Blog Kiosk: 11/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Guess who's in LA?

As you know, today is round 2 of the 'will he, or won't he' Clayton Kershaw sweepstakes, and I think it's getting clearer what the decision will be.

Clayton Kershaw was spotted at the LAFC home game yesterday with teammate Joc Pederson and funnyman Will Ferrell, and I'd be willing to bet that he'll be present for a special announcement today. So, stay tuned!

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 the Dodgers traded minor league catcher Steven Patchin to the Royals for future Baseball legend Ron Washington. He would wear Dodger Blue for only one season, 1977, getting into just ten games as a 25-year old rookie. -- he slashed .368/.400/.368/.768 with seven singles in 19 at-bats. He is more famed for being a highly regarded manager. In 1977 Tommy John comes in a distant second place in Cy Young voting -- having been beaten by Steve Carlton of the Phillies. John went 20-7 for the Dodgers with an 2.78 ERA, FIP of 3.05, eleven complete games and three shutouts.
• Happy Birthday, George Sharrott, George Bell, Jerry Standaert, Tom Paciorek, Wilson Betemit & Al Campanis! 

Blog Kiosk: 3/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another vintage spring training pic to get you excited for the upcoming season. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Dated Mar 6, 1949 - WHITMAN FLIES OUT IN INTRA-SQUAD GAME.  Dick Whitman, Dodger outfielder, flies put in first inning of the first intra-squad game for the Brooklyn club at their Vero Beach, Fla., training camp.  Catcher Lembo and umpire Andrews watch the ball sail to the outfield." (eBay link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1951 the Brooklyn Dodgers sign a 21-year lease with the City of Vero Beach to build their spring training facility at an old abandoned Naval base. It would be known as Dodgertown. In 2002 the Dodgers traded Jorge Nunez and Matt Herges to the Expos for Guillermo Mota and Wilkin Ruan.
• Happy Birthday, Barney Koch, Jerry Brooks, Joel Peralta & John Link!

Blog Kiosk: 1/15/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

-MLK, Jr.

On this #MLKDay, @nlbmprez reflects on baseball's impact on the civil rights movement pic.twitter.com/yGkqS3zwJa

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 15, 2018

Photo above via the Negro League Museum on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the Dodgers extend their lease at Ebbets Field for another three years -- as a fallback in case Los Angeles is unable to secure land for a new stadium. They would leave Brooklyn a year later. In 2002 the Dodgers traded outfielder Gary Sheffield to the Braves for Brian Jordan, Odalis Perez and Andrew Brown. In 2009 the Dodgers nightmare is over. They released outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Dr. Mike Marshall, William Brennan & Delino DeShields!

Blog Kiosk: 11/15/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out the 1991 Dodgers in the photo above. It was shared by Dodgers photograph Jon SooHoo on his blog yesterday, and it features a travelling contingent of Dodger players in Mexico for an exhibition series during Spring Training. In light of recent news that the Dodgers and Padres would be playing a series of games in Monterrey, Mexico next season, this photo is very timely.

As you may recall, the Dodgers headed south in 1991 to play a couple of exhibition games against the local club, Industriales de Monterrey, and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Notably, the game against the Brewers marks one of the last starts Fernando Valenzuela threw in Dodgers Blue, and he was magnificent that day. He went five innings, allowed only two hits, gave up one run, and even drove in a run on a single. Best yet, 27,000 of his countrymen came out to cheer, scream and whistle their appreciation for the Mexican born pitcher. Per Bill Plascke at the LA Times:

It was only an exhibition. But to those who understand Valenzuela's search for shreds of Fernandomania, it was much more. 

"We knew Fernando's importance to his country before we came down here, but to see it, to feel, to hear it . . . it was an extraordinary moment," said Peter O'Malley, the Dodger owner who had a front row seat at Estadia Monterrey. "This is one of the most exciting experiences I've had since I've been with the ballclub."

A couple of weeks later, with the regular season looming, Fernando Valenzuela would be released by the Dodgers. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Dodger Hall of Famer Don Drysdale is named the NL Cy Young Award winner.  He went 25-9 with an 2.83 ERA, 19 complete games and 232 strike outs.  In 1988 Dodgers outfielder and legend Kirk Gibson was named the NL MVP.  
• Happy Birthday, Pat Ragan, Jay Partridge, Mickey Livingston, Jack Smith & Pedro Borbón!

Blog Kiosk: 10/12/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The dreams of youth.

