Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night was the fifth annual Kershaw's Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event at Dodger Stadium and by all accounts it was a blast. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“You’re not only coming here supporting a teammate for a good cause, but you’re coming to have fun and meet a lot of cool people,” said Kiké Hernández. “It’s a pretty special event.”

As part of the evening, the Kershaw's presented the Kershaw’s Challenge Impact Award to Magic Johns for his work with the Magic Johnson Foundation. The pic above features that presentation, via Magic Johnson on twitter. BTW, the winners of the ping pong tournament were a couple of fellows named Mike Singer and Michael Weisberg. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 Montreal Expos hurler Dennis Martinez throws a perfect game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. This is the first no-hitter by an opposing pitcher in Dodger Stadium's history. 
• Happy Birthday, Freddie Fitzsimmons!

Blog Kiosk: 3/31/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

Early in spring Clayton Kershaw and family hosted ballplayers from several other teams in Arizona to Spring Training PingPong4Purpose charity event, and was kind enough to share some pics at the Kershaw's Challenge website (link here).

A little over 150 people attended the event, making donations at the door to KC. 50% of the proceeds were to be donated to Kershaw’s Challenge (handicap building project) and the other 50% would be donated to the winner’s choice charity. We were blown away with what the event raised. Just over $14,000 was donated the night-of! Incredible. Clayton and his partner Scott ended up pulling out the big win in the end…as well as Dodger bragging rights until next year’s event.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1948 the Dodgers played their very first exhibition game at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. They played against their top farm team, the Montreal Royals, and defeated them 5-4.  Jackie Robinson hit a first inning home run.  Per HistoricDodgertown.com:

Florida Governor Millard Caldwell threw the ceremonial first pitch at so-called “Ebbets Field No. 2.” A sign reading “You Are Now Entering Dodgertown” welcomed a strong showing of some 6,000 fans, paying $1.25 in the grandstands and bolstered the idea of more games being played on base in the future. Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler, who had suspended Manager Durocher one year earlier, shook hands with “The Lip” and wished him good luck. Vero Mayor Merrill P. Barber looked on and a contingent of the Brooklyn National Guard, who had traveled to Florida to watch the Dodgers, was introduced and went home with a “load of oranges presented to them by the Vero Beach Jaycees.”

• Happy Birthday, Bill Hallman, Gene Snyder & Balvino Galvez!
  

Blog Kiosk: 8/15/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Ethier, Magic and Kershaw

Check out who made it to the LA Coliseum for the Rams first preseason game in Los Angeles since coming back to California, via a pic tweeted by the NFL.  Clayton Kershaw, following an afternoon win at Dodger Stadium over the Pirates, 8-4, was spotted on the sidelines during the Rams victory over Dallas. 

I wonder who he was rooting for.  Being a Texas native it wouldn't be surprise to find out that he's a Cowboys fan.  On the other hand, he did send the LA Rams players, coaches and personnel 200 bottles of Johnnie Walker Blue Label scotch whisky as a welcome gift to the Southland.

BTW, this past Sunday was Magic Johnson's birthday, so the team presented him with his own cake on the field.  Photo directly above via Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game from Jill and Jon SooHoo.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1914 Jake Daubert set a NL record with four sacrifices in one game.  In 1926 Babe Herman famously tripled into a double play.  Per a description at Dodgers.com:

With one out and the bases loaded, Herman hit a line drive off the right field wall and Hank DeBerry, the runner on third, scored easily. Dazzy Vance, the runner on second, rounded third, but stopped 30 feet past the bag and started back. Chick Fewster, the runner on first, was coming full steam around second and soon found himself at third with Vance.

Herman, meanwhile, oblivious to what was transpiring at third base, tore around the bases until he also was at third base. Both Fewster and Herman were tagged out, ending the inning.

"Everybody," Herman said years later about the play, "overlooks the fact that the run I knocked in on that play was the winning run."

Blog Kiosk: 8/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ping Pong 4 Purpose

Last night Dodger Stadium hosted the 4th Annual "Ping Pong 4 Purpose" charity event in benefit of Kershaw's Challenge.  Dodger players, other celebrities and even fans came out for a good cause and for a friendly tournament of ping pong. 

As you can see, host Clayton Kershaw was seen sporting a fantastically ridiculous outfit for the event.  Unfortunately, you can't see the best part of his ensemble in the photo above.  As you can see in the photo on the right, Kershaw wore the most awesome set of socks... er, leg warmers?

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  You can also go to Kershaw's Challenge on twitter (@KershsChallenge) to check out more pics from last night.  Go here to make a donation to Kershaw's Challenge.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1982 Steve Sax tied the Dodgers rookie record for stolen bases in a season at 40.  He would finish the season with 49 stolen bases.  In 1984 both Don Drysdale and Pee Wee Reese are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.  In 1996 Ramon Martinez regestered his 100th career victory.  He defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 6-5.
• Happy Birthday, Julio Urias!  He is now 20 years old.
  

