Blog Kiosk: 7/30/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Sweep!

That sweep felt good!

Thank you, Edwin Rios! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s great,” Ríos said. “All the guys, they were pumped. Just ready at all times. Be ready for every opportunity I get and take advantage of them.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2004 the Dodgers received Brad Penny, Hee Seop Choi and Bill Murphy from the Marlins for Paul Lo Duca, Guillermo Mota and Juan Encarnacion. In 2015 as part of a 3-team trade the Braves sent Bronson Arroyo, Luis Avilan, Jim Johnson, Jose Peraza and Alex Wood to the Dodgers; the Dodgers sent Zachary Bird, Hector Olivera and Paco Rodriguez to the Braves; the Dodgers also sent Victor Araujo, Jeff Brigham and Kevin Guzman to the Marlins; and the Marlins sent Mat Latos and Mike Morse to the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Vic Davalillo, Casey Stengel, Chuck Ward, Johnny Rizzo, Carl Doyle, Paul Minner & Ricky Horton!

Blog Kiosk: 7/9/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

That was a lot of fun.

last night the Dodgers played a little three-inning intrasquad game at Dodger Stadium and it was glorious. I miss these guys. You can watch the game here.

Photo above of Justin Turner via the Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1996 Dodger catcher Mike Piazza is crowned the All-Star Game MVP. He lead the National League to a 6-0 victory by slugging a solo home run in the 2nd inning and a two-out RBI double in the 3rd inning. You can watch Piazza All-Star highlights and an postgame interview here. In 2011 Juan Uribe broke up a potential no-no with two outs in the ninth inning against the Padres by walloping a double. Then the Dodgers proceeded to win the game, 1-0 (boxscore), on a walk-off single by Dioner Navarro. 
• Happy Birthday, Turner Barber, Fred Johnston & Ray Thomas!

Blog Kiosk: 6/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a couple of old Dodgers' shaking hands after witnessing the Brooklyn clubs first World Series Championship in 1955. Featured is Dodger skipper Walter Alston and current Yankees/former Dodger manager Casey Stengel (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

The Victor and The Loser -- New York: Yankees Manager Casey Stengel (right) congratulates a smiling Dodger Manager Walt Alston in the Brooklyn dressing room after the Dodgers won the rubber game of the World Series to win their first championship. The Dodgers whipped the Yankees, 2-0, to take the 7th and final game of the series at the Yankee Stadium Oct. 4th. 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers sign their newest coach, Babe Ruth, to a contract. He hopes that he'll be installed as manager of the club the following season. As you know, that would not occur. Instead, it becomes clear that he is signed for publicity reasons -- he takes batting practice before the start of each game to guarantee high attendance. In 1988 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Martínez. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw no-hit the Rockies at Dodger Stadium, 8-0. He recorded a career high 15 strike outs, no walks and missed a perfect game when Hanley Ramirez committed an error in the 7th inning. Watch Vin Scully's call here. 
• Happy Birthday, Sandy Alomar!

Blog Kiosk: 6/12/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

2020 Draft is over and we now have six new prospects to watch -- assuming they sign on the dotted line. On Wednesday they picked University of Louisville right-hander Bobby Miller. Then on Thursday they added five more players -- Landon Knack RHP 60th overall, Clayton Beeter RHP 66th overall, Jake Vogel OF 100th overall, Carson Taylor C 130th overall and Gavin Stone RHP 159th overall.

I made a handful of fantasy custom baseball cards for Knack, Beeter and Vogel. I hope to have more to share soon, so stay tuned.

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 falls 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! 

Blog Kiosk: 6/8/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday Topps released their sixth Dodgers-related 2020 Topps Now 'Turn Back the Clock' online exclusive card and it makes note of Yasiel Puig's remarkable debut in 2013 -- four homers in his first five games. Per the description on the reverse.

June 7, 2013 -- After tallying three home runs and nine RBI in his first four games, Yasiel Puig continued the Scintillating start to his Baseball career. The 22-year-old clubbed a solo shot, marking four home runs in his first five games and giving the Dodgers another dynamic athlete to add to a solid starting lineup.

