Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I just thought I'd share this photo that I saw on eBay. It's Don Drysdale (undated) leading a horse on a motorcycle. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Triumphant pitcher now can safely lead the costly jumper behind the bike, and thereby will save dozens of walking miles a week. Training process took about 15 minutes.

Photo above via an eBay listing. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 Montreal Expos hurler Dennis Martinez throws a perfect game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. This is the first no-hitter by an opposing pitcher in Dodger Stadium's history. In 2010 the Dodgers get outfielder Scott Podsednik from the Royals for Elisaul Pimentel and Lucas May. In 2014 the Dodgers received infielder Darwin Barney from the Cubs for minor leaguer Jonathan Martinez.
• Happy Birthday, Freddie Fitzsimmons & Walker Buehler! BTW, he starts tonight's game against the Astros.

Blog Kiosk: 6/5/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I'm not sure if I ever pointed this out, but standing in front of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the home of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Islanders, is the flagpole that once stood at Ebbets Field -- former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Above is a look at the plaque describing it -- photo via Norman Oder on twitter.

Apparently, a few days ago protesters hung up a BLM flag on it -- which seems appropriate. Photo on the right via NYC Protest Updates 2020 on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 Don Drysdale recorded the first shutout of his career against the Cubs at Roosevelt Stadium in New Jersey, 4-0. In 1977 the Dodgers retired former manager Walter Alston's uniform number #24 at Dodger Stadium. He compiled a 2040-1613 (.558) record for the franchise. It was also Old-Timer's Day as the Dodgers defeated the Padres, 4-2. 
• Happy Birthday, Bill Maloney, Fred Mitchell, Duke Sims & Russ Ortiz!

Blog Kiosk: 10/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic UPI press photo featuring the Dodgers' three co-MVP's from the 1981 World Series -- Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager and Ron Cey (eBay auction link). Dated October 28, 1981 and taken by Pat Benic/UPI.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1965 the Dodgers released Wally Moon -- whose famed "Moon Shots" over the short left field wire fence at the Coliseum helped propel Los Angeles towards a championship in 1959. In 1984 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Brian Holton. He would eventually be an important cog to the Dodgers 1988 World Championship team -- going 7-3 on the season with an 1.70 ERA, a 2.72 FIP, 2.1 WAR, 49 strikeouts, 26 walks, one save in 45 appearances. In 2013 the Dodgers signed Cuban ballplayer Alex Guerrero.
• Happy Birthday, Kid Carsey, Oscar Jones, Mike McCormack, Johnny Morrison, Sam Bohne & Jumbo Elliott!

Blog Kiosk: 5/28/2019 - Dodgers Links - MVP! MVP! MVP!

First, I wanted to acknowledge a patch that ballplayers wore for the first time yesterday, for Memorial Day. It is a remembrance poppy that has been used since 1921 to commemorate military personnel who have died in war and was first adopted by the American Legion. See it on the right, via UniWatch.

As for Cody Bellinger (featured in the pic above), he is unbelievable. Cody was a driving force behind this weekends sweep of the Pirates and their Memorial Day win yesterday afternoon. He is slashing .278/.381/.722/1.103 with two home runs, five runs scored and five RBI over the past four games. On top of that, he is looking like a Gold Glover every day. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“Words are tough to come by,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I don’t know if they give out Gold Gloves in May, but it’s hard to see it play out any other way.” 

Roberts said there’s only one comp to what Bellinger can do to impact a game and he used the name – Mike Trout – with trepidation. 

“You’re talking about slug, average, on base, first-to-third, stolen bases, catching the baseball, outfield assists, all that stuff,” said Roberts. “To do what he can do, to check all those boxes. You’ve got to be careful when you’re talking about Mike Trout. That’s longevity, too. For a two-month span, that’s kind of what you’re talking about.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from Memorial Day. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the NL officially approves of the move of the Dodgers and Giants to the West Coast, provided both clubs make their request before October 1 and move at the same time. This effectively allowed both clubs to start negotiating with potential host cities. In 1962 Don Newcombe signs a contract to play for the Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese Central League. In 2001 Dodger catcher Paul Lo Duca has a big day. He goes 6-for-6 to lead the Dodgers during an 11-10 win over the Rockies. He records five singles, a three-run home run and four RBI. In 2011 a small fire in a nearby storage area in the Reserve seats at Dodger Stadium forces the evacuation of fans of that section during a game between the Dodgers and Marlins. The fire is controlled quickly and they do not need to evacuate the entire stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Rafael Landestoy, Kirk Gibson & Cory Wade!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Sax, Cey, Russell & Garvey

