Blog Kiosk: 6/16/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out the above champagne celebration featuring Fernando Valenzuela and Rick Monday, following the Dodgers capturing the 1981 National League pennant (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor:

10/19/1981 -- Montreal - Dodgers pitching ace Fernando Valenzuela (L) and game hero Rick Monday swig the champagne in the dressing room after Los Angeles downed the Montreal Expos in the fifth game to win the National League CHampionship.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Roy Gleason. He would get a cup of coffee with the Dodgers in 1963 -- recording a double in his only at-bat and getting a World Series ring. Soon thereafter he would be drafted into the Army and be sent to Vietnam. Gleason would lose his World Series ring there, and becomes the only US Combat Veteran and former Major League Baseball player to receive "Special Congressional Recognition" for being awarded a "Purple Heart", a World Series Ring, and holding a "Perfect" Lifetime Major League Batting Average. In 1963 rookie pitcher Nick Willhite shut out the Cubs, 2-0, and become the first Los Angeles pitcher for throw a shutout in his Major League debut. In 1977 the Dodgers purchased right-handed reliever and Los Angeles native Bobby Castillo from the Kansas City Royals. 
• Happy Birthday, Pete Coscarart, Stan Wall & Jonathan Broxton!

Blog Kiosk: 1/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fun press photo from Sport magazine that I ran across on eBay (link here). It features a very young Don Drysdale chatting it up with the legendary Duke Snider. The pic is undated, but is likely from the late-50's early '60's.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 Roy Campanella is in an early morning car accident in Long Island -- breaking his back and ending his Baseball playing career.  In 1961 one-time Dodger Max Carey, along with deadball era outfielder Billy Hamilton, are elected in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Carey played four seasons in Brooklyn, slashing .260/.346/.339/.685 with three homers and 81 RBI's, and managed the club from 1932-1933. He recorded a 146-161 record as the Dodgers skipper. In 1967 former Dodgers GM Branch Rickey, along with Pirates outfielder Lloyd Waner, are elected by the Veterans Committee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. BTW, Waner was a Dodger for a short time in 1944 -- having had 17 plate appearances in 15 games and slashing .286/.412/.286/.697. In 1988 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Kirk Gibson to a three-year $4.5MM contract.
• Happy Birthday, Henry Medicus, Bill Krieg, Ray Hayworth, Hank Edwards, Steve Sax, Jason Schmidt & Mike Bolsinger!

Blog Kiosk: 12/2/2019 - Dodgers Links - New Robinson/Shuba Statue to be Created

Mark this on your calendar. April 2021 will mark the 75th anniversary of the historic 1946 handshake between George Shuba and Jackie Robinson, and to honor it Youngstown, Ohio will unveil a statue to celebrate. Dubbed "the handshake of the century", they are aiming to raise $400,000 to complete the 7 foot statue. Go here to help out. Per a press release:

"A handshake at home plate by players of different races is no big deal in America today, but in 1946 it was a historic moment," said Herb Washington, a local businessman and one of the co-chairs of the committee. "We want to memorialize that moment in a way that inspires people to relate more respectfully to those of other races. We need more Americans to follow the examples of Jackie Robinson and George Shuba."
...
"In our book, George is quoted as saying he didn't think at the time that shaking a black player's hand was a big deal," said Greg Gulas, a retired Youngstown State University sports information director and another committee co-chair. "He had played with black and white guys at Chaney High School and in sandlot games in Youngstown for years. He shook Jackie's hand because he had just hit a three-run homer. George was proud to be Jackie's teammate for the Royals and the Dodgers, not because Jackie was black but because he was an incredible baseball player."

Photo above via RobinsonShuba.org -- "Connecticut sculptor Marc Mellon recently created a rough early study of the Robinson Shuba statue. Plans call for the Jackie Robinson and George Shuba likenesses to stand nearly 7 feet tall in the actual statue planned in Youngstown, Ohio." Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1971 the Dodgers trade Doyle Alexander, Bob O'Brien, Sergio Robles and Royle Stillman to the Orioles for pitcher Pete Richert and soon to be Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. Then, the Dodgers trade future MVP winner Dick Allen to the White Sox for Steve Huntz and pitcher Tommy John. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela is named the NL Rookie of the Year - the third consecutive year a Dodger has won this award. In 2008 Hall of Fame Dodger skipper Tommy Lasorda is honored in a special ceremony by the Emperor of Japan with the Order of the Rising Sun medal for his contributions to the development of Japanese baseball. In 2011 the Dodgers signed free agent starter Chris Capuano to a two-year $9 million contract. He would go 16-19 with an 3.91 ERA, 3.81 FIP and 7.2 K's per nine innings.
• Happy Birthday, Leon Williams, Chip Hale, Peter Moylan & Brett Eibner!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Dave Roberts, Rick Monday and Al Ferrara

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any), as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

All it takes is one inning to ruin a good outing.