Above is a fantastic 1943 ACME press photo of several New York area youngsters at Ebbets Field on a midsummer day trying out for the club (ebay link). As many teams are wont to do, the Dodgers reached out to the community in hopes of finding a diamond in the rough. At left is Hall of Famer George Sisler showing the kids the ins-an-outs of fielding. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"IMAGINE -- THEY WANT TO BE DODGERS.  New York City -- Kids who would rather be bums than scholars, are told how to stop a hot grounder by George Sisler, one-time famous first baseman.  Some of metropolitan aspirants for diamond fame are (left to right, next to Sisler): Alfred Phillips, Coney Island; Bert Oppenheim, Coney Island; Bob Geary, Flatbush; Ernest Dolphy, Astoria; and Paul Brenner, Manhattan.  They are trying out at Ebbets Field, and a careful check on their performances will be used at a later date when the farms call for possible big league timber."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1916 the Brooklyn Robins lost Game 5 against the Boston Red Sox to lose the World Series. As a side note, Boston played their games at the home of their NL rival, Boston Braves, since their stadium held more patrons than Fenway Park. In 1920 the Cleveland Indians defeated the Brooklyn Robins to win the World Series. In 1949 Vin Scully, after being recruited by Red Barber, worked his very first broadcast of his career when he does play-by-play for a college football game between Maryland and Boston University. He famously called the game from atop the roof during a very frigid day at Fenway Park. In 1988 Orel Hershiser threw a five-hit shutout victory, 6-0, against the NY Mets in Game 7 of the NLCS to advance to the World Series.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Householder, Steve Shirley, Sid Fernandez, Jose Valentin, Tanyon Sturtze & Nick Tepesch!

Blog Kiosk: 8/1/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This does make me feel kinda bad. After all, their loss ended up being our gain. Featured above is a AP Wire Photo from the very last Brooklyn Dodger day game at Ebbets Field. It is currently on auction at RMY Auctions. Go here to check it out. Per the descriptor:

Dated, September 22nd -- The Loyal Few -- Only 6,662 fans showed up at Ebbets Field today to watch Dodgers play Philadelphia in what may be the final day game to be played by the Dodgers in New York City. The club, reportedly moving to Los Angeles, has only one more game in this ball park -- Tuesday night against Pittsburgh. The Dodgers, last year's National League champs, rewarded the loyal few with a 7-3 win over Philadelphia. There were no ceremonies to mark what was probably the last Sunday of Brooklyn Dodger baseball.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 Gil Hodges hit not only his 13th grand slam of his career to set a new National League record, but it also proved to be the last gran slam in the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Shaute, Howard Freigau, Myron White, Dave Anderson & Brian Bohanon!

Blog Kiosk: 1/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Ryu, O'Malley and Adrian Gonzalez

Spring training in New York.

During WWII it was thought unwise to hold spring camp anywhere near the eastern coast.  After all, German U-boats where known to hug the American coastline in an attempt at disrupting supply lines to the European front.  So, the Dodgers spent several March's in Bear Mountain, NY.

Featured above is an International News press photo, dated March 20, 1945, of seven members of the Brooklyn Dodger pitching staff showing off their follow-through at the preseason facility.  (eBay Auction Link)  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

DODGERS PITCHING STAFF.  Bear Mountains, N.Y.....Photographed at the Dodgers spring training camp at Bear Mountains, is team's pitching staff.  (l. to r.) Joe Belmaier, Vic Lombardi (only southpaw in the camp of pitchers), Hal Gregg, Curt Davis, Fred Wells, Otho Nitcholos, and Ben Chapman.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1957 the Dodgers, Walter O'Malley, purchased a 44-passenger twin engine airplane for $775,000.  They would be the first team to own their own plane.  In 1977 the Dodgers received catcher Johnny Oats from the Phillies in exchange for infielder Ted Sizemore.  In 2001 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Giovanni Carrara.  In 2006 the Dodgers received Tim Hamulack and Jae Weong Seo from the Mets in exchange for Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll.
• Happy Birthday, Tommy Corcoran, Bart Shirley, Charlie Manuel & Ted Lilly!

Skirball Cultural Center Baseball Exhibit is Now Open - Includes O'Malley Memorabilia

A few weeks back I had mentioned that a new Baseball themed exhibit was opening up at the Skirball Cultural Center, so I wanted to take a moment to let you all know that it is now open.  Go here for information.  Furthermore, there is another exhibit there that is also worth your time called, "The Unauthorized History of Baseball in 100-Odd Paintings: The Art of Ben Sakoguchi."  (Information Here)

The main exhibit is called, "Chasing Dreams: Baseball & Becoming American," and I recently discovered that there are several artifacts displayed within that were loaned by the O’Malley family collection.  Per a press release:

Peter O’Malley, president, Los Angeles Dodgers, 1970-1998, is lending the original Dodger Stadium model, made by renowned Hollywood producer-director Mervyn LeRoy from design plans and given as a gift to Peter’s father, Walter, in 1960. LeRoy had David Ernstein, a model-maker at Warner Bros. Studios create the model, circa 1960. The original model was exhibited in the winter of 1961-62, prior to the April 10, 1962 opening of Dodger Stadium, when it was on display at the downtown Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Bank of America headquarters building. The model shows the same pastel color palette as when Dodger Stadium opened and was in Walter O’Malley’s office until 1979.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Full-Squad Workout #1

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.  See what they've written below.

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

(Roberts addressing clubs first full-squad workout, pic via Jon SooHoo on twitter)

NOW WE’RE HERE: The Dodgers held their first full-squad workout this morning, primarily focused on conditioning and team defense.