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: 11/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

A contingent of three Dodgers - Chris Taylor, Kike Hernandez & Kenta Maeda - are in the Japan All-Star Series, and they appear to be having a great time. Per Alyson Footer at MLB.com:

"The fans have been amazing so far," Hernandez said to the crowd. "Japan has always been a place that I have wanted to come visit. I get to experience this amazing culture that you have here. Playing at the Tokyo Dome has been great."

Per Kenta Maeda:

"It's been a little while since I've pitched in that stadium (Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium)," Maeda said. "I want to show all my fans in Japan something that they would enjoy. I'll do my best to get as many hitters out as I can and have a good performance."

Pic above via Kike Hernandez on Instagram. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1986 the Dodgers officially released longtime shortstop Bill Russell -- in order to facilitate his recent retirement from the game. He had an 18-year career with Los Angeles and ranked second in franchise history for games played (behind Brooklyn Dodger Zack Wheat). In 2014 Clayton Kershaw is the unanimous winner of the National League Cy Young Award. It is his third Cy Young. He went 21-3 with an 1.77 ERA, 1.81 FIP, six complete games and two shutouts. He will be named the MVP the next day.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Ryan, Red Evans & Greg Gagne!

Blog Kiosk: 10/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Game 6 Today!

I thought this would be a fun little photo to share as we prepare for Game 6 of the NLCS tonight. Featured above is a 1962 ABC promotional photo for the Donna Reed Show, and as you can see it includes Don Drysdale peering creepily from behind. (eBay Auction Link)  This pic was for the episode "The Man in the Mask" that aired on May 31, 1962.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1981 Rick Monday made Dodger 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. Fernando Valenzuela allowed just three hits and one run in 8 2/3 innings. The win sent the team to the World Series against the Yankees. In 1988 the Dodgers took advantage of several Oakland errors/pass balls to defeat the A's, 4-3, in Game 5 of the World Series. The Dodgers now lead the series 3-1.
• Happy Birthday, Tom McCreery, Walt Miller, Sam Nahem, Tim Belcher, Michael Young, James McDonald & Travis Schlichting!

2018 Topps Archives Signature Series Retired Player Edition - The Dodgers Cards

Last week Topps released their second Archives Signature product and this time they focus on retired ballplayers. As you'll recall, they released their active player edition in July (link here). This particular brand includes a checklist that has 14 ballplayers who once wore Dodger Blue, but I've only been able to find Dodger cards for ten of those former Dodgers. So far, signed Dodger cards of Andruw Jones (thank goodness), Bobby Bonilla, Pedro Martinez and Rickey Henderson have not yet been unearthed. Go here for a complete checklist. Check out the known signed Dodger buyback cards below. BTW, all Sandy Koufax cards come as a redemption.

On another note, the checklist indicates something called "Special Autographs", and that checklist includes six different older Dodger players. They are all "1 of 1's" and feature mostly vintage era cards that have been signed.

Retired Player Edition Encased Buyback Autographs

• #Andruw Jones -- None seen
• #Bobby Bonilla -- None Seen
• #Pedro Martinez -- None Seen
• #Rickey Henderson -- None Seen

#Bill Madlock

1986 Topps                          1987 Topps

Dodgers Diamond Anniversary Gets a Special Patch

The marriage between the City of Los Angeles and Dodgers will be 60 years strong this season, so naturally a commemorative patch is in order. This afternoon the team unveiled that patch. Check out an graphic of it above. Below is a look at the real thing on a Kenta Maeda jersey.

Blog Kiosk: 1/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The first leg of the Dodgers 2018 Community Tour yesterday included an afternoon with firefighters and first responders at Dodger Stadium. They took part in batting practice and had an opportunity to meet with a whole bunch of Dodgers'. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We’ve been shoulder to shoulder with our citizens that have just endured an incredible situation, and it does wear on our personnel,” Millers said. “For the Dodgers organization just to give us a little time on the field where many of us have dreamt to be, it’s fantastic.” 