For five innings Walker Buehler was rolling along just fine. He had allowed only a single and a walk in what looked like a certain win for the Blue Crew. Then the sixth came around and everything just fell apart. He would go on to yield three runs before being replaced by Scott Alexander -- who fared no better.  By the time the dust settled, the Dodgers had lost their lead and was now facing a three-run deficit. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“When you can’t put guys away or you give them free passes or you make a mistake in the hitting zone, those guys are going to take advantage,” Roberts said. “Just like our guys.”

The Dodgers did mount a comeback, but it fell one-run short. They would lose 7-6. Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 Cubs outfielder Rick Monday, in an act that will be remembered and celebrated throughout the country, snatched and rescued an American flag from two protesters who were in the midst of setting it on fire. You can watch it here.

"He got down on his knees and I could tell he wasn't throwing holy water on it," Monday said of one of the perpetrators. "If he's going to burn a flag, he better do it in front of somebody who doesn't appreciate it. I've visited enough veterans' hospitals and seen enough with their legs blown off defending that flag."

• Happy Birthday, Darren Holmes, Brad Clontz & JP Howell!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Jesse Orosco & Rick Monday!

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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A Unique Collection of Dodger Pins Sold at Hake's Auctions

It's a little known fact that I'm a Dodger pin collector. I wouldn't say that it's a main focus of my collecting habits, but I do like to pick something up on a whim from time to time. For the most part, I'm more of a looker than an active buyer. I guess you can say that I strike when a deal is too good to pass up, or when that rare mood comes along that begs me to buy something. So, when Hake's opened up a pin-centric auction featuring the collection of pin aficionado Paul Muchinsky I had to take a look. Now that this auction is over, I thought I would catalog some of the more unique offerings that were available. BTW, I didn't win any of these pins unfortunately.

On another note, several of these pins in this post appear to be fairly modern. At the same time, they are rarely ever seen in the hobby. I suspect there's a treasure trove of some of these hiding somewhere -- maybe within stored-away boxes of ex-employees or fans who don't realize their value in the hobby.

Blog Kiosk: 4/13/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie, accepted the inaugural Reagan Institute Summit on Education (RISE) award on behalf of The Jackie Robinson Foundation. RISE is dedicated to elevating the national conversation on education by creating space for leaders from diverse industries and political backgrounds to have purposeful discussion of the issues.

Photo above via the Jackie Robinson Foundation on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig, during a spring training game against the Dodgers in Norfolk, Virginia, hit two homers that would prove to be the last home runs he would ever hit. In 1954 Walter Alston made his major league debut as the Dodgers manager. In 2009 second baseman Orlando Hudson hit for the "Cycle" against the Giants during the Dodgers home opener. He is the first Dodger to accomplish the feat at Dodger Stadium, and the first Dodger to do it in a nine-inning game since Gil Hodges in 1949. In 2012 Dodger starter Aaron Harang struck out nine consecutive Padre batters -- breaking the Dodgers franchise record of eight held by Johnny Podres. The Major League mark is at ten, and is held by Mets pitcher Tom Seaver in 1970. 
• Happy Birthday, Kid Elberfeld, Ben Cantwell & Ed Amelung!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Turner, Monday and Toles

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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This coming Friday, April 28th from  11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Dodger third baseman Justin Turner will meet and greet fans at the Spectrum Store on La Cienega. This is only a photo opportunity. No autographs will be available.

Blog Kiosk: 4/25/2017 - Dodgers Link - Some Odds and Ends

I had spent much of yesterday stuck in jury duty, so I apologize for the lack of posts. That said, I don't believe that the jury is out for the Dodgers or Hyun-Jin Ryu. We are still in the middle of discovery -  to determine who these Dodgers and Ryu are this season. After all, we still have 142 games left this year and Ryu is just coming back from not pitching regularly the past two season. So, please stop with the griping and hand-wringing that I've been reading so much about.

Instead, it is best to sit back and enjoy the ride. There is no reason to be worried. It is still too early to tell. And anyone who claims otherwise is a wise-cracker who is either bored or just writing click-bait. I suspect the later.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 Cubs outfielder Rick Monday, in an act that will be remembered and celebrated throughout the country, snatched and rescued an American flag from two protesters who were in the midst of setting it on fire.
  

