Blog Kiosk: 5/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic International News Photo taken by Ed Grady featuring Pee Wee Reese tagging out fellow Hall of Famer Robin Roberts (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Fallen Robin --

Philadelphia, PA ...The Phillies Robin Roberts makes a good try but he's out at second attempting to stretch his hit off the right field wall in the third inning of last night's game against the Dodgers. Furillo's perfect peg to Pee Wee Reese (1) robbed Robin of the extra base and retired him. Dodgers won the game, 2-1. (boxscore).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Tim Leary threw his second shutout of the season, defeating the Montreal Expos 2-0 (boxscore). He had been winless in his past five outings. Leary would go on to be an important cog in the World Series championship team. Tim would be the #2 man in the rotation - going 17-11 with an 2.91 ERA, nine complete games and six shutouts. In 2015 the Dodgers officially signed Cuban defector Héctor Olivera to a six year/$62.5 million contract (including a $28 million signing bonus). He would then be traded a couple of months later to the Braves in a three team trade that netted the Dodgers Alex Wood and a bunch of other players not worth mentioning.
• Happy Birthday, Dutch Schliebner, Jim Hickman, Earl Naylor & Bill Antonello!

Blog Kiosk: 9/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Happy Friday the 13th!

Here's a clubhouse celebration featuring Duke Snider and Sandy Amoros after they helped defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the National League Pennant on the last day of the season (boxscore), September 30, 1956. Per the description on the reverse of the photo above (eBay link):

HOMER HEROES. Brooklyn, N.Y.: Duke Snider (left) and Sandy Amoros embrace in the Dodger dressing room here Sept. 30, after each crashed two mighty homers to lead Brooklyn to its 10th National League Pennant, with an 8-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The Duke also made a spectacular leaping, back-hand stab against the centerfield barrier to rob Bucs' Bob Skinner of an extra-base hit and choke off a seventh-inning Pirate rally.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1925 future Brooklyn Hall of Famer Dazzy Vance no-hit the Phillies at Ebbets Field, 10-1. In 1977 outfielder Dusty Baker set a franchise record by recording five RBI's in a single inning -- during the second inning against the Padres. His hits include a two-run double and a three-run homer. In 2005 Dodgers futility was at it's best. During the second inning against the Padres all three Dodger outfielders (Ricky Ledee, Jose Cruz Jr. and Jason Werth) committed errors that contributed to the scoring of six runs and a loss, 6-4.
• Happy Birthday, Harry Redmond, Dutch Ruether, John Kelleher, Sam Crane, Otho Nitcholas, Morrie Aderholt, Rick Dempsey, Andy LaRoche & Zach Lee!

Welcome to the Blue, Manny Machado!

News is spreading fast that the deal is now done. Manny Machado is a Dodger.

In return the Dodgers had to give up some talent, but it appears the damage is not as bad as I initially feared. Going to Baltimore is outfielder Yusniel Diaz, third baseman Rylan Bannon, right-hander Dean Kremer, righty Zach Pop and second baseman Breyvic Valera. Diaz is the key prospect in this trade. He had walloped two home runs during the recent All-Star Futures Game this past weekend, and you should expect him to be very good going forward. Bannon and Kremer are ranked as the clubs #27th and #28th best prospects in the system, per MLB Pipeline. Pop could be a serviceable reliever in the future and you know Valera from his recent stints in LA.

Overall, I think the Dodger did very well here. After all, most of their top-end guys are still with us.

On another note, Manny Machado has an instagram account: @machados13.

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kershaw is back to his old ways. Last night he threw six two-hit scoreless innings, struck out five and allowed just one walk to record an 8-2 victory over the Padres. He also reached a career mark of over 2,000 innings pitched as a Dodger -- the 13th Dodger to do so and the first Dodger to achieve the milestone since Orel Hershiser in 1993. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It was a good day," said Kershaw, as he held 3-year-old daughter Cali in his arms. "Definitely a step in the right direction. They were patient, got my pitch count up there, but for the most part, made some good pitches when I needed to."

On another note, Kershaw also faced good friend and former battery-mate AJ Ellis last night for the first time ever.

"That was miserable," Kershaw said. "I've faced a lot of ex-teammates and friends in this game, but probably nobody with the history I have with A.J. We both decided it's probably the last time I have to do that." 

