Blog Kiosk: 6/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & Mews - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic 1913 vintage photographs featuring a "Bloomer" girl -- a female ballplayer/team who would barnstorm around the country taking-on all competition. The photographs is via the Shorpy blog -- easily my favorite of all vintage photography websites. Check it out here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1990 Fernando Valenzuela no-hit the Cardinals, 6-0, at Dodger Stadium. With 119 pitches he struck out seven and walked three. Also, on this same night, former Dodgers starter Dave Stewart threw a no-hitter against the Blue Jays -- thereby marking the first time in modern Baseball history that two no-hitters were thrown on the same day. In 1995 Hideo Nomo struck out thirteen Rockies to give him a then team record of 50 strike outs in four consecutive starts. In 1996 Mike Piazza hit three home runs against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. He became the fifth Dodger to hit three homers in a game. In 2012 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Yasiel Puig. 
• Happy Birthday, Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson, Farmer Steelman, Bobby Morgan, Rick Honeycutt & Pedro Guerrero!

Blog Kiosk: 1/17/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Welcome the newest Dodger -- Cooper Ellis Kershaw.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded Andy Pafko to the Milwaukee Braves for Roy Hartsfield. In 1976 Dodger great Tommy Davis is released by the KC Royals, ending an 18-year MLB career. He played eight seasons as a Dodger; slashing .304/.338/.441/.779 with an 117 OPS+, 16.2 WAR, two batting crowns and two All-Star appearances.
• Happy Birthday, Tyler Houston, Scott Mullen, Harry Pattee & Don Zimmer!

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

All the hot stove stuff has me yearning for some Baseball. Featured above is a March 6, 1949 AP press photograph from that springs first game intra-squad game (eBay auction link). I love the backdrop -- seeing all the youngsters in the makeshift dugout and the Dodgertown barracks that house all the ballplayers.

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

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers traded for soon to be Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan from the Pirates in exchange for Pete Coscarart, Luke Hamlin, Babe Phelps and Jimmy Wasdell. In 1998 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Kevin Brown to a seven year $105 million contract -- thus becoming the first $100 million man in Baseball. In 2012 the Dodgers received Skip Schumaker in a trade with the Cardinals -- sending Jake Lemmerman to St. Louis in return.
• Happy Birthday, Buzzie Bavasi, Peter O'Malley, Phenomenal Smith, Derrell Griffith & Orlando Hudson! 

Blog Kiosk: 10/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Featured above is a 1941 press photo showing Dodgers skipper Leo Durocher and first baseman Dolph Camilli arguing with the home plate umpire. To the far left is a dejected Pee wee Reese. Apparently, Pee Wee was called out on a third strike, that nobody in the Dodgers dugout liked. Unfortunately, we don't know the exact date of this photo or even who the opponent is, but we do know this is Ebbets Field (eBay auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 the Dodgers sold infielder Bob Bailey to the newest expansion ballclub Montreal Expos. Bailey was attained via a trade with the Pirates for speedster Maury Wills in 1966, and proceeded to stink it up in LA for two season. He slashed .227/.309/.325/.633. Nevertheless, he recorded the Expos very first hit in its franchise's history -- also driving in the clubs first two runs. Bailey also became a mainstay in Montreal, playing seven season in Canada and slashing an impressive .264/.368/.437/.805.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Russell, Franklin Stubbs, Bryan Corey, Toby Hall, Casey Fein & Zach Greinke!

2019 Topps Archives Signature Series Retired Player Edition - The Dodger Cards

Topps released their 'Archives Signature Series Retired Player Edition' cards a couple of weeks ago, but I am only now able to share some pics of the Dodger cards found in boxes. The checklist of available players is quite extensive, as it includes a bunch of Dodgers'. In fact, I count at least 18 former players within the 93 player set (go here for a complete checklist). So far, I've found cards for only 11 of those ballplayers, but suspect more are available. See those cards below. I will updated this post from time to time, as more cards become unveiled.