And Your 2016 Dodgers Spring Training Ping Pong Champions Are...

Back in late February, as players were settling in for the start of spring training, the Dodgers began their annual ping pong tournament.  With the help of Clayton Kershaw and Adrian Gonzalez they randomly picked out playing-pairs and quickly established an championship bracket.

(Photo of tournament bracket via Eric Stephen on twitter)

As you know, Clayton has ruled the roost the past several years, but as you can see in the bracket above, he was matched up with a less than able player -- Adrian Gonzalez.  So, his return to the top of the hill was unlikely, and someone new would be basking in the sun.  Those other potential championship pairs include Kenta Maeda with Yasiel Puig, Alex Wood and AJ Ellis, and Julio Urias and Howie Kendrick.  None of these pairs, though, made it to the final round.

Instead of just plainly announcing the finalist for this years tournament I thought I'd let Kiké Hernandez do it, via a series of tweets by Adrian Gonzalez.

First up, from the right bracket, is Brandon Beachy and Scott Van Slyke (tweet link here):

Ping pong Championship! @Brandon_Beachy & @ScottVanSlick #DodgersSt #PingPong pic.twitter.com/4i42njTXQs

— Adrian Gonzalez (@Adrian_ElTitan) March 10, 2016

And from the left bracket is Chris Anderson and Justin Turner (tweet link here):

Vs @SeeAyy & @redturn2 #DodgersST #PingPong pic.twitter.com/0fvMBikV7R

— Adrian Gonzalez (@Adrian_ElTitan) March 10, 2016

Unfortunately, gameplay of the entire match isn't available, but we do have a video of the winning point.  Check it out below, via another AGon tweet:

Your 2016 Ping Pong Champions!! @Brandon_Beachy & @ScottVanSlick #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/r0ejF1LsMh

— Adrian Gonzalez (@Adrian_ElTitan) March 10, 2016

Congrats! 

I wonder if they'll get a little trophy to commemorate the occasion.

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Photo of tournament bracket via Eric Stephen on twitter.

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Full-Squad Workout #4

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.

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

(Kershaw and AGon head ping pong tourney draw, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016)

THE FORCE AWAKENS: The Dodgers held their fourth full-squad workout of Spring Training today, getting in some team defense work (cutoffs and relays), to go along with live batting practice. Los Angeles, in its eighth season training in Arizona, kicks off Cactus League play this Thursday, March 3 against the White Sox.

• Pitchers who faced live hitters today were Scott Kazmir, Mike Bolsinger, Jharel Cotton, Jacob Rhame, Pedro Baez and Louis Coleman. 
• Alex Wood, Brandon Beachy, and Jamey Wright all threw regular bullpens.

SPOTLIGHT: During his morning media session, Dodger manager Dave Roberts named three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw the starting pitcher for the Cactus League opener as well as Opening Day 2016 in San Diego. The Opening Day nod will be Kershaw’s sixth consecutive Opening Day start, leaving him one shy of the Dodger franchise record (7), shared by Don Drysdale (1958-61, ’63, ’65, ‘69) and Don Sutton (1972-78). Fernando Valenzuela (1981, 1983-86, ’88) and William “Brickyard” Kennedy (1894-96, 1898-1900) are the only other members of the franchise to tally at least six Opening Day starts. 

• Kershaw has three Opening Day victories, trailing just Drysdale (5) and Sutton (4).

(McCarthy and Kershaw, pic via Jon SooHoo at @Dodgers on twitter)

THE BIG SHORT: Standing just 5’9, the shortest player in Dodger camp is speedy outfielder Rico Noel, who was signed by the club to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training on Dec. 23, 2015. Noel made his Major League debut for the Yankees last September, going 1-for-2 with five runs scored and five stolen bases in just 15 games. In six minor league seasons with the Padres (2010-15) and Yankees (2015), the Oklahoma native has hit .254 while stealing 283 bases in 344 attempts (82.3%). Noel has swiped 50 or more bases in a season three times: 2011 (62), 2012 (90) and 2013 (59). The 27-year-old was originally selected by the Padres in the fifth round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft out of Coastal Carolina University.

• The tallest player in Dodger camp is Brandon McCarthy, who stands 6’7. 

STRAIGHT OUTTA FULLERTON:  The Dodgers would like to welcome Special Advisor to the Chairman Tommy Lasorda, who arrived for his first day of camp at Camelback Ranch this morning. Lasorda, 88, is entering his 67th season in the Dodger organization. The longtime skipper compiled a record of 1,599-1,439 (.526) in 20 seasons, including two world championships, four National League pennants and eight division titles. 