Wood said he knows how crazy the last couple months had to be for all the firefighters who were at Dodger Stadium on Monday, so he’s glad they got to have a day to just enjoy themselves. 

“You see the news with all the wildfires and everything,” Wood said. “I know it’s probably taken a pretty big toll on a lot of these guys and a lot of hours and work they’ve had to put in. To have a day just for them out here and to be a part of it, it’s pretty cool.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1932 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded for future Hall of Famer Hack Wilson (during the tail end of his career) from the Cardinals for a minor leaguer and some cash. In 1962 Jackie Robinson, along with Bob Feller, are selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame in their first years of eligibility. 
• Happy Birthday, Joey Amalfitano (a Dodgers pitching coach) & Billy Mullen!

2017 Topps Archives Signature Series Postseason Edition - The Dodgers Cards

Following on the heals of Topps Archives Signature Series buyback cards release earlier this month is the "Postseason" edition of Archives Signature Series. It includes ballplayers who have played a significant part in postseason play. Go here for more information.

According to the supplied checklist there are eight players who once wore Dodger Blue that are available. So far, I've been able to track down signed Archives cards of seven of those eight Dodgers - the only missing piece being Rickey Henderson.

Below is just a sampling of known Dodger cards that are available in packs. There are no doubt more out there, so below is far from a complete checklist.

On a side note, I really hate that they made Andruw Jones Dodgers' cards. He was terrible for us and I'd rather forget about his short stay in Los Angeles. Furthermore, I gotta get that Jesse Orozco 1988 Topps card. He played such a huge role for the team - not only as a reliever, but as the man who basically help lit the fire under Kirk Gibson during Spring Training that season.

#Andruw Jones

Blog Kiosk: 11/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Dodgers alumnus Ron Cey, Manny Mota, Billy Ashley and Dennis Powell came out to Dodger Stadium on Saturday to help train 300 active duty service members and veterans in honor of Veterans Day for an afternoon of batting practice. Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA:

“To watch these families come in, we have over 300 families, they’re veterans and active military,” explains Dodgers vice president of external affairs and community relations Naomi Rodriguez. “But it’s not just the actual veteran or the military, it’s their mother, and their father, and their daughter, and their grandparents. Those are the people also that are supporting our military that serve our country. 

“So when I see them walk into the stadium, there’s this …  it’s like amazing feeling in their eyes. Kids are walking into Dodger Stadium, this beautiful stadium, on the field. How many people get to walk on the field and then enjoy it the way our players enjoy it? So that, for me, is just a great way to say ‘thank you’ to them, to honor their service, and I know they look forward to coming every year.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1974 Steve Garvey was named the National League MVP; receiving 13 of 22 first-place votes. Lou Brock was the runner-up. In 2003 Eric Gagne becomes the ninth reliever to be named a Cy Young winner. He recorded 55 consecutive saves this season.
• Happy Birthday, Andrew Friedman, Moose Clabaugh, Alex Kampouris, Steve Lembo, Steve Bilko, Wes Parker, Tony Abreu & Carlos Frias!

2017 Topps Archives Snapshots - All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a Topps product release earlier this month that I just plain forgot about. Featured here are all of the Dodgers' cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Archives Snapshots. This is an online exclusive product. You can purchase boxes directly from Topps here. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#AS-CS Corey Seager           #AS-RC Ron Cey

2017 Topps Archives - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Featured here are all of the Dodger insert cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Archives. The best of which feature autographs from both the past and present. Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

Fan Favorites Autographs

#FFA-CK Clayton Kershaw

#FFA-MM Manny Mota

Blog Kiosk: 6/2/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The pursuit of historic Baseballs was alive and well in the 50's. Featured above is a early August 1957 AP press photo of Gil Hodges with the Chicago Cubs fan who snagged Gil's record 13th career grand slam. (eBay link) (boxscore link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Gil Hodges gets ball he hit for record 13th grand slam yesterday from Robert Chilla, 28, who recovered it in left field bleachers.  Chilla got new ball in exchange.