Photo of Clayton Kershaw above via @Dodgers on twitter. 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 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 about 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!

A Baltimore MASN Interview with Vin Scully

Since he doesn't travel much anymore they all come to him.

Below are a couple of videos recently shared by the the Baltimore Orioles television channel MASN that features the retiring Hall of Famer Vin Scully with broadcaster Gary Thorne.  As you know, Baltimore is currently playing the Dodgers in Los Angeles as part of an interleague match-up, so this provided a perfect opportunity for the American League club to reach out to Scully for an interview.

It is broken up into two parts and covers everything from Red Barber to Jackie Robinson to Sandy Koufax.  Some of the things I didn't know (or failed to remember) was that Peter O'Malley and Vin were roommates.  He also chatted quite a bit about his mentor Red Barber.  Probably best of all, though, was his description of numerous ballplayers he had an opportunity to know.  Take a moment and watch it all below.

Blog Kiosk: 7/6/2016 - Dodgers Links - Three Dodgers All Stars

Look at these All-Stars smiling wide.

As you likely know by know, the Dodgers will be represented by three players during this upcoming All-Star Game in San Diego.  They are shortstop Corey Seager, closer Kenley Jansen and ace Clayton Kershaw (not shown).  Selection was based on player balloting.  This will be a first All-Star appearance for both Seager and Jansen.  Kershaw is now a six time All-Star, but will not be playing due to a mildly herniated disc.  BTW, below are some additional facts:

• Jansen, 28, leads all relievers with a 0.66 WHIP and ranks among National League relievers in saves (25, 2nd), ERA (1.30, 3rd), opponents’ batting average (.153, 3rd) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (8.80, 2nd, 44 SO/5 BB) in 36 appearances this year.
• Jansen, who became the franchise’s all-time saves leader earlier this year, is the first Dodger reliever to be named to the All-Star team since 2010 (Jonathan Broxton & Hong-Chih Kuo) and is just the third All-Star ever from Curacao, joining Andruw Jones (2000, ’02-03, ’05-06) and Jair Jurrjens (2011). 
• Kershaw, 28, is the first Dodger to be named to six consecutive All-Star teams (2011-16) since Fernando Valenzuela (1981-86).
• Seager, at 22 years, 69 days, is the youngest position player to be honored as an All-Star in franchise history (previous: Pete Reiser: 22 years, 113 days) and the third-youngest Dodger All-Star overall (at the time of their first selection), behind only Fernando Valenzuela (20 years, 281 days in 1981) and Ralph Branca (21 years, 183 days in 1947). 
• Seager is just the second Dodger rookie shortstop to be selected, joining Bill Grabarkewitz in 1970, and the first Dodger shortstop to be named an All-Star since Rafael Furcal in 2010.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out a bunch of pics by Jon and Juan Ocampo from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1938 Leo Durocher hit a bunt home run as the Dodgers rep during the All-Star game in Cincinnati.  Per a description at Baseball Almanac:
  

  Frank McCormick had opened the seventh with a single and Leo Durocher, the next batter, was ordered to sacrifice. He followed the order as third baseman Jimmie Foxx charged in. Playing the ball, Foxx made the scoop and threw the ball into right field. Joe DiMaggio, in right in deference to Earl Averill, raced in, picked up the ball and fired it home. The throw was too high and sailed over catcher Bill Dickey's head, allowing McCormick to score. Meanwhile, Durocher never stopped running until he reached home.

  In 2000 Vin Scully is voted the #1 sportscaster of the 20th century by members of the American Sportscasters Association.
• Happy Birthday, Willie Randolph! 

Orioles Series Starts on Monday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next series starts on Monday evening against the Baltimore Orioles.  Below are the some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The seventh 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring a salute to the Old-Timers Game on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation.

---------------

Monday, July 4th at 6:10 PM
RHP Yovani Gallardo vs. LHP Julio Urías
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Vintage Dodger Videos from the AP - Watch '63 Dodgers Sing in the Clubhouse

This afternoon I ran into a story, via Daniel Cooper at engadget (link here), that announced the recent downloading of over 550,000 vintage film reels onto youtube by the Associated Press.  Along with partner British Movietone they hope to create a "view-on-demand visual encyclopedia" for everyone to enjoy.   So, I figured I should take a moment and check it out.  After all, they likely have well over 100 years of unseen archives hidden within their vault.  Check out some of the vintage Dodger videos that I've discovered so far below:

Here is some color footage of an empty Dodger Stadium in October 1966 and practicing on the field are the American League pennant winning Baltimore Orioles preparing for the upcoming World Series against the Dodgers. 