(Roberts and Lasorda, pic via Jon SooHoo at @Dodgers on twitter)

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Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2015 - Dodger Links - Friedman, Pablo Fernandez and Kershaw's Ping Pong 4 Purpose

Clayton Kershaw's Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event last night appears to have been a smashing success.  The ballplayers came out to play, stars were there to lend their support and a bunch of money was raised for a good cause.  Featured in the pic above were probably the two biggest goofballs in attendance.  Via a pic tweeted by Kike Hernandez is Kike with his ping pong partner Ken Jeong.  You can check out more photos from AM570 here.  Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com:

"It's humbling for us to see the turnout, not to mention we get to raise money for two incredible causes. It's just so cool," Kershaw said. "It keeps getting bigger and bigger every year."

While Kershaw was paramount in organizing the event, he wasn't able to participate in the pingpong competition. Kershaw has a sore hip that caused him to miss his scheduled start on Wednesday.

"I probably could [play], but it's the smart thing to do, as much as I'd like to," Kershaw said. "I'll get to trash talk and watch."

BTW, the duo of Orel Hershiser and actor Josh Henderson won the tournament.  Check out the Kershaw's Challenge website here to learn more.  Below are some links to check out:

• Dusty Baker is now on twitter.  You can follow him here: @dbaker_12  
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Friedman discusses Dodgers' Deadline moves." 

"Money factors in, just like players do," Friedman said. "Everything is negotiated. There are times we've given up players, times we've taken on contracts. We have that ability to do that and/or supplement that with players, and that increases the likelihood of getting a deal done. Having that added flexibility increases your chances of [making a deal]."

• BTW, the Dodgers might not be done, so stay tuned.  Today is the trade deadline and things might get interesting.  Via a tweet from OC Register reporter Bill Plunkett:

Friedman: "We feel good about what we’ve done to date. But by no means are we kicking our feet up, sitting back and exhaling." #Dodgers

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 31, 2015

• Via Jeff Passan at Yahoo Sports, "With money and cutting-edge brilliance, Dodgers playing a game others can’t."

The Yankees sashayed into free-agent meetings like fat cats, paying big dollars for big names and big splashes. They were old money acting like new money. The Dodgers positioned themselves in diametric opposition, fundamentally against larding their roster with aging players, using their cash as judiciously as the filthy rich can, exploring every creative nook and cranny possible.

• Via David Lieberman at Deadline Hollywood, "Time Warner Cable Strikes Out In Securing More Distribution For Dodgers."

It “doesn’t look like we’ll get additional distribution for the Dodgers network this season,” Time Warner Cable CEO Rob Marcus told analysts this morning in a call to discuss Q2 earnings.

• Via Hugh Bernreuter at MLive.com, "Dodgers prospect Pablo Fernandez hopes trip from Cuba ends in L.A."

"He's got five, maybe six quality pitches and that translates better to starting than relieving," Loons pitching coach Glenn Dishman said. "He was a reliever in Cuba, but in the Majors here they like having a reliever or closer with one or two dominant pitches throwing 100."

• GCRL, a Dodger collector blog, is calling it quits.  You were one of my favorite daily destinations.
• With the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago in full swing I though I would share the below pic from twitter with you.  It's a display from SCP Auctions of some Don Drysdale items that will be for sale in their upcoming offering.  BTW, I have personally consigned items from my own collection with SCP, so I'll be sure to write about that soon.

Don Drysdale collection consigned to @SCPAuctions just unveiled  here at #NSCC15. pic.twitter.com/IghCO0OrwS

— Sports Collector (@SportsCollector) July 29, 2015

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Blog Kiosk: 7/15/2015 - Dodger Links - Pederson, Kershaw and Sandy Koufax

With exception of the National League losing the game, the entire All-Star Game was fantastic.  From pregame to end, it was fun to watch.  My favorite moment was when the "Franchise Four Greatest Living Legends" came onto the field, as evidenced in the photo above tweeted by @SportsCenter.  From L-R: Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays.

The next best moment was Sandy Koufax's first pitch to Johnny Bench.  Watch it below, via a tweet from @MLBGIFs.  As you would expect, he threw it right down the middle.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Kershaws’ Ping Pong 4 Purpose set for July 30."
• Jon also shares the Dodgers "Dodgers Franchise Four" here - Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Jackie Robinson and Duke Snider.
• A must read!  Via Pedro Moura at the OC Register, "Dodgers' Joc Pederson brings pivotal minor-league coach to Home Run Derby stage."

“Show me what you do that is similar,” (Johnny) Washington said he told Pederson. “And we couldn’t find too many similarities. So we combined the three hitters and tried to make him. And he took to it well.”

