Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just another Dodger victory.

Last nights win was brought to you by Clayton Kershaw. He went seven strong innings, struck out a season high eleven batters and allowed just one run to lead the Dodgers in their 6-1 (boxscore) victory over the Mariners. On top of that, Clayton now has the second most strikeouts in Dodger franchise history -- leaping over Don Drysdale's mark of 2,486. Kershaw's 2,493 strikeouts is just 203 short of Don Sutton's record as a Dodger. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Obviously very cool,” Kershaw said. “Just to be a Dodger long enough to accomplish something like that is pretty special.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. This is the first time brothers have collaborated on a shutout. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here. Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts wrote about it today, here. In 2005 the Marlins suspended a bat boy for six games after the 11-year old kid accepted a challenge from Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. He dared the preteen to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without throwing up for $500. The sixth grader drank the milk, but hurled. The Milk Processor Education Program (a lobbying group) offered to pay off the dare and cover his lost wages if he promises to dutifully drink three glasses of milk every day. In 2015 the Dodgers are no-hit by Astro's hurler Mike Fiers, 3-0 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

2020 Topps Total - Wave 4 & 5 - All the Dodger Cards

I'm doing my best to catch up on a bunch of post related to new Dodger cards that have hit the market. Featured below are the Dodger cards found in Wave 4 and 5 of the 2020 Topps Total online exclusive set. Go here for a complete checklist.

Wave 4

#340 Joc Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 7/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Dodgers win. Baseball wins.

Game one of the shortened 2020 season began in earnest last night, and fortunately the Dodgers came out united and ready to mash. They banged out 12 hits -- including a four-for-five night from Kiké Hernandez (who is slowly but surely turning into "The Jet") -- to score eight runs to defeat the pumpkin's from up north, 8-1 (boxscore).

The Dodgers also joined numerous other players/teams in peacefully protesting for change. Via Alyson Footer at MLB.com:

“Everybody's here, we’re all on the same team. We're all here for change,” Betts said. “Even their team -- even the Giants -- I definitely tip my cap to the support. We have a great group of guys here, we're all supportive of each other. It definitely doesn't surprise me that [Bellinger] and [Muncy] were there with me.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) outfielder Babe Herman hit for the cycle against the the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1939 the Brooklyn Dodgers selected Dixie Walker off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. He would go on to play nine season in Brooklyn -- slashing .311/.386/.441/.827 for the Dodgers. In 1967 Dodgers President Branch Rickey is posthumously inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1993 Mets outfielder Vince Coleman tossed a M-80 firecracker from his car as he was leaving the Dodger Stadium parking area. It is reported that three people are injured; including an 11-year old boy and a two-year old girl. Coleman eventually pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of an explosive device and is sentenced to 200 hours of community service. The incident, along with many others, leads the Mets to announced a month later that he would never play for the team again. 
• Happy Birthday, Tommy McCarthy, Joe Wall, Joe Schultz, Preston Ward, Norihiro Nakamura & Scott Van Slyke!

Blog Kiosk: 2/13/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Pitchers & Catcher Report Day!

Welcome!

Per Sarah Wexler at MLB.com:

"To be able to jump on to a team like the Dodgers, a team that has had the amount of success they've had the last couple years, and then add a player like Mookie Betts, and then to be able to add myself to that mix as well?” Price said. “That's something special to be a part of, and we're both very excited for that.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 the Dodgers completed a rare trade with the Giants. In fact, it would be 17 years before another trade is consummated between the two clubs. They shipped Ron Hunt and Nate Oliver to San Francisco for catcher Tom Haller and a minor leaguer. Haller would play four seasons in LA; slashing .276/.344/.393/.737. He would also garner MVP consideration his two first seasons in Blue -- coming in 22nd in '68 and 29th in '69.
• Happy Birthday, Wayne LeMaster, Gilly Campbell, Todd Williams, Ernie Rudolph, Eddie Pye & Nathan Eovaldi!