The blast came off of lefty pitcher Dick Littlefield during the fifth inning. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1995 Japanese All-Star Hideo Nomo wins his first Major League game after five no-decisions. He would go eight innings, walked three and strike out six batters to defeat the Mets, 2-1, at Dodger Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Sloppy Thurston, René Valdés, Bob Lillis, Gene Michael, Lemmie Miller, Chance Sanford & Chin-hui Tsao!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Ron Cey and Derrel Thomas

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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The Hollywood Park Casino is hosting a Dodgers watch party tonight, Wednesday, May 24th, and Ron Cey will be there to meet and greet fans. Go here for more information.

7:00pm 10:00pm
Hollywood Park Casino
3883 West Century Boulevard
Inglewood, CA, 90303
(310)330-2800

Blog Kiosk: 3/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

Adrian Gonzalez got into his first spring game yesterday and celebrated the occasion by sharing a comic strip featuring himself with Dave Roberts and Justin Turner (see it above).  Batting fourth, Gonzalez grounded out to second base in the first inning and hit a fly-out to left in the fourth.  Per Owen Perkins at MLB.com:

"My swing's fine," Gonzalez said. "I was just trying to get a few at-bats before I head out, and today was a good start. They weren't that great of at-bats, but they were productive, I guess. The fact that everything feels good is all that really matters right now."

Comic graphic above via Adrian Gonzalez on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Doc Scanlan, Dan Griner, Merwin Jacobson, Dick Loftus, Joe Gallagher & Jeff Kent!

Ron Cey, Fleetwood Mac and a Lamp

You never know what you're going to find on eBay.  In fact, if you search long enough you'll no doubt see something weird.

The lamp in this post is a good example.  Featured is a circa 1982 working lamp made especially for the band Fleetwood Mac.  It features a penguin dressed up in Dodger Blue, and it has been signed on the lampshade by the Penguin himself, Ron Cey. (eBay Auction Link) 

Blog Kiosk: 2/16/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Featured in the above United Press Photo is one of the earliest indicators that the Dodgers would be moving out west.  (eBay Auction Link)  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"It May Happen" -- Officials from the city of Los Angeles arrived at the Brooklyn Dodgers training camp here March 6th (1947) to confer with Dodger officials on the possibility of the team moving from Flatbush to the West Coast city.  Left to right are: Kenneth Hahn, of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors; Los Angeles Mayor Norris Paulson; Dodger slugging star Duke Snider; and Dodger President Walter O'Malley.

The famous Dodger "Bum" as performed by legendary clown Emmett Kelly is seen in the background.  Per a story at Walter O'Malley.com:

Also in attendance were John Gibson, President of the City Council; Samuel Leask, City Administration Officer; John Leach, Los Angeles County Chief Administrative Officer; and Milton Arthur, Chairman of the County Recreation Commission. It was an opportunity for Los Angeles to put its best foot forward and explain its genuine hope of pursuing the Dodgers and bring Major League Baseball to the West Coast, while gauging O’Malley’s interest. During their visit and throughout that spring, Emmett Kelly, the world-famous clown, entertained everyone and his antics were well-received by the fans.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1989 Orel Hershiser becomes the first player in major league history to sign a contract that calls for a $3 million annual salary.  He signed a three-year $7.9 million contract that will pay him $3,166,667 in 1991.  How quaint, eh?
• Happy Birthday, Herbie Moran, Ángel Peña, Ramón Troncoso & Clint Robinson!
  

Blog Kiosk: 1/19/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

With the Dodgers fanfest around the corner I thought that the above press photo from the New York Times would be appropriate.  It features throngs of Dodger fans celebrating in front of the Dodger Cafe on DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn following the teams Game 7 victory over the Yankees in 1955.

BTW, autograph tickets and VIP experience tickets go on sale today at 1:00 PM for the general public.  Season ticket holders, as of this posting, are already placing their orders.  Go here for more information.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1972 Sandy Koufax was elected in the Baseball Hall of Fame -- become the youngest player to ever to be enshrined.   In 1983 the Dodgers traded popular third baseman Ron Cey to the Cubs for Vance Lovelace and a minor leaguer. 
• Happy Birthday, Dolly Stark & Shawn Tolleson!