Blog Kiosk: 8/11/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here is a fantastic 1956 Spring Training pic of 1955 World Series hero Sandy Amoros re-creating his series winning catch at Dodgertown in Vero Beach. As you can see, he is in front of the outfield berm at Holman Stadium - at centerfield. This photo recently sold at RMY Auctions at what I thought was a steal at $26.98.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 the Dodgers were no-ht by Vern Bickford of the Boston Braves, 7-0. He needed only 97 pitches to accomplish the feat. In 1951 the first color televised broadcast of a ballgame is aired on WCBS-TV. It featured a game at Ebbets Field between the Dodgers and the Boston Braves. Unfortunately, the Boys of Summer lose the contest, 8-1. In 1962 the Dodgers protest the Giants tactic of wetting down the basepaths in order to slow down speedster Maury Wills at Candlestick Park. The Dodgers would lose 5-4. Giants manager Alvin Dark would forever earn the nickname "The Swamp Fox." In 1969 Don Drysdale announced his retirement from the game. In 2015 every home team won their game -- making that a first in the live-ball era with a full slate of games.  
• Happy Birthday, Bobo Newsom, Luis Olmo, Dennis Lewallyn, Rex Hudson, Mike Huff & Bubba Crosby!

Blog Kiosk: 1/22/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I know I've shared this photo before, but it's so great it's worth another look. This vintage 8/16/1938 ACME press photo is available at RMY Auctions. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Dodgers' Quartette Eludes the Heat with Song -- New York City -- Despite the broiling sun, this Brooklyn Dodgers' quartette burst into song and fogot about the heat as they relaxed at the Polo Grounds, August 16th, where the Dodgers beat the Giants, 7-3. Left to Right: Tuck Stainback, Buddy Hassett, Kiki Cuyler and Babe Ruth.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 seven ballplayers are declared free agents as a result of an Players Association's 1985 collusion lawsuit against the owners. Kirk Gibson is one of those players, and this event would eventually lead to him signing with the Dodgers seven days later. The rest, as they say, is history. In 2007 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Báez as a 19-year old third baseman out of the Dominican Republic. He would eventually convert to a relief pitcher in 2013.
• Happy Birthday, Jay Hughes, Jeff Treadway, Chone Figgins, Wayne Kirby & Carlos Ruiz!

Blog Kiosk: 1/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic 1947 pic taken by Cuban photographer Sanchez Y. Cabredo of Jackie Robinson wearing a Montreal Royals uniform during a spring match in Havana against the Dodgers. He is seen scoring after hitting a home run off of a Brooklyn Dodger pitcher (soon-to-be teammate). This photo is currently available at RMY Auctions.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1994 the Dodgers signed Korean starting pitcher Chan Ho Park out of Hanyang University in Seoul. He would pitch nine season in Los Angeles -- going 84-58 with an 3.77 ERA, 4.23 FIP and an ERA+ of 108. In 2006 the Dodgers, with closer Eric Gagne on the DL due to Tommy John surgery, traded starting pitcher Edwin Jackson and minor league pitcher Chuck Tiffany to Tampa Bay for relievers Danys Baez and Lance Carter. Edwin Jackson, who won his first Major League game by out-dueling Randy Johnson of the DBacks, would go on to play for 14 different ballclubs -- and he is expected to play for another team in 2020. In 2006 the Dodgers also signed free agent starting pitcher Aaron Sele to a one-year contract. He would go 8-6 with a 4.53 ERA, 4.36 FIP and an ERA+ of 100.
• Happy Birthday, Adam Kolarek, Art Decatur, Derrel Thomas, Terry Forster, Troy Brohawn & Logan Forsythe!

Blog Kiosk: 10/15/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I feel ya Jackie.