BTW, this brand consist of all-autographed Topps cards from past Topps products. So, you can find cards going as far back as 1951 to this season -- all having been hard-signed. A single box of one card will cost you about $40.

#Andruw Jones

2008 Topps Trading Card History

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: 8/14/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

“It was as good of a night as we’ve had all year,” said manager Dave Roberts.

When you've got the best pitching coach in the game and some of the best youngsters the league can produce, it should come as no surprise that games like last nights happen. Last night we absolutely decimated the lowly Marlins, 15-1, and even witnessed the beauty of Russell Martin as a reliever for the third time this season. BTW, Dustin May is the real deal. He showed us his curve ball and it was very good. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

On Tuesday, May’s sinker-cutter combo stayed as trusted as it has all year, getting a combined seven swinging strikes and 17 called strikes. But he also more frequently incorporated the curveball, throwing it 17 times. 

“The more comfortable I feel with it, the more I’m going to throw it,” said May, who recorded a second straight outing allowing just one run.

Photo above via JC Ruiz/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays blowout game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers and Cubs play a doubleheader that last a total of only two hours and seventeen minutes. In the opener, the Cubs blanked Brooklyn 2-0, in one hour and ten minutes, and in the nightcap it takes the Dodgers one hour and seven minutes to shut out Chicago, 1-0. In 1980 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent pitcher Tom Niedenfuer out of Washington State University. In a couple of years he would be a mainstay in the Dodgers bullpen -- recording 64 saves as a Dodger. 
• Happy Birthday, Magic Johnson, Frank McCourt, Mark Loretta, Scott Stewart, McKay Christensen & Juan Pierre!

Blog Kiosk: 3/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tony Gonsolin has been turning heads at the Dodgers camp -- and not just because he fancies cat t-shirts. Rather, he's been lights out during his three appearances this spring, pitching six scoreless innings. Overall, the 25-year old has struck out five, walked none and batters are hitting a paltry .190 off him. Per Matt Borelli at Dodger Blue:

“Minor League Pitcher of the Year, he has a four-pitch mix, he can throw his secondaries for strikes when he needs to, he’s a tough competitor, he’s very intelligent, and the stuff is real,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts answered when asked for his evaluation of Gonsolin. 

“For me to be able to put eyes on him, our coaching staff, was good. The way he carries himself in the clubhouse is very mature.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Pic on the right via Gonsolin on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1989 the Dodgers traded outfielder Mike Devereaux to Baltimore for starting pitcher Mike Morgan. Morgan would stay in LA for three seasons -- compiling a 33-36 record with an 3.06 ERA, 3.38 FIP and a 1.162 WHIP. In 2003 Mets catcher Mike Piazza charged the mound to go after Dodgers reliever Guillermo Mota during a spring training game at Thomas J. White Stadium in Port St. Lucie, FL. Mota plunked Piazza on the shoulder, so Piazza stormed after him -- even going so far as to enter the Dodgers clubhouse following the game. Both players would be suspended five games. Per Mike DiGiovanna at the LA Times:

"Where's Mota?" Piazza screamed, checking the trainer's room. "Where's Mota?" he yelled, walking through the clubhouse. Once he realized Dodger reliever Guillermo Mota had left, Piazza walked out the back door, got into his car and sped off.

• Happy Birthday, Frank Schneiberg, Bob Barr, Jim Wynn, Darryl Strawberry, Shawn Gilbert, Steve Finley, Raul Mondesi & Greg Hansell!

Blog Kiosk: 2/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It has begun.

Spring is officially upon us as the first games of the preseason started in earnest this weekend. Before you know it, it'll be Opening Day.

Pic above via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019. Check out pics by Jon SooHoo and others on Dodger Insider from Friday (here), Saturday (here) and Sunday (here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2002 84-year old broadcaster Ernie Harwell announced that this season would be his last as the Tiger's play-by-play man. As you may know, Harwell is the only announcer to have been traded for a ballplayer. Branch Rickey, in 1948, needed a substitute for an ailing Red Barber, so he traded catcher Cliff Dapper to the Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association for his services. Ernie would broadcast in Brooklyn for two years.
• Happy Birthday, Al Hollingsworth, Andy Pafko, Cesar Cedeno & Xavier Paul!