“I was frustrated, but it was honestly the best move that ever happened to me,” Pederson recalled Monday. “It made me become so much more open and see what I was doing wrong and why I only hit in batting practice and why it didn’t translate into games. I’m still learning a lot about hitting, but it was special.”

• Via Kevin Kaduk at Big League Stew, "Clayton Kershaw says he isn't a fan of the All-Star 'counting' after taking loss."

"It was fun until I started giving up runs," the Los Angeles Dodgers ace said. 

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Greinke has Eric Gagne-moment in 2015 All-Star Game."
• Via Israel Fehr at Big League Stew, "Here's our first look at 'Ferrell Takes The Field'"
• Via Adam Hughes at Sports Collectors Daily, "10 Underrated Baseball Rookie Cards of the 1980s."  Adam's list includes rookie cards for several former Dodger players.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/8/2015 - Dodger Links - Newcombe, Pierre and Tsao

Yasiel Puig is seen taking batting practice underneath the confines of Dodger Stadium before yesterday's game.  Considering the tough go he's had at it lately, he no doubt needed it.  My question, though, is who is the little tyke on the bottom left of the photo?  Ain't he in mortal danger of getting a ball fouled back towards him?  Tough guy, that kid is.

The above photo via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers.  Go here to check out more pics from him from yesterday's game.  Below are some links to check out:

• Get well!  Via an ESPN report, "Don Newcombe leaves Dodger Stadium for hospital after feeling ill."
• Awesome!  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Juan Pierre is the best of sports."

Juan Pierre, who memorably accompanied his retirement announcement with the amusing lament that while he had 18 career home runs, he wished he had 20, was lighthearted Monday responding to my tweet that he had been the only position player in Dodger history to start in the No. 9 slot in the batting order after the pitcher.

• The 3rd Annual Kershaw's Challenge Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event is coming up on July 30th.  Go here for information.
• Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "Crawford aims to return after All-Star break."

"I think [trainer] Stan [Conte] has a plan mapped out for him to be playing through the break so they have the same time off that we do," Mattingly said. "Then we can see where he's at."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers to call up Chin-hui Tsao, per report."

"He gives me a lot of options to play with, whether it's backdoor breaking balls, cutters inside, fastballs up," said catcher Yasmani Grandal in March. "He can bring it too. I didn't know he could bring it that hard."

• Panini shares some preview picks from their 2015 Immaculate Baseball set; including the Kershaw card on the right.  Go here to see more.
• Nick Diunte at the Examiner.com tells us about a former Dodger who had recently passed away: "Buddy Hicks, former Detroit Tigers infielder, passes away at 87."
• Topps newest online exclusive creation is called "Fire" and it's an art print measuring 10"x14" and numbered for only #/49 copies.  Clayton Kershaw and Yasil Puig prints are available.  See them below.  Go here to check them out.  A rare "1 of 1" sepia version were also available, but have already been sold.

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Blog Kiosk: 3/19/2015 - Dodger Links - McCarthy, Pederson and the Dodger Ping Pong Champions

Dodger hurler Brandon McCarthy had a terrible outing during his third stint this spring.  Pitching against the Cubs, he gave up six runs on eight hits in four innings.  Fortunately, McCarthy sees his poor start as a teaching moment.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com:

"I kind of like sometimes failing in spring because it gives you a better idea of what you need to do," McCarthy said. "It kind of takes off the bulletproof sheen that you get in the offseason of, ‘I'm going to win the Cy Young this year and everything's going to be where I want it,' and you realize right away it's still just as hard as you remember."

The photo above of McCarthy signing a Baseball via Gisselle Ruiz and shared on twitter.  Below are some more links to check out:

• This is a great read.  Via Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk, "How in the heck did my kids become Dodgers fans?"

But the real game-changer, particularly with my son, was Yasiel Puig. At some point in the past two years he heard me saying something about Puig. Maybe while doing a radio spot, maybe while just talking, but he knows that I talk about Puig differently than I talk about other players. He asked me why that was one time and I explained how Puig is different than a lot of other guys for many reasons.

• I think it's fair to say that Joc will be our starting center fielder.  Via Mike Bauman at MLB.com, "Pederson letting play make case for starting job."

"What I like with Joc now is he's staying in the middle of the field; earlier on, it was a little bit pull," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "His at-bats are good and he seems to be able to get himself a good pitch to hit. That's as key as anything."