I put myself on a brief hiatus following the Dodgers recent plunge in the playoffs. I just needed some time to sulk. But now I'm back and I thought the above 1952 AP wirephoto that recently sold at RMY Auctions (link) would be appropriate to show here. As you can see, Jackie Robinson doesn't look well after losing another World Series to the Yankees. Per the descriptor:

The big 4 of the 42 of Jackie Robinson's uniform seems post-climactic as the Dodger second baseman sits dejectedly in Ebbets Field dressing room today after the Brooklyn team lost final game of the 1952 World Series to the New York Yankees. Winning four games to three the World Champions once again kept the Dodgers from their first World Championship.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Kirk Gibson hit his legendary walk-off home run off A's pitcher Dennis Eckersley to win Game 1 of the World Series. This event spawned Vin Scully to utter these immortal words; "In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened."  Go here to watch and listen to it. Arash Markazi at ESPN wrote a great article about the event here.
• Happy Birthday, Henry Thielman, Phil Reardon, Chris Haughey, Nick Tremark & Mitch Jones! 

Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic, circa 1950's, photograph taken by Barney Stein of the Brooklyn Dodgers "Sym-Phony" Band that is currently available at RMY Auctions.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Dodgers righty Ed Head threw a no-hitter against the Boston Braves, 5-0. He said after the game: “I knew I had it all the time – don’t ask me how, but I knew it.” (boxscore) It was his first appearance after returning from the military. In 1958 Dodger first baseman Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run on the same day that Pee Wee Reese played his 2,000th career game. In 1999 Cardinals third baseman Fernando Tatis becomes the first player in MLB history to hit two grand slams in one inning when he did it against Chan Ho Park at Dodger Stadium, 12-2. You can watch it here.
• Happy Birthday, James Mulvey, Dolph Camilli, Bob O'Brien & Andruw Jones!

Blog Kiosk: 3/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Pee Wee Reese could soar like an eagle.

Featured above is a 1957 spring training pic taken by Herb Scharfman of Reese at Dodgertown. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Veteran Captain Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn Dodgers may not be as young as some of his teammates at the Dodgers spring camp, but he still has plenty of zip and bounce. He is floating over the pitchers batting screen here like a two-year-old.

The above pic is currently available through RMY Auctions (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the St. Louis Browns returned pitcher Tommy Lasorda to the Dodgers after having just purchased him a month prior. In 1984 Jackie Robinson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan in a White House ceremony. Rachel Robinson accepted the award on her late husband's behalf. At the time, Jackie was just the third ballplayer to be given the distinction (Moe Berg and Joe DiMaggio were the others). You can watch the presentation here. In 1991 the Dodgers sign free agent catcher and future Hall of Famer Gary Carter to a one-year $500,000 contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack McCarthy, Joe Klugmann, José Vizcaíno & Frank Lankford!

Blog Kiosk: 7/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

In honor of Pee Wee Reese' 100th Birthday today I thought I'd put up this fantastic portrait of him as an aspiring 21-year old infielder. This photo recently sold at RMY Auctions at $59.35. Per the description on the reverse:

Harold (Pee Wee) Reese, infielder brought up from Louisville who is expected to fill the shortstop position should manager Le Durocher stay on the bench, pictured at the Brooklyn Dodgers' Spring Training camp.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Jackie Robinson is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. You can listen to his induction speech here. In 1974 Steve Garvey, who was a write-in candidate, had a single, double and an RBI during the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh. He would be named the MVP of the game. In 1975 Willie Crawford and Lee Lacy hit pinch-hit home runs in the ninth inning in a loss against the Cardinals, 5-4. The homers tied a Major League record for pinch-hit homers in the same inning.
• Happy Birthday, Hod Ford, Paul Chervinko, Pee Wee Reese (100th Birthday!), Don Drysdale, Nomar Garciaparra, Larry Barnes & Hung-Chih Kuo!

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: 4/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just a fantastic photograph of the "Duke" from 1956. It is currently available at auction at RMY (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Dodgers left-handed rookie Pete Richert made his major league debut by striking out the first six batters he faced -- tying records for strike outs in an inning (4 K's in the 3rd inning), successive strike outs by a pitcher in his major league debut, and consecutive strikeouts by a relief pitcher. BTW, he also won the game when the Dodgers mounted a comeback by scoring seven runs in the fifth inning.