Check out Some "Costume Travel Day" Custom Fantasy Baseball Cards

I just could't help myself. Check out a bunch of custom fantasy baseball cards I put together this afternoon.

2019 Topps Now - #822, #827 and the Dodgers Postseason Team Set

There are a bunch of Dodgers' Topps Now cards available today; including some autographed cards featuring rookie Gavin Lux.

As you know, Lux hit hit first home run of his career last night. At the very bottom of this post I share pics of all the auto'd cards. Go here to check out the above card to order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

In a game in which the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West Division title, it was Gavin Lux who impressed with the first home run of his MLB career. The roundtripper was one of the rookie's three hits, as the Dodger scored seven runs and beat the Baltimore Orioles 7-3.

2019 Topps Total - Wave 5 - All the Dodger Cards

The fifth wave of Dodger cards found in packs of 2019 Topps Total are now in collectors hands, and there are three Dodgers available this time around. They are Alex Verdugo, Pedro Baez and Joc Pederson. Go here to check out a complete checklist. A total of 3,981 packs were sold and this translates into an approximate print run of 398 of each card.

Base - Wave 5

#419 Alex Verdugo

2019 Topps Series 2 Flagship Set - All the Dodger Base Cards and Variations

Series 2 is now out in stores, and it includes 11 new Dodger base cards to add to this season flagship set. There are some big names here, like Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler and Cy Young favorite Hyun-Jin Ryu. On top of that, I believe the Pedro Baez card is his very first flagship base card - please correct me if I'm wrong. Go here for a complete checklist.

BTW, I've included pics of the five six currently known short-printed photo variations that are available --  the most notable being the Bellinger sliding like Superman card.

Base

#364 Kenta Maeda

Blog Kiosk: 5/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton Kershaw may not exactly be the pitcher he was, but he sure looks good as the pitcher he is becoming. Last night he was throwing darts and crusing along against the Rays until the seventh inning arrived -- where he yielded a couple of hits and ended up giving up two runs. Nevertheless, last nights efforts continues his streak of 19 consecutive unbeaten starts -- going back to July 27, 2018. Per Dawn Klemish at MLB.com:

“I thought Clayton was really good,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. “I thought all night long, just mixing his pitches, changing locations, pitches, sequencing, everything was great.”
...
“I felt good,” Kershaw said. “I think other than that last inning, I felt everything went pretty well. Not a whole lot of hard contact; it was all right.” 

“All right” for Kershaw is certainly a pretty high bar.

Photo above via Ricky Bowden/MLB.com 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 1949 Don Newcombe made his first major league start, firing a five-hit shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. He would go on to have a 17-8 record with 19 complete games, five shut outs and an 3.17 ERA -- winning both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young awards. In 1987 the Dodgers traded reliever Tom Niedenfuer to the Orioles for John Shelby and Brad Havens. Shelby would go on to have a very impactful season for the World Series Champion Dodgers the next year.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Lohrman & Tommy John!

Blog Kiosk: 4/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Sweep!

Four great starts in a row has fueled the Dodgers four-game winning streak. Last Night was Walker Buehlers turn to turn it on... And what a bright light be was. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“He was getting into a groove,” said manager Dave Roberts. “He’s been kind of tinkering with his delivery, but today he had a lot of good feel. He’s kind of like that sports car. If there’s anything just not right, then he’s off. So he kind of worked through it, and we needed that.”