• Scott Killeen at Sons of Steve Garvey shares even more photos of Tommy Lasorda at Camelback Ranch, here.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Guerrero's defense catching up with touted offense."
• Via Chris Cwik at Big League Stew, "Will Ferrell reflects on his wacky baseball experiment with David Letterman."  There's a video of his appearance to watch.
• Also, Brad Mangin (a photographer for Sports Illustrated) shares a bunch of his pics featuring Will Farrell during his spring training escapades on his blog.  Go here to check those out.  Mangin was there for the entire thing.
• Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager are the Dodgers 2015 Spring Training Ping Pong Champions!  Watch a bit of it below.  BTW, the giant head cutout of Justin Turner being hoisted around by Darwin Barney once belonged to former MLB FanCave participant Aaron Roberts.  Per his twitter, he traded it to Barney for a couple of balls.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 3/18/2015 - Dodger Links - Ryu, Seager and Paco Rodriguez

Hyun-Jin Ryu was on the mound for the Dodgers on St. Patrick's Day.  On 46 pitches he went three innings and allowed three runs (two of them earned) against the Rangers.  Afterwards, he threw another 19 pitches in the bullpen (65 on the day total) to round out his day.  Although not stellar, Ryu was comfortable on the mound and appears healthy after having back issues earlier in camp.  Via Eric Stephens at True Blue LA:

"I'm not having any issues with the back anymore," Ryu said after his outing. "This time was three innings. Hopefully next time I'll be able to go four."

The photo above is via @MLB on twitter.  Below are some more links to check out:

• Scott Kileen shares a bunch of photos of Tommy Lasorda at Camelback Ranch at Sons of Steve Garvey.  Check out the pics here.
• This is happening right now!  Via a tweet from JP Hoornstra:

The team of Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager is playing Justin Turner and Daniel Coulombe for the #Dodgers ping pong championship. Intense.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) March 18, 2015

• On the mend.  Via Ken Gunick at MLB.com, "Jansen, Beachy progressing in injury rehabs."

"I was able to land on the foot and there was no pain," said Jansen, who had kept his arm loose by throwing while stabilized with a knee on a chair. "I just have to take is slowly. It's still healing, but I didn't feel anything wrong."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Can Dodgers' Corey Seager remain a shortstop?"

“From the day that he signed, the first thing I ever read about him was that he was going to be too big for short,” Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. “Everything I ever read about him, someone always mentions that he’ll probably have to move to third. I’m wondering where that comes from. I’m like, ‘Is anybody watching this kid play short?’ Because I’m watching him play short and I’m thinking, ‘It looks like he can play short to me,’ but what do I know.”

• Via Kevin Baxter at the LA Times, "Playoff snubs ate at Dodgers' Paco Rodriguez, so now he eats better."

"I was very upset," said Rodriguez, who was also left off the Dodgers' 2013 National League Championship Series roster. "That really took a toll on me this off-season. And I thought a lot about it. That motivated me and gave me the extra drive to get healthy and get back to where I once was."

• Via Jared Massey at Dodger Nation, he gives us an rundown on minor league camp for the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch.
• Fantastic!  John Thorn at Our Game follows up with Part 3 of his series on "Black Ball" that covers the Negro Leagues from the 1930's to WWII.  Check it out here.  He discusses Satchel Paige, barnstorming as a precursor to integrated Baseball and the lead-up to integrating MLB.
• Awesome!  This is as oddball as you can get.  Antiques Roadshow appraises 1910 Fat Men's Amusement Co Baseball jersey and memorabilia.  Watch the video here.  Although there isn't much known about this barnstorming team their postcards do come up often for sale and can sell for a healthy amount.  (Hat Tip: Paul Lukas at UniWatch on twitter)

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Dodger Escapades on Twitter - Ping Pong, Kike Hernandez and the McCarthy's

Twitter has become the avenue of choice for ballplayers who want to communicate directly with fans.  For the most part, we find out about special events a player wants to highlight, but sometimes we get more that that.  Sometimes, we get an inside glimpse at what makes them tick.

For Dodger followers, there are a handful of frequent users who ably navigate the twitter wilderness to show us their personality, and this post highlights some recent exchanges I thought worth noting. 

As you know, it has become a spring tradition at Camelback Ranch to host a ping pong tournament, and according to Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider that tradition continues in earnest. 

(Ping Pong bracket, photo via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider)

Yesterday saw the first games played on the table, and I am sad to report that the first doubles pair to walk away disappointed was the pairing of catcher Chris O'Brien and pitching prospect Zach Lee.  They lost out to Scott Van Slyke and pitching prospect Ryan Buchter, and let's just say that Van Slyke was more than happy to gloat on twitter.  Check out the exchange below.

(twitter capture)

It's funny that O'Brien basically blames his ping pong teammate Zach Lee for the loss.

In other news, Kike Hernandez has proven to be a fun Dodger to follow on twitter.  This morning he shared a pic of himself within a strange looking contraption.  As one of the newest Dodgers, who may see some time on the diamond in Los Angeles this season, he spent a moment with @MLBTheShow to photograph his face.