• New Dodger skipper Dave Roberts addressed the entire team for the first time today and stressed the importance of getting better every day while keeping focused on the goal and what it’s going to take to get there.

BACK IN BLUE: With the first full squad workout, Dodger fans were able to see the newest-old Dodger, second baseman Howie Kendrick. Kendrick was acquired from the Angels in a three-team trade prior to the 2015 season and went on to hit .295 with nine homers and 54 RBI in 117 games. Following the season, the 32-year-old elected free agency, but remained unsigned into February when the Dodgers pounced and signed him to a two-year deal through 2017. Kendrick has a .293 career batting average with 271 doubles, 87 home runs and 555 RBI in 1,198 games in 10 MLB seasons with the Angels (2006-14) and Dodgers (2015). The 2011 All-Star has a .986 career fielding percentage, appearing primarily at second base, and has hit well in the clutch during the course of his career, posting a .298 batting average with runners in scoring position and a .299 mark with runners on base. The Florida native was originally selected by the Angels in the 10th round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft.

(AGon batting, pic via Jon SooHoo on twitter)

HE HAS NO MORE ROOM: Tonight, Dodger Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully will be receiving the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Sports Council at the LA Sports Awards in Los Angeles. Scully will be presented the award by former Dodger owner Peter O’Malley and the two will engage in a 10-minute conversation on stage at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The LA Sports Awards are presented annually by the Sports Council to celebrate the greatest Southern California moments of the year in sports.

THE WORLD IS WATCHING: The Dodgers are set to be featured on SportsCenter tomorrow with Tim Kurkjian, Jessica Mendoza and Aaron Boone anchoring the coverage. As a warm-up, Dodger All-Star Clayton Kershaw sat down for an interview on the 6 p.m. ET edition of SportsCenter this afternoon. In addition to Kershaw, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will join the show live at 8:15 MT tomorrow morning and the gang is scheduled to tape features with Joc Pederson and Corey Seager as well.

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

SAY CHEESE: The Dodgers will hold their annual Photo Day Saturday morning, with players showing off their pearly whites for the Dodger team photographers, SNLA, MLB Photos, MLB.com, MLB International, ESPN the Magazine, Topps, USA Today, Getty Images, Baseball Digest, the LA Times and the Associated Press.

(Roberts signs for fans, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

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Phillies Series Starts Today - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Monday evening (tonight) against the Philadelphia Phillies.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

Tommy Lasorda’s Trattoria will be offering the BLT Pizza during this homestand.  It features a fresh dough pizza slice with shredded mozzarella cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes and drizzled with creamy Ranch dressing.  Check out a pic of it on the left.

The Extreme Loaded Dogs stands will be offering the Philly Cheesesteak Dog for this series against the Phillies.  It consists of a quarter pound all-beef Super Dodger Dog topped with shredded beef sirloin, sautéed onions and cheese whiz.  Check out a pic of it on the right.

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Monday, July 6th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Maury Wills bobblehead.  See it on the left.

Former “The Voice” contestant and current star of “Phantom of the Opera” at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre Chris Mann will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Matt Luke will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is retired U.S. Air Force Major General Marvin Barry.

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Tuesday, July 7th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. 

World-famous dog trainer Cesar Millan will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Millan will be joined by one of his dogs named Junior.

Dodger alumnus Al Ferrara will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps E5 Sergeant Alexander Esquer.

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Wednesday, July 8th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Hello Kitty plush doll.  See it on the left.

It is also Japan Night at Dodger Stadium.  The Nisei Week Court will be on hand and a Taiko Drum performance by LA Matsuri Taiko will take place pregame. Hello Kitty will participate in photo sessions in the right-field plaza from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hello Kitty will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Peter O’Malley, president of the Dodgers from 1970-1998, will receive “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” decoration from Harry H. Horinouchi, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles. The pregame ceremony will mark the official presentation of the decoration, conferred by Emperor Akihito. If not already sold out go here for information.

The Extreme Loaded Dogs stands will be offering the Nihon Teriyaki Dog for Japan Night, only.  It consists of a quarter pound all-beef Super Dodger Dog is dipped in teriyaki sauce, served on sweet Hawaiian bread and topped with a pineapple, cilantro and diced tomato salsa.

Dodger alumnus Tim Leary will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army E4 Richard Krykrew, U.S. Navy E4 Benjamin Robles, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Mayo Westbrooks and U.S. Marine Corps Corporal E4 Marlowe Dickerson.

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Thursday, July 9th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Thursday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. 

Singer and songwriter Blair Perkins will perform the national anthem. Actress Judy Greer, star of “Jurassic World” and FX Networks’ “Married,” will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Dodger alumnus Dennis Powell will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant E6 Bert Brescher.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/29/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Peter O'Malley and Kirk Gibson

Clayton Kershaw was good last night - just not good enough.  He faced off against Madison Bumgarner and the Giants for the second time this season and again came out on the losing side.  Per Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation:

“The bottom line is I just got out-pitched,” Kershaw said. “Madison pitched better than I did and they won the game. So, not a whole lot of analyzation going on. I gave up two, he gave up one, he pitched eight innings, I pitched seven, so yeah, I got outpitched.”