Walker went 6.1 innings, allowing just three hits and one walk, while striking out eight Reds batters to defeat Cincinnati, 3-2 (boxscore). Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1925 Charles Ebbets, the Dodgers owner and president, dies of an heart attack on the morning of his teams home opener at Ebbets Field. In 1939 Red Barber announces the first ever regular season Dodger game to be broadcast in Brooklyn. In 1946 Jackie Robinson makes his debut as a second baseman for the Montreal Royals. He belts a home runs and records three singles. In 1947 Burt Shotten is named the Dodgers manager - replacing Leo Durocher who was suspended by the league ten days prior. In 1950 Vin Scully calls his very first game as a Dodgers broadcaster. In 1952 Willie Mays is knocked unconscious when he runs in to the Ebbets Field outfield wall while making a game saving catch. In 1958 Los Angeles holds a downtown parade for the the Dodgers before their first home game at the Coliseum. A National League record 78,672 fans crowd the stadium to watch their new team defeat the soon-to-be-hated Giants, 6-5. In 1964 Sandy Koufax throws his second career Immaculate Inning - three strike outs on nine pitches during one inning. In 1966 Maury Wills becomes the first batter to get a hit on artificial grass - a single off of Robin Roberts at the Astrodome. In 2008 the Dodgers announce that Joe Beimel had been selected by fans to get a bobblehead. You can see that bobble on the right.
• Happy Birthday, Hughie Hearne, Tommy McMillan, Nick Polly, Bobby Castillo, Jim Eisenreich & Brady Clark!

Blog Kiosk: 9/28/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this AP wirephoto featuring Jackie (auction link here). Dated to April 24, 1960, it features Robinson joining a protest in Cleveland. Per a newspaper clipping attached to the reverse:

Jackie Robinson, former major league baseball star, grabbed a sign and joined pickets at Cleveland, Ohio, who protested discrimination against Negroes at lunch counters in the south. Pickets staked out a Cleveland store whose stubborn branches have been reported as refusing service to Negroes.

I somehow wanted to relate this photo to today's charged social and political climate, but struggled to find a path. Then, I came across something written by Steven Levingston at the Washington Post regarding the oftentimes contentious relationship between Jackie and John F. Kennedy:

“Without meaning to be impertinent, Mr. President, we have a suggestion,” Robinson said. He advised the president to go off somewhere alone and think about racial prejudice until he got as angry as he was about steel prices. Then the president could channel his fury into “the battle against the bigots in this country who are working harder to destroy it from within than any foreign power is working to destroy it from without.” Robinson wanted the president to inject some passion into his fight for civil rights. “Why Mr. President,” the baseball hero urged, “why don’t you get angry again?”

Is this the solution? Should folks around the country "go off somewhere alone and think about the" violence we've all been, to a certain extent, conditioned to accept as normal?  Three years later we finally heard JFK get angry, as Robinson suggested:

“We face,” (JFK) said “a moral crisis as a country and as a people. It cannot be met by repressive police action. It cannot be left to increased demonstrations in the streets. It cannot be quieted by token moves or talk.” He addressed civil rights in moral terms as no president ever had.

I still don't know if I accomplished my goal of relating the above photo to today's issues, but I do know that there is a moral crisis today and I think we'd be remiss not to touch upon it -- even on a sports-centered blog. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Orel Hershiser broke Don Drysdale's Major League record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched at 59.  He went ten scoreless innings against the Padres in San Diego, but unfortunately did not walk away with the victory. The Dodgers eventually won in the 16th inning, 2-1.  In 1997 Mike Piazza set the Los Angeles Dodgers record for home runs at 40. He hit two homers against Rockies starter John Thomson in Colorado.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Fournier, Whitey Witt, Glen Moulder, Todd Worrell, Héctor Giménez & Jerry Sands!

Blog Kiosk: 9/5/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was nice to see Austin Barnes hit a home run last night. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

Barnes became the sixth Dodger catcher since 1908 and the first since Russell Martin in 2008 to hit a home run, steal a base and knock in three runs in the same game. His teammates took it from there, as the Dodgers matched their largest deficit overcome in a win this season. 

“It’s been obviously a frustrating little funk I’ve been in — not really little — but it was nice to contribute,” Barnes said. “To finally put a good AB together and get us back in the game, it felt good, for sure.”