"I had good stuff and somebody up there likes me," Richert said of his first big league game. "What I mean is that I always say a little prayer when I’m nervous and excited. And I was tonight as I started walking to the mound." 

• Happy Birthday, John Harkins, Mickey O'Neil, Walt Moryn, Vicente Romo, Paul LoDuca, Antonio Osuna & Justin Ruggiano!

Blog Kiosk: 3/15/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The passage of time sure can ease the grief.

Featured above is a vintage, circa June 1956, photograph that captures Dodger legends Duke Snider and Gil Hodges on the verge of "tomahawking" former Giants hero Bobby Thompson. As you know, in 1951 Thompson hit "The Shot Heard Round the World" that ended the Dodgers chances for a world title that season. This pic recently sold at an RMY Auction for a very affordable $34. On another note, I'm extremely angry at myself for missing this item, as well as several others, from this auction. It closed this past weekend and I just plain forgot about it.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 the Dodgers opened their spring camp at Bear Mountain State Park in upstate New York due to wartime travel restrictions. There were real worries that German U-boats would attack the eastern coast of America During WWII. This is the third straight year the Dodgers would practice here. In 1975 the Dodgers signed 37 year-old former Giants Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal to a free agent contract. He would retire from the game a little over a month later on April 17th. 
• Happy Birthday, Doc Casey, Ralph Miller, Rosy Ryan, Lou Fette, Dick Scott, Mickey Hatcher & Trayce Thompson!

Blog Kiosk: 3/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic 1942 Spring Training photograph taken by Sporting News photographer Hugh Broderick of Dodger outfielder Pete Reiser crossing the plate during a game in Havana, Cuba. (auction link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers sold pitching prospect Tommy Lasorda to the Kansas City A's. In 1976 the Dodgers traded outfielder Willie Crawford to the Cardinals for infielder Ted Sizemore.
• Happy Birthday, William Fischer, Moe Berg, Woody English, Cal Abrams, Chico Fernandez, Jay Gibbons & Bud Norris!

Blog Kiosk: 3/1/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another fantastic vintage photo currently available at RMY Auctions (auction link). Featured are Dodgers manager Leo Durocher and his coach Chuck Dressen in the midst of practice during Spring Training, 1945.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Father Vincent Powell of the Brooklyn Catholic Youth Organization released a public statement declaring that the group, "is withdrawing from the Dodgers' Knothole Club." He goes on to say that he cannot allow the kids to be associated with Leo Durocher -- a fellow deemed to have low moral character. Several weeks later (April 9th) the National League would levy a one-year suspension against Durocher. The reasons vary from the Catholic boycott, his close association to known gamblers and an off-field spat with Charlie Dressen. Jeffrey Marlett at SABR provides a fantastical write-up on Durocher's suspension, here.
• Happy Birthday, Peter Guber, Tim Thompson, Bert Hamric, Omar Daal & Blake Hawksworth!

Blog Kiosk: 2/28/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Featured above is as harrowing a scene as you can imagine on a ballfield. Laying sprawled on the dirt is Dodgers left fielder Joe Medwick -- after having been beaned in the head by former teammate Bob Bowman of the Cardinals. In fact, Medwick was traded from the Cardinals to the Dodgers just a week prior to this incident. Per Charles F. Faber at SABR:

Batting cleanup for the Dodgers, Medwick faced his former teammate Bob Bowman in the first inning, with two runs already in and a runner on base. Bowman’s first pitch was a high, hard one on the inside. It struck Medwick in the head, knocking him unconscious. The Dodgers rushed out of their dugout, intent on wreaking vengeance on Bowman, who they believed had beaned the outfielder deliberately. Some tried to punch him. Even Larry McPhail, the Dodgers president, got in a swing, knocking off the pitcher’s hat. Medwick was carried off the field on a stretcher and taken to the Caledonian Hospital, where it was discovered that he had a concussion but no fracture. He tried to get out of his hospital bed and go after his assailant. Meanwhile, Bowman was removed from the game and escorted by policemen back to his hotel. 