My 2019 FanFest Day -- With Pics and Links

The Dodgers FanFest has come and gone, and like in past years there was plenty of fans in attendance, a lot to do and lines everywhere. Heck, it would be entirely appropriate to just call this event the Dodgers LineFest. Nevertheless, I have no doubt that a majority of fans enjoyed the spectacle more than it annoyed them.

There were some minor tweaks to this years FanFest. The kid friendly activities (slides, wall climbing, etc.) were placed in the parking lot area instead of on the playing field, like in past years. Also, we were introduced to this coming seasons slogan -- "LA Bleeds Blue".

Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Joc Pederson and his dog Blue met with Dodger fans and their canine friends for a special photo shoot yesterday afternoon in Van Nuys.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. You can check out more pics from this event and others, here.

Furthermore, the Dodgers FanFest is tomorrow, and there are plenty of autograph and VIP events still available. Go here to check it out. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Giants skipper Bill Terry, when asked about the Dodgers prospects for the upcoming season, remarked, "I haven't heard anything from them; are they still in the league?" This obviously caused all of Brooklyn to scream in outrage, and ultimately lead to the Dodgers' greatest revenge. With the Giants tied with the Cardinals and with just two games left to play in the 1934 season (both against Brooklyn), the Dodgers would sweep to deny them the pennant.
• Happy Birthday, Danny Richardson, Ray Schmandt, Ed Head & Ed Goodson!

Blog Kiosk: 11/5/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Japan Series begins in earnest later this week, but in the meantime it's MLB players spent the weekend in Hawaii getting prepared and working out. Per Kyle Galdeira at MLB.com:

"We want guys to walk out of here healthy, have a great experience and, when we get to Japan, play at full speed and represent Major League Baseball well," Mattingly said. "It's a great chance to relax a little bit and get ready for the trip."

In addition to Chris Taylor, seen above, other Dodgers travelling to Japan include Kenta Maeda and Kiké Hernandez.

Photo above of Chris Taylor with University of Hawaii ballplayer Alex Baeza, via Baeza on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Dodgers named former spitballer Burleigh Grimes as their manager. In 1940 former Dodgers lawyer Wendell Willkie loses to third term American President Franklin D. Roosevelt in todays Presidential election. He would later on become VP and legal counsel for Brooklyn in the early 40's and would then be replaced by Walter O'Malley. In 2008 Dodgers pitcher Greg Maddux wins his 18th career Gold Glove. 
• Happy Birthday, Tommy Sheehan, Pryor McElveen & Ralph Birkofer!

Blog Kiosk: 10/8/2018 - Dodgers Links - Game 4 Today

That was a tough loss yesterday. We had our newest potential ace-in-the-making get on the mound to try to finish out the series, but it was not to be. One singular inning was the cause. Walker Buehler, during the second frame, struggled. He just couldn't find the plate. It was like a temporary case of the 'yips' that resulted in walking the bases loaded and throwing a 3-2 'meat-ball' that found it's way into the left field seats for a grand slam. After that, he settles down and proceeded to get the next ten batters out -- four on strike outs. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s on me,” Buehler said. “I’ll fix it, and we’ll be better, and that’s it.”

...
 “It takes a lot of maturity and focus,” manager Dave Roberts said of Buehler’s recovery. “So he did lose his focus, I think, in that point in time, but again, for him in a big game like this to go back out there and throw up a couple more zeroes, that was huge for us, and we had a chance to win the baseball game. So Walker’s coming back and giving us five innings right there, it was big.”