Unfortunately, it is too late to order this card directly from Topps. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 the Dodgers sent pitcher Tommy Lasorda down to the minors (Montreal Royals) in order to make room for bonus baby signee Sandy Koufax on the roster. In 1968 Don Drysdale not only set the major league record for consecutive scoreless innings, but also saw his streak end at 58 2/3 innings when the Phillies score a run in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by Howie Bedell. In fact, this would be Bedell's only RBI this season. BTW, the Dodgers would win the game, 5-3. In 1991 Mike Scioscia catches his 1,219th game as a Dodgers - setting a franchise mark for games caught. In 2012 the Dodgers are no-hit by six different Mariner pitchers, 1-0. Seattle began the game with Kevin Millwood, then followed Charlie Furbush, Stephen Pryor, Lucas Luetge, Brandon League, and Tom Wilhelmsen.
• Happy Birthday, Van Lingle Mungo, Mark Belanger, Kevin Gross & Dave Mlicki!

Blog Kiosk: 6/4/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

On this day in 1972 the Dodgers retired the very first numbers in their history, and they chose to do it with a bang. They didn't just retire one number -- they retired three. Featured above is Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Sandy Koufax. The ceremony happened during pregame activities on Old-Timers Day.

BTW the Dodgers would eventually lose that evenings game against Bob Gibson and the Cardinals, 4-0 (boxscore).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1964 Sandy Koufax threw his third no-hitter of his career. He blanked the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium, 3-0. Overall, he recorded 12 strike outs and allowed just one walk. In 1968 Don Drysdale threw his sixth consecutive shutout of the season, extending his scoreless streak to 54 innings, when he defeated the Pirates, 5-0. This is also the day Robert Kennedy made note of Drysdale's efforts in a speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after winning the CA primary. You can watch that portion of the speech here. Soon thereafter, Kennedy would be assassinated. In 1972 the Dodgers retired the first three numbers in their history during pregame activities on Old-Timers Day -- Sandy Koufax #32, Roy Campanella #39, and Jackie Robinson #42. In 1998 the Dodgers traded Hideo Nomo to the Mets for Dave Mlicki and Greg McMichael. In 1990 Dodgers ace Ramón Martínez struck out 18 Atlanta batters to defeat the Braves, 2-0. His effort tied a club record for strike outs in a game with Sandy Koufax, and was one short of the Major League record.
• Happy Birthday, Lee Magee, George Watkins & Rick Wilkins!

Blog Kiosk: 6/1/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun photo that is currently available on auction through RMY (link here). It features what looks like the entire Brooklyn team surrounding the piano, while singing a tune. Skipper Burt Shotton is on the piano bench and Jackie Robinson is on the far right -- standing behind Duke Snider. Unfortunately, the pic isn't dated, but it's thought to be from the 1947 season -- primarily because Shotton was known to not wear the typically manager uniform when he managed the club that year.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a franchise record when they hit six home runs in a game during their victory over the Milwaukee Braves at Ebbets Field. Duke Snider hit three homers in the contest (becoming the first Dodger to do it twice), to go along with home runs by Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese and Roy Campanella. In 1962 Don Drysdale defeated the Philadelphia Phillies for the 13th consecutive time - a streak that began in 1958. I remember this next incident so well. In 1997 Wilton Guerrero shattered his bat during an at-bat and immediately scrambled to pick up the bat pieces instead of running to first base. Obviously, home plate umpire Steve Ripley got suspicious and subsequently searched the remains. Ripley found cork, ejected Guerrero and then the league suspended for eight games.
• Happy Birthday, Otto Miller, Ty Tyson, Ray Moore, Chuck Templeton, Ken McMullen & Derek Lowe!

Blog Kiosk: 5/26/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

On Sunday the Dodger, in partnership with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), created a Fallen Heroes Lights display at Dodger Stadium in honor of Memorial Day. Each individual light will honor the memory of a military member that served our country. The thousands of red, white and blue lights in the Dodger Stadium outfield will also represent the families of these fallen heroes that are supported by TAPS in California.

All photos above provided by the Dodgers. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Baseball History: In 1957 the Dodger got back Tommy Lasorda. After having been drafted by Brooklyn in 1948 he bounced around from the Phillies to the Browns to the A's and then to the Yankees before returning home. As you know, he would remain with the franchise for the remainder of his entire Baseball career. In 1970 the Dodgers knocked out 20 hits against the hated Giants at Candlestick Park during their 19-3 victory. This is the all-time record for highest number of runs scored total against our rival. In 1971 Maury Wills recorded his 2,000th career hit at Dodger Stadium against Gaylord Perry and the Giants. It was a run-scoring single in the fifth inning. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost the game, 6-4.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Cronin & Rob Murphy!

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: 4/24/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love the look on Duke Snider's face in this 1955 International News press photo taken by Frank Mastro (eBay auction link).