Getting my head scanned so that virtual Kike looks exactly like the real Kike on @MLBTheShow!! pic.twitter.com/xvyD5k5wAD
— Enrique Hernandez (@kikehndez) March 3, 2015

Brandon McCarthy has proven to be a great addition for Dodger followers.  Not just because he has some nice tools that could help the Dodgers in their quest to a championship, but because when paired with his equally loquacious wife has become a must follow on twitter.

In an exchange this morning we see true love in action.

@BMcCarthy32 son of a bitch
— Amanda McCarthy (@Mrs_McCarthy32) March 3, 2015

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Are You Ready for some Ping Pong? - Kershaw's Challenge "Ping Pong 4 Purpose" Charity Event

It's no secret that Clayton Kershaw is a shark on the mound, but did you know that he also rules the ping pong table?

In fact, he likes to say that he dominates the game.  Don't believe me?  Then check out this video on Yahoo Sports where he shows Graham Bensinger what he can do, here.

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers 2013)

Unfortunately, he kinda played it easy on Bensinger, so we hardly got a display of his skills.  Nevertheless, it's obvious he has a passion for the game, and it's only natural that he would parlay his love of ping pong into a worthwhile cause.

Next Thursday, September 4th from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM will be the second annual "Ping Pong 4 Purpose" fundraising tournament at Dodger Stadium.  You can hobnob with a bunch of Dodgers and some celebrity guest.  Go here for some details, or here to get involved.  Tickets are not cheap, at $1,250.00 per person, but keep in mind that event proceeds will benefit the efforts of Kershaw's Challenge in Los Angeles and Zambia to transform at-risk communities and the lives of children. 

Last years tournament raised over $300,000 for Kershaw's Challenge, and from the looks of it everybody had a great time.  Check out a bunch of pics taken at the inaugural event last year by Jon SooHoo here.  Below are a couple of my favorite photos.

And check out who is ready for the upcoming ping pong tournament.  Vin Scully just got his specially made paddle, and I suspect he'll be ready to compete for the crown.  Again, go here to sign up.

(pic link: @Dodgers on twitter)

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Blog Kiosk: 2/19/2014 - Dodgers Links - Keeping Hanley Focused, Puig's International Impact and Dodger Ping Pong

Eric Karros and Mark McGwire are featured in the photo above, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Here's a 360º tour of the Dodgers Weight Room at Camelback Ranch, via the @Dodgers on twitter.
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA has some updated construction photos from Dodger Stadium.
• Miguel Rojas, a slick-fielding infielder vying for a job, just beat Kershaw, via a tweet from @markasaxon.

Apparently, Miguel Rojas does have great hands. He just beat reigning champ Clayton Kershaw in ping pong
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) February 18, 2014

• BTW, the Dodgers annual ping pong doubles tournament has just begun, via Josh Tucker at Dodger Insider.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Seth Rosin hopes to deliver on promise".  Rosin was a Rule 5 Draft pick, so the Dodgers have to place him on the roster to keep him.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Mattingly ensuring Hanley is not distracted".

"It's a conversation I wanted to have. I didn't want it hanging out there," said Mattingly. "I've been a player, I know. He knows what I think about him as a player."

• Mark Langill at Dodger Insider writes a piece titled, "Remembering Walter Alston".
• 2014 Topps Tribute officially comes out today.  Below are some preview pics, via Topps facebook page.  Do you see that '1 of 1' Puig batknob?  It's gorgeous.

• Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, "Puig's impact goes beyond the field for Dodgers".

"New ownership came in and asked what were some of the things we needed to do immediately, and we said, 'We need to get engaged in Latin America like today,' and they said, 'Let's go,"' Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. "Puig became available and we made a push to sign him, but also to serve notice to other players in Latin America that we are back and we are real and we'll spend money for talent."

• Via Ben Badler at Baseball America, he shares a video from a Cuban League Baseball game, and it features a brawl on the field you will not believe.
• This isn't great news.  The Bob Feller Museum in Iowa is in financial trouble, via Tommy Birch at the Des Moines Register.

Feller “was the engine that powered that museum,” DiBiasio said. “With his passing, the business model is just not working.”

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Sunday Dodgers Videos: Marty Adler on Brooklyn Dodgers Nostalgia & Memorabilia, Andre Ethier and Kershaw's Ping Pong Challenge

Here are this Sunday's Dodgers videos.

An early episode of That's Brooklyn pays tribute to the Brooklyn Dodgers. Our guest was the President of the Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Fame, Marty Adler. Sadly he passed away just recently.

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Gary George interviews Andre Ethier in the clubhouse a couple of days ago.