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This next video is undated, but likely comes from the 1960's.  Watch a spring training video highlighting a visit by the Tokyo Giants to Dodgertown at Vero Beach.  It starts at about the 1:36 mark.

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Here's a bunch of soundless clips from the 3rd game of the 1963 World Series at Dodger Stadium.  You see the growing crowd, the admission and concession lines, fans in the stands, players warming up (including Berra and Drysdale) and some game play.  BTW, the Dodgers won 1-0.

Video Link:

And here's the best of the bunch.  below is some B&W video inside the Dodger clubhouse after Sandy Koufax pitched a complete game gem to win the 1963 World Series against the Yankees.  Watch some of the celebration, Vin Scully interviewing Sandy and Walter Alston, and the Dodger players singing a version of the Mickey Mouse Club song but with mouse replaced with "Moose" (wha!!!).  It must be in reference to Dodger infielder Moose Skowron.  As you may know, Moose played for the Yankees nine years prior to his joining the Dodgers.

Video Link:

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Fernando Valenzuela was an Oriole... Wha...?

What on earth is this?

I'm confused, bewildered and perplexed.  I just can't get my head around the idea (no... the reality) that the great Fernando Valenzuela once played for a club that was not the Dodgers, let alone the Orioles.

I know that previous sentence is silly.  After all, he was only 30-years old when he was released by the Dodgers, and his career was from over then.  Still, the notion that Fernando played for other clubs is something I'd rather forget, and certainly it's the last thing I want to be reminded of on cardboard.

Featured above is a 2015 Topps Tier One Autographed Relic card of El Toro as a Baltimore Oriole.  This set was just released a couple of days ago, so I should have pics of most of the Dodger cards some time next week.  In the meantime, I am going to force you to stare at the card above.

How does the card make you feel?  Are you as dumbfounded as I am?  Or angry that Topps would dare make this card?

This is the first modern day Baseball card I've seen, or noticed, that features Fernando in a uniform other than Dodger Blue, and I wonder if there are any more.  Does anybody out there know of one?  Please pass that knowledge along.

As for Valenzuela's career after Los Angeles, I do remember him playing for the Angels and Padres, and I recall how weird it looked to see him in those uniforms.  For whatever reason, though, I have no recollection of the other three clubs he pitched for - Phillies, Orioles and Cardinals.  I wonder why that is.  Did I just block that out?

BTW, I ran into the above card on eBay.  You can check out the auction here.  Also, a complete checklist of the set can be found here.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/28/2015 - Dodger Links - Joc Pederson, Needle Nose Wright and Mike Bolsinger

Joc Pederson has just been outstanding.  He's slashing .296/.458/.556 with three home runs and five doubles at the plate.  That's not shabby for a young kid.  Best yet, he has shown that he can more than handle the center field position. 

Case in point, last night he turned a potential run scoring double off the outfield wall into a spectacular over-the-head running catch and double play.  (Watch it here)  Via Earl Bloom and Chris Haft at MLB.com:

"He hit it well," Pederson said. "Earlier in the day, we worked on angles, with [coach] Lorenzo Bundy. I kept my eye on the ball, and it worked out pretty well."

Something tells me that his numbers in Albuquerque were not some altitude-aided fluke.  That's not to say he'll be that same home run slugger, but he will certainly impress.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

“We just think Joc’s gonna keep improving,” manager Don Mattingly said. “He’s got a really good eye, and he’s going to strike out less as time goes on as he sees pitchers and knows how they’re attacking him and how to set himself up. I think he’s gonna get better.” 

The photo above of Joc was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics by him from yesterday.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via WM Akers at Vice Sports, "The Forgotten Men Who Broke Baseball's Color Line With Jackie Robinson."  Here's a fantastic bio on former Dodger prospect, Negro League ace pitcher and Robinson roommate John "Needle Nose" Wright.
• Thanks for the memories, Xavier!  Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, "Rays Acquire Xavier Cedeno From Dodgers."
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Brandon McCarthy speaks about torn UCL."