Kershaw gave up seven hits and two runs, and had a heck of a time with Giants phenom Buster Posey - who drove in both runs.  On a happy note, Clayton is getting better with each outing.  Per Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com:

"I think he's just getting better and better as the season's going on. I think that's the one thing we see," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "There are years when guys get runs and years when they don't. You never know who you're going to match up with."

The above photo 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:

• This is quite an honor.  Former Dodger owner Peter O’Malley will be honored with “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” from the Government of Japan.  This is that nations highest award for a non-citizen.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider. 
• OMG!  I'm pullin' for ya, Gibby!  Via Jason Beck at MLB.com; "Gibson reveals diagnosis of Parkinson's disease."

"I have faced many different obstacles in my life, and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome those obstacles," Gibson said in the statement. "While this diagnosis poses a new kind of challenge for me, I intend to stay true to my beliefs. With the support of my family and friends, I will meet this challenge with the same determination and unwavering intensity that I have displayed in all of my endeavors in life. I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible."

• This is fun.  Via Andres Tardio at MTV.com, "Kendrick Lamar Walks Us Through His First Pitch With The Dodgers."

“This is amazing, especially being from the inner cities of L.A. We’ve never been to the Dodger Stadium on this type of level. I’ve probably been way up there,” he said pointing to the upper deck, “but to actually be in the dugout and on the field, that’s a whole ‘nother story coming from Compton. It’s a blessing, man. It’s a blessing.”

• Listen to agent Scott Boras talk about Dodger baseball (Seager and Urias) with Mason and Ireland on ESPN, here.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Jansen opposes hitters; Ryu nearing same step."
• Awesome!  Greg at Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle shares a new edition to his collection - a 1911 T332 Helmar Stamp of Zach Wheat.  I added a couple of these to my collection a few years ago - a Bell and Rucker.  Go here to check those out.
• You lucky dog, you!

Walk into the club house to this....Thanks @MagicJohnson #Showtime pic.twitter.com/ylMGLOb2U8
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) April 28, 2015

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Historic Dodgertown Writes About the Dodgers Connection to Cuba

As relations with the island national of Cuba softens and Spring Training comes to a close for the Dodgers in Arizona, the Historic Dodgertown website put together a timely article that focuses on the Dodgers history of playing in Cuba during Spring.  You can check that out here.

Below is an excerpt:

Prior to making Historic Dodgertown, Vero Beach, Florida their Spring Training base in 1948, the Dodgers trained in Cuba three times, including in 1947. Then Dodger President Branch Rickey sought an isolated location to accommodate Jackie Robinson, the player who would courageously break the color barrier in Major League Baseball on April 15, 1947. From 1900, the Dodgers gained popularity in Cuba, as they frequently played exhibition games there. In 1941-42, the Dodgers held Spring Training camps in Havana. Cuba’s rabid baseball fans appreciated colorful Dodger players like Van Lingle Mungo, Pee Wee Reese, Dolph Camilli and Leo Durocher.

Colorful is putting it lightly. 

No doubt, there a more than a handful of "adult-styled" stories of Dodger misadventures on the island.  Unfortunately, the article at the Historic Dodgertown website doesn't go into any details.  Nevertheless, it's informative and a good read for Dodger history buffs.

BTW, several years ago I interviewed Jim Vitti about his book "Brooklyn Dodgers in Cuba."  He provides background on the Dodger exploits on the island.  You can check that post out here.

Another great thing about the article at the Historic Dodgertown website are the handful of vintage photos that they share; including a pic of several Dodgers shooting guns with Ernest Hemingway.

At the very top, the Brooklyn Dodger players loosen up for another day of Spring Training at Cerveza Tropical Stadium. The stadium in ballplayer jargon, “played big,” as it was reported in the New York Herald Tribune that center field was 505 feet from home plate.

Below is Dodger President Larry MacPhail (left) and Manager Leo Durocher in Havana. MacPhail, the man who first brought stadium lights for a night major league baseball game in Cincinnati, was president of the Dodgers when they won the 1941 National League pennant, their first in 21 seasons. Durocher managed the Dodgers to the 1941 pennant and was later a coach on the 1963 World Championship Los Angeles Dodgers team.

*All photos above courtesy of historicdodgertown.com

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(L-R) Historic Dodgertown Vice Presidents Craig Callan, Brady Ballard, Steve Snure, Jeff Biddle and Historic Dodgertown Chairman Peter O’Malley outside the conference center at Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, FL.

BTW, History Dodgertown announced today that Steve Snure and Jeff Biddle have each been named Vice President, Historic Dodgertown.

Via the press release:

“Steve Snure is in his 27th year at Historic Dodgertown, starting in 1988 as executive chef during Spring Training for the Dodgers,” said O’Malley. “Steve’s duties expanded to operations manager six years ago and he has always handled his added responsibilities extremely well. 