Today's game starts at 1:30 PM and Rich Hill will face off against Game 1 starter Mike Foltynewicz.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Yankees hurler Don Larson threw his World Series Game 5 Perfect Game against the Dodgers, 2-0. He threw 97 pitches, struck out seven and walked none. In 1957 Walter O'Malley officially announced that the Dodgers would be moving to Los Angeles for the next upcoming season. In 1959 the Dodgers defeated the White Sox in Game 6 of the World Series to win their second championship. Larry Sherry came in to pitch 5.2 innings in relief to win the game, 9-3. In 2009 the Dodgers win Game 2, 3-2, of the NLCS against the Cardinals on a come-from-behind walkoff single by Mark Loretta. The victory was set up by an Matt Holliday two-out error on a sinking line drive in left field that gave the Dodgers an opportunity to rally. You can watch Holliday's flub here, and you can watch a condensed version of the game here.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Conway, Jimmy Peoples, Paul Schreiber, Lee Rogers, Enos Cabell, Mike Morgan & Olmedo Sáenz!

Blog Kiosk: 4/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

There's nothing like a father teach his son the game.

As you can see, featured above is Jackie Robinson teaching Jackie Robinson Jr. the finer points of the game in a March 1, 1953 Associated Press photo. It is currently available at auction at RMY Auctions (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 the Dodgers officially announced, during the sixth inning of an exhibition against the Royals, that they had purchased the contract of Montreal Royals infielder Jackie Robinson.  He would be the first African-American to be on the roster of a modern Major League club. In 1962 the Dodgers played their very first home game at the newly built Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine. There were 52,564 fans on-hand to watch Johnny Podres throw the first pitch to infielder Eddie Kasko -- who promptly doubled in the at-bat. Duke Snider would record the first Dodger hit with a single in the second inning.  Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose the game to the Reds, 6-3. Reds outfielder Wally Post hit the first homer in the stadium during the seventh inning to lead Cincinnati.
• Happy Birthday, Bob McGraw, Chuck Connors, Lee Lacy, Mike Devereaux, Alberto Reyes, Andre Ethier & Charlie Culberson!

Blog Kiosk: 4/3/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The best part about the presentation is Wood's use of flip-glasses.

BTW, I'm not worried about Jansen... yet. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Jansen said he's healthy and is working through some mechanical kinks with pitching coach Rick Honeycutt. Manager Dave Roberts said, from everything he hears from his staff, Jansen is "100 percent healthy." 

"Yeah, I'm fine. Slow start," said Jansen. "Owings got me. It stinks, but nobody's going to feel sorry for me. Nobody wants to get beat, nobody wants to blow saves, nobody wants to lose games. Today stinks, it stinks to see Wilmer go five innings, he doesn't deserve that loss. It happens. What can I do? I just have to bounce back and help the Dodgers win tomorrow."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1974 the Dodgers trade for Pedro Guerrero from the Indians in exchange for pitcher Bruce Ellingsen. In 2004 the Dodgers traded Franklin Gutierrez and Andrew Brown to the Indians for outfielder Milton Bradley. In 2008 the Dodgers announce, twenty minutes before their game, that reliever Hong-Chih Kuo would be used as the starter in place of Chad Billingsley, who would come into the game out of bullpen. The unusual move is made due to an threat of rain at the start of the game (Whoops, this actually happened on the April 2nd - my bad). 
• Happy Birthday, Wally Moon & Tim Crews!

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

Here's a fun, dated Apr 6, 1943, International News press photo featuring Brooklyn Dodger first baseman Dolph Camilli getting all gussied-up. A couple weeks prior to the start of the season, Camilli along with Leo Durocher, Arky Vaughan, Mickey Owen, Bobo Newsom, and Billy Herman played parts in a movie called "Whistling in Brooklyn". There was even a short appearance made by Dodgers super-fan Hilda Chester.

"MAKING DOLF PURTY FOR THE MOVIES" --  New York...Dolph Camilli, Brooklyn first baseman, has some makeup applied as he works out with the Dodgers.  He was photographed by a movie camera for a part in a new Red Skelton movie."

Pic above via eBay (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the trade that sends outfielder Shawn Green from the Dodgers to the Diamondbacks and includes $8 million changing hands is approved by the Commissioner of baseball, Bud Selig. The trade would officially consummated eight days later. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Brett Tomko to a two year/$8.7 million contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Frenchy Bordagaray & Chris Van Cuyk!