They handily routed the Mets, 11-4, to stay .5 games behind Colorado. This coming weekend they'll be facing the Rockies in another must-win series.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1908 Brooklyn Superbas/Dodgers hurler Nap Rucker threw a no-hitter against the Boston Doves/Braves. He struck out 14 and walked none en route to a 6-0 victory. In 1955 Don Newcombe hit his seventh home run of the season to establish a National League record for home runs by a pitcher in a season. It was a three-run jack in the fourth inning to give the Dodgers a 4-1 lead. Newk would eventually throw a complete game to win his 20th game of the season, 11-4. 
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Knowles, Ed Stein, Jul Kustus, Merv Shea, Buddy Hassett, Wayne Belardi, Candy Maldonado, Rod Barajas, Randy Choate & Zack Walters!

Blog Kiosk: 7/25/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I never thought we'd see this day. Last night, after 15 1/2 innings of grueling play, the Dodgers were left with only one option on the mound. Kiké Hernández would have to pitch.

The event was both glorious and sad. Kiké had often talked about this day coming, but I don't think he ever thought it would.

Clearly, he should have known better because he was woefully unprepared for the spotlight. Kiké looked like a deer staring down the largest damn lion he'd ever seen. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Has anybody else gone 0-for-7 and given up a walk-off home run?" asked Hernandez, who had always hoped to add pitching to his laundry list of assignments, but never imagined it would turn out like this.
...
"I was thinking about my AB [popped out in the 16th] on the mound," he said. "Thinking we had another game in 11 hours and how I was 0-for-7. And this was my time to redeem myself and I didn't."

He got rocked by a walk-off three-run homer to take the loss, 7-4. Photo above of Kiké Hernández via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Brooklyn outfielder Carl Furillo becomes the first Dodger to hit a home run at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City -- a onetime home field for 15 games from 1956 to 1967. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost this game to Cincinnati, 2-1. In 2006 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Elmer Dessens from the Royals for Odalis Perez and a couple minor leaguers. 
• Happy Birthday, Doc Reisling, Marv Rackley, Larry Sherry, Dave Patterson, Garey Ingram & Guillermo Mota!

Blog Kiosk: 3/5/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Maeda looked strong after his Sunday outing against the Giants; especially considering he has been battling the bug that has stricken the Dodgers clubhouse. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I felt like I recovered pretty well, and I pitched well today," said Maeda, who missed a bullpen session but not a start. "I was a little worried going into the game, but as I pitched, the worries were gone and I felt good."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers/Baseball History: In 1958 Duke Snider, Johnny Podres, and Don Zimmer are involved in an car accident in Vero Beach while trying to beat a 12:30 am curfew. With Snider driving, they veered off the road into a ditch. They fortunately suffer only minor injuries. In 1958 the Dodgers signed 21-year old free agent outfielder Frank "Hondo" Howard. He would play seven years in LA Dodger Blue -- slashing .269/.326/.495/.822 with 123 homers and 382 runs driven in. In 1966 the players elect Marvin Miller, assistant to the president of the United Steelworkers, as Executive Director of the Major League Players Association.
• Happy Birthday, Bernie Hungling, Lu Blue, Elmer Valo, Chad Fonville, Paul Konerko & Mike MacDougal!

Blog Kiosk: 2/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is a good beginning.

Today is the first full squad workout for the Dodgers, and as you can see in the pic above (via @Dodgers on twitter) they began the morning huddled in the clubhouse like a team on a mission. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think it is a good sign,” (Dave) Roberts said. “It’s a good sign as far as those guys showing up wanting to work, and it’s our jobs as coaches to really understand we have a long way to go, so we’ve got to temper it a little bit. 

“It’s funny. Outside of the kind of normal pleasantries of seeing guys you hadn’t seen, it’s sort of business as usual, and I like that mindset here. It’s very workman-like, methodical, and that’s kind of what we want our ball club to be.”