“For the next couple of hours, I’ll keep talking it through and I’ll talk to the doc when he gets here,” McCarthy said this afternoon, “but it certainly (points) in one direction, and I don’t want to be one of those guys who plays out the string for a few months, only to waste everybody’s time.”

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Carl Crawford leaves game in 3rd with tightness in right side."

"He has some tightness in his right side. We'll just have to see overnight," Mattingly said. "Tightness in the right side usually sounds like [an oblique], but I don't want to be the doctor.

• Via Craig Edwards at Fan Graphs, "Mike Bolsinger to the Rescue."

Bolsinger is not going to provide the production the Dodgers thought they were going to get from Brandon McCarthy, but he could provide above replacement level pitching until reinforcements arrive or perhaps even hold down the fifth spot all season. 

• Kudos to Orioles COO John P. Angelos for stepping up.  Via Cindy Boren at the Washington Post, "Son of Orioles owner Peter Angelos tweets perspective on Freddie Gray protests."  Unfortunately, this all got lost in the ensuing disturbances around Baltimore.

“The innocent working families of all backgrounds whose lives and dreams have been cut short by excessive violence, surveillance, and other abuses of the Bill of Rights by government pay the true price, and ultimate price, and one that far exceeds the importances of any kids’ game played tonight, or ever, at Camden Yards. We need to keep in mind people are suffering and dying around the U.S., and while we are thankful no one was injured at Camden Yards, there is a far bigger picture for poor Americans in Baltimore and everywhere who don’t have jobs and are losing economic civil and legal rights, and this makes inconvenience at a ballgame irrelevant in light of the needless suffering government is inflicting upon ordinary Americans.”

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Blog Kiosk: 10/14/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this vintage press photo I ran across on eBay last night.  It appears to be a press photo, but doesn't have the type of markings on the reverse you would typically expect to see.  Still, it's a wonderful image of some olde-tyme Brooklyn Dodgers on the steps of their dugout.  Check out the eBay auction here.

The photo is clearly from 1942; as evidenced by the 'Health' patch on the players left shoulder.  From 1942 to 1945 MLB players wore patriotic patches like this for those four years during WWII.  This particular patch was only worn for one season, 1942, then was replaced with a similar looking patch - red stripes replaced the 'Health' lettering.

I'm fairly poor at photo identification, but I am certain that that fellow on the far left is Joe Medwick.  On his left is Billy Herman.  Then, Pee Wee Reese, Pete Reiser, Mickey Owen and Dixie Walker.  Let me know if you think otherwise.

Here are some links to check out:

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers outright Stephen Fife to Triple-A Oklahoma City." 

Starting pitcher Stephen Fife cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City, the team confirmed. Fife is no longer on the 40-man roster.

Fife is likely out for all of 2015 after having Tommy John surgery on Aug. 13 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

• Are you ready for Halloween.  Well, MiLB on twitter is here to help you out.  They posted on a Vin Scully pumpkin template. Print out the PDF and carve your own Scully pumpkin.

"Hi everybody, and a very pleasant #Halloween to you, wherever you may be." The Vin Scully pumpkin template (PDF): http://t.co/xfe4OjZeHX
— MiLB.com (@MiLB) October 13, 2014

• The Topps 2014 Baseball Update Set comes out on Wednesday.  On twitter they have been released preview pics to collectors to check out.  On the right is a Clayton Kershaw All-Star Game Jumbo Patch Relic card.
• BTW, Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter and Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle were named the 2014 Connie Mack Award winners today by the Baseball Bloggers Alliance.  The Connie Mack Award recognizes those considered the top manager for the season. Not bad choices, eh?  I, on the other hand, had someone else mind for the NL winner.  Go here to see who were my picks for the BBA (Baseball Bloggers Alliance) Post Season Awards.

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Sunday Dodgers Videos - Dodger Stadium Renovations and the 1966 World Series

Here are this Sunday's Dodgers' Videos.

SATURDAY 3-23-13 (recorded at 3:02 PM): Dodger Stadium renovations in progress. Only 6 days left until the first game, Friday night 3-29 vs the Angels. Looks like most of the seats are in, but they're still installing the expensive seats and the boxes.