Blog Kiosk: 11/8/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This photo has nothing to do with the Dodgers, but it is magnificent nonetheless. Featured is January 1942 photo by noted photojournalist Arthur Rothstein titled; "Saturday morning baseball game. Farm Security Administration camp in Robstown, Texas." It was shared by the Shorpy photo blog.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1990 Darryl Strawberry signed a five-year $22.25 million free agent contract to play for the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, John Farrow, Tony Cuccinello, Eric Anthony, Henry Rodríguez, Víctor Álvarez, Darwin Barney, José Offerman, Nick Punto and Yasmani Grandal!

Blog Kiosk: 11/3/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

"Baseball is something like a war."

No truer words have ever been said about the game, and few photos exist that best exemplifies it. So, it's with great delight that I share the above vintage 1948 Associated Press photo that does just that.  (RMY Auction link)

As you can see, both infielder Benny Zientara and Jackie Robinson are sprawled  along the first base line. Per the description attached to the reverse:

Benny Zientara  (left), Cincinnati Reds second baseman, and Jackie Robinson (right), Brooklyn Dodgers first baseman, are prone on the ground and out back of first base in Cincinnati, May 13, after collision. Robinson plowed head-on into Zientara at first while trying to beat out a bunt. Zientara was unconscious for about five minutes and had to leave the game. The Brooklyn player continued in the game. Dodgers won, 9-3.

Players gave life and limb to win the game. This photo recently sold for $484. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1965 Sandy Koufax is named the Cy Young Award winner by unanimous vote.  It is his second Cy Young in his career. Overall, he went 26-8 with an 1.73 ERA, a major league record 382 strikeouts, 27 complete games, 8 shut outs in 335 total innings pitched.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Lennox, Bob Fisher, Spider Jorgensen, Earl Robinson, Bob Welch, Mike Christopher & Paul Quantrill!

Blog Kiosk: 9/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

These guys had a great game yesterday. Austin Barnes, who is looking more and more like our catcher of the future, not only caught a great game but also pounded out three hits; including two doubles, to drive in two runs. Rich Hill is looking like his old self. He pitched seven shutout innings, struck out ten and walked only two batters to record his 12th win of the season. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“I think it all comes down to effort and comes down to the way you go about your business,” Hill said of keeping his feel. “It doesn’t matter when the game is or when the next outing is, for me it’s about keeping that effort consistent and that intensity consistent. When you’re doing that you’re giving yourself a chance.”

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

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

Blog Kiosk: 8/3/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The worst thing about Baseball is learning that you are going to lose. It's inevitable. The beauty of the game is that it teaches you to persevere, regardless. More often than not, this Dodger team has soldiered on to overcome all obstacles to win. Last night, they just couldn't get over that hump. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“They’re a scrappy bunch,” said Dodger manager Dave Roberts to SportsNetLA’s Alanna Rizzo. “They have some athletic ability and with (Freddie) Freeman in the middle of the order — he was on base three times tonight — we only put together six hits, couldn’t get a lot of baserunners and really couldn’t put things together tonight.”

Oh well, last nights loss to the Braves means it's time for a new winning streak. BTW, Cody Bellinger hit his 30th homer of the season -- becoming only the second Dodger and 28th rookie overall to have ever eclipsed the 30 home run mark. Mike Piazza hit 35 homers as a Dodger in 1993. The above pic via the Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 the second All-Star Game of the year is played at the LA Coliseum. Don Drysdale gave up a third inning two-run homer to Yogi Berra to lose the game, 5-3. In 1980 Duke Snider, along with Al Kaline and Chuck Klein, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1997 Tommy Lasorda, along with Phil Neikro, Nellie Fox and Willie Wells, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2013 the Dodgers set a franchise record when they won their 13th consecutive game on the road by defeating the Cubs, 3-0.
• Happy Birthday, Gus Getz, Jim Gott, Sid Bream & Kevin Elster!