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Clayton and Ellen Kershaw played host to a charity ping pong event held at Dodger Stadium

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Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly talks to Mike Dunsmore of NBC Sports Radio during Clayton Kershaw's Ping Pong Challenge at Dodger Stadium on August 30, 2011.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2013 - Dodgers Links - Hershiser's Streak, Chass Speaks with Scully and Kershaw's Ping Pong Event

Chris Olds at Beckett recently shared some preview picks from 2014 Topps Museum Collection; including the above Yasiel Puig jersey nameplate box-topper.  Check out his post for more preview pics.

• Murray Chass shares his recent discussion with Vin Scully in his latest piece entitled, "TALE OF THE ANCIENT BASEBALL DUO".

“It’s not just the game but I love the roar of the crowd,” Scully said. “I enjoy going to the ball park and seeing and hearing the people. I say hello to the women who run the elevator and the guards outside the press box. I respect and admire the new management. It’s difficult walking away from it.”

• "25th anniversary: Hershiser’s streak begins," via Chris Jaffe at Hardball Times. 
• "Kemp gets five at-bats as DH in first rehab game," via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.
• "Honeycutt's wisdom reverberates through organization," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

"That proved to me, hands down, Honey is the most valuable member of the organization," said Ellis. "I didn't realize, until I had his full plate of preparation, all the work he had. I hear pitchers say Rick Honeycutt is the best pitching coach they've ever worked with. That makes me feel I'm working with the best. There's nobody else I'd want to learn from."

• "Dodgers scout: Yasiel Puig benching was right, should send message," via  JP Hoornstra of the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.

“I was surprised that he acted like that,” Brito said of Puig. “I think the manager did a good thing to take him out. I think he did the right thing, because you’re supposed to play harder. That’s what you get paid for.”

• Here are a bunch of pics from Clayton Kershaw's Ping Pong 4 Purpose event last night.  From the Dodgers tumblr.  From Sons of Steve Garvey.  Action photos from Sons of Steve Garvey Part 1.  And more action photos from Sons of Steve Garvey Part 2.  Jon SooHoo has a bunch of pics, as well.
• BTW, if you haven't already seen it, here was a little promo video KErshaw and Eric Stonestreet put together for Funny or Die.  Link here.

Ping Pong 101 with Clayton Kershaw & Eric Stonestreet from Clayton Kershaw     

• "Coming to praise the season of Dodgers' outfielder Andre Ethier," via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.
• Watch Stacy Marlow's youtube video where she opens up her Topps redemption package to show us her Babe Ruth autographed relic card.  She is literally shaking from excitement.  Congrats!  (Hat Tip: Becket.com)

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Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2013 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw's Ping Pong Charity Event, Uribe, Ethier, Wilson and Puig

See... Not only is Puig not late, he's way early.  Check out proof with the above pic provided by the @Dodgers on twitter.

• Check out a bunch of photos from yesterday's game from Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo here.
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Juan Uribe is putting it all together, at last".

“Juan’s been good,” Mattingly said. “It seems like he’s not fouling nearly as many balls back and sometimes that is the byproduct of cutting down your swing just a little bit.” 

• Listen to David Vassegh's interview with Brian Wilson on "Dodgers on Deck", here.

He opened up about the public fixation with his beard, the hurdles he faced in his rehab to be able to have the opportunity to pitch again in Major League Baseball.

• "LA Dodgers Pitcher Brian Wilson Offered 7 Figures To Shave Off His Trademark Beard, via Amber Ryland at Radar Online.
• I guess we should all refer to Andre Ethier as "The Joke".  Watch this postgame video of Don Mattingly via Tony Jackson at Dodger Scribe to find out why. Go to the 3:35 mark.
• "Andre Ethier goes from fall guy to spark plug," via Ramona Shelburne at ESPN.

“But I took a step back and realized what this team is capable of doing and where we were headed at the time,” he said. “It was time to get on board and figure out where to fit in.” 

• Here is a friendly reminder.  If you are interested in attending Clayton Kershaw's ping pong charity even on August 29th then go here for details.  This is meant to be a big fundraiser, so please don't get irked at the prices.  Individual spectator tickets are $1,000.00.

• Via Jason Gay at the Wall Street Journal, "Can We Please Just Let Puig Be Puig?"
• "Brooklyn Dodger Documentary ‘Branca’s Pitch’ Gets Distribution," via Dave McNary at Variety.  Hat Tip: Jon Weisman on twitter.
• Coolest story ever!  "Mike Tyson plays ‘Mike Tyson’s Punch Out!!’ for the first time," via Ben Silverman at Plugged In.

To be fair, Tyson clearly has no idea how to play (“My guy’s not moving!”), which explains why he struggled mightily to topple the game’s first opponent, the aptly-named Glass Joe. You’re not supposed to struggle against Glass Joe. His name is GLASS JOE.

• Tommy still has game.  Via twitter.