Duke in a Royal Fix with Fans
Brooklyn, NY ... A surprised Duke Snider scratches his head in the dugout at Ebbets Field tonight as he looks over the newspaper accounts of his statement. "Why all the fuss and furor?" he said. Last night the Duke lashed out at Brooklyn fans as a bunch of "Front Runners" who can't bear seeing the flock lose. His statement came after the Dodgers bowed in a twin session to the Redlegs. 8-26-1955.

Little did Brooklynites know that their "Bums" would soon be celebrating in the streets. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Sandy Koufax fanned 18 Cubs at Wrigley Field during a 10-2 win -- tying a Major League record set by Bob Feller for strike outs in a game. In 1998 Mike Piazza tied a Major League record when he walloped his third grand slam of the month during a 12-4 victory over the Cubs.
• Happy Birthday, Harry Harper, Dixie Howell, Bill Singer, Pat Zachry, Bill Krueger & Mike Blowers!

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!

Blog Kiosk: 4/9/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation has launched a special auction to support local COVID-19 relief efforts (Dodgers.com/Relief). It featured autographed jerseys and includes Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler and more. Go here to check them out. Above is a look at the Betts and Bellinger jerseys.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1913 Ebbets Field host its first Major League game in front of about 10,000 spectators on a frigid Wednesday afternoon. It is an Opening Day contest against the Phillies. Unfortunately, the Superbas got shutout, 1-0. Check out the boxscore here. In 1947 Dodgers skipper Leo Durocher is given a one-year suspension by Commissioner Happy Chandler for "conduct deemed detrimental to baseball." It is related to his association with known gamblers. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela replaced scheduled starter Jerry Reuss to pitch on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. He would go on to throw a complete game shutout -- blanking the Astros 2-0. Check out the boxscore here. As you know, Fernando would win eight consecutive games to start the season and lead the team towards a World Series Championship.
• Happy Birthday, Steve Toole, Tiny Osborne, Fred Frankhouse, Guy Cantrell, Roy Gleason, Oscar Robles & AJ Ellis!

Blog Kiosk: 3/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Poignant.

Here's a look at the upcoming cover of Sports Illustrated for April 2020. Pic via Stephen Canella at Sports Illustrated -- "Into the Great Big Emptiness."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 Cardinals pitcher Larry Jackson suffers a broken jaw when hit by a fragment of Duke Snider's broken bat during a spring training game. He would be out for four weeks. In 2012 Frank McCourt agrees to sell the Dodgers to a group headed by Stan Kasten, Guggenheim Partners and Magic Johnson for $2 billion.  He also sold the parking lots to the same group for $150 million (while retaining partial ownership).
• Happy Birthday, George Magoon, Bill Collins, Vince Sherlock, Newt Kimball, Wes Covington, Bill Sudakis & Adam Melhuse!

Blog Kiosk: 3/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out these two old men above at Dodgertown, Vero Beach, FL in the press pic from Wide World Photo. As you can see, Duke Snider is having his knee checked out by Dodger skipper Walter Alston. It is dated 2/23/1959 (eBay auction link). Snider had experienced knee troubles last season that resulted in Duke playing in only 106 games.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Leo Durocher had a four-hour hearing with Commissioner Happy Chandler, related to gambling. In this meeting he would admit to playing cards for money with Kirby Higbe. Durocher would soon be given a one-season suspension for "association with known gamblers." In 1959 an infamous photo is taken of Reds outfielder  Pete Whisenant during an exhibition game in Cuba against the Brooklyn Dodgers. He is seen holding Fidel Castor's machine gun. See it on the right. In 1982 Dodgers star hurler Fernando Valenzuela ends his contract holdout and reports to the Dodgers spring training. After winning the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards he sought a raise from $42,500 to $1 million. Instead, the Dodgers unilaterally renewed his contract for a reported $350,000. In 1984 the International Olympic Committee agreed to hold a six-team exhibition baseball tournament as part of the 1984 Summer Olympics to be held at Dodger Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Jim McCauley, Mike Mowrey, Jim Bucher, Dick Egan, Wilson Alvarez & Jamie Arnold!