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Below is a vintage video of Game 2 of the 1966 World Series featuring the Dodgers versus the Baltimore Orioles.  This game is a matchup between Sandy Koufax and Jim Palmer.  It also represents Koufax's last pitched game in his career and Jim Palmer's very first World Series appearance.

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Adrian Gonzalez talks about his favorite Scripture and how that plays into his life. This was taken during Spring Training 2013 in Phoenix, AZ.

Video Link:
Clayton Kershaw is her "Yes Man". 

Video Link:

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 10/9/2012

The above photo was posted up by the @Dodgers on twitter in commemoration of the day they announced that the Dodgers coming to LA- yesterday was the anniversary  If I'm not mistaken, I believe the photo is from in front of an old Los Angeles Baseball stadium called Wrigley Field- former home of the Hollywood Stars and Los Angeles Angels of the PCL.

• Paul Swydan at FanGraphs isn't a big fan of Luis Cruz.

Instead of drawing walks, Cruz made his hay by making contact — only 30 players had a K% less than that of Cruz’s 11.5 K%. But can Cruz maintain such a low strikeout rate? Anecdotal evidence would suggest not.

• The Dodgers are trying to temper expectations for Yasiel Puig, via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.

Truth be told, however, he played well for the Quakes in Rancho, but his numbers were more of the very-good type, as opposed to the you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me variety.

In 52 at-bats with the Quakes, he hit .327 with one home run and four RBI. He had a .407 on-base percentage and a middling .423 slugging percentage. He did not eat the Cal League.

Puig is understandably green, though he will turn 22 in December. The Dodgers remain sky-rocket high on his potential. Of course, they are sort of invested.

“Plus-plus tools,” Colletti said. “Power and speed. He’s going to need some work around the game, inside the game.”

• Brandon Lennox at True Blue LA puts together a 2012 Arizona Fall League Preview.
• Kimberly Hiss at Oprah.com speaks with Dodgers Trainer Sue Falsone about how to exercise without getting hurt.

"The other day I was working with center fielder Matt Kemp, and people were yelling for him when I heard my name, too," she says. "There was a 12-year-old girl who said, 'I wanna do what you do.' How cool is that?" 

• Matt Kemp speaks with Bill Simmons at Grantland- video included.
• Check out some great photos from the Orioles/Yankees series from L. E. Miller.  The first photo is of the greatest hat I've ever seen.
• Awesome stuff!  Former Dodger Talk host Ken Levine writes about The Cheers 30th reunion party, here.  He adds more photos here.
• Good Guy, Chad Billingsley.

Video Link:

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 9/5/2012

Fernando loves Hello Kitty, pic via Dodgers on facebook.

• 'Topes Tatler speaks with Dodgers prospect Brian Cavazos-Galvez.

“I can do a little bit of everything and I think that’s the biggest thing I can give to the organization,” Cavazos-Galvez said. “I feel that I’m doing a bunch of little things that can be put together and allow me to showcase myself.”

• Injured pitchers continues to be a problem for the Dodgers.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA we hear that Billingsley may not be coming back this season, Javy Guerra was placed on the DL,  Josh Wall recalled from AAA, and Terd Lilly may still be able to contribute this season.
• 3 Olympic gymnast were at the Dodger Stadium (McKayla Maroney, Gabby Douglas and Kyla Ross) and there are pics to prove it.  Check out Just Jared Jr.  The below pic is from twitter @Dodgers. BTW, McKayla Maroney doesn't seemed impressed with the Dodgers- see what I mean here at NorthSideWire.

(twitter @Dodgers)

• For posterity, I will put up this link (through a google cache) of an article written by a Marko Realmonte on Bleacher Report calling for the Dodgers to get rid of Vin Scully.  The article has since been taken down.  Thanks to the Dodgerbros on reddit for keeping it alive and for noting that this Marko guy is a Giants fan... really, he photographs the Giants- see his twitter, here.  He wrote:

If the product on the field is new, fresh and exciting, then why is grandpa still at the mic?

Yeah, it's that bad.

• Greg Zakwin of Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle meets his nemesis.  Hilarity ensues.
• Mississippi Matt Smith notes on Fangraphs that statistical analysis cannot explain the Orioles.  It only goes to show that advanced metrics isn't everything. 
• Matt at Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius visits the Field of Dreams and has pics to prove it.  I'm gonna make it there one of these days.
• A 1976 Olympic Gold Medal from the USA Basketball team is on auction through Grey Flannel Auctions.