These guys may be in Double A but they play table tennis like a bunch of rookie leaguers. I still got it. pic.twitter.com/PsibuJBCRq
— Tommy Lasorda (@TommyLasorda) August 21, 2013

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Check Out Clayton Kershaw's Ping Pong 4 Purpose Charity Event

During Clayton Kershaw's recent appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show he mentioned a charity event at Dodger Stadium that he would be hosting.  It would be a ping pong challenge to benefit Kershaw's Challenge.

Well, some information has just come out.  It be held on Thursday, August 29th from 6:00pm - 10:00pm at Dodger Stadium.  Go here for more information.

Don't miss out on your chance to compete in this exclusive event. Become a Team Sponsor and play ping pong with Clayton Kershaw, his Dodger teammates and other celebrities. Tickets and more information will be available soon.

Contact Stirling Fiss at stirling@excelsm.com for information on purchasing tickets, a table and other exclusive VIP experiences at Clayton Kershaw's fundraising Event.

Cost for the event is not provided.

As you probably know, Clayton is an avid ping pong player.  In fact, from my understanding he is the team champion.  Heck, he even had a chance to play agianst Neil Patrick Harris recently.

Tune into @JimmyKimmelLive soon to watch me in a pong pong duel with @ActuallyNPH. #PingPong4Purpose pic.twitter.com/gWnmZ1nTlV
— Clayton Kershaw (@ClaytonKersh22) July 30, 2013

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Blog Kiosk: 7/30/2013 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw Vs. Neil Patrick Harris in Ping Pong

Clayton Kershaw was on the Jimmy Kimmel show last night and was spectacular.  Who knows, maybe he has a future in television when his Baseball career is done. In the above photo tweeted by his wife Ellen you see Clayton waiting patiently in the green room.  Then, Clayton tweeted the below photo of him playing ping pong against NPH (who was also a guest on the show).  BTW, Kershaw mentioned a charitable ping pong tournament he'll be hosting at Dodger Stadium on August 29th.  As soon as I get information I will pass that along. BTW, you can watch Clayton's entire interview with Kimmel at the very bottom of this blog post.

There is no word on who won the ping pong match-up featured below.

• David Wharton at the LA Times writes, "Old baseball scout tells of when play, not money, was the thing: George Genovese, 91, still a consultant to the Dodgers, made $80 a month in 1940 in his first job with a pro baseball team."  This is a must read!
• "Dodgers' reliever J.P. Howell is liking his view from the bullpen,: via Lance Pugmire at the LA Times.

“Anytime you get some backing from management and Donnie, it feels good and it’s a reminder to keep driving because the job isn’t done yet,” Howell said. “It’s a nice little pat on the back.”

• Via Greg Zakwin at Yahoo, "Five Reasons Everybody Loves Los Angeles Dodgers Legend Vin Scully"
• Marl Saxon at ESPN shares an interview with Don Mattingly.

There’s more energy, but I think we have to give Yasiel [Puig] a lot of credit, because he brought a lot of energy. It’s always good to have a mixture of young and old. You get too many old guys, guys who are settled, they’re in the big leagues, nothing makes them excited. This kid’s exciting. The way he plays is infectious and, if you don’t like the way he plays and the reaction from people … man, that’s the way you’re supposed to play. You’re supposed to play like a little kid.

• Stan Kasten on 'Max & Marcellus Show' via ESPN.  Listen to the entire recording.

Dodgers president and part owner Stan Kasten joined Max Kellerman and Marcellus Wiley on ESPNLA 710 on Monday to talk about the organization's gutsy move in taking a chance on Yasiel Puig, the Matt Kemp trade rumors, the atmosphere at Dodger Stadium and leading the league in attendance. 

• "Dodgers, A.J. Ellis host annual bowling fundraiser, " via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.
• David's Autograph Signings had a fruitful day this past Saturday.  Check out all of the auto's he got at the Dodger game.  Wow!
• "Dodger Stadium field to undergo facelift," via J.P. Hoornstra at the Daily News.

If everything goes according to plan, the iconic baseball park will look, feel and react like a soccer field."This is our first time," said Eric Hansen, the head groundskeeper at Dodger Stadium, "so this is going to be a learning process for us."Dodgers president Stan Kasten said Dodger Stadium was first discussed as a host site for the tournament earlier this year. Hansen -- who's a baseball guy, not a soccer guy -- said his first order of business was to consult with grounds crews at Petco Park in San Diego and Oakland Coliseum, home of the A's. Both stadiums have hosted soccer games in the last three years.

• TMZ is stalking Yasiel Puig.  This time they corner him at a Cuban restaurant in Hollywood.
• Below is the Kimmel interview with Clayton Kershaw.

Part 1:

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Part 2:

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