“Jeff Biddle has been with us since 2009 and he deserves credit for bringing to Historic Dodgertown athletic teams from all over the world year-round. He understands the business of attracting and accommodating unique teams. Steve and Jeff will continue to work closely with longtime Vice President Craig Callan, as well as Vice President Brady Ballard.” 

Congrats, guys.  One of these days I'll have to venture out to Vero Beach and check out the old place.  It's been years since I've visited and I sorely miss the place.

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Photos from the Historic Dodgertown Ceremony and Dodger Adult Baseball Camp

Last week I mentioned that Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida would be designated an Florida Heritage Landmark and that a ceremony dedicating a marker would happen today.  Thankfully, the good folks at Historic Dodgertown passed along some photos from today's big event. (Photo credit: Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, Fla.)

In the above photo you see Vero Beach community leader Bud Holman (on left), Tommy Lasorda and Peter O’Malley at Florida Heritage Landmark ceremony.  Below, Steve Garvey and Sandy Koufax watch Maury Wills offering some instruction at Dodgers Adult Baseball Camp at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla.

As you may know, today was Day 1 of the Dodgers Adult Baseball Cam, and a whole bunch of Dodgers were in attendance to help out the players.

Here are even more photos from today's ceremony, via the @Dodgers on twitter:

Camp is underway at Historic Dodgertown, which today was designated as a "Heritage Landmark." http://t.co/6rXAMBEq30 pic.twitter.com/UIeXehjyaH
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 10, 2014

And here are some pics of some of the former Dodgers providing an helping hand at the Baseball camp.  Steve Garvey tweeted the below photo; featuring Chan Ho Park:

@ Pinetar5...Our great Kirean friends...Park, Lee and Kim at @historicdodgertown #mlb @dodgers pic.twitter.com/jMpnhkbwS9
— Steve Garvey (@SteveGarvey6) November 10, 2014

Here's Wills and Garvey with some campers:

The fabulous @DodgersAdultCamp starts tomorrow @HistoricDodgertown..Maury Wills and the Great Guy Wellman! pic.twitter.com/QujjjlxkFW
— Steve Garvey (@SteveGarvey6) November 10, 2014

And Steve Garvey having fun in the rain at Historic Dodgertown:

Back @HistoficDodgertown for first #AdultCamp in 5 years..A little drizzly☔️☔️☔️ pic.twitter.com/fsv93uznod
— Steve Garvey (@SteveGarvey6) November 10, 2014

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Blog Kiosk: 6/18/2014 - Dodger Links - Dodgers Sign 1st Round Pick, Carl Crawford's Setback and Taylor Swift

A bunch of LA Kings players came out to Dodger Stadium yesterday with the Cup in tow, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Jon Rosen at LA Kings Insider shares a bunch of pics and videos on the Kings night at Dodger Stadium, and so does Jon SooHoo here.

• Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Carl Crawford returns to Los Angeles for MRI on sprained left ankle."

“I’m not quite sure where the setback came,” Mattingly said. “He was running pretty well a couple weeks ago.”

• You must check out the Historic Dodgertown Website.  They just put up an exclusive never-before-seen vintage video that features the 1951 Dodgers working out during Spring Training in Vero Beach that is in color.  Check it out here. 

“We are pleased to share this rare footage in tribute to longtime New York sportswriter Gus Steiger, who had this original film and passed it along to his son, Joel,” said Peter O’Malley, Historic Dodgertown chairman. “I knew Gus and he had the respect of everyone in the Dodger organization.”

Joel Steiger, featured in the film as a boy exploring Dodgertown, said, “The original film is edited to four and a half minutes. Our family is happy that it is available for Dodger fans everywhere. I was fortunate to travel to Dodgertown as a boy on several occasions and visit this historic place. I have many great memories of it and the people there.”

• Ah... What?  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "MLB teams join in Twitter sing-along of Taylor Swift song."  The Dodger twitter feed was a major participant - surely making Clayton Kershaw proud.  He recently professed his love of her music, via a story by Jimmy Traina at FoxSports.  A quote from Kershaw is below:

"By the way, if you don't like Taylor Swift, you're just lying to yourself. If you're a dude and you think you're too cool to like her, just get over yourself, really."

• A fan (Jeevers0192) at the Dodger Reddit shared a bunch of photos from a bicycle tour of Brooklyn - going to important Dodger landmarks along the way.  Check out the photos here on imgur.
• Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com informs us that Dodger 3rd baseman Jamie Romak and Kings centerman Jeff Carter grew up playing Baseball and hockey together in London, Ontario.  Then, JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers tells us that Jamie's grandfather was a professional hockey player.
• Via Andy Fixmer at Mashable, the Dodgers radio broadcast has increased 48% due to the TV lockout.
• The Dodgers have signed their 2014 1st Round Draft Pick Grant Holmes.  Via Jon Heyman on twitter, he will receive more than $2.4Mil.

It's official, I am a Dodger Mom! @GHolmes_14 @Dodgers #blessed pic.twitter.com/ZGcvxB3c4W
— ⚾Cherlyn Holmes (@Cherlyn4414) June 18, 2014

• Yasiel Puig recently shared a photo on instagram of himself with his beautiful baby boy.

