their canine friends for a special photo shoot yesterday afternoon in Van Nuys.

    Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. You can check out more pics from this event and others, here.

    Furthermore, the Dodgers FanFest is tomorrow, and there are plenty of autograph and VIP events still available. Go here to check it out. Below are more links to check out:
    • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Giants skipper Bill Terry, when asked about the Dodgers prospects for the upcoming season, remarked, "I haven't heard anything from them; are they still in the league?" This obviously caused all of Brooklyn to scream in outrage, and ultimately lead to the Dodgers' greatest revenge. With the Giants tied with the Cardinals and with just two games left to play in the 1934 season (both against Brooklyn), the Dodgers would sweep to deny them the pennant.
    • Happy Birthday, Danny Richardson, Ray Schmandt, Ed Head & Ed Goodson!

    Thursday, December 06, 2018

    Blog Kiosk: 12/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


    (Pic via Jennifer McGraw on twitter)
    Fernando Valenzuela is now a member of the California Hall of Fame!

    On Tuesday, Valenzuela, along with seven other distinguished persons that include Joan Baez and Robert Redford, were officially inducted in Sacramento. You can watch the entire ceremony here. Per Jennifer McGraw at CBS.com:
    “Really, I was so excited and this moment is great,” said Fernando Valenzuela, beloved former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and World Series winner.
    Photo above via Joe McHugh/CA.gov. Below are more links to check out:
    • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 actor Gene Autry is awarded an American League Los Angeles franchise that would be known as the Angels -- using a team name that once played in the PCL in Los Angeles and subsequently purchased by O'Malley when he moved the Dodgers West. In 1973 the Dodgers traded Claude Osteen and Dave Culpepper to the Astros for outfielder Jim Wynn. Wynn would go on to have a stellar year the following season in Los Angeles. He slashed .271/.387/.497/.884 with 32 homers and 108 RBI's, and would come in at fifth place in MVP voting. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Jason Schmidt. In 2007 signed free agent outfielder Andruw Jones.
    • Happy Birthday, Tony Lazzeri, Tommy Brown & Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis!

    Wednesday, December 05, 2018

    Blog Kiosk: 12/5/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


    I'm fairly certain I've shared this pic in the past, but it's so good I figured it's worth another look. Featured above is a March 6, 1957 United Press photo of a contingent of Los Angeles politicians wooing Dodger owner Walter O'Malley at Vero Beach. (eBay Auction Link) As you can see, Duke Snider and the famed clown Emmett Kelly (the Dodger Bum) also joined them. Per the descriptor on the reverse:
    It May Happen - Officials from the city of Los Angeles arrived at the Brooklyn Dodgers training camp here March 6th to confer with Dodger officials on the possibility of the team moving from Flatbush to the west coast city. Left to Right are: Kenneth Hahn, of the LA Board of Supervisors; LA Mayor Norris Poulson; Dodger slugging star Duke Snider; and Dodger President Walter O'Malley.
    Below are more links to check out:

    Monday, November 05, 2018

    Blog Kiosk: 11/5/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


    The Japan Series begins in earnest later this week, but in the meantime it's MLB players spent the weekend in Hawaii getting prepared and working out. Per Kyle Galdeira at MLB.com:
    "We want guys to walk out of here healthy, have a great experience and, when we get to Japan, play at full speed and represent Major League Baseball well," Mattingly said. "It's a great chance to relax a little bit and get ready for the trip."
    In addition to Chris Taylor, seen above, other Dodgers travelling to Japan include Kenta Maeda and Kiké Hernandez.

    Photo above of Chris Taylor with University of Hawaii ballplayer Alex Baeza, via Baeza on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
    • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Dodgers named former spitballer Burleigh Grimes as their manager. In 1940 former Dodgers lawyer Wendell Willkie loses to third term American President Franklin D. Roosevelt in todays Presidential election. He would later on become VP and legal counsel for Brooklyn in the early 40's and would then be replaced by Walter O'Malley. In 2008 Dodgers pitcher Greg Maddux wins his 18th career Gold Glove. 
    • Happy Birthday, Tommy Sheehan, Pryor McElveen & Ralph Birkofer!

    Tuesday, October 23, 2018

    Blog Kiosk: 10/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - World Series Game 1 Today!


    Brothers in Arms!

    The Dodgers really do seem like a tight bunch. Above we see Game 2 and 3 starters, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Walker Buehler, on the field at Fenway during yesterday's workout.

    Pic above via @SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

    Wednesday, October 03, 2018

    Blog Kiosk: 10/3/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


    The last thing I want to do is distract from the postseason, but there is a bit of news that could potentially be explosive, and it appears to involve the Dodger organization. It's a developing story about a whistle-blower, the FBI and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Cuban ballplayers and potentially organized crime. Per Jon Wertheim at Sports Illustrated:
    The dossier given to the FBI suggests the extent to which some MLB personnel are aware of—and brazenly discuss—this unscrupulous culture and the potential for corruption. While both the league office and other teams are mentioned in the files obtained by SI, the Los Angeles Dodgers, a franchise with extensive scouting and development operations in the Caribbean, figure most prominently in the dossier: 
    — One particularly remarkable document shows that Dodgers executives in 2015 went so far as to develop a database that measured the perceived “level of egregious behavior” displayed by 15 of their own employees in Latin America. That is, using a scale of 1 to 5—“innocent bystander” to “criminal”—front-office executives assessed their own staff’s level of corruption. Five employees garnered a “criminal” rating. 
    Whoa! Remember, former Braves GM John Coppolella was banned from the game last year due to nefarious dealings related to international signings. Now, it appears, folks could go to jail.

    Featured above is a 1916 International Film Service press photo of former Dodger outfielder Hi Myers (eBay Link). It has nothing to do with the above story. Rather, I just happen to love those checkerboard styled Dodger uni's. Below are more links to check out:
    • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Yankees hurler Bill Bevins was one out from no-hitting the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 4 of the World Series before yielding a walk-off two-run double to pinch-hitter Cookie Lavagetto, 3-2. In 1951 Bobby Thompson of the NY Giants hit the most infamous home run in Dodgers/Baseball history. He walloped a Ralph Branca pitch in the ninth inning at the Polo Grounds for a walk-off victory, 5-4, during the deciding game of a three-game series to decide who would go to the World Series. The homer has since been dubbed the "shot heard ’round the world." You can watch it here, if you must. In 2005 manager Jim Tracy is fired by the Dodgers.
    • Happy Birthday, Henry Thielman, Phil Reardon, Chris Haughey, Darrin Fletcher& Brock Stewart!