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 22-year old Dodger hurler Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first ballplayer awarded an $1,000,000 salary during arbitration.
• Happy Birthday, Oscar Roettger, Dick Siebert, Gail Hopkins, Dave Stewart, Josh Reddick & Fabio Castillo!

Blog Kiosk: 9/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As we continue to be concerned about the current state of the team, I think it's important to recognize that so many of our ballplayers have close ties to the areas that are currently facing difficult times. A devastating earthquake and a series of destructive storms have pummeled Mexico City, the Southeastern United States, and the Caribbean (especially the island of Puerto Rico). We, like the Dodgers, should keep all of them in our thoughts.

Photo above of Yasiel Puig via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Cardinals starter Paul "Daffy" Dean ho-hit the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, 3-0. In 1952 the Boston Braves play their last home game in Boston in a game against Brooklyn. Of the 8,822 fans on-hand most are rooting for the Dodgers. The Braves would move to Milwaukee the next season. In 1997 Mike Piazza becomes the first Dodger, and the first player in 25 years, to hit a home run out of Dodger Stadium. He whacked it off Rockies pitcher Frank Castillo over the Left Field Pavilion, and it is said to have traveled 478 feet. Willie Stargell was the last player to do it before Piazza. You can watch the monstrous homer here.
• Happy Birthday, Frank McManus, Max Butcher & Manuel Barrios!

Blog Kiosk: 9/20/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yu Darvish was very good last night. He went 5.1 innings, giving up one unearned run, four hits and a walk. He also struck out seven phillies. Per Ken Gurnick and Ben Harris at MLB.com:

"I think I'm in a pretty good place," Darvish said. "I think I'm where I need to be at this time of the season."

Unfortunately, one pitcher is not where he needs to be. Pedro Baez came in to hold the lead, but proceeded to yield four runs to lose the game. Per Andy McCullough at the LA Times:

“It hasn’t been a good stretch,” Baez said. “I’m grateful that they keep giving me the opportunity.”

Photo of Yu Darvish above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1907 the Dodgers are no-hit by Pirates rookie Nick Maddox, 2-1. In 1959 the Dodgers and Giants play the last ballgame ever at San Francisco's Seals Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-2. The Giants would play at Candlestick Park the next season. In 1993 pinch-hitting machine Dave Hansen collected his 18th pinch-hit of the season to set a new franchise record. In 2011 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first Dodger twenty game winner since Ramon Martinez in 1990. He defeats the Giants 2-1.  BTW, DodgerFilms was there and shared a video that you can watch here.
• Happy Birthday, Nelson Greene, Vic Lombardi & Chuck Dressen!

Blog Kiosk: 9/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu was good last night. Unfortunately, Dodger bats continue to struggle -- and also Pedro Baez... Ugh! Per Steve Gilbert and Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"I thought Ryu came out and pitched really well for us," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "Zack matched him pitch for pitch, we really couldn't muster anything outside that home run ball from Yasmani. The scoring opportunities really are not presenting themselves. You just got to continue to grind and make our own breaks."

Baez, on the other hand, has been terrible his last three outings -- all of which were in September. During his past three games he has faced ten batters, given up seven hits (including three homers), two walks and struck out one. Also, he's allowed five runs to cross the plate, and it can be argued that we was the principal reason for the Dodger loses during those three games. Nevertheless, I still believe Baez is a better option out of the pen than most of our other relievers.

Photo above of Hyun-Jin Ryu via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1943 the Dodgers signed 19-year old amateur free agent Gil Hodges out of  St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, IN. In 1950 Don Newcombe started both ends of a doubleheader against the Phillies at Shibe Park. In Game 1 he threw a complete game three-hit shutout. In Game 2 he left the game behind by two runs in the seventh inning. The Dodgers would eventually win that game, as well, on a three-run single in the ninth inning by Gil Hodges. In 1953 Giants manager and Dodger-traitor Leo Durocher is heard yelling "stick it in his ear" before pitcher Ruben Gomez struck Dodger Carl Furillo on the wrist with a pitch. As Furillo took first base he suddenly sprinted to the dugout to get at Durocher. In the subsequent melee Furillo fractures a finger -- ending his season. In 1976 catcher Steve Yeager is injured in the on-deck circle when a jagged end of Bill Russell's broken bat struck him in the throat. It pierced his esophagus, necessitating surgery. Soon thereafter, Dodger trainer Bill Buhler invented a device that hung down from a catchers mask to protect a players throat. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela threw his seventh shutout as a rookie -- tying a National League record. In 1996 the ever popular Brett Butler defied the odds to return on the field for the first time after being diagnosed with cancer of the tonsils, having surgery and intensive radiation therapy earlier in the year.
• Happy Birthday, Oyster Burns, Pete Gilbert, George Hildebrand & Del Bissonette!

Blog Kiosk: 4/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Today is historically quite an inauspicious day in Dodger history. As stated below, in 1925 we laid to rest the owner of the team, Charles Ebbets. He had risen through the ranks within the club, starting as a ticket, peanut and scorecard salesman to eventual owner and president. On this day though, he was buried in Brooklyn after having had a heart attack just three days prior. At the same time, his business partner, friend and newly named team president, Ed McKeever, got pneumonia while attending Ebbets funeral services. He would die soon thereafter.

Above is a circa 1913 vintage photo of the pair taken by legendary Baseball photographer George Bain. Ignore the markings at the top. Ed McKeever stands on the left and Charles is on the far right.

Below are some links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1925 Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets is buried at Brooklyn's Greenwood Cemetery. All National League games are cancelled in observance. In a strange twist of fate, new Dodgers President Edward McKeever contracts pneumonia at the services and dies eight days later. In 1955 the Brooklyn Dodgers win the 10th consecutive game in a row to start the season -- setting a then major league record. In 1967 the Los Angeles Dodgers experienced their first ever rain-out since moving west -- a streak of 737 consecutive games played at home. In 2000 the game between the Dodgers and Reds is delayed 27 minutes. The umpires' equipment was accidentally shipped to New York, and replacement gear had to be purchased at a nearby store. Furthermore, due to heavy traffic a police escort is used.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Hogg, Stan Rojek, Jesse Orosco, Chris Donnels, Jack Taschner, Terry Tiffee & Joc Pederson!
  

Blog Kiosk: 4/14/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Cold bats on a cold day continue to hamper the Dodgers. Yesterday, they could not muster a hit when they needed it most. They went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position; which only added to their woes against the Cubs. Over the pasty three games they are 1-for-24 with runners in scoring position. Ironically, 1-for-24 equates to a 0.042 average -- maybe the Baseball gods are having a bit of fun with us as we enter Jackie Robinson weekend. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“When you’ve got to have that hit to push a couple across, we haven’t got it yet. I know it’s not for lack of effort. Maybe a little (wanting it) too much.” — Dave Roberts

The Dodgers got blanked, 4-0. Ryu struggled through 4 2/3 inning, allowing two home runs with the wind blowing in. Per John Jackson at MLB.com:

"The velocity was a little bit down today," Roberts said. "He touched 91 [mph] but pitched at 87, 88. I thought he left a couple of fastballs out over [the plate], one to Rizzo and one to Russell. I thought the changeup was really good.

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 47-year old Brooklyn Robins hurler Jack Quinn becomes the oldest pitcher to start an Opening Day game. He would lose to the Boston Braves, 7-4. In 1964 Sandy Koufax made his only Opening Day start for the Dodgers. He faced the St. Louis Cardinals and threw a six-hit shutout, 4-0. It is also his ninth career complete game without allowing a walk.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Radtke, Greg Maddux, Mike Trombley, Brad Ausmus & Carlos Perez!