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WooHoo! Hideo Nomo has been Elected to the Japan Baseball Hall of Fame

Hideo Nomo is one of my favorite Dodgers, and the recognition he has just received from Japan just warms me up inside.  As you may know, Nomo was on the American Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first time this past go-around, and he received 6 votes.  Although it was clear he wasn't going to make it to Cooperstown, it was nice that some writers chose to cast a vote for him.  As one reporter said, "he was a trailblazer".

Now, we learn that the Hall of Fame in Japan has elected him as a first ballot inductee.  Congrats, Nomo!

He is one of only three players to be elected in the first year eligibility.  Victor Starffin and Sadaharo Oh are the other two players.

Peter O'Malley had this to say today:

“Congratulations, Hideo, I am very happy for you. You deserve this extraordinary recognition by the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ever since we first met in 1995, I have admired your professionalism and courage facing baseball’s finest hitters. Everyone in the Dodger organization respected you. You are a pioneer and have opened the door for others to follow you in Major League Baseball, well done.”

From a press release:

Nomo won 123 games in 12 major league seasons, plus 78 games for Kintetsu in Japan. He pitched for the Dodgers from 1995-1998 and 2002-2004. Nomo’s popularity was historic, as his homeland watched every start on giant screen televisions placed on buildings and on street corners in 13 major cities. No matter when the game started, it was televised live in Japan. Nomo did not disappoint and fan support grew. Dodger Stadium was packed for his starts and he filled National League stadiums when he pitched, creating a phenomenon known as “Nomomania,” as Americans of Japanese descent attended, while tourists from Japan also flocked to watch him.

He was selected as the starting pitcher for the 1995 All-Star Game in Texas and struck out three in two scoreless innings. After going 13-6 with a 2.54 ERA in 28 starts, Nomo was named 1995 N.L. Rookie of the Year, the fourth consecutive Dodger in a string of five to earn that distinction. He became a role model for school-aged children and the biggest hero imaginable.

Nomo is one of only five pitchers to have thrown a no-hitter in both the American and National Leagues (for the Dodgers at Colorado and for the Red Sox at Baltimore).

When Dodgertown was about to be shuttered for a second time, O’Malley asked Nomo to join him in his efforts to help save this historic Spring Training camp.

Today, Nomo is leading an industrial league team in the Osaka region of Japan, called “Nomo Baseball Club,” which gives non-drafted players (semi-professional) an opportunity to compete.

The above photo features Hideo Nomo and Peter O’Malley at the press conference that introduced Nomo at the New Otani Hotel, Los Angeles on February 13, 1995.  Photo credit: Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

UPDATE:  Here are some quotes from the Dodgers about Nomo's election.

From Tommy Lasorda:

“I am so happy and proud to learn of Hideo Nomo’s election to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, he is truly a Hall of Famer,” said Tommy Lasorda, who managed Nomo during his first two MLB seasons in 1995-96. “When he came to the Dodgers in 1995, I remember taking him under my wing like a son and helping him with the transition. He was quite a pitcher and competitor, but he is also a very special and caring person. The Dodger fans loved him and it became the start of ‘Nomomania’ in Los Angeles and Japan. Hideo, on behalf of the Dodger organization, congratulations on this prestigious honor. We wish you and your wonderful family many happy and healthy years.”

From Stan Kasten:

“The Los Angeles Dodgers congratulate Hideo Nomo on his election to the Japanese Hall of Fame,” said Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten. “‘Nomomania’ was a very special time for Dodger fans in the United States and internationally. He had a great career both in Japan and the United States and that’s quite evident by the overwhelming voter support Hideo received in gaining entrance on the first ballot.”

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Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida is Back

The Guggenheim folks continue to build Dodger fan goodwill by being the exact opposite of Frank McCourt.

Word came down yesterday that the former Spring Training home of the Dodgers in Vero Beach, Florida will make an important change.  Once dubbed Vero Beach Sports Village, it will now pay homage to it's important past by being renamed to “Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, Florida.”

Check out this great photo of former Dodger owner Peter O'Malley with the new signage below.

This is great news.  I had several opportunities to visit this complex when the Dodgers had Spring Training there several years ago, and I enjoyed every single minute of it.  The facility was a quaint homespun kind of place that made me feel like I was at a little league ballpark- except with a bunch of seats.  It was homey and personal, and you couldn't help falling in love with it. 

Now, after several years of having McCourt refuse to allow them to acknowledge their Dodger past, the new owners, along with MLB's help, worked to make sure it maintains its important lineage.

Per a press release:

O’Malley has signed a licensing agreement enabling his partnership to utilize the new name in cooperation with the Dodgers and Major League Baseball. O’Malley also unveiled a new Historic Dodgertown – Vero Beach, Florida logo.

 

“We appreciate the extraordinary cooperation of Dodger President Stan Kasten and the Dodger organization in recognizing the significance of this unique site,” said O’Malley, the Dodger president from 1970-1998. “We also are grateful to Major League Baseball for working with us, perpetuating the history and tradition of Historic Dodgertown and what it has meant to the game for decades.”

