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!

2019 Topps Update Series - All the Dodgers Base Cards

The final installment of Topps' 2019 flagship Baseball card set has just been released, and as always it includes most of the top rookie who impressed during the season -- this includes both Matt Beaty and Will Smith receiving their first cards from the brand. We also likely have our very last Russell Martin card in Dodger Blue from this set (assuming he doesn't stay in Los Angeles next season). Unfortunately, they don't feature Martin on the pitching mound -- clearly a lost opportunity. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are all of the Dodger cards that you can fin in this years Topps Update set.

Base

#US8 Walker Buehler AS

#US25 Cody Bellinger AS       #US31 Joc Pederson HRD

Blog Kiosk: 9/3/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers decided to take out their anger against the Rockies last night after having lost six over the past ten games. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It was a Coors Field game tonight,” said manager Dave Roberts, whose club homered eight times at home on Opening Day. “The ball was jumping.”

They slugged seven homers to defeat Colorado, 16-9. Photo above via Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out (catching up on weekend holiday news):

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1917 Phillies ace and future Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander pitched both ends of a doubleheader against the Brooklyn Robins/Dodgers, and won both contest while throwing complete games (Boxscore - Game 1 & Game 2). He gave up just seven hits all day long. In 1957 the Dodgers play their last game at their New Jersey home, Roosevelt Stadium -- losing to the Phillies, 3-2. In 1965 it's notable that the Angels changed their name from Los Angeles to the California Angels. In 1975 Steve Garvey returned to the Dodgers lineup after sitting on the bench due to the flu and proceeded play 1,207 consecutive games -- eventually setting a National League record.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Konetchy, Lindsay Deal, Eddie Stanky, Morrie Martin, Dave Clark, Luis Gonzalez & Brandon Beachy!

2019 Topps Heritage High Number -- All the Dodger Cards

Last week Topps released their 2019 Topps Heritage High Number brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Several players receive a Dodger card for the very first time (please correct me if I'm wrong). Reliever Scott Alexander, who has been with the club for two seasons, finally gets his own card. Strangely, Drew Jackson, who hasn't been high on the Dodgers prospect radar, also gets a card. Finally, Connor Joe, who was plucked by the Reds as a Rule 5 pick this season, traded to the Giants and then returned to the Dodgers weeks later, also gets a Dodger card.

Base

#522 A.J. Pollock                #528 Joe Kelly

Blog Kiosk: 6/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I think it's safe to say that everybody had a fun time at last nights Blue Diamond Gala in support of the Dodgers Foundation. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We have a lot of stuff that goes on during the season on off days that guys don’t always look forward to, but I think this is one event that happens every year — as well as Clayton (Kershaw)’s ping-pong event — where guys put it in the calendar and look forward to it,” said Justin Turner, “especially when you have a guy like Bruno Mars performing.”

They raised over $3 million in support of the organization. Photo above of Dave Roberts, via the Dodgers Foundation on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1973 the famed Dodger infield of Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell and Ron Cey play on the infield together for the first time. Ten days later they would be inserted into the starting lineup for the first time. In 1998 the very first triple play is executed at Dodger Stadium. It sequence is 1-6-4-5 in the fifth inning -- with men at 1st and 2nd, Darren Dreifort fields a sacrifice bunt attempt, throws to shortstop Jose Vizcaino at 2nd, who then throws to covering second baseman Eric Young at 1st, who then throws to Bobby Bonilla at 3rd to get the final out. See the GIF on right to see the play.
• Happy Birthday, Gene McCann, Bill Bergen & Charlie Malay!

Blog Kiosk: 6/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Another tough loss, but I ain't worried. I am, on the other hand, concerned about Seager's injury. He's been so good lately. Nevertheless, I'll treat last nights defeat as nothing more than a mere speed bump. In keeping my desire to accentuate the positive I thought I would highlight how on-point Max Muncy has been at the plate. He rocketed two homers last night -- making it three homers over the past three games.