Blog Kiosk: 1/31/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

On Wednesday evening the LA Kings held a special ceremony to honor Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi, along with the seven other folks who passed away, prior to start of their home game against the Tampa Bay Lightening. As you can see above, Staples Center decided to black-out all of the Lakers banners and retired numbers, except for the two Kobe Bryant retired numbers. I thought it was a very classy move by the stadium.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Paul Waner to a free agent contract. In 1972 former Brooklyn Dodger players Rube Marquard (known mostly as a Giant) and Dave Bancroft (also mostly a Giant) were selected by an Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee for enshrinement. In 2001 an article was published in the WSJ related to the most infamous pennant race in National League history. Written by Joshua Prager, he details how the Giants team stole catchers' signs during the 1951 pennant race to help them overcome a Dodgers 13.5 game lead in the National League. You can read the original article here. In 2003 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Wilson Alvarez. In 2005 the Dodgers signed pitcher Scott Erickson as a free agent. 
• Happy Birthday, Hank Aguirre, Ted Power, Stuffy Stewart & Jackie Robinson!

Blog Kiosk: 9/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another fantastic "action" press photo from the famed George Michael Collection featuring Jackie Robinson stealing second base against the Cardinals, dated July 25, 1949 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Jackie Robinson steals second base in the 4th inning. Cards Red Schoendist makes late tag, ump Frank Dascoli safe sign. Game called after 9th, 4-4 tie, due to travel.

This is one of the more unusual reasons to end a game in a tie -- travel. Strangely, It doesn't appear that they ever played a make-up game, which seems weird since the Dodgers ended up besting the Cardinals' by only one game to win the pennant. Anyone know what happened here? Did they play a make-up game and my dense-self can't figure out what game that was? Here a link to the boxscore for this game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1912 Brooklyn outfielder and future Hall of Fame Manager Casey Stengel made his Major League debut. He collected four hits in four at-bats, drove in two runs and swiped a pair of bases. In 1979 Dodger catcher Joe Ferguson hit his 20th homer of the season against the Atlanta Braves, which gave the team their fifth player with at least 20 homers on the year for the first time in franchise history. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela ties a Major League record for shutouts by a rookie at eight when he defeated the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. In 1996 Hideo Nomo threw the Dodgers 20th no-hitter in franchise history. He defeated the Colorado Rockies, 9-0. Watch the last out of this game here.
• Happy Birthday, Butts Wagner (older brother of Honus Wagner), Maury Kent, Ernie Koy & Dan Haren!

Blog Kiosk: 7/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Jackie and Pee Wee had a little bit of fun during their 1949 pennant run.

Bear Mountain, NY - August 15, 1949 - Jackie to Pee Wee but Nobody on Base -- With coach Herman Hickman and his Eastern College All-Stars in pursuit, Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson (left) whip pass to his baseball teammate Pee Wee Reese (right) at training session of the footballers for game with the New York Giants at Polo Grounds, Sept. 1. The Baseballers, guests of the New York baseball writers at an outing, dropped in on training session nearby. 

Photo found on eBay (link here) Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 the Dodgers receive shortstop Pee Wee Reese from the Red Sox in exchange for $35,000, three minor leaguers and a player to be named later. It is later discovered that a poor scouting report filled out by then Boston shortstop Joe Cronin had purposefully downplayed Reese's abilities for fear of losing his job with the team. In 1949 Jackie Robinson testified in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities to express his disagreement with actor Paul Robeson's assertion that African-Americans would not fight a war against Russia due to America's history of racial animus. In 1957 Gil Hodges hit his 12th career grand slam to tie a National League record held by both Rogers Hornsby and Ralph Kiner.
• Happy Birthday, Johnny Hopp!

Blog Kiosk: 7/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dodger fans have always traveled well.

Featured above is a group of avid Brooklyn Dodger fans at Shibe Park in Philadelphia on the last day of the 1949 season, October 2nd. The team only had a one game lead over the Cardinals going into this last game, so fans dutifully headed south in hopes that their presence would push their club over the finish line.

It worked.

The Dodgers defeated the Phillies, 9-7, and won the National League Pennant. In celebration, these fans proudly display their affection for the team.... Although, I suspect these rooters were showing off this placard throughout the game.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1949 the All-Star Game arrived at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn for the first and only time. Furthermore, this was also the first All-Star Game to include black ballplayers -- Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe and Larry Doby of the Indians. In 1966 Dodger shortstop Maury Wills hit a walk-off single off of Pete Richert of the Senators in the tenth inning of the All-Star Game in St. Louis to help the National League defeat the American League, 2-1. Other Dodger participants include Jim Lefebvre (who went 0-for-2 as the starter at second base) and Sandy Koufax (who made his only career All-Star start, threw three innings, struck out one, gave up one hit and allowed a single run). Dodger hurler Phil Regan did not pitch. 
• Happy Birthday, Jim Pastorious, Ray Mowe, Artie Dede, Al Glossop, Ron Fairly, Mike Munoz, Kelly Wunsch & Howie Kendrick!