Something I had forgotten about:

In January 2012, O’Malley saved Dodgertown and formed a partnership including his sister Terry O’Malley Seidler, former co-owner of the Dodgers, former Dodger star pitchers Chan Ho Park and Hideo Nomo and MiLB to manage the property.

Park and Nomo's ties to the franchise appear to be as strong as ever.

Go ahead and check out Dodgertown's new website here.

And here are some great quotes from some Dodger legends about the Dodgers former Spring Training home.

Dodgers’ Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully:
“No other place in the world holds as many memories for me as Dodgertown.”

Dodgers’ Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda:
“I remember the last time I walked off the field at Dodgertown, knowing that I would probably never return. I thought of the 60 years of going there for spring training. It’s the greatest spring training complex in the United States. I’ll never love anything the way I loved going to Dodgertown.”

Dodgers’ Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax:
“Spring training at Dodgertown was something very special to me because of its rich history and the people who experienced Dodgertown.  It was a wonderful time.  We were isolated there and players spent a lot of time together and we grew very close. When I got there, I had the opportunity to meet and play with so many great players—Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe, Carl Furillo and on and on.  These were all the folks I rooted for in Brooklyn.  I have so many great memories.  Dodgertown is truly a historic place.”

Two-time National League batting champion Tommy Davis:
“When I think of Dodgertown, the first thing that comes to mind is the nine fields and that we had to run to every one of them. And I loved the great food. Seriously, I’ll always treasure the opportunity I had to get to know guys from different parts of the country and to develop a great camaraderie with them. I was young when I was there and I had to learn about a lot of things, so the opportunity to absorb all that information was something I loved.”

Dodgers’ All-Star pitcher and ESPN broadcaster Orel Hershiser:
“My time at Dodgertown was priceless. Doing what you love in a place where everything is first class. Thanks to the O’Malley family!!!”

Dodgers pitching great Fernando Valenzuela:
“I get very emotional when I think about Dodgertown and my first spring training. It was great for a rookie who just wanted to play baseball. It has everything you could possibly want to get ready for the season. You can eat, sleep and train there and never have to go anywhere else. It brings back a lot of good memories for me.”

Former Dodgers All-Star shortstop Maury Wills:
“I first went to Dodgertown shortly after I turned 18. I had grown up in the projects in Washington, D.C. and didn’t know anything about the world and had no clue about life. My growth as a man started at Dodgertown. I got to live my passion for baseball and it all started when I got to go to Dodgertown.”

Dodgers’ two-time All-Star Game MVP Steve Garvey:
"With Dodgertown, the O'Malley family created the ultimate environment from which to cultivate, develop, and nurture their ideal of what a professional baseball franchise should be."

Former Dodgers All-Star second baseman, major league manager and now Dodgers’ coach Davey Lopes:
“Dodgertown was ahead of its time as a baseball training complex. Dodgertown was Vero Beach. It was like a town. It had everything. You never had to leave the grounds.”

Former Dodgers All-Star shortstop, coach and manager Bill Russell:
“I always looked forward to going to Dodgertown for spring training.  It was a wonderful atmosphere and put you in a great frame of mind to start a new baseball season and give you the confidence you needed to try to win a championship.”

Former Dodgers All-Star third baseman and 1981World Series tri-MVP Ron Cey:
“Dodgertown was the ideal spring training facility for us. It gave us a great comfort level with everything that was going on. Everything you needed to succeed at baseball was at your fingertips and you didn’t have to worry about anything else, other than preparing for the season and hopefully winning a championship.”

Former Dodgers outfielder and now team broadcaster Rick Monday:
“I had images of Dodgertown from listening to and watching games being broadcast from there when I was a kid growing up in Santa Monica. When I was traded to the Dodgers, I got a chance to visit this magical place. Dodgertown was the Disneyland of baseball. With its fields, living quarters, dining room, lounge and hallways filled with the history of the Dodgers, it had great facilities to get you ready for the championship season. I fell so in love with it, I now make my home in Vero Beach.” 

All-time Dodgers’ pinch-hitting great Manny Mota:
“Dodgertown is a very, very special place. Just hearing the word `Dodgertown’ brings back a lot of great memories. I cherish the time I got to spend there with Walter O’Malley and the entire O’Malley family. I have great respect and admiration for the O’Malley family. A few years ago I asked my wife where she wanted to go on vacation and she said `Dodgertown.”

Member of Dodgers’ 1988 World Championship team Mickey Hatcher:
“Having the opportunity to train at Dodgertown matured me as a player and as an individual. It taught me a lot about what baseball is really about. Being around Peter O’Malley and his family brought a great closeness, and getting to meet the players I played with and those from the past and sharing stories with them was an unbelievable experience.”

Former Dodger first baseman and now FOX broadcaster Eric Karros:
“I grew up in a household where my dad was a huge Brooklyn Dodgers fan as a kid and I heard about Dodgertown and had seen pictures of it, but as a player that’s where you really understood the history of the Dodgers. You realized you were a part of more than just the ballclub you were playing on at that particular time.  As a player at Dodgertown, the thing I remember most is the interaction with the fans and the accessibility the fans had, unlike any other spring training site. It made for a very intimate environment. It was very peaceful, very calming. It was baseball in its purest sense.”