Photo above via Dodgers Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are some links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 the Dodgers made one of the biggest trades in their history. They received 1937 Triple Crown winner Joe "Ducky" Medwick and pitcher Curt Davis from the Cardinals for outfielder Ernie Koy, pitcher Carl Doyle, two minor leaguers and $125k in cash (a huge sum in those days). The Dodgers would win the pennant the following season for the first time since 1920. In 1955 Don Newcombe, having won his first ten decisions of the season, lost his first game of the year when Brooklyn loses to the Cubs, 9-5. In 2005 first baseman Hee-Seop Choi hit home runs in his first three at-bats this evening against the Twins to propel the Dodgers over Minnesota, 4-3. Watch all three here.
• Happy Birthday, Jack O'Brein, Roger Bernadina & Damon Hollins! 

Blog Kiosk: 10/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Game 1 Today!

Who knew Maeda had such style? Check out Kenta sporting a rather stylish outfit with the Dodgers resident fashion maven, Matt Kemp, while on the plane as they head out to Milwaukee for today's game, via the Dodgers on twitter. BTW, the Dodgers released their roster for the NLCS this morning and there is only one notable change. Lefty Julio Urias will replace fellow-lefty Scott Alexander in the bullpen. Check out the entire roster below.

On a side note, I am very excited about this series, and not for why you might think.

One of my favorite teams growing up (other than the Dodgers) was the Brewers, and the reason isn't really all too surprising. The very first little league team I played on was the Brew Crew, so as a child I gravitated, just a bit, towards that club. I followed them in the standings and would collect players like Cecil Cooper, Ben Oglivie, Ted Simmons and Gorman Thomas. But there was one player I was absolutely smitten with. It was Robin Yount, and to this very day I still collect his cards. So, this matchup brings up all kinds of weird feelings -- most of which is utter excitement at seeing a boyhood dream finally come true. As I'm sure you know, this is the very first time the Dodgers and Brewers have ever faced each other in the playoffs.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1916 the Brooklyn Robins lost Game 5 against the Boston Red Sox to lose the World Series. As a side note, Boston played their games at the home of their NL rival, Boston Braves, since their stadium held more patrons than Fenway Park. In 1920 the Cleveland Indians defeated the Brooklyn Robins to win the World Series. In 1949 Vin Scully, after being recruited by Red Barber, worked his very first broadcast of his career when he does play-by-play for a college football game between Maryland and Boston University. He famously called the game from atop the roof during a very frigid day at Fenway Park. In 1988 Orel Hershiser threw a five-hit shutout victory, 6-0, against the NY Mets in Game 7 of the NLCS to advance to the World Series.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Householder, Steve Shirley, Sid Fernandez, Jose Valentin, Tanyon Sturtze & Nick Tepesch!

Blog Kiosk: 7/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - The All-Star Break

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers at Dodger Insider)

After all of the hand-wringing in April, the Dodgers end the first-half of the season in first place. Per Kaelen Jones at MLB.com:

"The one thing that I really like about this team is how we really figured it out," said Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen, who tied for the NL lead with his 27th save. "That kind of shows you the type of players that we have in this locker [room], that we've got to put stuff behind us and never panic."

The Dodgers have had plenty of reason to panic. A post-World Series hangover lingered into the start of the 2018 season as they opened 16-26. Their starting pitching has been ravaged by injuries. That includes Kershaw, who appears to be back to full health just in time. 

"I think we're playing a little bit more now like what we are," Kershaw said. "I don't think we're a 16-26 ballclub, obviously. Good for us to right the ship; good for us to right the ship that quickly."

For his part, Clayton went 6.2 innings, allowed six hits including a three-run homer, struck out eight and walked four to help the Dodgers defeat the Angels, 5-3. The photo above of our all-stars at the very top via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 Brooklyn agrees to a deal with the Giants that releases his manager, Leo Durocher, so that he may become the skipper for the Giants. Burt Shotten would take over the managerial position for Brooklyn.
• Happy Birthday, Don Ross, Tommy Tatum, Norm Sherry, John Purdin & Eric Surkamp!

Blog Kiosk: 3/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another vintage spring training pic to get you excited for the upcoming season. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Dated Mar 6, 1949 - 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." (eBay link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1951 the Brooklyn Dodgers sign a 21-year lease with the City of Vero Beach to build their spring training facility at an old abandoned Naval base. It would be known as Dodgertown. In 2002 the Dodgers traded Jorge Nunez and Matt Herges to the Expos for Guillermo Mota and Wilkin Ruan.
• Happy Birthday, Barney Koch, Jerry Brooks, Joel Peralta & John Link!

Blog Kiosk: 3/5/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Maeda looked strong after his Sunday outing against the Giants; especially considering he has been battling the bug that has stricken the Dodgers clubhouse. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I felt like I recovered pretty well, and I pitched well today," said Maeda, who missed a bullpen session but not a start. "I was a little worried going into the game, but as I pitched, the worries were gone and I felt good."

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

• This Day in Dodgers/Baseball History: In 1958 Duke Snider, Johnny Podres, and Don Zimmer are involved in an car accident in Vero Beach while trying to beat a 12:30 am curfew. With Snider driving, they veered off the road into a ditch. They fortunately suffer only minor injuries. In 1958 the Dodgers signed 21-year old free agent outfielder Frank "Hondo" Howard. He would play seven years in LA Dodger Blue -- slashing .269/.326/.495/.822 with 123 homers and 382 runs driven in. In 1966 the players elect Marvin Miller, assistant to the president of the United Steelworkers, as Executive Director of the Major League Players Association.
• Happy Birthday, Bernie Hungling, Lu Blue, Elmer Valo, Chad Fonville, Paul Konerko & Mike MacDougal!

Blog Kiosk: 1/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another fantastic action photo of a play at the plate. Featured is an July 8, 1949 International News press photo (eBay auction link) of Roy Campanella tagging Giants pinch-hitter Joe Lafata. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

NO GIANT SCORE HERE---Brooklyn, New York.....Lafata, of Giants, is tagged out at home on Lockman's grounder in 9th frame of Giants-Dodgers game at Ebbets Field tonight. Hodges to Campanella for the out. Umpire Descoli calls the play.  The Dodgers beat the Giants 4 to 3.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2011 the Dodgers signed veteran free agent outfielder Gabe Kapler as a non-roster invitee.  Unfortunately, he didn't make the team and would subsequently be released at the end of March.  As you know, he would soon retire and make his mark in the Baseball front office.
• Happy Birthday, Zeke Wrigley, Eddie Moore, Len Koenecke, Billy Grabarkewitz, Brian Falkenborg & Mike Lieberthal!

Welcome to the Blue, Scott Alexander!

I think it's becoming clear that any deals done this off-season will be of the variety we saw a few days ago. In other words, we shouldn't expect any blockbusters. Instead, the Dodgers front office will seek to make measured improvements at positions that can be upgraded.

As you surely know by now, the Dodgers consummated a three-team trade last week that saw them get two players for the price of three. Below is a quick rundown of what went down:

Dodgers get: LHP Scott Alexander and INF Jake Peter
Royals get: RHP Trevor Oaks (from the Dodgers) and INF Erick Mejia (from the Dodgers)
White Sox get: LHP Luis Avilan (from the Dodgers), RHP Joakim Soria and cash

Blog Kiosk: 1/8/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love the above action photo of Dodgers legend Jim Gilliam sliding on homeplate. It is an International News Photo dated to a May 7, 1957 game against the Cincinnati Reds. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Gilliam scores as Ed Bailey sadly walks away.

Short and sweet, eh? Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose this game, 9-2. Below are more links to check out.

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Jackie Robinson is awarded the prestigious Spingarn Medal by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for his strong support of civil rights initiatives. Martin Luther King Jr. was given the honor the prior year.
• Happy Birthday, Chauncey Fisher, Brian Johnson & Derek Thompson!