One reason the Dodgers were so irate about this incident is that Bowman had been in a verbal confrontation with Medwick and Dodgers manager Leo Durocher in the hotel the previous morning. The pitcher had shouted, “I’ll take care of you! I’ll take care of both of you.” Bowman said he meant that he would hold them hitless in the game. The Dodgers’ version was that the pitcher had threatened them with beanballs. Acting on this belief, McPhail appealed fruitlessly to National League President Ford Frick to ban Bowman from baseball for life. Further he attempted to have Bowman arrested for assault. The Brooklyn district attorney investigated and found no evidence of criminal intent on the pitcher’s part.

The photo above is available on auction at RMY (auction link). 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 2/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds Ends

It's not often you see something like this on the ballfield today. Featured above is a vintage ACME press photo of a pregame ceremony at Ebbets Field in 1946. On this day the Dodger players presented their GM with a gift, and it wasn't a Timex.

Dodgers Give Present to Branch Rickey 9/25/46 -- Dodger Manager Leo Durocher, General Manager Branch Rickey and Dixie Walker (left to right). Dodgers presented a $5,100 boat cruiser to Rickey before the game with the Phillies at Ebbets Field Sept. 25. Walker, spokesman for the team, said "The Boys wanted to do something for the boss in appreciation for what he has done for us."

BTW, that $5,100 present would be worth $61,630 in today's dollars. The press photo above was on auction at RMY, but did not sell (auction link). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2014 the Dodgers signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner.  He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers.  To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season and become an important leader in the clubhouse.
• Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!

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

Here's a look at Dodger veteran Pee Wee Reese on Camera Day at the LA Coliseum in April 1959 that is currently available at RMY Auction (auction link).

As nice as the above press photo is I think the photos being taken by those fans would be even cooler to see.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1964 a Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee elected three former Dodgers' into the Hall of Fame: Burleigh Grimes, Heinie Manush and John Montgomery Ward. Also joining them in the Hall are Red Faber, Tim Keefe and Miller Huggins.
• Happy Birthday, Wes Ferrell, John Tudor, Scott Erickson & Chin-lung Hu!

Blog Kiosk: 2/1/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's something historical.

Featured above is an original Sporting News press photo, dated August 26, 1939, featuring an on-camera interview between Dodgers broadcaster Red Barber and Dodger rookie skipper Leo Durocher that is currently on auction at RMY Auction (auction link).

You might be wondering, "what's so important about this pic? After all, we see this scene play out multiple times a day on local sports television."

Well, this game, between the Dodgers and Reds at Ebbets Field, happens to be the very first Baseball game ever broadcast on television. So, the scene you see above is a first for everyone in the photo.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers trade Jake Daubert to the Reds for outfielder Tommy Griffith. In 1959 the ever-popular Brooklyn Dodgers outfielder Zach Wheat is unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. In 1976 East Lansing police arrest Dodgers reliever Mike Marshall for disobeying the orders set by the Michigan State University police prohibiting him from taking batting practice. MSU feared he would hit balls too far and injure students at an adjacent tennis court. Marshall protests that it is against his rights as an MSU instructor and files a lawsuit against the school.
• Happy Birthday, Stan Kasten, Chuck Churn, Elian Herrera, Justin Sellers & Brett Anderson!

Blog Kiosk: 12/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here are three Hall of Famers - all of which are joining the Dodgers for the first time - hanging out in Clearwater, FL during Spring Training, circa 1932. This pic recently sold at RMY Auction at $169. (auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Waite Hoyt, former star of the New York Yankees and who rounded out last season as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics, with Hack Wilson, heavy slugger of the National League who served last season with the Chicago Cubs, demonstrating to Max Carey, new pilot (manager) of the "Robins," how they expect to contribute to a large extent with their batting and pitching in bringing the National League Pennant to Brooklyn this season. The boys are rather modest and had nothing to say as to how they expect to fare in the World Series. But the pennant and the World's Series are both far off for the boys are just about shaking off the winter kinks at the Robins Spring Training camp at Clearwater, FLA.