Retired MLB umpire Bruce Froemming:
“To start the spring at Dodgertown was a huge perk for me before those long seasons. Everyone there treated me like a part of the family. It was the best and I’ll never forget those years.”

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Baseball in Dublin, Ireland: The Peter O’Malley International Invitational

Check out the above stone commemorating the opening of the O’Malley Little League and Dodger Baseball Fields in Corkagh Park, West Dublin, Ireland (pic via walteromalley.com).  It was dedicated in 1998 and is written in both English and Irish Gaelic.    

This field will play host to the first annual Peter O’Malley International Invitational this coming weekend, July 12-14.  (Check out a facebook events page here)  Four teams will participate: the Irish National Baseball Team, Rota Blue Devils, representing the United States Navy, British Baseball League entrant Liverpool Trojans and Los Barbaros, a team comprised of international players who have traveled from throughout the world to compete.

“It is an honor and privilege to return to Ireland for this special baseball tournament and I salute the organizers for putting it together,” said O’Malley, who will be throwing the ceremonial first ball. “Baseball in Ireland continues to grow and succeed with about 250 youth players across the island. The success of the Irish National team has generated interest in the game and it is gratifying that there are more fields being developed.” 

I have no idea what the level of play will be, but I do believe that the US Navy team will kick some butt.  USA!

(pic via the Rota Blue Devil facebook page)

The US Navy team call themselves the Rota Blue Devils.  They comprise of men stationed at Naval Station Rota, Spain.  The Blue Devils consists of active duty enlisted, officers, and dependents alike, and have been in existence since 2011.  Check out their facebook page here.  I also ran into a youtube video from AFN about the team that you can watch here.

BTW, O'Malley has privately built ballfields in several other countries.  In 1986 he built "Dodger Baseball Field" in Tianjin, China and "Dodger Little League Friendship Field" in Managua, Nicaragua in 1992.  He was also responsible for the building the Dodgers Baseball academy, "Campo Las Palmas," in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  So, he's always had a personal desire to spread the game throughout the world.

Below is a photo from the 1998 dedication ceremony of Corkagh Park in Ireland.  U.S. Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith threw out the first pitch. From L-R: Aldo Notari, President of International Baseball Federation; Dr. Creighton Hale, President, Little League Baseball; Ed Piszek, Little League Foundation Trustee; Ambassador Smith; Rod Dedeaux, legendary head baseball coach at USC; and Peter O’Malley.

At the time of dedication, O’Malley said, “In the past, children have been playing baseball on corners of rugby and soccer fields in Ireland, frequently being asked to relocate during the game. Now the children and families of Dublin have their own field of dreams to enjoy the game of baseball uninterrupted.”

Photos above courtesy of walteromalley.com

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O'Malley Exhibit at Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Tokyo

If only I could get across the Pacific with ease, I would be here in a New York minute.

This coming Saturday, June 29th at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Tokyo former Dodger owner Peter O'Malley will, along with Nippon Professional Baseball Commissioner Ryozo Kato, have an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to open up a new exhibit featuring numerous memorabilia items from the O'Malley family.

Fourteen artifacts from the Peter O’Malley collection will be featured in a special exhibition called: “Baseball in Japan and the O’Malley Family: A Lasting Friendship”.

(pic via Walter O'Malley.com)

As for the items that will be on display, one of them is the above featured porcelain hand-painted Noritake plate with Mt. Fuji in the background. It had been signed during the Dodgers’ 1956 Goodwill Tour to Japan and includes 40 autographs.

“We are honored and delighted that the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Japan asked us for significant items to display in a unique exhibit about our family’s long-time friendship in Japan,” said Peter O’Malley. “We have enjoyed making many friends through baseball in Japan since our first goodwill trip in 1956. All of our memories are special.”

Other memorabilia items include a collection of eight autographed baseballs representing each of the participating countries from the 1984 Olympic Games exhibition tournament at Dodger Stadium, Hideo Nomo memorabilia, 1988 Dodger World Championship ring, and a jersey worn by Akihiro “Ike” Ikuhara (an assistant to Dodger President O’Malley who was hired in 1965).

The O’Malley family arranged for three Dodger friendship tours to Japan: 1956, 1966 and 1993. During the 1966 trip, Walter O’Malley was presented at the Prime Minister’s office with the Order of the Sacred Treasure Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, a high honor for a non-Japanese, in recognition of fostering United States-Japan friendship through professional baseball. The medal, conferred by Emperor Hirohito, will be part of the exhibit. In addition, three different Happi coats presented to the Dodger traveling party during the 1966 Goodwill Tour will be displayed.  On one colorful coat, the Japanese wording reads, “Welcome, World Peace, Dodgers”.

You can get more information at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Tokyo, Japan website, here.  Walter O'Malley.com also has information about this exhibit, here.

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