  "He got down on his knees and I could tell he wasn't throwing holy water on it," Monday said of one of the perpetrators. "If he's going to burn a flag, he better do it in front of somebody who doesn't appreciate it. I've visited enough veterans' hospitals and seen enough with their legs blown off defending that flag."

• Happy Birthday, Darren Holmes, Brad Clontz & JP Howell!
  

Blog Kiosk: 3/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

I've been a bit derelict in my duties on this blog due to a cold that just won't go away.  It sucks and I'm hoping that spending some time in the office doing some work and putting up this blog will ease my ills.  Considering this I decided to track down a vintage pic related to a cold and the Dodgers and came up with the above photograph of Babe Ruth.  Although his scenario is far more pressing then my illness I decided it was worth putting up.

Featured above is a circa 1938 press photo (as found on eBay) featuring Dodgers coach Babe Ruth taking a brief leave from the team to attend to his ailing daughter, Julia.  Per John McMurray at SABR:

George Herman (Babe) Ruth, rushed by motor cycle escort from Ebbets Field, where he had been coaching the Brooklyn Dodgers, gave his 22-year-old adopted daughter, Julia, 500 cubic centimeters of his blood in a transfusion at 6 o’clock last night at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, 210 East Sixty-fourth [sic] Street. After the transfusion, Ruth rested for an hour and then drove his wife, Mrs. Claire Ruth, home. Fifty youngsters from the neighborhood of the hospital met him at its doors as he left, asking for his autograph. He told them he was forced to refuse because his right arm felt weakened.

Below are more links to check out:

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

Blog Kiosk: 10/19/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw Saves, a Dodger Mural, Urias and Rich Hill

Rich Hill and his curve ball dominated the Cubs yesterday evening.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

“I think it’s one of those things that if you have a pitch that’s better than your other pitches, you throw it more, and percentage-wise it should work out in your favor,” Hill said. “I’m not going to sit here and say it’s not a major part of my game.”

The 36-year-old added that tonight’s victory was the “biggest game of my career,” but that you can’t think like that while it’s happening.

“It’s all about staying in the moment and executing when you’re in that moment, and that’s all you can think about,” Hill said. “All you can control is that pitch. In the second inning, walk a few guys — it’s over with, can’t control it — and you move on. You execute the next pitch, and you execute the pitch after that. And you continue to execute until the ball gets taken out of your hand.”

Holy Moly!  I knew Hill's numbers with the A's were strong, but I really had no idea that this journeyman who'd been out of the game (playing independent Baseball just a year or two ago) was the late-blooming ace that he showed last night.  What a godsend, eh?

And, let's give it up for the resurgent Dodgers offense.  Both Yasmani Grandal and Justin Turner hit homers, while Yasiel Puig and Corey Seager finally broke out of their slumps to record five singles, collectively (two for Puig and three for Seager).

Photo at the very top of Rich Hill be awarded the "Dodgers Player of the Game" belt, via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1981 Rick Monday made history by hitting a dramatic solo home run in the eighth inning of Game 5 of the NLCS to propel the Dodgers to a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Expos.  Go here to watch a highlight of it.  He hit a 3-1 fastball against Steve Rogers.  BTW, Fernando Valenzuela allowed just three hits and one run in 8 2/3 inning.  The win sent the team to the World Series against the Yankees.
• Happy Birthday, James McDonald and Tim Belcher!

Blog Kiosk: 10/13/2016 - Dodgers Links - Game 5 is Tonight!

I thought the above photo was worth noting.

The last time the Dodgers faced off against the Washington Nationals franchise in a Game 5 was 35 years ago.  It was 1981 and our opponent was known as the Montreal Expos.  Having never reached postseason play, the Expos leaned on two future Hall of Famers (potentially three if you consider Tim Raines) to take them to the promised land.  Unfortunately, they had the Dodgers to deal with... And Fernando Valenzuela... And Rick Monday.

As you surely know, Fernando pitched a gem.  He went 8 2/3 innings, recording six strike outs, three walks and allowed just one run.  Bob Welch came in to pitch a one out save.  The Dodgers offense was highlighted by a dramatic ninth inning home run off the bat of outfielder Rick Monday, as seen in the photo above.  Go here to watch Monday's home run.

So if history does repeat itself we just might see a young Mexican pitcher named Julio Urias, who's expected to pitch tonight, and an outfielder named Andre Ethier, who happens to wear Monday's number #16, do something incredible. 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1938 Leo "The Lip" Durocher is named the new manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  In 1974 Dodgers closer Mike Marshall picked off A's designated runner Herb Washington to get the second out in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the World Series.  He would eventually record a save to preserve the Dodgers only win in the series.  Oakland would win the title in Game 5.  You can watch the pick-off here.

Blog Kiosk: 5/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - De Leon, Dodger Dogs and SportsNet LA for Frontier Customers?

Sometimes you need a little help from your friends.

Starting pitcher Scott Kazmir was far from perfect last night.  He threw 111 pitches in 6.2 innings of work; allowing seven hits, two homers and four earned runs.  Fortunately, it didn't matter.  The Dodgers offense picked up the slack and hammered home ten runs of their own to win the game 10-5.

Way to start off the road trip right with a W! The guys picked me up today! #ILoveLA #IWillGetBetter

— Scott Kazmir (@scottkazmir19) May 4, 2016

The Dodgers walloped three home runs of their own; including a monstrous drive by Trayce Thompson that, quite literally, never landed. Via Ken Gurnick through Cut4:

"2-0 and he left a fastball out over the plate. Lucky enough I didn't miss it. Never had a ball that never came down. Someone's always caught it or it's landed somewhere. That was pretty interesting. . I actually didn't see until someone texted me. J.T. was talking about going up on the catwalk tomorrow. It would be funny."

Listen to Trayce talk about it with Alanna Rizzo here.  BTW, his brother Klay of the Golden State Warriors spoke a bit about the homer here.  You can also listen to Kazmir with Alanna here.  On the lighter side, several Dodgers pranked the Rays mascot before the game.  Watch it here via ESPN.  It's a gas!

Pic above of AJ Ellis congratulating Thompson via SportsNet LA on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers played their first ever Major League game on a Sunday at Ebbets Field.  Also, in 1976 this day was declared Rick Monday Day, via Illinois House of Representative Resolution 747.

Blog Kiosk: 4/29/2016 - Dodgers Links - Outfield Analytics and Dee Gordon is Suspended

Here's a great pic of two old Dodgers, Don Newcombe and Manny Mota.  Photo via @Dodgers on twitter.

As for the game... Well, I don't really wanna talk about it.  Maeda was good until he ran out of gas in the seventh inning.  Pedro Baez couldn't get an out when he needed it.  Heck, the schlub balked in a run.  Then to make matters worse, the Dodgers offense continues to press.  They could only muster three runs in the loss.

Oh well, we get swept by a team managed by our old skipper, and that's got to make him feel pretty good.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"We just got outplayed," manager Dave Roberts said, and not by just any team, but the one managed by his predecessor as Dodgers manager, Don Mattingly. It was the first series sweep in Los Angeles in Marlins history.

Of course, last nights game wasn't the biggest news of the evening.  What really got folks talking was the revelation that Dee Gordon, a man so beloved even after being traded to Miami, has tested positive for PED's and is suspended for 80 games.  Wha...?

Wow, Dee Gordon got 80 games for testing positive for exogenous Testosterone and Clostebol

— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) April 29, 2016

To make matters worse, he likely failed testing weeks ago (maybe during spring training) and was in the midst of an appeal that he only dropped right after last nights game.  That certainly adds insult to injury.

The Dee Gordon announcement came tonight because he only just dropped his appeal and wanted to tell his teammates what happened.

— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) April 29, 2016

He claims that he did not knowingly ingest the illegal substances (per his recent statement), but the damage is done.  He's just a case of another false (failed) hero.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 Eric Gagne, who was on the DL, is suspended and fined for two games.  He had heckled home plate umpire Bill Hohn; in violation of a rule saying that an DL'd player may not take part in any activity during the game.

Blog Kiosk: 4/26/2016 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully, Don Mattingly and Rick Monday's Day

Yesterday's pregame activities included a ceremony celebrating Rick Monday's fantastic save of an American flag on that date in 1976.  Listen to Vin Scully talk about it here.  You can also go here to check out a bunch of photos from the evening.  Per Tracy Ringolsby at MLB.com:

"They were going to put the match to the flag, and it was soaked in lighter fluid," remember Monday. "My attitude was if they don't have it, they can't light it, so I scooped the flag up and kept running. I didn't know if it was on fire or not, but I did know one of the guys was not a [baseball prospect]. He threw the can of lighter fluid at me, but he didn't have a good enough arm to hit me."

Featured above is a photo, via Bill Shaikin on twitter, of Monday and his wife Barbaralee with that flag.

The story about Rick Monday's deed is well known and roundly celebrated throughout the country - as it should be.  What isn't well known, however, is the circumstances surrounding the two protestors who attempted to burn that flag.  In fact, no one really knows much about them, but Vice reporter David Davis does his best to uncover the story.  Unfortunately, we don't really know much more than what we already know (which isn't much):

With their disappearance, with their refusal to address the past, they leave behind questions that seem likely to remain unanswered: What pain and rage led them out on to the field that day, and what did it have to do with that mental institution in Missouri? Why burn an American flag as a method of protest, and why at Dodger Stadium? And, why did a father use his 11-year-old son as an accomplice? In the long silence that followed the moment, there are surely other questions—questions of regret, questions about what it has been like to live with this for 40 years.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2008 Vin Scully received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Pepperdine University.  He would later give an stirring commencement speech to the graduating Class of Seaver College at Peppederine that you can watch a snippet of here.  Also, during that evenings game in Colorado Brad Penny would hurl an 93-mph fastball that is missed by catcher Russell Martin and knocks out homeplate umpire Kerwin Danley.  He would be stretchered off the field.

Blog Kiosk: 4/25/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Scully and Don Mattingley's Return

No doubt Yasiel Puig is having fun again after a tumultuous season last year.  After Saturdays victory against the Rockies he somehow found himself standing among a throng of teens in formal wear.  It is prom season in America and Puig, obviously curios about the occasion, joined the revelry had by the student of ChatfieldHigh School of Littleton, Colorado.  He had the crashed the party and fortunately shared a couple pics on twitter for us to enjoy.

Featured above some of the kids with Puig in the middle (twitter link here).  Below, he poses with members of the high school Baseball team (twitter link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  On this day in 1976 Rick Monday saved the American flag from a couple of protesters in the outfield at Dodger Stadium.  The incident was immortalized in the photo seen on the right.
• Happy Birthday, JP Howell!
• Via Jacob Unruh at News OK, "OKC Dodgers: Herges talks talented pitching staff."

Marlins Series Starts on Monday - Autograph Appearances, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Miami Marlins.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. 

The Miami Cuban Dog will be available for this homestand at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features a quarter-pound, all-beef hot dog topped with smoked ham, pulled roasted pork, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard and pickle chips.

I will update this post with more information should it arrive.  So, be sure to check back.

The second 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Justin Turner on the cover (see on right), will be available at Dodger Stadium. Beginning this year, the Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand and one in October, 13 issues total. It will be distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. 

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Monday, April 25th at 7:10 PM
 RHP Wei-Yin Chen vs. RHP Ross Stripling
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

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

Dodger broadcaster Rick Monday will throw the ceremonial first pitch. It is the 40th anniversary of the iconic moment on April 25, 1976 at Dodger Stadium in which Monday, then a member of the Chicago Cubs, rescued an American flag that was about to be burned on the center field grass by protestors. Monday will have the flag from this day with him for pregame ceremonies. Kevin Massey will perform the national anthem. Massey is currently starring in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,” at the Ahmanson Theatre.

Blog Kiosk: 4/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Jackie Gets an Apology from Philadelphia

Dodgers hurler Kenta Maeda met with some special guest before yesterdays game.  The kids from the Tokyo Kitasuna team from Japan, as seen in the photo above shared by Dodgers photographed Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016, greeted the MLB rookie with giant smiles.  As you likely know, they won the 2015 Little League World Series.  Check out more pics from Jon from yesterday here.

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Rick Monday, Tom Paciorek, J.D. Drew elected to College Baseball Hall."
• Better late than never, I suppose.  Via Tricia L. Nadolny at Philly.com, "Sorry, 42: City Council apologizes for Phillies' race-baiting of Robinson." 

"Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia," reads the resolution unanimously passed Thursday, "that City Council hereby recognize, honor and celebrate April 15, 2016 as a day honoring the lifetime achievements and lasting influence of Jackie Robinson, and apologizing for the racism he faced as a player while visiting Philadelphia."

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training: Spring Game 31/Home Game 16

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.

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L.A. Angels (15-8-6) vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (13-14-3)
Thursday, March 31, 2016 – 7:10 p.m. PT | Dodger Stadium
LHP Andrew Heaney (1-0, 2.57) vs. LHP Scott Kazmir (0-1, 7.71)
TV: SNLA Radio: KLAC/KTNQ

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(Dodger Stadium, pic via AGon on twitter)

STADIUM FOR SORE EYES: The Dodgers are back at Dodger Stadium tonight for the first time since losing Game 5 of the NLDS on October 15, 2015 to the New York Mets. In addition to tonight’s game, the Dodgers and Angels will meet Friday (7:10 p.m., RHP Kenta Maeda vs. LHP Hector Santiago) at Dodger Stadium, with the series shifting to Anaheim for a 6:05 p.m. game Saturday (LHP Alex Wood vs. RHP Nick Tropeano). After an off-day Sunday, the Dodgers kick off the regular season on Monday against the Padres at PETCO Park.