Unfortunately, the addition of these three greats did little to change the Dodgers fortunes. They finished the season in third place -- nine games behind the Cubs. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 the Dodgers traded Johnny Frederick, Art Herring and cash to the Sacramento Senators of the PCL for outfielder Frenchy Bordagaray. Frenchy would play two seasons on Brooklyn, slashing .297/.332/.389/.721, before being traded to the Cardinals. He would then come back to the Dodgers in 1942 and play an additional four season. Also on this day Commissioner Judge Landis denied the Dodgers' claim to eventual back-to-back no-hit hurler Johnny Vander Meer. The club had signed Johnny in 1933 as an 18-year old, but quickly gave up on him. By the next year, though, he had turned things around. So, the Dodgers filed a grievance claiming he was their property, but Judge Landis disagreed; stating that they only showed renewed interest once he starting throwing better.
• Happy Birthday, Frank Hansford, Andy Rush & Bonnie Hollingsworth!

Blog Kiosk: 12/22/2017- Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic 1955 Sporting News press photo taken by Don Wingfield prior to a World Series game between the Dodgers and Yankees. It recently sold at RMY Auction at $225 (auction link here). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Yogi Berra shows Jackie Robinson how he had tagged the Dodgers third sacker in the opening game. Berra still wouldn't admit that Bill Summers, the umpire at the time, was right. Robinson seems to be enjoying Berra's explanation of the play.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2001 the Dodgers traded a couple of minor leaguers for outfielder, spark plug, Boston World Series hero and future Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack Jenkins, Buster Burrell, Tex Erwin, Al Ferrara, Steve Garvey & Ken Landreaux!

Blog Kiosk: 102/14/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is another fantastic vintage press photo of an old-tyme Dodger that can be found at RMY Auctions (link here). Featured are (from L-R) Cuban outfield star Pedro Formental, Dick Sisler and Dodgers Game 7 hero of the 1955 World Series Sandy Amorós. They are all decked out in the full uniform of the Habana Club of the Cuban Winter Leagues, circa 1953.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1954 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Sandy Koufax to a contract - a $6,000 salary and $14,000 bonus.  This made Sandy a "bonus baby" (having a bonus over $4,000) and required the Dodgers to keep him on the Major League roster for two years.  As a result, the Dodgers would option Tommy Lasorda to the Montreal Royals.  In 1990 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Brett Butler to a four-year $13 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Deacon Van Buren, John Anderson, Charlie Hargreaves, Chris Heisey & Bill Buckner! 

Blog Kiosk: 12/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just awesome!

Above is an original 1958 Spring Training photograph taken by the legendary Barney Stein currently on auction at RMY (auction link). As you can see, it features the entire team, and it is purported to be the very first team photo of the newly minted Los Angeles Dodgers. As you know, the club would play in LA for the first time that season.

I've personally placed a bid on this photograph, but have little hope I'll walk away with it. This auction just opened up and it already has six bids. I suspect it'll sell for far more than I am willing to pay. That said, there are a bunch of great vintage pics in the auction, so stay tuned as I highlight other favorites I run into.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 actor Gene Autry is awarded an American League Los Angeles franchise that would be known as the Angels -- borrowing. In 1973 the Dodgers traded Claude Osteen and Dave Culpepper to the Astros for outfielder Jim Wynn. Wynn would go on to have a stellar year the following season in Los Angeles. He slashed .271/.387/.497/.884 with 32 homers and 108 RBI's, and would come in at fifth place in MVP voting. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Jason Schmidt. In 2007 signed free agent outfielder Andruw Jones.  
• Happy Birthday, Tony Lazzeri, Tommy Brown & Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis!