Blog Kiosk: 12/18/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic 1934 International News press photo featuring the famed "Babe" Didrikson with A's slugger Jimmie Foxx following a Spring Training event (Memory Lane auction). As you'll see in the descriptor below, she had faced off against the Dodgers.

Fort Myers, Fla... This little Florida community witnessed what might be an epic of baseball on the afternoon of March 19, 1934, when the miracle woman athlete of the Lone Star State, "Babe" Didrikson, marched to the pitcher's mound for the Philadelphia Athletics, and treated the opposing batsmen of the Brooklyn Dodgers to an exhibition of hurling, a la feminine. It looked as if it was going to be a very unpleasant exhibition for the lady, when the first two men who faced her got on the paths, but her debut became an auspicious event when one of the playboys from New York's borough of homes slammed the ball into a triple play, to retire his side. Then Miss Didrikson retired from the game too, and the Dodgers went on to win from the Quaker City aggregation by a 4-2 score. Here we see "Babe" Didrikson and the Athletics' star first sacker, Jimmy Foxx, holding a post mortem on the "Babe's" baseball debut. 

At the time, Didrikson has signed-on to play for the House of David travelling barnstorming ballclub and was in the midst of a big promotion tour. As for which Dodgers' she faced, I ran into a great post at the The J.G. Preston Experience that provides some detail. First up was outfielder Danny Taylor, who walked, then Johnny Frederick, who got hit with a pitch. The triple play was hit by infielder Joe Stripp.

Miss Didrikson, who pitches with a graceful, easy delivery that would do credit to any hurler, undoubtedly profited a bit from the chivalry of Danny Taylor and Johnny Frederick, but the triple play was an honest one. 

Danny and Johnny both swung lustily at a pair of strikes each, missing the ball by wide margins, but Babe walked Danny and nicked Frederick with a pitched ball. Then, with first and second occupied, Joe Stripp lined a hard one to Dib Williams and the triple killing was completed, Williams to Warstler to Foxx.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers traded outfielder Juan Pierre (on the 15th) to the White Sox for pitchers John Ely (PTBNL confirmed on 18th) and Jon Link (PTBNL confirmed on 18th). In 2014 the Dodgers traded Tim Federowicz and Matt Kemp to San Diego for Zach Eflin, Yasmani Grandal and Joe Wieland. 
• Happy Birthday, Dave Oldfield, Hub Knolls, Jimmy Pattison, Bill Skowron, Gino Cimoli, Zoilo Versalles, Lance Carter & Micah Johnson! 

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

We struggled against the Giants this weekend, but still saw our 'Magic Number' fall to two when they won on Sunday, 5-0 (boxscore). Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“On the pitching side, the story was Kenta,” (Dave) Roberts said. “Kenta was really good today. The slider, the fastball, just kind of on the attack all day long. To log four innings put us in a really good spot to win a baseball game.”
...
“With two strikes, he wasn’t relying on the slider as much,” (Russell) Martin said. “In division, the guys have many at-bats against him. They kind of know, they’ve seen the slider, guys tend to sit on it.” 

The slider was still on point, though, getting six swinging strikes and three called strikes.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 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 1948 Dodger righty Rex Barney throws a no-no against the Giants (boxscore) 2-0. He struck out four batters and walked only two, as he had to endure a one-hour rain delay, as well as showers in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings to finish his gem. In 1965 Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game and his fourth career no-hitter to defeat the Cubs, (boxscore) 1-0. He struck out 14 Chicago batters and faced the minimum 27 batters. You can listen to the last inning here.
• Happy Birthday, Ernie Burch, Waite Hoyt, Charlie Perkins, Todd Zeile, Robinson Checo, Félix Rodríguez, Kaz Ishii, Todd Coffey & Edwin Jackson!

Blog Kiosk: 6/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

What a fun game. Not only did we witness a pitching duel for the ages, but we also saw some fantastic game-saving defense and hard-nosed squawking on the field. Sure, Bumgarner's act can be tiring, but I will never doubt his passion. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It was fun. Kind of an old-school baseball game — two №1s going head-to-head, and we saw the best of Madison Bumgarner and matched Walker pitch for pitch,” said manager Dave Roberts. “To see those guys go out there and compete and win pitches, win at-bats, it was fun. But fortunately for us, we scored one more run than they did.”

Photo at the very top via Michael Urakami/MLB.com
 at Dodger Insider. The Buehler pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterday's game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Dodger outfielder John Shelby has his 24-game hitting streak stopped by Andy Hawkins and the Padres. The Dodgers also lost the game on a walk-off double to Carmelo Martinez, 4-3. In 2005 first baseman Hee-Seop Choi hits a walk-off home run off Twins reliever Terry Mulholland to propel the Dodgers over the Twins, 6-5. In 2015 the Dodgers drafted Matt Beaty out of Belmont University in Nashville and Kyle Garlick out of Cal Poly, Pomona.
• Happy Birthday, Ken Lehman, Ed Palmquist, Elias Sosa & Brad Gulden!

Blog Kiosk: 3/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a spring pic I ran across featuring a bunch of Dodgers' in front of the Bear Mountain Inn in New York. As you know, during the wartime 40's the club spent their spring in upstate New York. Unfortunately, I do not know when the photo was taken and the only person I recognize is Leo Durocher -- he's the fellow in the middle wearing the white sweater and unbuttoned coat.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1998 the major league baseball owners approved the sale of the Dodgers to Rupert Murdoch's Fox Group. In 2018 Justin Turner suffered a major setback during spring training when he suffered a small non-displaced fracture of his left wrist after being hit by a pitch during Cactus League play by Oakland hurler Kendall Graveman. He would not require surgery.
• Happy Birthday, Ed McKeever, Roy Evans, Paul Powell, Jeff Hamilton, David Ross & Clayton Kershaw!

Blog Kiosk: 2/28/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As you'll notice below, this week is the anniversary of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale's infamous holdout prior to the start of the 1966 season. They both worked collectively to demand higher salaries, and as you can imagine their gambit caused quite a stir. Heck, even Milton Berle got in on the act. Featured above is a publicity photo from an old show called Hollywood Palace, a Saturday night variety show, and featured are the famous Dodgers duo giving Milton the stink-eye.  (eBay Auction link) They were no doubt in the midst of some serious negotiations. This show aired a few days after they had ended their holdout.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 the great Koufax/Drysdale contract holdout commences. They are seeking a collective three year $1MM contract -- to be split evenly. In 2002 the Dodgers signed free agent Japanese starting pitcher Kaz Ishii after posting a $11.26 million bid to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the right to negotiate with him. He would eventually sign a four-year $12.3 million contract with the team.
• Happy Birthday, Al Humphrey, Orlando Alvarez & Trent Oeltjen!

Blog Kiosk: 12/4/218 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Not only is Justin Turner our star third baseman, he's also an international ambassador for the team. He is seen above providing a personal tour of Dodger Stadium to the Polish National Baseball team. Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded John Pintar (minors), Gus Mancuso and $65,000 to the St. Louis Cardinals for soon-to-be All-Star catcher Mickey Owen. In 1941 the Dodgers traded Tony Giuliani and Van Lingle Mungo to the Minneapolis Minors of the American Association for pitcher Joe Hatten. In 1958 the Dodgers traded Gino Cimoli to the St. Louis Cardinals for former "Rookie of the Year" winner Wally Moon and Phil Paine. In 1979 the Dodgers signed outfield free agent Jay Johnstone to a two-year $300,000 contract. In 1988 the Dodgers traded Juan Bell, Brian Holton and Ken Howell to the Baltimore Orioles for Eddie Murray. In 2002 the Dodgers traded  Mark Grudzielanek and Eric Karros to the Chicago Cubs for Chad Hermansen and Todd Hundley.
• Happy Birthday, Chuck Corgan!

Congrats, Quakes! Check Out Some Fantasy Custom Cards in Celebration

Following on the heals of some fantasy cards I made in celebration of the Tulsa Drillers championship victory this past weekend, I now have some Rancho Cucamonga Quakes custom marvels to look through. Check them out below. As you know, they swept the Visalia Rawhide to become the 2018 California League Champions.

Blog Kiosk: 9/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

During the Dodgers impressive victories this weekend in St. Louis -- that brought the Dodgers within half-a-game of the Rockies in the NL West and a tie for the last Wild Card playoff spot -- the Dodgers' farmclubs in Tulsa and Rancho Cucamonga won their respective league titles.

Congrats, Drillers! Congrats, Quakes!

Hopefully this is an omen, not only for this season, but for the future of the franchise.

Craig Minami at True Blue LA provides a nice write-up on both victories, here. Check out the Drillers boxscore here. Check out the Quakes boxscore here.

Below are more links to check out:

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

Blog Kiosk: 9/13/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We Won! I can't believe we beat the Reds. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“These guys had our number all year,” said manager Dave Roberts. “Credit to those guys. … Just to get out of here with a win, with where we were at, is a good thing.”

The offense finally woke up against the red menace when they hammered out eight runs against Cincinnati yesterday afternoon -- including a three-RBI night for both Justin Turner and Yasmani Grandal (boxscore). The Dodgers now sit at 1.5 games back of the Rockies with 16 games to go.

This thing is going down to the wire, and a part of me is loving it. Sure, it would've been great to have clinched already. Nevertheless, I find this race to the finish enthralling. It's like I'm on the edge of my seat watching an exciting movie. Everyday this month I've found myself screaming at the television while my heart races with the beat of the season. This is why Baseball is the greatest game in the world.

Photo above of Justin Turner via John Minchillo/AP Photo at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

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

Blog Kiosk: 9/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

To commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks yesterday the entire league wore special patches on their caps. Above is Cody Bellinger helpfully providing a nice view of the patch. As for the game... Well, I'll let Dave Roberts do the talking, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"They pretty much beat us in every facet of the game," said manager Dave Roberts. "Our guys understand these games are important to win, but we just can't get a win here."
...
"I don't think it's a matter of complacency. If anything, it might be a matter of trying too hard," said Roberts. "If you look at the grinding of at-bats versus going out of the strike zone, the games we don't score it's more a matter of going out of the strike zone. It's not about just rolling out the baseballs and expecting to win. I just don't think that's the case."

Photo of Cody Bellinger above via Katie Hanson/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1930 Dodger catcher Al Lopez hit the last Major League bounced home run. It was off Ray Kolp at Ebbets Field. Prior to the rule change any hit ball that bounced over the outfield walls was ruled a homer. Now, it'll be a ground-rule double. In 1963 the NY Mets hold a pregame ceremony in honor of Brooklyn favorite Duke Snider - "I look up into the stands, and it looks like Ebbets Field. The Mets are wonderful, but you can’t take the Dodger out of Brooklyn." In 2000 Dave Hanson broke former Dodger Johnny Frederick's record for pinch-hit home runs during a season when he hit his seventh pinch-homer of the year against Curt Schilling of the Diamondbacks. BTW, Johnny Frederick set his record of six pinch-homers on this exact same date in 1932.
• Happy Birthday, John Gochnaur, Masao Kida & Franquelis Osoria!

Blog Kiosk: 8/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

There's no quit in this club. Per Anne Rogers at MLB.com:

"We're the type of team that isn't going to quit until the last out," said shortstop Manny Machado, who recorded his 1,000th career hit in the sixth inning. "We got ahead, they came back, we went ahead and we didn't stop fighting."

Last night the Dodgers knocked five homers to come-from-behind to defeat the Rockies, 8-5.

Photo above via Matt Kelley/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 former Dodger manager Chuck Dressen died at the age of 67. In 1979 Don Sutton recorded his 50th shutout as a Dodger -- setting a new franchise record -- when he defeated the Giants at Candlestick Park, 9-0. In 1995 the first forfeit in 16 years happened during a game between the Dodgers and Cardinals at Dodger Stadium. Following the ejection of Raul Mondesi and Tommy Lasorda in the ninth inning, fans starting throwing souvenir Baseballs onto the field. The balls were given to them as a game giveaway as they entered the stadium. Watch an ESPN news story about it here.
• Happy Birthday, Rocky Colavito & Al Osuna!

Blog Kiosk: 7/3/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This team astounds.

Per Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"As is always the case, when you're winning games, everything is manageable. Everything is a lot better," Friedman said. "When you're not, everything's a lot worse. So right now, we're managing pretty well, just based on the fact that we're playing well. And we're getting contributions from basically the entirety of our roster as we are adding guys back from the [disabled list], which I feel like bodes well for us if we look ahead. But to get to this point has certainly been an interesting path."

We've experienced both heartache and jubilant celebration this season, and we're not even at the All-Star break yet. Fans that were once despondent -- ready to throw in the towel due to a perceived lost season -- are now reaping the rewards that only patience can provide... And what rewards they are.

Last night fans witnessed All-Star bound Matt Kemp go 5-for-5 to drive the Dodgers past the Pirates in a lopsided victory, 17-1. Per Kaelen Jones at MLB.com:

"[Kemp's] been a big part of our lineup in the middle of it," said Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner. "He knows how to drive in runs and that's what you've been seeing the last couple of nights. He's an RBI machine."

Never in my wildest dream did I ever think that Kemp would return to the Kemp-of-old. Photo above of Matt Kemp via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1925 Robins (Dodgers) second baseman Milt Stock recorded his fourth consecutive four-hit game -- setting an NL mark. In 1958 the Dodgers, in their 35th home game ever in Los Angeles, reached the one million attendance mark. At Ebbets Field they drew 1,028,258 fans total all season the year prior. In 1974 Dodgers reliever Dr. Mike Marshall appeared in his 13th consecutive game, setting a major league record. The streak also ended on this day when he didn't make an appearance during the second game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds. In 1991 the Dodgers traded José González for outfielder Mitch Webster. In 1993 Don Drysdale died of a heart attack in Montreal after broadcasting the Dodgers’ game against the Expos. In 2013 Yasiel Puig becomes the first player to be named Player of the Month for the first month he plays in the major leagues in the 55-year history of the award. 
• Happy Birthday, Cliff Curtis, Jack Dalton, Luke Hamlin, Art Fowler, Howie Schultz, Ed Roebuck, Danny Heep, Juan Rivera & Edinson Volquez!

Blog Kiosk: 6/22/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Licensed stock broker and current break-out hurler Ross Stripling visited the NYSE yesterday. Check out his brief interview with Cheddar Live as he discusses his current investments, here.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 Reds outfielder Ival Goodman hit a three-run home run at Ebbets Field that lands and stays on top of the Schaefer Beer scoreboard in right field. Ballpark rules at the time dictate that it is still considered in play, so Goodman rounded the bases for the easiest inside-the-park home run ever. In 1947 Reds pitcher Ewell Blackwell, after having thrown a no-hitter his last time out, lost out on throwing a second consecutive no-no when Dodgers second baseman Eddie Stanky single with one out in the ninth inning. In 1959 Sandy Koufax struck out 16 Phillies batters to set a new record for strikeouts in a night game. 
• Happy Birthday, Luis Maza!

Blog Kiosk: 6/8/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It appears the Dodgers of old is back. No matter what game and no matter the circumstance, the Dodgers just persevere. Per Mason Wittner at MLB.com:

"It's one of those things where you've got to kind of ask guys to do more than they've been asked to do and stretch them more," Roberts said. "You try to navigate it the best you can and you understand you don't have a whole lot of margin [for error]. To the guys' credit, the bullpen did a fantastic job."

For the second game in a row the Dodgers had to use a bullpen game to get bye. On Wednesday they fell just short of victory. Yesterday, they battled and defeated the Pirates, 8-7. Best yet, Joc Pederson had a career-type of day at the top of the order. He slugged two homers and walloped a double to drive in three runs.

Photo above of Joc Pederson via Justin Berl/Getty Images at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

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

2018 Topps Pro Debut - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps' minor league Baseball card brand Pro Debut officially hit store shelves this week, and I've got pics of every Dodger card available to look at below. Go here for a complete checklist.

This set is stacked with some of the best Dodger prospects currently in our system; including the recently called-up pitcher Dennis Santana. Other notables are Keibert Ruiz, Yadier Alvarez , DJ Peters and Mitchell White. Heck, all nine Dodgers' in the base set are all worth paying attention to.

Something notable is a fun mascot card featuring Tremor of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes - a Dodgers Single-A team.

Base

#9 Mitchell White                 #38 Ibandel Isabel

Blog Kiosk: 4/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

One week ago today in 1968 Dodger Hurler Don Drysdale recorded his 191st career win -- breaking a Dodger franchise record held by Dazzy Vance. Don accomplished the feat when he threw a four-hit shutout against the Mets, 1-0. The display behind him also notes that his shutout was the 41st of his career; which was also a Dodgers record.

The photo above was taken by Dodgers photographer Don Ploke and recently sold at RMY Auctions at $39. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1999 the Dodgers surpass the 100 million mark in attendance at Dodger Stadium. In 2011 it is announced that MLB will be taking over the operations of the Dodgers due to concerns over the finances of team owner Frank McCourt. 
• Happy Birthday, Don Mattingly, Germany Smith, Pat Hannivan, Dave Bancroft, Hal Peck, Tom Hutton, Todd Hollandsworth & Ian Thomas! 

Blog Kiosk: 3/21/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I missed out on the Dodgers' First Look event yesterday afternoon. This is an annual soiree put together to introduce the upcoming seasons stadium menu items and giveaways to the local media. They brought out all kinds of new items; including a carne asada torta that I will have to try out.

Sue Jo at Dodger Insider provided some details and plenty of photos from the event, here. David Young at True Blue LA put together his own write-up: New Food Items (here) and Giveaways (here).

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. BTW, it's Chipper Jones Day in Georgia today. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 the Dodgers and Astros are the first Major League teams to play on artificial grass when they face each other for a spring training game in the Astrodome.
• Happy Birthday, Mysterious Walker, Bill Lamar, Jim Hughes, Tommy Davis & Carlos Monasterios!

Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2016 - Dodgers Links - Press Conference, Quakes New Logo and an Mysterious Vintage Cap

Here is one last item from the current Lelands Auction that I thought was worth mentioning.  Featured above is a vintage photograph of the empty stalls within the Dodgers clubhouse.  As you can see, Roy Campanella's uniform is prominently displayed among throngs of Dodger flannels on wire hangers.  Check out the auction here.

Initially, I assumed that this photo was taken in the Brooklyn Dodgers clubhouse -- pre-1958.  But now, I'm not so sure. I say this because of a certain ball-cap above Campy's jersey.  Do you see it?

That's a "LA" hat with the "L" crossed with the "A" just like the current Dodgers logo, but the color scheme is all wrong.  The "L" is a dark color (unsure which considering this is an B&W pic) and the "A" is clearly white.  Heck, it almost looks like the caps the old Los Angeles Angels of the PCL wore before the Dodgers came to town, but again the color scheme is wrong.  Those hats, if I remember correctly, had a white "L" and a red "A". 

So, what the heck is that hat?  Were did it come from?  And, was this photo actually taken in the Dodgers clubhouse in the Coliseum?  Best yet, is this photo from Roy Campanella Day at the Coliseum -- when 93,000 fans jammed the stadium in 1958?

I dunno, and I don't know if we'll ever find out.  Unfortunately, the photograph itself has no relevant markings on the reverse to let us know.  If you happen to have any insight please pass that along.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1981 in Game 5 of the World Series the Dodgers won their thrid straight game against the Yankees to take 3-2 series lead.  Pedro Guerrero and Steve YEager hit back-to-back homers, and Jerry Reuss pitched a 2-1 complete game for the victory.
• Happy Birthday, Pedro Martinez!

Blog Kiosk: 9/9/2016 - Dodgers Links - Minor League Playoff Updates and Clayton Kershaw Day

It is now officially Kershaw Day.  He'll be stepping back on the mound for the first time since going down on the DL over two months ago.  I'd like to think Clayton would return just as good as when he left, but let's get real.  We should not expect him to be a Cy Young pitcher right out of the gate.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com: 

"To be off two months and not be in a competitive situation, everybody has to be conscious that he's not in midseason form," said Honeycutt. "He wouldn't be going out there unless he felt well enough to do it. At the same time, he still has not been in a competitive situation at the big league level, using all of his pitches. At that time in '14, it was the curveball that was not as good as it can be. That's not only a control pitch, it's a feel pitch and a release point."

For purposes of managing expectations, recall that Kershaw threw seven scoreless innings in his first start off the disabled list in 2014, but he then lost three of his next four starts -- including a seven-run, 1 2/3-inning disaster in Arizona -- before rewriting the record books.

I'm just happy to have him back.

Photo above was tweeted by Kiké Hernández.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1948 Brooklyn Dodgers starting pitcher Rex Barney throws a no-hitter against the Gaints at the Polo Grounds, 2-0.  In 1965 Sandy Koufax threw his perfect game at Dodger Stadium against the Cubs, 1-0.  You can listen to Vin Scully's call of the ninth inning here. 
• Happy Birthday, Kaz Ishii!

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.