• Vance Garnett at the Washington Times recalls the phenomenal pitching performance of a 20 year old hurler named Walter Johnson as he blanked the Yankees in 3 consecutive games over 4 days during a Labor Day weekend in 1908.
• Washington's racing Presidents do it Gangnam Style.

Video Link:

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 8/7/2012 - Links and More

As Vin Scully says, "boys will be boys."  Ted Lilly gets the old bubblegum treatment.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• Dodgers announced via a press release the hiring of Janet Marie Smith to oversee the planning and development of Dodger Stadium.  Hopefully, she can balance the historical nature of the ballfield with some modern amenities to benefit the fan experience at home games.  Based on her success in Atlanta and Baltimore, I think she just might be able to do it.
• In fact, with Janet Marie Smith's hiring we learn from Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times that renovations will begin in earnest starting this winter.

"She kind of likes that retro '50s feel that this ballpark has, that really no other ballpark has. And no other ballpark has the palm trees and the San Gabriel Mountains. These are the things she would like to build on."

The Dodgers will be looking to add modern amenities.

"Kids' areas, more bars and restaurants, relaxation areas, history displays, interactive areas — the kinds of things you find in modern ballparks," Kasten said.

• Topps shows off a signed Sandy Koufax 2012 Allen & Ginter card that they just received from the left hander.  Redemption cards were put into packs, so collectors who had turned them in should be receiving them soon.  Pic at right via twitter @ToppsCards.  See the Tier 1 Koufax autographed card here.
• Via Alex Angert at MLB.com, we hear that Victorino wants to stay a Dodger.

"I don't want to just be a two-month or three-month rental," Victorino said in the report. "I want to be here." 

• BTW, the 2012 Topps finest set officially goes live this coming Wednesday.  Check out the base card design on the left of Matt Kemp.  Pic via twitter @ToppsCards.  I'll be sure to share the Dodgers cards in the set soon.
• During "The National" the Net54 Vintage Baseball Forum dinner was the event to be at for vintage Baseball collectors.  Many of the more prominent collectors and dealers use that forum, so if you want to pick anyone's brain about the hobby that is the best place to go.  Sports Collectors Daily was there and writes a report on a guest speaker's comments about the recent indictments of hobby heavyweights Bill Mastro, Doug Allen and Mark Theotikos.

"The government has investigated fraud in the hobby before but those defendants in those cases tended to be bottom feeders, guys who operated in the shadows and out of the public light (but) these are the big boys of your industry and now they've been indicted.  They were the kings of sports memorabilia and now the federal government is saying they're crooks.  They are, of course, innocent until proven guilty."

• The Foul Bunt Blog recently took a tour of Camden Yards and shares a bunch of photos.
• This is just plain cool.  Baseball Nuggets shares some images from a book published in 1913 about the 5th Olympiad in Sweden where they discuss Baseball being played as an exhibition sport.  There are even pictures.

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eBay 1966 Dodgers vs. Orioles World Series Megaphone

Since the World Series is here this eBay auction is very timely. It is from 1966 and was, if I'm not mistaken, a stadium give-away during the World Series against the Dodgers.

(eBay Auction Link)

My Last Game: Dodgers Win Again. Saturday Versus the O's

The Dodgers headed down to Fort Lauderdale this afternoon to face-off against the Baltimore Orioles. This game was one I hoped would never come.

First of all, Fort Lauderdale Stadium is my least favorite venue. It is a drab old complex. I had heard rumors that Baltimore was considering coming to Vero Beach until the city decided to woo them back. I guess a new stadium is in the works.

Finally, this is my last full day in Florida, and since my flight leaves from Fort Lauderdale tomorrow it made sense to make this my last game this Spring. In many ways this is the worst day of my vacation because I know that I will be back in California tomorrow and work starts again on Monday. Vacations never seem to last long enough.

Thankfully, the Dodgers where able to see me off with a victory. Dodgers 4, Orioles 2. Randy Wolf was great. He finished with 7 strike outs in 5 2/3 innings. His big slow overhand curveball appeared to stifle hitters. They knew it was coming, but they could do nothing but watch it cross the plate. Tsao, Seanez and Hamulack where perfect in relief.

Below, Russell Martin is signing before the game starts.

The victory parade.

PhotoAlbum Link: